Early Bomb disposal tools

[Rockteer]

Hi, Can anyone confirm please the following, am I right in saying early Bomb Disposal Officers used cooper hammers which were non magnetic? also if this is correct then then did they also use copper chisels? I know this basic kit was used to knock out the fuse locking rings. Lastly, are crabtree dischargers hard to find??

 

[millsbomber]

To start with i don't think thy used any brass tools until the magnetic mines were used, dugup are doing repro Crabtrees

 

[Yodamaster]

Hello,

the amagnetic tools are always in use by EOD technicians. They are not made with copper but with an alloy on base of brass.
We use a complete panel of amagnetic tools : hammer, chisels, screwdrivers,...
Don't forget that modern bombs can be used with magnetic fuzes. Neutralisation of them need amagnetic tools.

Yoda

 

[US-Subs]

There were some brass tools early on. These were eventually replaced with beryllium, as it held its shape better. The beryllium tools were a constant problem though, with concerns of heavy metal poisoning if you were to get a scratch, inhale dust off the tools, etc. It is my understanding that the beryllium tools were eventually replaced (1990s), but I am not sure with what.

 

[Tmine35]

Another feature with brass and some other alloy metal tools is that they do not create sparks.

 

[Rockteer]

So if one was to look out for these tools (wartime vintage) how would one Identify them, I see a lot of things advertised for sale as "bomb disposal" tools but how can one tell? was there any WD stamps etc? I guess in the early days of 1940 they just used whatever they could find.

 

[Tmine35]

Also keep in mind that non-ferrous tools have been used onboard oil tankers, and still are used world wide, when working in gas-hazardous areas. Thus, what you get offered is not necessarily of any military origin.