Page 1 of 1

Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 1:49 pm
by cwlittle
This appears to be a Model T key, but doesn't have the center "hub". Examining with a magnifying glass reveals no evidence of a rivet being ground down. Any ideas?

Re: Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 3:25 pm
by RajoRacer
Very well used & abused early coilbox key !

Re: Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:17 pm
by Wayne Sheldon
Seen a lot of those keys over the years. And had a few of them myself. A lot of the ones with the round pin attached do have a rivet in them. However, I have seen and held in my hands a few that there was no sign of what was holding the pin onto them. And I have seen and had a couple where the pin was missing, no sign of rivet holes, broken brazing, solder, or other attachment.
If all that held that pin on was a tight fit? I am surprised that more of them aren't missing.

Re: Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:21 pm
by Wayne Sheldon
A nice enough early one like that? I think should be repaired. Make a new pin, with a little "V" ground along the slot, and braze it onto the piece you have. Then use it on your late brass era T.

Re: Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 7:52 pm
by George House
Is it true that square hole in the key was to open/close an acetylene tank - or is that just an old Clara tale ?

Re: Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 10:36 pm
by Mike Silbert
The square hole in the end fits the old Prest-o-lite acetylene tanks.
Used when you did not want to wait and cleanup the carbide generator.
https://indyencyclopedia.org/prest-o-lite/

It only fits the smaller sized tanks, the larger ones used a larger valve and key.
Back in the day the tanks needed a key and did not have a knob.
You can still buy them today, as dogbone shaped keys.
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Welds-Tank- ... B01MT39E51

Re: Looks like a T key, almost...

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2025 10:55 am
by cwlittle
Thanks for the responses.