MTFCA Forum

What tools came with the model t in 1917? did they have any special tool box or something they came in? Where might I find the tools and whatever they were supposed to come in? Also, I have the touring, ive seen some have some basket looking thing on the rear of one of the side steps, others ive seen had a tool box there, mine just has the bolts in there no basket or box, Is something supposed to go there?

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 24, 2025 1:04 pm

If you have the Model T Encyclopedia by Bruce McCalley you can find lots of tool information. The few tools that came with every car were in a cloth tool roll. Ford was not in the habit of selling tool boxes, an aftermarket accessory made and sold by several companies. I might pay as much as $50 for a very good one, but they can often be found for less (sometimes a lot less). Running board luggage racks are a similar aftermarket accessory made and sold by multiple companies. If I were desperate I might pay as much as $20 for a nice one.

Where might I be able to purchase the tools listed in the encyclopedia?

At the prewar swap meet in Luray Va in May.

You may purchase new reproductions of several of the tools from Langs Antique Auto Parts. They sell used also, New are 1902 screwdriver, 1349 hub cap wrench, 2340 tire irons (pair). Used are 2335 spark plug and head bolt wrench, 1917 band nut and pack nut wrench. Plus new tool roll as supplied by Ford, B1ROLL.

Or like Steve posted, find them at antique stores or automotive swap meets, antique tractor shows, etc.

Here is a 1922 typical factory tool kit, would have same type tools as your 1917.. A 1917 would contain in addition to listed tools above, a 1387 adj wrench, 1903 pliers, 2327 oil can, and 2338 tire pump.

I found most of my tools for my 26 Touring in a antique store.

Would a 1917 kit have a plug spanner with the closed socket on the end, or the open one?

Allan from down under.

A tire jack should be added to the above tools. The spark plug wrench has the closed socket on one end.

A tire jack should be added to the above tools. The spark plug wrench has the closed socket on one end.

Would a 1917 kit have a plug spanner with the closed socket on the end, or the open one?

I don't know the exact year of the change, but the closed end is teens and the open end is twenties. #2335 is often so cheap that it's no problem to have both.

There was a tool 'box' actually furnished with the tool sets. The T part number was T1923 and a drawing does exist. The encyclopedia says used from 1908-1920.

The tool box was 'corrugated boxboard' and most take it that the tools were placed in it at the factory, the box hog tied with butcher twine, shipped to the dealer who put some tools in the tool roll and plopped the rest in under the seat or something...

Whatever, corrugated box apparently did not survive to anyone knowledge so the lore has it (rationale) that the dealers must have trashed it on receipt. Who knows?

I personally hold different (IMHO)...I say that at the time, 'corrugated' as compared to 'solid fiber' was like going to the Apple Store and admiring the packaging today with respect to the 'corrugated'. Corrugated did NOT hit its stride as a cheap way to make a stronger commercial box until 1916! (Fact- Samuel M. Langston patents the machine called 'continuous moving double facer in 1916. In the trade 'double facing is applying the outside liner of the corrugated sheet). Also, until 1914 items shipped in corrugated would have a higher freight rate and still would not have any insurance coverage on contents extended by the rail lines. (The Prindham Decision of 1914 changed that)

So then, the box and its significant expense and the like was considered OK for what was probably used as a 'pack out' box filling on straw sisal when the tools were assembled...but probably sold intact with the car as there was no other reason for corrugated in the era other than cosmetic appeal!

Here is what it looked like...big enough to also hold the tire pump. Not very impressive in itself...but then why was it not made of solid fibre which Ford already had uses for? The 'intention' then would seem to be a 'worth keeping?

Lucas,
The "Model T Times" recently ran a story on the tools that were used for various years. It included photos and parts book information that verified what tools were standard equipment for each year. Here is a photograph from the article that shows what tools were provided with a Ford in 1917. I hope this helps, Russ Furstnow

In checking the 1917 parts catalog all the tools in Russ' picture were listed as "Regular Equipment" . There catalog had no image of the jack
--

I have found the parts book for the year of your car to be useful, however those are usually of the previous year.
What has my attention now is the post of a guy who is looking for the correct pliers for a 1911. It is my understanding, with the exception of the band wrench, a Ford script was not used until the late teens.

Thanks everyone for the answers, it will help me out, I'll probably be doing some eBay shopping here and there till I get the "collection" if you will. Now I know what all I need. Thanks.