Baconsdozen Imperial Tools.
Tools for classic car,bike and machinery repair and restoration.
Tel (44) 01502 584575 or 01493 600718.

 
British Standard Whitworth (B.S.W),B.S.F and BA wrenches,sockets and spanners.
 
 
 
Impact and chrome vanadium steel,twelve and six point sockets,ring,combination and open end spanners in B.A, BSW and BSF sizes up to two inch whitworth .We don't sell 'universal' sockets and spanners supposed to fit everything,only proper imperial ones, Whitworth (BSW) and British Standard Fine (BSF) use the same spanners and sockets but AF in inches or millimetres and BA do not.Don't spoil your classic by using the wrong sized or poor quality tools on imperial fixings.
Conversion charts for BSF and Whitworth to BA,AF or metric sizes are here, for A.F spanners and sockets go here
We have started adding paypal buttons to some items,which include 1st class post charges to UK, but for multiple buys,tools without buttons or sent outside UK we can take credit card payments,or arrange paypal etc over the phone. This page is a selection of the whitworth,BSF and BA tools  on sale. I've been involved in repairing and restoring cars,bikes and boats for over fourty years,I don't sell tools I wouldn't use myself.

We have whitworth sockets and spanners in addition to those listed,please ask for sizes etc not shown.


Whitworth sockets,impact sockets,box wrenches,spanners etc.

 

 Sets of BSW sockets. D.I.Y range

Set of seven 3/8 inch square drive whitworth/BSF sockets by Laser Tools ,sizes 1/8 to 1/2 inch whit (BSW) on socket rail,bi-hex (twelve point) chrome vanadium steel. Suitable for quite serious DIY on older motorcycles or classic car restoration etc,good value for money at £ 9..00p or £12..25p inc post to UK   For larger picture click here.

 

Whitworth socket set

Set of nine 1/2 drive whitworth sockets on rail.Sizes are 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2,9/16 and 5/8 inch whitworth.The sockets are bi hex (12 sided) and represent good value for money.Made by Laser Price £14..00p inc post to UK £17..55p .   For larger Picture click here.

 

Whitworth 3/8 drive socket and tool kit.Comprises the above seven piece 3/8 drive whitworth socket set,with the addition of an all steel ratchet handle plus75mm,125 and 250mm extension bars.All 3/8 drive.Ideal starter BSW tool kit for classic motorcycle or car owner. £20..50p price inc post to UK £24.50p

whitworth and bsf tool kit

Whitworth 1/2 drive socket and tool kit.Comprises the above eight piece 1/2 drive whitworth socket set and a all steel 1/2 drive ratchet plus three chrome vanadium steel extension bars.£25..00p or £29.00p imcluding post to UK.

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Professional Quality Deep Whitworth sockets.

A set of deep whitworth sockets, six sided (flank drive) by Koken of Japan,set of seven  3/8 drive.Sizes 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16 and 1/2 inch whitworth.Deep Whitworth/BSF sockets are now very hard to find .Supplied on a chromed socket rail,very good quality,suitable for a commercial workshop enviroment.Sold as a set on socket rail. £46.00p or £51..00 including post to UK. 
Please note picture shows a eight piece set (9/16 whitworth added) these are available to order,please ask for details.

About Koken.

Deep whitworth sockets

Professional Quality Standard depth BSW sockets.

Set of seven,six sided standard depth whitworth and BSF sockets.Sizes 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16 and 1/2 inch,all are 3/8 inch drive and mono hex flank drive configuration to grip worn or rusty nuts and bolts less damage to brass or alloy fixings.Excellent quality by Koken .Supplied on a socket rail. £25.50p or £29.50p the set  inc post UK.

Whitworth six point sockets

Set of eight chrome vanadium steel whitworth and BSF sockets,six sided,3/8 drive standard length sockets,as above set but 9/16 added.Six sided or mono hex sockets are less likely to damage tight brass or alloy fixings. POA.

 

Koken whitworth sockets.

Set of seven,3/8 drive sockets flank drive double hex configuration.Normal high Koken quality suitable for a professional restoration workshop.Sizes 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16 and 1/2 inch. whitworth  priced at £27.50p or £32.50p inc post UK

BSW 3/8 drive sockets

Set of eight 12 sided 3/8 drive whitworth sockets.As above set but with a 9/16 inch whit added POA

 

Set of eight Koken 1/2 drive standard depth whitworth sockets.Bi-hex (twelve sided) sizes 3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2,9/16 and 5/8 inch whitworth.  Excellent quality and Ideal for a professional mechanic.£44..50p

 

Six point whitworth sockets set

 

Professional quality large sized BSW sockets Made in England.

Examples (all bi hex) 7/8 whit  3/4 drive 20.50p, 15/16 whit 3/4 drive 27..50p, 1 inch whit  3/4 drive £24..00p,  1-1/8 whit 3/4 drive £29..50p, 1-1/4 whit 3/4 drive £39..50p, 1 3/8 inch whitworth in one inch square drive £60.50p.Ask for post details,these larger whitworth sockets are heavy!.

King Dick English made whitworth socket

German made quality Whitworth/BSF sockets

1/2 drive chrome vanadium steel by Elora

Sizes 1/8 ,3/16 ,1/4 ,5/16, 3/8, 7/16 inch whitworth all at £4..80p each.Select size required from drop down menus.

Elora whitworth sockets for classic cars,bikes

Sizes

1/2 and 9/16 inch are £5..25p.

Sizes

5/8 ,11/16 and 3/4 inch whitworth are £6..55p each  About Elora. To order more than one whitworth socket or for areas outside UK contact us.Post and packing for single socket to UK is £1.75p

Sizes

Set of eleven whitworth/BSF bi-hex chrome vanadium steel sockets.Made in Germany by Elora to DIN standard 3124/ISO 2725 and DIN 3120/ISO 1174 and of much superior quality to the cheap imported sets normally offered in whitworth and BSF sizes.Please note,they do not come with the socket rail shown..The sizes are 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2,9/16,5/18,11/16 and 3/4 inch Price £50..50p

 

Whitworth socket set by Elora

 

Made in England 1/2 drive Professional quality BSW sockets.

Set of whitworth sockets made in England by King Dick.High quality 1/2 drive chrome vanadium steel.Sizes 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/17,1/2,9/16,5/8.11/16 and 3/4 inch whitworth.Ideal for use in a professional restoration workshop.Priced at £75..00p these top quality sockets will last a lifetime.For larger picture click here

 

 

British made.Six sided professional quality BSW Impact sockets .

Examples include..1/2 inch drive 7/8 whitworth deep £32..00p,1/2 drive 3/4 whitworth deep £21.50p,1/2 drive 5/8 inch whitworth deep £17..00p.....3/4 drive One and quarter inch whitworth £47..00p .many more available all professional quality.

 

We also stock some 3/8 drive whitworth sockets by the German maker Elora .From 3/16 to 1/2 inch All same price £7..00p each.

Whitworth sockets classic car restoration

Made in England Pro quality BSW spanner sets

We are able to make up various sets of whitworth ring and combination spanners.All high quality made in England,to suit various applications.Please ask.

Set combination spanners made in England.Five spanners sizes, 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16 and 3/8 inch BSW. Chrome vanadium steel plated and polished,very good quality. £40.00. Including post to UK £45.00p Larger picture here.

 

High quality, combination spanner set in whitworth sizes 3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2 and 9/16 inch whitworth.Chrome vanadium steel chromed and polished . Please ask for details £65..00p or £70 50p inc post to UK..Larger picture here.

 

British made (Abingdon King Dick) a set of double end cranked whitworth ring spanners 1/8 x 3/16,1/4 x 5/16,3/8 x 7/16 and 1/2 x 9/16 inch whitworth. Nicely made,good quality.£40..00p inc post to UK £45..00p. .About King Dick.

 

Abingdon King Dick Open end BSW spanner set.A genuinely British made Whitworth open end spanner set Sizes 1/8 x 3/16,1/4 x 5/16,3/8 x 7/16 and 1/2 x 9/16 inches whitworth.Well finished and accurately made. £33.00p or £37..00p inc post to UK.For larger picture click here

 

Combination spanners with ratchet ring end available in whitworth sizes.Sets or individual,made in England contact us for prices etc.For larger picture of individual whitworth ratchet combination wrench click here.

German made quality BSW combination spanner sets.

Individual whitworth combination spanners from 1/8 to 3/4 inch whitworth are available by Elora and other makes.We have other makes in ring,combination and open end styles as well as some pre used or surplus stock. Please contact us for details,availability etc.

Large sizes of individual spanners are available in Elora,King Dick and other high quality makes.We also stock used spanners and sockets in the larger sizes of whitworth and AF.Please ask for prices and details of current stock.

New 7/8 whitworth combination £44.00p

New 1 inch whitworth combination £65.00p

Six piece set of proper professional mechanics quality whitworth/BSF combination spanners made by ELORA in germany sizes 3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16 and 1/2 inch whitworth.Drop forged chrome vanadium steel accurately made, to DIN3113/ISO 3318 specification,suitable for constant heavy use in a professional workshop.Price £55..00p the set of six,inc post to UK £59..00p  For larger picture of the Elora set click here. 

 

Elora BSW BSF combination wrenches

Larger eleven piece set of ELORA 205 series,German made,top quality chrome vanadium steel whitworth spanners, combination pattern.One conventional ring type end,other open.Perfectly suitable for serious professional use,restoring or repairing classic cars Sizes 1/8 to 3/4 inch whitworth.Price £148..00p.

 

set Elora whitworth combination spanners

DIY range BSW combination spanners.

Set of whitworth combination spanners by Silverline.Polished CV steet in wallet.Sizes 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8.7/16,1/2 and 9/16 inch whitworth.Good value for money,suitable for most DIY car repair or restoration.£15..00p the set,£19.50 including post to UK.Large picture here.

 

A eight piece combination set by Laser.

Sizes are 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2 and 9/16 inch BSW.Very similar to set above.£22.25p

 For larger picture click here

 

7/16 inch whitworth (BSW) scaffolding spanner.The swivel head is six sided (mono-hex) and the handle is solid steel.£4..00p plus

Whitworth scaffolders wrench

BA sockets,spanners and BA socket sets.


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DIY range BA sockets.

BA (British Association) 11 piece socket sets Laser 0 to 10 BA.Six point, 1/4 inch drive on rail.Hex,chrome vanadium steel.Good value for money and complete set including 9 and 10 BA The set comes complete with socket rail.£10.00p or £13..00p inc post to UK.For larger picture click here

 

 

British association socket set

Top  Quality BA sockets.

Individual BA sockets available by Elora.1/4 drive.3.85p each.Sizes ordering etc,contact us for details

 

Elora six point ba socket

1/4 drive BA socket set by Koken (Japan) Very good quality Sizes 0 to 8BA.BA nuts and bolts are often found on older electrical components.Six point (mono hex) to grip worn nuts.1/4 square drive complete with socket rail £17..00p or £20..50p inc post UK

 

Koken of Japan BA set

BA spanner sets.

Set of three combination spanners 0.2 and 4 BA. Made in England by King Dick.Good quality and nice somewhat old fashioned look to them £18..00p total cost £21..00p the set inc post to UK

 

Set of four BA combination spanner by Elora.Accurately made midget spannes in sizes 0-2-4 and 6BA.twelve point (bi-hex) ring ends apart from 6BA which is six sided.£24.00p or £27..00p inc post to UK Larger picture click here.

 

Six piece (sizes 0 to 11BA) open end BA wrench set in plastic wallet by Laser..Open end BA spanners are now difficult to source,these are forged spanners not the cheaper pressed steel variety.BA fittings are sometimes found on older electrical items,magnetos,dynamos,control boxes and instruments etc.For larger picture click here  Priced at £13.00p or £16..00p  including post to UK

.

BA open end spanner set

Just some of the whitworth BSF tubular box spanners we stock

All box spanners are English made and old stock.

Long whitworth box spanner (approx seven inches long) British made (Melco) sizes 1/8 x 3/16 inch whitworth £3..00 post £2.50p (UK).

BSW Melco box spanner

5/16 x 7/16 inch whitworth box spanners.(Melco) made in England.(approx four inches long) Heavy duty.£3.10

BSW tubular box spanner
7/16 x 1/2 inch  whitworth box spanner .Heavy duty Made in UK. £3.20
1/2 x 9/16 inch whitworth box spanner heavy duty £3.20 post Heavy duty tube wrench
(No picture) very short box spanner 3/8 x 7/16 inch whitworth £1..00p
5/8 x 1/2 inch whitworth box.Heavy duty UK made approx four inches long.£3.20p Obsolete box spanner.
Some double ended whitworth/BSF box spanners available singly while stocks last (Old stock,limited supply) English Made .All approx 7 inches long all made in England.Sizes 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,1/2,9/16,5/8,3/4,7/8 and 1 inch whitworth. whitworth tubular spanners
One and a quarter inch whitworth double ended box spanner. Hub nut spanner
Whitworth and af hub nut box spanners available in various sizes .1 and 1/4 inch whitworth (52mm) illustrated Please contact us for prices and availability,stocks are limited as most of these are now long discontinued by their makers. Single end box wrench
For a.f sockets and spanners click here

A small selection of new army or goverment surplus tools is shown below contact us with your requirements..

Bedford.Highly polished whitworth combination spanners Sizes 3/8 and 1/2 inch whitworth Old stock (probably ex WD) but never used

1/8 x 3/16 whitworth open enders by Elora (no markings on spanner) £2 each

5/8 x 11/16 whitworth deep cranked ring spanners Elora, a big spanner for £4..00 Elora open ended spanner 9/16 x 7/16 inch whitworth

Heavily chromed (but chrome not very smooth) old stock but never used.King Dick whitworth spanners.7/16 x 3/8 whit or 9/16 x 7/16 whit.

Very old stock, KD 5/16 x 3/8 whitworth ring spanners £2..00

We dont list all the imperial tools in stock,only a selection is shown on this site.In addition to around two tons of secondhand spanners and sockets of all types and sizes,I have huge stocks of old,but never used,sets and single whitworth/BSF open ended and ring or combination spanners of German and English manufacture King Dick,Britool,Bedford,Gedore,Snail Brand,Williams and ELORA etc some dating back to the 1940's.I stock six sided impact sockets,even deep ones in whitworth and af sizes.I can often replace missing sockets or spanners to complete a set.Older motorbikes and cars often had imperial tool kits supplied by makers that are no longer trading,Vincent for example used a lot of 'Jenbro' spanners made by Jennings brothers who ceased trading some years ago.Whilst I cannot always supply identical spanners I can usually match the sizes of missing tools.I guarantee everything that I sell fit for purpose.Some whitworth impact sockets are difficult to source at an economic price but using very cheap tools is a false economy.In cases of non availability of the correct whitworth/BSF sockets most engineers accept that 18mm is comparable to 3/8 whit (actually 18.03mm),33 mm is an acceptable replacement for 3/4 whit (33.02mm) and 52mm for 1 1/4 inch whitworth.
I can also supply model specific wheel braces in imperial sizes.Forget worrying about breaking your 1/2 drive bar undoing tight wheel studs,some of these braces are made in England from two inch diameter solid steel bar!.
I sell whitworth and BSF tools suitable for all older machinery,from Armstrong Siddeley to Gipsy Moth,from a AJS to a Velocette I can supply spanners to suit.


Taps and Dies.

Those working on older machinery are likely to come across various thread forms.The modern metric plus unf,unc,BA,whitworth,BSF,cycle thread,gas and others.I can supply most of these,or direct you to someone who can,please ask.


Whitworth/BSF/Imperial/Metric conversion tables.
The markings on a spanner or wrench for whitworth or bsf indicate the thread size of the bolt not the head,for af (Across the Flats) they indicate the width of the nut or bolt head in fractions of an inch or mm..
 
Note the Whitworth and BSF sizes in this chart are for the older Pre WW2 standard.During the war to save metal all bolt and nut sizes were made one size smaller. So pre 1940s tools still fit the later nuts and bolts and vice versa.

Whit/BSF and the metric or imperial (inch) Equivalent.
 
Imperial to Metric
 
Whitworth
BSF.
Metric.
Imperial (af).
 
A.F
MM.
1/8
3/16
8.64
.340
 
1/4
6.35
3/16
1/4
11.3
.445
 
5/16
7.94
1/4
5/16
13.34
.525
 
3/8
9.52
5/16
3/8
15.24
.6
 
7/16
11.11
3/8
7/16
18.03
.710
 
1/2
12.7
7/16
1/2
20.83
.82
 
9/16
14.29
1/2
9/16
23.37
.92
 
5/8
15.88
9/16
5/8
25.65
1.010
 
11/16
17.46
5/8
11/16
27.94
1.100
 
3/4
19.05
11/16
3/4
30.48
1.200
 
7/8
22.22
3/4
7/8
33.02
1.300
 
15/16
23.81
7/8
1
37.59
1.480
 
1.00
25.40
1
1.1/8
42.42
1.670
 
1.1/16
26.93
A tubular box spanner or six sided (six point) socket the closest size upwards might be a solution in an emergency (ie) a 19mm spanner will probably fit a 3/4 inch af nut.These have greater tolerance than 12 sided sockets but there is always a risk of damage to socket and or the fastening.Impact sockets are almost always six sided (mono-hex).Six sided sockets are less liable to mark or damage brass,alloy or chromed fixings such as wheel or hub nuts.

E-Mail me here.
Or phone (U.K.) 01502 584575
 
Hub nut sockets etc.
AF spanners and sockets

Colortunes.

Home page, 
 
Footnotes...It's recorded at least one English motor manufacturer in the 30's-40's using imported engines with metric threads,ground the heads of nuts and bolts down so that mechanics whitworth spanners would fit.Some smaller or more specialised makers used whitworth fastenings for some years after everybody else had decided they were obsolete and went over to UNF/UNC or metric,so even without any previous owners swapping and repairing bits it's not unusual to find an assortment of fastenings on old (and not so old) cars. Land Rovers for example have a transmission design with parts of it dating to the 1930's so it should be no suprise to find sundry whitworth fastenings scattered round the gearboxes on early models and I'm told BA fittings are still found on modern JCBs.
This is why joining an owners club and talking to other classic car and motorbike enthusiasts makes sense.
I've seen on at least two web sites that some whitworth and SAE (UNF/UNC) or metric nuts and bolts are interchangeable.This is wrong and,if applied to critical components (suspension/brakes etc) downright dangerous.The thread rate (TPI or threads per inch) might be the same in some cases but the thread angles are different (55 degrees for whitworth and 60 for metric,UNF and UNC) resulting in loss of strength,thread stripping or fastenings coming undone in service.The use of a decent thread guage to identify threads on classic car and bike restoration is advised.(see our repair,servicing tool section for a range of imperial,metric and whitworth thread gauges).We still send imperial based tools all over the world,there are still old DeHavilland bi planes flying in New Zealand and Australia,we've sent whitworth and BA sockets or spanners to aviation museums from the UK to USA and railway engine enthusiasts from Darlington to Darjeeling.There are countless examples of British engineering over fifty years old still working or being lovingly restored in the most unlikely places.There once was a 'Great' Britain.