MTFCA Forum

G'Day everyone, I'm trying to chase down what may be the Unicorn of T tools. The late lug wrench, which has several part numbers, one of which is 5Z-161, then there is T-2891, also 2839. These are T handled and have a socket at the end. A friend of mine asked around at Hershey but no one ever heard of such a thing. Any help would be outstanding. Wingnut

Good news; it’s not a “unicorn”. For around $40 you should be able to buy one somewhere / from someone online TODAY. Sometimes they are in $1 to $5 tool piles with generic tools at swap meets. You will have to look for them since 99% of the time the vendor that has one has no idea what it is.

T-2839. Ford wrench. Sorry not for sale, just acquired but picture should help on your search .. handle measures 10 in. Long, shaft measures 8 in.

You could make a very similar tool by cutting down a Wal Mart 4 way lug wrench. W-M offers an inexpensive 4-way that has a socket that fits the T lug nuts well. I carry one in my T along with a lightweight W-M scissor jack. From the socket ends to the center of the 4-way measures 8", like the original, and you could make the handle portion 10" like the original, or longer if you wished.

I thought we were discussing original FORD tools, not ones that we could make ourselves.

Whatever. Lug wrench, discussion, wattever.

Look out Pat. You are being too helpful.
Allan from down under

Thanks for posting the pictures of the tool, I've have one for years but never knew it was the lug wrench for Model T wire wheels. I have two T's with Ford Wire wheels, so I'm sure I can put it to good use.

I sent you a reply regarding the lug nuts, Mark .

Thanks for all the input, this forum is a Godsend for advice and information . Steve, did you send an email, don't know if I saw it. Wingnut

I responded to your email earlier, on the nuts. My wife and I had company for a few days that distracted me. Sorry for the slow response.

Have you found your wrench? If you haven't I will look through my pile.

Ron, thanks very much for offering & helping " Wingnut " on obtaining a original issue Ford wire wheel lug wrench... Per chance, if you are at a loss, I'm sure there are others that could be of assistance to "Wingnut " seeking a original wrench.

Ron, sent you an email, Wingnut

I just bought one.

The Part Number looks like T-2689 but it does not curl around the shaft.

There are two slightly smaller versions with similar numbers.

Bruce McCalley lists them in his big black book with Model T 1926 Tools.

Looking for wire wheel, lug nuts?... Well chaffins has run a supply of very NOS. Looking shaped plated lug nuts, you can see the extra quality put into this when you compare it against what's on the market

I sent you an e-mail. Darryl

There are modern wheel nuts which are a close approximation to the original T wire wheel nuts, but they will be chromed. Chaffin's look even better shaped, but are they chrome too? They are certainly 100% machined, like the flanged wheel nuts Lang's provide for loose lug demountables. All are perfect clones of the next.

However, both styles of original nuts were stamped. The process means all of them are close approximations of the next. Each has their own individual markings/variations, from slightly different faces, offset drilling of the holes, somewhat distorted crowns etc. Finding a good set not rust pitted or socket damaged, suitable for Nickel plating, is a real challenge. We have Lang's and Chaffin's to thank for providing a really nice alternative.

Allan from down under.