UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Powered By Google Custom Search Vintage Radio and TV Service Data

Go Back   UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum > General Vintage Technology > General Vintage Technology Discussions

Notices

General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 7th Jun 2020, 2:11 pm   #1
Backtoreality
Hexode
 
Backtoreality's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ossett, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 404
Default Magazine Free Gifts

While swapping out capacitors and resistors from my Hacker RP17 I got my tools out and used my PW free gift from 1980 to bend the leads. That made me wonder if anyone else still has/uses any magazine free gifts from years ago? I've attached a photo of four I've still got:
Two wire bending tools from 1976, one from PE and the other from EE.
A mini multi tool from a 1980 PW which combines wire bending, SWG wire gauge slots, a drill guide for 3 imperial drill sizes,a tapping and clearance guide for 4BA, 6BA, 8BA, and two holes labeled pcb.
An IC insertion tool with its original slightly slack rubber band still inside! I can't remember which magazine it came from, it's printed on all the others!
I also have a coil adjustment tool which came with PW but I can never find it when I need it!
David
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Free gifts.jpg
Views:	313
Size:	48.1 KB
ID:	207916  
Backtoreality is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 2:45 pm   #2
Kentode
Octode
 
Kentode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Yorkshire, England.
Posts: 1,294
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

David, l use these constantly!

Somewhere l also have a set of trimming tools from mid 70's PW, which promptly broke the first time l tried to use them!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200607_143825.jpg
Views:	232
Size:	43.5 KB
ID:	207922   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20200607_143817.jpg
Views:	199
Size:	44.1 KB
ID:	207923  
__________________
Regards, Ken.

BVWS member
Kentode is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 4:19 pm   #3
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

SHMBO gets the gardening mags with free seeds. She does the gardening, I think it should be a (more populated, I only have two antennae) antenna farm (forum relevant bit).
 
Old 7th Jun 2020, 4:36 pm   #4
TonyDuell
Dekatron
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,190
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

I remember all the tools in the first message, I probably still have them somewhere. There was also an IC extractor (a U shaped plastic thing with hooked ends that would fit round a 14 or 16 pin DIL package) and an L-shaped plastic thing with 0.1" scales on the two arms (used for identifying rows and columns on a bit of stripboard) and probably holes in it for drill bit/screw sizing.

Some magazines had free screwdrivers which were made of a metal only slightly stronger than cream cheese...

Later on Television magazine sometimes had a couple of diodes or something like that as a free gift.
TonyDuell is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 5:13 pm   #5
Nickthedentist
Dekatron
 
Nickthedentist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,820
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Somewhere I got a terminal screwdriver with a red, translucent, flattish handle. Set into the centre of this was a keyhole-shaped wire stripper.

It was more of a toy than a tool, but it worked well enough to strip the insulation off T&E and then attach the stripped ends to a chocblock type terminal holder.
Nickthedentist is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 5:30 pm   #6
duncanlowe
Nonode
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Stafford, Staffs. UK.
Posts: 2,529
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

I'm not sure if I have any left, but I probably do. Tandy screwdriver sets, given away with vouchers from their magazine. Also made with the cream cheese metal, but it didn't matter because the plastic on the handles was so bad that it disintegrated at a lower torque value than the 'metal'.

EDIT: and that's probably where your screwdriver with wire stripper came from.
duncanlowe is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 9:09 pm   #7
AC/HL
Dekatron
 
AC/HL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

If you're quick you may just catch this offer. Postage will be 35p, so not quite free, but the tools are usable
Attached Files
File Type: pdf PW001.pdf (1.48 MB, 170 views)
File Type: pdf PW002.pdf (1.28 MB, 98 views)
File Type: pdf PW003.pdf (1.11 MB, 95 views)
AC/HL is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 9:17 pm   #8
Backtoreality
Hexode
 
Backtoreality's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ossett, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 404
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Like Ken I used to use the Info cards regularly, particularly for capacitors. I've always struggled with certain colours butnNow that I need glasses, and sometimes a magnifier, to see the markings I tend to use my Avo DMM or my Chinese everything tester to make sure I use the correct value.
The IC inserter has never been used since I got it, it was harder to get the ICs into the inserter than a socket!
Backtoreality is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 9:29 pm   #9
Backtoreality
Hexode
 
Backtoreality's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Ossett, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 404
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

I think I've had a spanner like the ones in that set Bill! It came in my Cluedo game along with a piece of lead pipe.
FYI you've doubled the P&P its only 17 1/2p!
David
Backtoreality is offline  
Old 7th Jun 2020, 9:39 pm   #10
Chris55000
Nonode
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Walsall Wood, Aldridge, Walsall, UK.
Posts: 2,853
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Hi!

Radio Constructor, Everyday Electronics and Practical Electronics all gave away little pieces of veroboard or very small "multi–pcbs" that could accommodate several different circuits on them from time to time, and during the second half of the 2000s, EPE "Teach In" gave away a CD of the "Modern Electronics Manual" – I bought all the supplement CDs for this!

Alas to say the newsagents all round me had always sold out of the "free gift" issues by the time I had the pocket money to buy them!

Chris Williams
__________________
It's an enigma, that's what it is! This thing's not fixed because it doesn't want to be fixed!
Chris55000 is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 12:17 am   #11
AC/HL
Dekatron
 
AC/HL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Quote:
Originally Posted by Backtoreality View Post
FYI you've doubled the P&P its only 17 1/2p!
Yes, out of practice
AC/HL is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 12:26 am   #12
emeritus
Dekatron
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK.
Posts: 5,316
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

I still have (and regularly use) a plastic vernier callipers (imperial, and with a non-vernier metric scale) that dad got free with "Practical Householder" circa 1960. Being plastic it is good for checking the dimensions of button cells. It has been kept in a cool place (the garage) for the past 40 years and although now some 60 years old, still agrees to within a 'thou with my micrometer screw gauge. Precision plastic! I also have a couple of transistors that came with a "Wireless World".

Last edited by emeritus; 8th Jun 2020 at 12:36 am.
emeritus is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 9:01 am   #13
HamishBoxer
Dekatron
 
HamishBoxer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK.
Posts: 8,923
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Try this,from PW in 1931!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_8824.jpg
Views:	193
Size:	59.7 KB
ID:	207997   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_8825.jpg
Views:	156
Size:	31.5 KB
ID:	207998  
__________________
G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S
HamishBoxer is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 9:08 am   #14
Petedox
Pentode
 
Petedox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 200
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Snap! One of my most used tools is the vernier caliper below. Free with a motoring mag back in the 80's. It's so handy, and accurate enough to measure the OD of pipe or tubing when underneath a car, or checking on wire gauge electronic projects etc. My digital one is invariably left in its box!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Vernier.jpg
Views:	144
Size:	62.2 KB
ID:	207999  
__________________
Pete
BVWS Member
Petedox is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 11:34 am   #15
Philco-Pete
Tetrode
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chesham, Bucks. UK.
Posts: 75
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Quote:
Originally Posted by TonyDuell View Post
There was also an IC extractor (a U shaped plastic thing with hooked ends that would fit round a 14 or 16 pin DIL package)
One of these! I still use this from time to time - despite the rather battered appearance as a result of it travelling round the world in my “flyaway” toolkit.
I remember most of the others too but this little extractor is the only one to have been in regular use. Was this a PE giveaway or from another mag?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	C7DA91FB-953B-4F0A-88B4-3215B4F11A77.jpeg
Views:	125
Size:	47.4 KB
ID:	208005  
Philco-Pete is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 12:39 pm   #16
AC/HL
Dekatron
 
AC/HL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

Quote:
Originally Posted by HamishBoxer View Post
Try this,from PW in 1931!
That's it, I wonder how many survive, complete kits that is. Practical radio magazines were big business back then.
AC/HL is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 1:18 pm   #17
HamishBoxer
Dekatron
 
HamishBoxer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK.
Posts: 8,923
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

There was one other Bill and I am not sure if indeed it was on this forum.Certainly saw one some where and it was quite rusty.Got mine many years ago from a RadioPhile do.
__________________
G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S
HamishBoxer is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 2:36 pm   #18
JayBee66
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Kilkenny, Ireland
Posts: 138
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

My Everyday Electronics lead bender and veroboard matrix with transistor lead straightener and bolt/screw size measure. I still use both to this day.

Click image for larger version

Name:	gifts.jpg
Views:	106
Size:	66.0 KB
ID:	208014
JayBee66 is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 3:17 pm   #19
wave solder
Hexode
 
wave solder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.
Posts: 481
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

I've got a few items, the first one I have found is a practical wireless plastic trim tool set.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	tools.jpg
Views:	104
Size:	173.1 KB
ID:	208015  
wave solder is offline  
Old 8th Jun 2020, 4:09 pm   #20
G6Tanuki
Dekatron
 
G6Tanuki's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 13,953
Default Re: Magazine Free Gifts

I remember in the late-70s PW gave away a set of the little circular TO5/TO18 transistor standoff-pads - on a 'sprue' like the parts of old Airfix kits, and in a rather vibrant bright orange!

I used these on quite a few projects. Never really liked the orange though.
G6Tanuki is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 9:21 am.


All information and advice on this forum is subject to the WARNING AND DISCLAIMER located at https://www.vintage-radio.net/rules.html.
Failure to heed this warning may result in death or serious injury to yourself and/or others.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.