The Supply Department.
Page 19
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Selected Information which is likely to be of Interest to Makers, Owners, and their Bnyers.
The "Schroeder" Ratchet Spanner.
A useful form of ratchet spanner which is known as the " Schroeder" is being marketed in England by Fastnut, Limifed. Reference to our illustration of this handy little tool will afford a clear idea of the method of construction that is adopted. The interchangeable hexagon discs (Figure 3) are held within the heads of the double-ended spanner by means of the cod-pieces (Figure 2) which are integral parts of the pawls. It will be seen that, when pressure is applied to the spanner in the ordinary way, the pawl is forced over on to the step as shown in Figure z. No strain is, in this way, imposed on the spring which merely keeps the pawl engaged with the teeth when no pressure s being employed.
Slings and Towing Chains.
J. Dieev (Southampton).—You will find that, in all probability, chains will prove to be cheaper than ropes in the long run. Although we know of many foremen who prefer ropes on account of their " spring," there is no doubt that, for either towing or lifting, they soon deteriorate when they are constantly in garage use. The water, grease and oil soon tell their tale in frayed ends and shredded strands. A chain, however, is almost indestructible. A chain with two eye ends is generally known as a slip or collar chain sling, while an eye at one end and a hook at the other are provided on the single sling or lashing chain. Crane and similar chains are sold by the hundredweight. Short slings and towing chains are usually quoted at per foot. As you
suggest, you will, in all probability, get just what you want of this nature at Ira Miller and Company's. Their stores are at 92, Paul Street, Finsbury. If you cannot get what you want there, we can give you the names of other London firms.
A New Aluminium Solder: no Flux Required.
We have been favoured, by Hemahs and Son, of 61, Mark Lane, E.C., with samples of a new solder, for which they are the British agents, with the request that we would subject it to a thorough test. We understand that the inventor is Mr. J. F. Guggenbuhl, of Paris, and that he claims that, by the use of this new alloy, the satisfactory welding of aluminium can effectually be accomplished.
A number of tests has now been carried out, at our request, and we are able to state that the results have been satisfactory. Two strips of commercial aluminium sheet of 4mm. thickness have been firmly welded, and the joint has proved so satisfactory that subsequent tests for fracture have invariably resulted in the location of the breakage somewhere else than at the actual joint. What appear to be reliable joints have also been effected between sections of thin steel tube and 4-millimetre strips of aluminium sheet. Cold hammering of a welded aluminium joint has resulted in even elongation through the original portions and through the actual joint itself. Hitherto the several kinds of aluminium solder which have come under our notice have necessitated the use of a flux in the process of jointing. This latest material is not dependent on the, use of any such medium, and it is reasonable to assume that to that characteristic are the lasting qualities of the jointing attri
butable. The two edges which are to be welded have to be clean, as smooth as possible and slightly bevelled. Con
siderable heat has .then to be applied to the original pieces, and the solder is worked into the joint with a steel point,
Sufficient heat can be secured by the use of an ordinars blow lamp, when the thickness of the parts does not exceed 0.2 inch, but for heavier pieces an oxy-acetylene flame must be employed; the heat necessary for these latter is about 3,000 degrees. Test-pieces are available which show no deterioration after immersion in a highly-saturated brine bath for thirty-five days. As it is claimed that copper, brass, steel, and various aluminium alloys can also be treated successfully in this way, we think it will be to the advantage of all manufacturers and repairers to obtain samples of this new material, and, with the aid of the comprehensive instructions which will also be forwarded by Hemans and Son, to make personal acquaintance with the useful results which can be obtained.
A Useful Terminal Fitting.
Brown Brothers, Limited, has sent to us some of the new Duco terminals for examination. These useful fittings, of which we reproduce a sketch, are British made, and that is a circumstance which will favourably impress not a few owners whom we know, The end of this fitting, which is intended to be fastened to the sparking plug, is so slotted as to permit its direct insertion under the milled terminal
nut of the plug without the removal of the latter. The edges of this slotted end are turned so that the cable may not slip away from the plug immediately the nut is loosened. This turned edge also acts as a lock to the plug nut. The Duco terminal is sold in boxes of twelve for sixpence, and it vas shown at Olympia for the first time.
"Gripples."
The satisfactory jointing or looping of the end of the ordinary wire cable, such as is used, at times, for brake control and similar purposes, has always caused anxiety to the designer. A useful device has recently been placed upon
the market by the Merleham Trading Company, Limited of 9, Southampton Street, Holborn, W.C. This fitting is known as the " Gripple " head, and its application is rapid and effective, as it dispenses with the necessity of soldering. As will be seen by our illustration, the " Gripple " is of the simplest possible construction; it consists of an outer sleeve and a central plug, both of which are centrally drilled to take the cable. When the plug is slightly driven inwards, after the cable has been passed through the two components, it will be seen that the wire is pinched at two points. This position is retained by the burring of the projecting end of the central plug. Variations of the above pattern are made with a lockout-and-screw extension of the nlug. and with parallel holes for two cables. These simple little devices may be procured at the cost of a few pence; they are likely to be useful for a variety of purposes.