Vintage Ford Tool Identification Guide: Discover the Value of Your Antique Wrenches

For collectors and automotive enthusiasts, identifying authentic Ford tools can be challenging due to variations in markings, manufacturing periods, and the numerous suppliers who produced tools for Ford over the decades. Whether you’ve discovered old wrenches in a family garage or are actively building a collection, understanding how to identify genuine Ford tools is essential for proper valuation and authentication.

This comprehensive guide will help you identify vintage Ford tools through their distinctive characteristics, markings, and historical context. We’ll explore tools from different eras - from early Model T and Model A tool kits to later FoMoCo-branded implementations - providing you with the expertise needed to recognize valuable vintage Ford tools in any collection.

What Makes Ford Tools Distinct?

Vintage Ford tools possess several distinguishing features that help separate them from other antique tools:

1. Ford Script Marking: Many early Ford tools display the distinctive Ford script logo stamped into the metal
2. Part Numbers: Authentic Ford tools typically feature alphanumeric part numbers (e.g., “A-17016”)
3. Manufacturer Codes: Letters on the reverse side often indicate the tool’s manufacturer (e.g., “M” for Moore Drop Forging)
4. Special Designs: Some tools have distinctive shapes specific to Ford vehicle maintenance needs

The earliest Ford tools feature distinctive designs specific to Model T maintenance, including spark plug wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and specialized band adjustment tools. These often carry the early Ford script and part numbers beginning with "T".

Model A tools are typically marked with the Ford script and part numbers beginning with "A". The standard Model A tool kit contained 13 items, including specialized wrenches for Model A maintenance. Tools from this era are highly collectible.

As Ford expanded its product line, tools began featuring updated designs. Some tools continued to carry the Ford script, while others introduced the oval FoMoCo (Ford Motor Company) logo.

By the 1950s, Ford replaced the Ford script with the oval FoMoCo logo on most tools. Quality remained high, but designs became more standardized and less unique to specific vehicle models.

Key Characteristics of Model T Tools

Model T tools can be identified by several distinctive features:

• T-Prefix Part Numbers: Authentic Model T tools typically have part numbers beginning with “T”
• Ford Script: The Ford name in script lettering, usually stamped into the metal
• Specialized Designs: Unique shapes designed for Model T-specific maintenance tasks
• Manufacturing Marks: Many carry manufacturer codes on the reverse side

Common Model T Tool Types

The typical Model T tool kit included several specialized tools:

1. T-Handle Spark Plug Wrench: A distinctive T-shaped tool specifically designed for removing Model T spark plugs
2. Transmission Band Adjustment Wrench: A thin, specialized open-end wrench for adjusting the Model T’s transmission bands
3. Jack and Handle: Used for lifting the vehicle for tire changes and maintenance
4. Tire Irons: For removing and installing the clincher-type tires used on early Model Ts
5. Crank Handle: Essential for starting the vehicle before electric starters became standard

Spark Plug and Specialty Wrenches

The Model T spark plug wrench is one of the most recognizable tools from this era. It typically features:

• T-shaped design for leverage
• 7/8" hex opening for spark plugs
• Often has a secondary hex opening for wheel lugs
• Ford script and T-prefix part number

According to experts at the Model T Ford Club of America, a Ton Truck tool kit would include a specialized wrench with a hex at the spark plug end and a larger hex for the rear wheel lug nuts.

The Model A Tool Kit

According to the Model A Ford Club of America, these 13 items comprised the standard tool kit for Model A vehicles. A complete, authentic kit in good condition can command significant collector value.

Model A Wrench Identification

Model A wrenches typically feature:

• A-Prefix Part Numbers: Most Model A tools have part numbers beginning with “A” (e.g., A-17016 for the 9/16" x 5/8" wrench)
• Ford Script: The Ford name in script lettering, as with Model T tools
• Manufacturer Codes: Often an “M” on the reverse side indicates Moore Drop Forging as the manufacturer

The Model A commonly came with two open-end wrenches:

• 7/16" x 1/2" wrench
• 9/16" x 5/8" wrench (Part #A-17016)

Ford Script Tools (Pre-1950s)

Early Ford tools, including those from the Model T and Model A eras, typically feature:

• The distinctive Ford name in flowing script lettering
• Directly stamped into the metal surface
• Often accompanied by a part number
• Usually high-quality forged steel construction

FoMoCo Branded Tools (1950s and Later)

By the 1950s, Ford had largely transitioned to the oval FoMoCo logo on their tools:

• “FoMoCo” text within an oval outline
• Stands for “Ford Motor Company”
• Replaced the script Ford marking
• Often found on later wrenches, pliers, and other hand tools

According to discussions on The Ford Barn, this transition occurred somewhere in the 1950s, with the Ford script being completely replaced by the FoMoCo oval on all Ford hand tools.

Identifying Manufacturer Markings

Many Ford tools were not manufactured by Ford itself but by various tool companies contracted to produce tools to Ford specifications. Common manufacturer codes include:

• M: Moore Drop Forging
• D: Diamond Tool
• W: Williams Tool Company
• HP: Herbrand Products

These marks are often found on the reverse side of the tool, opposite the Ford script or FoMoCo logo.

Factors Affecting Value

Several key factors influence the value of vintage Ford tools:

1. Age and Era: Generally, older tools (Model T and Model A era) command higher prices
2. Rarity: Uncommon specialized tools are more valuable than common wrenches
3. Condition: Tools in excellent condition with clear markings bring premium prices
4. Completeness: Full tool kits in original packaging are especially valuable
5. Provenance: Tools with documented history or from significant collections may command higher prices

Current Market Values

While prices fluctuate based on condition and specific tool types, here are some general value ranges for vintage Ford tools:

Based on listings from eBay and collector forums, prices for vintage Ford tools have remained relatively stable, with premium examples showing steady appreciation.

Red Flags for Reproductions

Watch for these warning signs that may indicate a reproduction:

1. Overly Sharp Markings: Authentic vintage tools typically show some wear to the stampings
2. Incorrect Font: The Ford script has specific characteristics that are often imperfectly copied
3. Wrong Material or Finish: Reproductions may use modern metals or finishing techniques
4. Inconsistent Aging: Uneven or artificially applied patina
5. Incorrect Part Numbers: Research authentic part numbers for the tool type
6. Missing Manufacturer Codes: Authentic tools usually have maker’s marks

Authentication Resources

For assistance with authenticating vintage Ford tools, consider these resources:

• Model T Ford Club of America: Offers reference materials and expert guidance
• Antique Tool Forums: Communities like Garage Journal have knowledgeable members
• Reference Books: Specialty publications on automotive tools often include Ford sections
• Tool Collector Associations: Organizations dedicated to vintage tool preservation and identification

Collection Strategies

Consider these approaches to collecting vintage Ford tools:

1. Era-Specific Focus: Concentrate on tools from a particular period (Model T, Model A, etc.)
2. Tool Type Specialization: Collect specific types of tools (wrenches, pliers, specialty tools)
3. Complete Kit Assembly: Work toward assembling complete tool kits for specific vehicle models
4. Manufacturer Variations: Collect tools made by different manufacturers for Ford
5. Condition Grades: Focus on premium, museum-quality examples

Preservation and Care

Proper maintenance is essential for preserving both the condition and value of vintage Ford tools:

1. Cleaning: Gently clean with appropriate methods that preserve patina without causing damage
2. Rust Prevention: Apply light oil to prevent further oxidation
3. Storage: Keep tools in climate-controlled environments to prevent humidity damage
4. Handling: Use cotton gloves when handling valuable tools to prevent oils from transferring
5. Documentation: Maintain records of provenance, purchase information, and historical context

The original Model A Ford tool kit contained 13 items:

1. Adjustable wrench
2. Engine crank and wheel lug wrench
3. Grease gun
4. Instruction/owner's manual
5. Jack and handle
6. Oil can (through May 1928)
7. Two open-end wrenches (7/16" x 1/2" and 9/16" x 5/8")
8. Pliers with a screwdriver blade on the end of the handle
9. Tire pump
10. Tire pressure gauge
11. Spark plug wrench
12. Tire iron
13. Tool bag/roll

A complete, authentic kit with all components in good condition is highly sought after by collectors.

Ford did not manufacture their own tools but contracted with various tool makers to produce tools to Ford specifications. Common manufacturers included:

- Moore Drop Forging (marked with "M")
- Diamond Tool (marked with "D")
- Williams Tool Company (marked with "W")
- Herbrand Products (marked with "HP")
- Billings & Spencer
- Hinsdale Manufacturing

These manufacturers would produce the tools according to Ford's designs and specifications, then stamp them with the appropriate Ford markings and part numbers.

The term "Ford wrench" is sometimes used to describe an adjustable monkey-style wrench. This nickname developed because many early Ford vehicles came with an adjustable wrench in their tool kit. The actual wrenches included with Ford vehicles were typically branded with the Ford script or FoMoCo logo and carried Ford part numbers.

In some contexts, particularly in naval and industrial settings, spud wrenches have also been referred to as "Ford wrenches," though this is more of a colloquial term than an official designation.

To authenticate a vintage Ford wrench:

1. Check for proper Ford script or FoMoCo oval marking
2. Look for a Ford part number (T-prefix for Model T, A-prefix for Model A)
3. Examine the reverse side for manufacturer codes (M, D, W, etc.)
4. Verify the design matches known authentic examples
5. Assess the overall quality and patina consistent with the era

Authentic Ford wrenches from the Model T and Model A eras were high-quality forged tools with clear markings. Reproductions often have sharper stampings, incorrect fonts, or lack the manufacturer codes on the reverse.

Complete, original Model T specialized tool kits in their original container are among the most valuable Ford tool collectibles, potentially fetching $1,000-$2,500 depending on condition and completeness.

Individual rare tools, such as certain Model T specialized maintenance tools in excellent condition with clear markings, can command $300-$500 or more from dedicated collectors.

The value of any specific tool depends heavily on its rarity, condition, and the presence of clear Ford markings and part numbers.

Comprehensive guide to Model A Ford tools with original tool kit information, identification tips, and restoration resources.

Active community of Ford enthusiasts with extensive discussions on tool identification, valuation, and authentication techniques.

Detailed discussion thread with expert identification of 17 vintage Ford tools with photos and historical context.

Specialized forum focused on Model T tools with expert identification and historical information from dedicated collectors.

Comprehensive reference guide for identifying manufacturer markings, logos, and codes found on vintage wrenches, including those made for Ford.

Resource for identifying Ford tractor tools, many of which share characteristics with automotive tools from the same era.

Conclusion

Vintage Ford tools represent an important piece of automotive history, documenting the evolution of both Ford vehicles and the tools designed to maintain them. From the specialized implements of the Model T era to the standardized tools of the FoMoCo period, these artifacts provide insights into how early motorists maintained their vehicles.

For collectors, the journey of identifying, authenticating, and preserving these tools connects them directly to Ford’s rich heritage. Whether building a focused collection or simply trying to identify a family heirloom, understanding the distinctive characteristics of vintage Ford tools enhances appreciation for these functional pieces of history.

As interest in automotive memorabilia continues to grow, vintage Ford tools remain a relatively accessible entry point for collectors, with many common examples still available at reasonable prices. However, rare specimens and complete kits continue to appreciate in value, making Ford tools both an enjoyable hobby and a potentially worthwhile investment for those with knowledge and patience.

By using the identification techniques and resources provided in this guide, collectors and enthusiasts can better navigate the vintage Ford tool market, make informed purchasing decisions, and properly preserve these tangible connections to automotive history for future generations.