Tool Talk
Classic Auto and Motorcycle Tools => Classic Auto and Motorcycle Tools => Topic started by: Jim C. on December 31, 2013, 03:34:06 PM
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I've been an old Corvette and old Delta woodworking machine enthusiast for several years now. I remember restoring my first old Corvette in the early 1980s with the help and guidance of my uncle. I didn't have any tools to speak of so my dad bought me a small Craftsman set with the basics and the rest I borrowed from my uncle. He was a "car guy" his whole life and he, probably like many backyard mechanics across the country, used mostly Craftsman tools. I'm assuming that he did so for the ease of acquiring them, their affordability, and for the great warranty policy. Between my dad's influence and that of my uncle, I was raised on the same philosophy. What I remember most was the experience I gained and those old Craftsman tools in my uncle's box. They all had a =V= or a -V- mark on them. In very recent years, I got this crazy idea that it would be fun to tinker with old 1950s and 1960s cars and machines, using vintage tools from approximately the same era, versus using my tools from the 1980s and 1990s. As a result, I got hooked on Craftsman tools with the =V= manufacturer's mark on them. During the last few years, I've been trying to make sets of wrenches, sockets, etc. up to an inch in size. I've been buying some ratchets too. I finally finished the double box end wrench set below in sizes 3/8" to 1". The last one I needed was the 19/32" x 25/32". Nice old Craftsman tools "Made in the USA".
Jim C.
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Craftsman starter/manifold wrench. 9/16" x 5/8".
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Classics!
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Great choice Jim, your post echoes my reasoning for collecting Craftsman. If there are any =V= sockets that you are missing, I have a bunch of duplicates. My users are mostly Vs, my collectors are underlined C from the thirties and forties. I even have a few pieces with the first logo from the late twenties. I would swap for metric Vs, I'm thin there.
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Great choice Jim, your post echoes my reasoning for collecting Craftsman. If there are any =V= sockets that you are missing, I have a bunch of duplicates. My users are mostly Vs, my collectors are underlined C from the thirties and forties. I even have a few pieces with the first logo from the late twenties. I would swap for metric Vs, I'm thin there.
Hi John,
I'm guessing that your =V= collection is more extensive than mine. I've only gotten serious about =V= tools in the last few years. I'm looking for good "user" stuff to tinker on old cars and machines. I really go for the SAE sizes. Unfortunately I don't have a single metric =V= tool. I do have a few extra 1/4" drive SAE =V= sockets if you're looking for any of those. I'm trying to find a good SAE combo wrench set and a set of 3/8" drive 6 point sockets. I'm also looking for 8 point sockets. I'm definitely hooked on the old =V= tools.
Jim C.
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Great choice Jim, your post echoes my reasoning for collecting Craftsman. If there are any =V= sockets that you are missing, I have a bunch of duplicates. My users are mostly Vs, my collectors are underlined C from the thirties and forties. I even have a few pieces with the first logo from the late twenties. I would swap for metric Vs, I'm thin there.
John,
I have a couple of extra underline c sockets. Is your set complete?
Chilly
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Craftsman 3/8" drive flex head ratchet. Well used but not abused.
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Nice V selector ratchet. That seems to be a hard model to come by.
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Jim, what Corvettes have you owned? I started with a 68 T top red on red with a small block and 4spd, next picked up a wrecked 63 split window coupe. I painted that silver and it had a black interior that was a 4spd too. Never actually got the 63 on the road, sold it before I managed to do that. Last but not least was a 65 coupe silver and black with power glide. Loved them all but had to part with them. Sure wish I still had them now! Tools are easier to keep for me.
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Jim, what Corvettes have you owned? I started with a 68 T top red on red with a small block and 4spd, next picked up a wrecked 63 split window coupe. I painted that silver and it had a black interior that was a 4spd too. Never actually got the 63 on the road, sold it before I managed to do that. Last but not least was a 65 coupe silver and black with power glide. Loved them all but had to part with them. Sure wish I still had them now! Tools are easier to keep for me.
I've always liked old cars. My first was a 1967 Camaro that I bought from a neighbor who was the original owner. It was a car that actually belonged to a "little old lady." It was a really low milage car and very well maintained. The ash trays in the car were lined with aluminum foil when I bought it. I eventually sold it and bought an untouched 1966 Corvette 327/300 small block Milano maroon coupe with real Kelsey Hayes factory knock off wheels. It came with all the original paperwork to prove it! I had that car for about fourteen years and eventually had to sell it because I wanted a little bit more house to accommodate my growing family. In 2006, I bought another 1966 327/300 small block Laguna blue convertible. It was in pretty good condition considering its age and prior ownership history. Although I can only trace the previous owners back to about 1975, I do know that between 1975 and today, that I am the 11th owner!! Who knows how many there were between 1966 and 1975? I've also had friends who've purchased 1950s and 1960s Corvettes and I've done a lot of restoration work on those cars. Like I said in my earlier post, somewhere along the line I got this crazy idea to start tinkering on these old cars using vintage tools. I also really like old Delta woodworking machinery from the 1940s and 1950s. The cars and the machinery eventually fueled my Craftsman =V= tool addiction. I was hoping that others would post a few pictures of their =V= tools.
Jim C.
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Craftsman 1/2" drive ratchets.
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I'll bet I have a few of these floating around. I'll check it out.
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I'll bet I have a few of these floating around. I'll check it out.
When I started the thread, I was hoping that others would post some pictures of their =V= tools too.
Jim C.
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Craftsman 1/2" drive speed wrench.
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I've seen lots of talk about -V- C-man tools, but what's the deal with Craftsman tools marked -VV- ? I have a 1/2 inch drive VV Craftsman rat.
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I've seen lots of talk about -V- C-man tools, but what's the deal with Craftsman tools marked -VV- ? I have a 1/2 inch drive VV Craftsman rat.
Hey Branson,
I'm not really a Craftsman expert, but as far as I know, tools bearing the VV manufacturer's mark were produced later (1980s?, 1990s?) than those with the =V= (1950s, 1960s) and those with the -V- (1970s, 1980s?). I kind of got hooked on the =V= tools based on my past experiences using them, and also from a more nostalgic perception that during the early 1960s, Craftsman tools were probably about at their very best in terms of overall quality, availability, offerings, and affordability. All those reasons could be entirely wrong, but again, their nostalgic value alone is what really motivates me to collect them and use them for applications involving similar vintage cars and machines.
Jim C.
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Here's something odd. I can't remember just when, late '70's/early '80's, I bought a set of metric wrenches. In light of this thread, I was looking at all my CMan stuff, and I noticed that some are marked different.
This is the whole set:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/gpritch/tools/tools001_zpsca089c8c.jpg)
And a little closer look at the smaller ones:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/gpritch/tools/tools002_zpsb98d2055.jpg)
Some of them have 2 V's and some only 1. These are my 'use everyday' wrenches, and I know that I have never lost or replaced any broken ones.
I found this strange little wrench, too:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/gpritch/tools/tools003_zpseb5d32fe.jpg)
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Some of them have 2 V's and some only 1. These are my 'use everyday' wrenches, and I know that I have never lost or replaced any broken ones.
It's not uncommon to find sets with mixed production codes...
I found this strange little wrench, too:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/gpritch/tools/tools003_zpseb5d32fe.jpg)
That is an "ignition combo wrench". Here's my set:
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/CraftsmanV-Selector1961-1963009.jpg)
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Hi Pritch,
I'm with lbgradwell. I think that Craftsman tool manufacturers used the tools that were in their inventory to make sets. It probably didn't matter that various sets of wrenches, sockets, etc., included individual tools with different production codes on them. Like I said before, I'm definitely not a Craftsman expert, but I do think that when it comes to tools marked with a "v" code, those with the =V= came before those with a -V-, and those with a -V- came before those with a -VV-. In the case of your wrench set, it's entirely possible that later produced wrenches marked with the -V- were mixed with earlier produced wrenches marked a -VV-. Other later "v" codes included an upside down v in front of a standard looking v (^v) and a standard v in front of an upside down v (v^). It gets confusing! I try to collect those tools with the =V= and -V- marks.
Jim C.
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Could someone post on GG for Lauver to stop by, sounds like we need him.
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Hey Pritch,
Here's a few of the Craftsman "V" codes I was telling you about.
Jim C.
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That is an "ignition combo wrench". Here's my set:
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/CraftsmanV-Selector1961-1963009.jpg)
Could you tell me what comes in that set?
I've purchased 140 or so wrenches from a local pawn shop recently, last Saturday my haul included the following ignition wrenches: ( the combo's and ell driver were from 2 Saturdays ago)
(http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac6/chillylulu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140203_020532_zpscfstfmru.jpg) (http://s880.photobucket.com/user/chillylulu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140203_020532_zpscfstfmru.jpg.html)
Close-up of the ignition wrenches:
(http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac6/chillylulu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140203_020627_zpsg4jhypx9.jpg) (http://s880.photobucket.com/user/chillylulu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140203_020627_zpsg4jhypx9.jpg.html)
Does anyone know why the open end and the closed end are different sizes? Sometimes I come across combo wrenches like that, and I always wonder why it is done.
By the way, so far I have found about 20 other V series wrenches. Favorite tools in the lot, in my opinion, are the c-underline craftsman wrenches, and a handful of Heyco open ends.
Thanks for any help,
Chilly
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Could you tell me what comes in that set?
Sure!
13/64" x 7/32"
7/32" x 15/64"
15/64" x 1/4"
1/4" x 9/32"
9/32" x 5/16"
5/16" x 11/32"
11/32" x 3/8"
3/8" x 7/16"
I'm pretty sure my set dates to 1961-3. It was an 8-piece set for several more years, but by 1968 it had grown to 10 wrenches...
Does anyone know why the open end and the closed end are different sizes? Sometimes I come across combo wrenches like that, and I always wonder why it is done.
It's actually a very good idea. I'm sure you must have encountered situations where the bolt & nut were both the same size..?
Normally, you would require two wrenches of the same size to hold both the nut & bolt simultaneously. With the system you observe above, only one set of wrenches is required!
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Craftsman ten piece combo ignition wrench set with the -V- manufacturer's mark. It looks like the two wrenches that were added to the set after 1968 were the 3/16" x 5/32" and the 5/32" x 3/16" wrenches.
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While we're on the ignition wrench topic, here's a Craftsman set of four double box end ignition wrenches with the -V- manufacturer's mark.
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It looks like the two wrenches that were added to the set after 1968 were the 3/16" x 5/32" and the 5/32" x 3/16" wrenches.
Meaning Chilly's partial set dates from 1968 or later...
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It looks like the two wrenches that were added to the set after 1968 were the 3/16" x 5/32" and the 5/32" x 3/16" wrenches.
Meaning Chilly's partial set dates from 1968 or later...
It would seem so...... Although he's got two 5/16" x 11/32" wrenches, suggesting that there may be two partial sets of wrenches, one of which would be most likely post 1968.
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I have three three cabinet stacks plus two bench type cabinets full of older craftsmen tools and I an trying to fill my sets from the 30's to the 70;s I worked fof Pontiac in the early 50's and still have most of the original tools and my first toll cabinet bob w.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/amertrac/bobsidleshop-2_zps71370426.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/amertrac/media/bobsidleshop-2_zps71370426.jpg.html)
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what a mess ( I an confined to a wheel chair for the last 4 years so I don't get out to the shop any more)
bob w.
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Hi Bob,
Great looking old tool boxes! I'm sorry to hear that you're not up and around these days. I'd love to see your tool collection! If you can get a little assistance, post a few pictures if you get a chance.
Jim C.
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Thanks LG & Jim ....
Looks like the search is on!
(I have many current searches, they are coming in faster than I can finish them lately)
Regards,
Chilly
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Craftsman 1/2" drive, 10" and 20" extensions.
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Craftsman 1/2" drive 15" breaker bars.
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While on the subject of "V" marks on Craftsman tools, I got to looking at all my Craftsman wrenches. I have quite a variety stamped with the "V", but this one jumped out at me. It has a "V", but not in the normal area that others have shown. Here is what I found
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^^^^^ Could you post a picture or two?
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Looks like I need to resize my pictures. Will try again later.
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That's just a forge mark...
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OK, thanks. That's the only "V" on the wrench.
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OK, thanks. That's the only "V" on the wrench.
Can we get a picture of the other side?
Larry
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Here is a pic of the other side.
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Here is a pic of the whole wrench with the V forge mark
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I'm no expert, but I think it's just a really old wrench that may have been produced before the =V= manufacturer's mark was stamped on the more traditionally expected place in the raised panel portion of the wrench.
Jim C.
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Did anyone buy dave the toolman's Craftsman DVD? The answer might be in there.
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I have been very seriously considering it for a couple of weeks now since the price went down...
lauver has a copy.
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I didn't know he dropped the price $25. The last time I looked it was $100. I might buy one after tax time.
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I just pulled the trigger. It will be here shortly. At $125 and even $100, it was too strong for me, but at $75 shipped, I can do it. That is an enormous amount of info.
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The cd's came today. Shipped from Ventura CA on Thursday. Nice work USPs! It is two cd's 1927 to 1969 on one and 1970 to 2013 on the other. I'll post after I spend some time on it.
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It is a very useable tool. It is broken down into ten year files with each catalog a PDF within the file. The scans are much better than Rose Tool pdf's. When you print a page, it is very clear. There is some pre 1927 pages from the big books. I am glad that I bought it. No Craftsman collector should be without it.
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Thanks for answering all my questions ahead of time. I think I'll spring for a copy after tax time.
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I think I'm gonna check that out too. Thanks for the first impression review. Do you have a link to the purchase site?
Jim C.
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Do you have a link to the purchase site?
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/111269055096 (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/111269055096)
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Thank you for your kind words about the Craftsman DVD set.
I tried to make it the highest quality possible within the confines of reasonable file size, and economics. In the beginning I was making it for my own use. The catalogs themselves, especially the older Sears Big Book catalogs, can be dirty, musty, and have brittle pages. I would have to wash my hands after looking through them. It was also time consuming to just pick out the Craftsman products from the Sears Big Book catalogs that weren't in the Tool Catalogs, when thumbing through the pages. I started collecting some of the old Craftsman ratchets in the beginning. Then I started buying a few catalogs. At some point my OCD took over and I ended up searching daily for every Craftsman tool catalog ever produced. I didn't stop there. There were a number of years where Sears didn't produce any tool catalogs. So I ended up in bidding wars and bought every Sears Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter Big Book catalog from 1927 to present. I painstakingly took apart all the Big Book catalogs so I could produce high quality scans on all the Craftsman product pages. I also included about a dozen pages from each Big Book catalog with bits of fun stuff, nostalgia and Americana. For instance, there are pages in there from the 1950's where you could buy (from Sears) a baby alligator, "harmless when small, won't outgrow it's pen for five years", donkey, mule, monkeys, exotic birds and so much more.
Scanning the catalog pages was just the first step in preparing the catalog files. Each cover was digitally restored to its former glory. All the writers marks and printing artifacts, along with ragged edges were all removed. As needed, the pages were rotated, cropped, and all the pages that had centerfolds spread across two pages were all aligned to look nice. I had zero experience before taking on this project, and at times it could be very frustrating, and of course, very tedious. I can say in the end I am very happy with it. I think all the catalogs look visually beautiful from cover to cover.
Plus I have included a number of pre Craftsman catalogs. How about a multi-station woodworking tool setup for making wagon wheels.
John, do you agree with what I have written? Or would you say it is mediocre in quality? :)
David Maher MrCraftsmanTools@aol.com
It is currently on Ebay. If anyone wants to skip Ebay and Paypal, that would drop my cost by $10 and I will pass along the savings. $65 with free postage.
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Nice to have you check in , Dave!
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Yes; it's always good to hear from the source, Dave!
It is undoubtedly a huge undertaking and I am only too aware with how much work is involved. You should be justifiably proud.
It is currently on Ebay. If anyone wants to skip Ebay and Paypal, that would drop my cost by $10 and I will pass along the savings. $65 with free postage.
I am also aware that the project did not pan out entirely as you had wanted. I truly believe that you will end up making more in the long run by introducing this price reduction.
I for one will be taking you up on this offer! Thank you & I will be in touch over the next day or two with my order!
I've wanted a copy for a long time. Woo hoo!
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It has panned out the way I wanted. Indeed! I'm happy with the end result. A quality product that is fast and easy to use. From my desktop icon, I can be looking at any catalog I wish in 2 seconds flat. :)
I'm not overly concerned about money. Some neurologic medical issues have put things in perspective for me. I'm just happy to share. Last week in the Maintenance Dept at work at the hospital I gave about 10 Craftsman DVD sets away as gifts. Not trying to get rid of them, but I have been working in that department since July and the guys have treated me like family from day one. They are a great group of guys. They also look after me if I am having any episodes of my movement disorder or having a seizure. In the early days of working there, I told them about my neuro disorders from the vaccination I got in July 2010 from being exposed to a doctor with whopping cough, and told them they can poke fun at me as much as they do the other guys. They don't have to treat me special or watch what they say. It's all good.
What do you call an epileptic cow? Beef Jerkey Sometimes they guys will greet me with "what's shakin?" I sometimes respond "me" :)
Next time one sees me shaking, I want to say I'd like some fries with my shake please. :)
I was almost finished with this DVD set in July 2010, till I got the vaccination and got inflamation of the brain. I wasn't able to be on the computer to start the process of finishing it for 2 1/2 years. I'm glad I was able to finish it. I get exhausted easily now, so I won't be a regular on here. But I will pop my head in now and then. Thanks for the invite.
Dave
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Thanks for stopping by David. By the way, the quality of your work is outstanding. Lbgradwell has cleaned up more than a few tool catalogs for us. He, more than the rest of us can understand the level of effort that this took.
I suggest that you sign on as a member. The vast storehouse of knowledge found on this forum is phenomenal. My half an hour or so spent here every morning has been a huge education for me. It is also the most considerate, friendly group on the Internet.
Thanks again for all of your effort.
John
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Thank you for your kind words about the Craftsman DVD set.
I tried to make it the highest quality possible within the confines of reasonable file size, and economics. In the beginning I was making it for my own use. The catalogs themselves, especially the older Sears Big Book catalogs, can be dirty, musty, and have brittle pages. I would have to wash my hands after looking through them. It was also time consuming to just pick out the Craftsman products from the Sears Big Book catalogs that weren't in the Tool Catalogs, when thumbing through the pages. I started collecting some of the old Craftsman ratchets in the beginning. Then I started buying a few catalogs. At some point my OCD took over and I ended up searching daily for every Craftsman tool catalog ever produced. I didn't stop there. There were a number of years where Sears didn't produce any tool catalogs. So I ended up in bidding wars and bought every Sears Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter Big Book catalog from 1927 to present. I painstakingly took apart all the Big Book catalogs so I could produce high quality scans on all the Craftsman product pages. I also included about a dozen pages from each Big Book catalog with bits of fun stuff, nostalgia and Americana. For instance, there are pages in there from the 1950's where you could buy (from Sears) a baby alligator, "harmless when small, won't outgrow it's pen for five years", donkey, mule, monkeys, exotic birds and so much more.
Scanning the catalog pages was just the first step in preparing the catalog files. Each cover was digitally restored to its former glory. All the writers marks and printing artifacts, along with ragged edges were all removed. As needed, the pages were rotated, cropped, and all the pages that had centerfolds spread across two pages were all aligned to look nice. I had zero experience before taking on this project, and at times it could be very frustrating, and of course, very tedious. I can say in the end I am very happy with it. I think all the catalogs look visually beautiful from cover to cover.
Plus I have included a number of pre Craftsman catalogs. How about a multi-station woodworking tool setup for making wagon wheels.
John, do you agree with what I have written? Or would you say it is mediocre in quality? :)
David Maher MrCraftsmanTools@aol.com
It is currently on Ebay. If anyone wants to skip Ebay and Paypal, that would drop my cost by $10 and I will pass along the savings. $65 with free postage.
Hi David,
I'll take that offer. $65 and free shipping? I'm in. Will you take a check? Please tell me where to send the payment. Thanks.
Jim C.
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It has panned out the way I wanted. Indeed! I'm happy with the end result.
I was referring to Sears failing to back the project rather than the quality of the product!
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Thank you Papaws for letting me post here. Send me your address for a free copy.
Hi Jim, and all the rest of you tool nuts like myself.
Like everything else, there is a catch with this $65 including postage price. I ask that in return for the price reduction, that you give an honest review of the product in either two areas of this site and/or another tool website. I'm not going to check up on it. It is on the honor system. By honest review, you can say it is fantastic, or a complete waste of money. I spent around 2,500 hours on it, so I'm hoping everyone loves it as much as I do. So far it has been all positive reviews. :) I'm just hoping to eventually break even on the endeavor. (not including my time) I made it for me and the rest of the tool fanatics.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
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A sample catalog cover in the DVD. The original cover from the catalog. After I restored it with photoshop.
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Nice job David. What a shame that this catalog effort of yours chronicals the decline of what was, arguably, the greatest retail marketer the world. They certainly had the retail mail order world by the tail and were gigantic storefront retailers. Now, they are just 'also rans' somewhere back in the pack. It is a shame to see that kind success that badly bungled.
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Craftsman 1/2" drive Round Head Fine Tooth (RHFT) ratchet. This is a pretty nice tool. What I find interesting about this particular example is the fact that the writing on both sides of the handle appears to have been double struck, however, the ratchet was not positioned exactly the same way between strikes because there's a "shadow" behind each character. The mistake isn't as clear on the side that says "Craftsman", but if one looks very closely, the double strike "shadow" can be seen. The side of the handle with the patent information, etc. is much more evident.
Jim C.
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Thank you Papaws for letting me post here. Send me your address for a free copy.
Hi Jim, and all the rest of you tool nuts like myself.
Like everything else, there is a catch with this $65 including postage price. I ask that in return for the price reduction, that you give an honest review of the product in either two areas of this site and/or another tool website. I'm not going to check up on it. It is on the honor system. By honest review, you can say it is fantastic, or a complete waste of money. I spent around 2,500 hours on it, so I'm hoping everyone loves it as much as I do. So far it has been all positive reviews. :) I'm just hoping to eventually break even on the endeavor. (not including my time) I made it for me and the rest of the tool fanatics.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
Hi David,
I sent you a check this morning! Thanks again for the deal. I'll definitely give your project an honest review in this thread and elsewhere.
Jim C.
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This might be a dumb question but how do you pay using paypal? I've only used it to buy stuff off ebay.
I was going to use dave's email address to send the money but I'm not sure. It says my statement will say "mrcraftsman" not firstclass4.
Thanks
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Craftsman 1/2' drive, 12 point standard sockets, in their original metal tray. The sizes range from 7/16" up to 1 1/4", including a 19/32" size, but excluding 1 3/16" size.
Jim C.
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Thank you Papaws for letting me post here. Send me your address for a free copy.
Hi Jim, and all the rest of you tool nuts like myself.
Like everything else, there is a catch with this $65 including postage price. I ask that in return for the price reduction, that you give an honest review of the product in either two areas of this site and/or another tool website. I'm not going to check up on it. It is on the honor system. By honest review, you can say it is fantastic, or a complete waste of money. I spent around 2,500 hours on it, so I'm hoping everyone loves it as much as I do. So far it has been all positive reviews. :) I'm just hoping to eventually break even on the endeavor. (not including my time) I made it for me and the rest of the tool fanatics.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
Hi David,
The disks arrived in the mail yesterday safe and sound. I spent a couple hours last night and a couple more this evening going through them, and I must say that I'm really impressed with the amount of information you included on two disks. They're easy to navigate and the quality is first rate. It's certainly the single most comprehensive collection of Craftsman tool catalog information that I know of. I really think that anyone who uses and/or collects old Craftsman tools will enjoy them and benefit from owning a copy of these disks. I think you did a GREAT job compiling an enormous amount of information, and getting it into a useable format. Craftsman tool fans should seriously consider having these disks!! Money well spent in my opinion.
Jim C.
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Dave, my copies arrived yesterday but I haven't had time to look into them yet. I know it is going to grab me for a long time, so I'm saving it for Sunday night at work after midnight when I won't be busy.
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Thanks for the kind words Jim. I'm glad you are enjoying them.
Dave
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Craftsman 5 piece double open end wrench set with metal holder/organizer bracket.
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Thanks for the kind words Jim. I'm glad you are enjoying them.
Dave
Hey David,
I really like the Craftsman disks. I've referred to them at least a dozen times since I received them. They're a great resource for Craftsman tool collectors. Nice work!!
Jim C.
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I concur, David! The discs are comprehensive and full of good info. Something a true Craftsman collector should have!
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Did anyone buy dave the toolman's Craftsman DVD? The answer might be in there.
Well I just got my copy yesterday, and I'm very pleased. The first thing I did was to answer a question I had asked on both the old and new boards, "When did Craftsman change the part #'s on their 3/4" dr sockets". The answer is 1983.
The quality of the DVD is excellent and thanks Dave for the little extra you threw in. I'm glad I posted the above question in this thread to get the ball rolling.
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I'm a used tool dealer, I have lots of -v- =v= C-man tools, I find a lot of it. Make list and maybe I can help. reasonable prices.
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I'm a used tool dealer, I have lots of -v- =v= C-man tools, I find a lot of it. Make list and maybe I can help. reasonable prices.
You will need to register here and introduce yourself in order to sell. We have guidelines listed in the Buy, Sell, Trade forum.
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Craftsman double open end wrenches, 1/4" through 1 1/8".
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Interesting read on Craftsman -V- tools & makers in Alloy Artifacts, http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/craftsman-maker-v.html#maker-v
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Interesting read on Craftsman -V- tools & makers in Alloy Artifacts, http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/craftsman-maker-v.html#maker-v
Thanks for the link! I'm a frequent visitor on that site. Lots of good information and photos.
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Thank you Papaws for letting me post here. Send me your address for a free copy.
Hi Jim, and all the rest of you tool nuts like myself.
Like everything else, there is a catch with this $65 including postage price. I ask that in return for the price reduction, that you give an honest review of the product in either two areas of this site and/or another tool website. I'm not going to check up on it. It is on the honor system. By honest review, you can say it is fantastic, or a complete waste of money. I spent around 2,500 hours on it, so I'm hoping everyone loves it as much as I do. So far it has been all positive reviews. :) I'm just hoping to eventually break even on the endeavor. (not including my time) I made it for me and the rest of the tool fanatics.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
Dave the Package arrived just fine.
VERY IMPRESSIVE.
Thanks for all your work as it will live on to benefit many folks.
Thanks again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Tom
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I’ve been keeping an eye out for Craftsman Round Head Fine Tooth (RHFT) ratchets for the last couple years. They’re pretty good ratchets. I used David Maher's Craftsman DVD set to compile a little information about them. From what I can tell, the 3/8” drive and ½” drive models appeared in the Sears product line at some point around 1970. The 1/4” model joined the line up in 1971. It appears that all three ratchets were offered through 2008. The ¼”, 3/8” and ½” models had 70, 82, and 90 teeth respectively from 1970 through 1977. In 1978 the tooth count was essentially cut in half to 35, 41 and 45 respectively.
Looking at a few different 3/8” versions of the RHFT ratchet, I noticed that the earliest =V= stamped model has no part number, much like many other Craftsman tools with the same manufacturer’s mark. The first model number to appear on a 3/8” version was 43788, and the manufacturer’s mark changed from =V= to -V-. At some point around 1980, the model number changed to 43781. Paying attention to those model numbers, or a lack thereof, can give you a rough estimate as to the age of your RHFT ratchet.
Still looking at the 3/8" models below, one thing that I found interesting is the reversal of the stampings on the handle of the earliest version with the =V= mark. Most of the time, the word “CRAFTSMAN” usually appears on the selector side of the handle, while the model number, manufacturer’s mark, and patent information appear on the socket side of the handle. On the ratchet depicted below, those stampings are switched. Of further interest is the fact that the earliest ratchet still retains its advertising decal, announcing the ratchet as being new to the Craftsman tool line.
Jim C.
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Still looking at the 3/8" models below, one thing that I found interesting is the reversal of the stampings on the handle of the earliest version with the =V= mark. Most of the time, the word “CRAFTSMAN” usually appears on the selector side of the handle, while the model number, manufacturer’s mark, and patent information appear on the socket side of the handle. On the ratchet depicted below, those stampings are switched.
That's very interesting. I wonder if it's only your ratchet or if there are many such examples?
I have a similar Patent Pending 3/8" ratchet with the normal orientation...
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Still looking at the 3/8" models below, one thing that I found interesting is the reversal of the stampings on the handle of the earliest version with the =V= mark. Most of the time, the word “CRAFTSMAN” usually appears on the selector side of the handle, while the model number, manufacturer’s mark, and patent information appear on the socket side of the handle. On the ratchet depicted below, those stampings are switched.
That's very interesting. I wonder if it's only your ratchet or if there are many such examples?
I have a similar Patent Pending 3/8" ratchet with the normal orientation...
You know, I suspect it's something that happened very early on in production, and the tool just got placed into the stamping machine upside down. I don't know exactly how those stamps are applied, but that's my guess. There could be more examples out there I suppose. If you look at a the 1/2" RHFT ratchet I posted above, the stamps themselves have the common/correct orientation, but they were double struck causing a "shadowing" effect on both sides. I think both ratchets were the result of a factory worker just not paying attention. As interesting as the mis-stamped handles are, I was even more attracted to the advertisement decal on the handle. I haven't seen too many that still retain those decals. Do you know if any of the later produced Craftsman RHFT ratchets came with manufacturer's marks other than the =V= or -V-? For instance, were they ever produced with the -VV- mark?
Jim C.
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Do you know if any of the later produced Craftsman RHFT ratchets came with manufacturer's marks other than the =V= or -V-? For instance, were they ever produced with the -VV- mark?
I'm afraid I don't know...
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I've never seen one with any other mark than the =V= or -V-, but who knows. Since they were available from Sears as late as 2008, I guess it's possible that later known manufacturer's marks are present on the handles.
Another tidbit that I noticed as I was combing through Mr. Maher's DVDs (they really are a great resource), is that the RHFT ratchets were a catalog order only item near the end of their run in the Sears product line. I should have noted the year that they became catalog only items. It appears that Sears still sells repair kits for all three models for approximately $10 to $14 each.
Jim C.
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Gang,
I have a 1/4 drive 43187 RHFT that I purchased new in 2008. It has a KW series code stamped on it.
The V-series trail went cold about 1986, although it's possible that NOS V-series tools were still being sold as late as 1990 or 1991.
Given that the RHFT ratchets were produced until 2008 (note-- I saw them on Sears.com well into 2010) there had to have been many different series codes stamped on the RHFT ratchets. When Danaher took over the Sears contract in 1990, new series codes were being minted every year, especially on ratchets.
Hope this answers your question...
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Lauver,
It's always a pleasure sir. Thanks for jumping in with some good info.
Jim C.
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Here is one that should be in the =v= group. I have thought that if a person were to create a list of ten or so tools for the purpose of measuring the state of the market by checking the ebay sale prices and totaling them on any given day, this would be a good tool to include. Sort of an index like they do with stock prices. People are paying over $100 in some cases for this one. Not too long ago, the going rate was $50 and lower. Anyway, here's the one I have. I have seen it with many name variations in the ebay listings but I am not sure what they call it in the catalog or in which year it first appeared. 3/8 drive speed ratchet?
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee1_zpsf87b736f.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee1_zpsf87b736f.jpg.html)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee3_zps11957ef9.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee3_zps11957ef9.jpg.html)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee4_zps37fc6298.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee4_zps37fc6298.jpg.html)
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...but I am not sure what they call it in the catalog or in which year it first appeared.
It first appeared in the 1960 or 1961 catalogue (depending on how you wish to date them) - the one with the red cover depicting a micrometer.
They were called Speeder Ratchets.
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Here is one that should be in the =v= group. I have thought that if a person were to create a list of ten or so tools for the purpose of measuring the state of the market by checking the ebay sale prices and totaling them on any given day, this would be a good tool to include. Sort of an index like they do with stock prices. People are paying over $100 in some cases for this one. Not too long ago, the going rate was $50 and lower. Anyway, here's the one I have. I have seen it with many name variations in the ebay listings but I am not sure what they call it in the catalog or in which year it first appeared. 3/8 drive speed ratchet?
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee1_zpsf87b736f.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee1_zpsf87b736f.jpg.html)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee3_zps11957ef9.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee3_zps11957ef9.jpg.html)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee4_zps37fc6298.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee4_zps37fc6298.jpg.html)
kxxr,
Nice ratchet! I've been looking for a nice example of that one for a few years now. As a matter of fact, it's probably at the top of my "Want List." I'm still looking.
Jim C.
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Gang
If memory serves, this speeder ratchet was only available in one drive size and only for a period of 2 or 3 years. Then it disappeared from the catalogs. I think these two observations explain the rarity and recent high prices. I also think that websites like TT, GG, and GJ have contributed substantially to the rising prices (IMHO).
For the record, Herbrand also made a similar speeder ratchet, but I'm not sure when and for how long. The Herbrand model commands fairly serious prices too.
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Gang
If memory serves, this speeder ratchet was only available in one drive size and only for a period of 2 or 3 years. Then it disappeared from the catalogs. I think these two observations explain the rarity and recent high prices. I also think that websites like TT, GG, and GJ have contributed substantially to the rising prices (IMHO).
For the record, Herbrand also made a similar speeder ratchet, but I'm not sure when and for how long. The Herbrand model commands fairly serious prices too.
Agreed.....but I still want one!!!
Jim C.
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Craftsman 1/4" drive socket set with metal case and bullet shaped sockets.
Jim C.
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Jim C.
That is a really nice set. I'm especially fond of the tapered sockets and the box-head ratchet. I believe these were made about 1955 to 1959, perhaps earlier.
This was Craftsman =V= at it's finest IMHO.
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Jim C.
That is a really nice set. I'm especially fond of the tapered sockets and the box-head ratchet. I believe these were made about 1955 to 1959, perhaps earlier.
This was Craftsman =V= at it's finest IMHO.
Thanks lauver. The case is a little rough, but the tools themselves are still in nice condition. I put a thin foam pad on the inside bottom of the case to keep the tools from getting banged around too much. I posted this set on another site a while back when it was missing the 1/4" 8 point socket. One of the readers there had an extra socket and sent it to me, so now it's complete. I also agree with you that the set was produced during a time when Craftsman tools were at their best.
Jim C.
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And while anyone's at it, "what's the deal" with Any of the different marks?
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The marks indicate different manufacturers...
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The marks indicate different manufacturers...
... or different manufacturing facilities at a manufacturer.
Best resource for figuring it out is Lauvers work here: http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867.0
Chilly
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The marks do designate the manufacturer, and if one knows when a certain manufacturer made tools for Craftsman, then the approximate era in which a tool was produced. I'm fond of Craftsman tools from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, hence those with the =V= manufacturer's mark.
Jim C.
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From Lauvers article:
"V = Moore Drop Forge, ca. 1946 - 1967
V (continued) = Easco, ca. 1968 - 1986 perhaps as late as 1991 as NOS"
Is one -V- and the other =V= ?
I've been saving both kind in my box since I first read this thread, and actively building a set. Have I been building 2 sets? If yes, then dang - that's cool!
Larry
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Part of the answer (from Alloy Artifacts, Moore Drop Forging web page:
https://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/moore-drop-forging.html#history
"The Formation of Easco
In 1967 Moore Drop Forging was acquired by the Eastern Stainless Steel Corporation, a maker of stainless and specialty steels, and by 1969 the company had been restructured as the Easco Corporation. Easco continued the Moore contract for production of wrenches and socket tools for Sears, and also offered a line of hand tools under the Easco brand."
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Thanks very much, Chilly!
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Hey, Lauver had the following in GG:
"It's not uncommon to run into mixed series codes in tools sets. I don't think there is any noticable difference between the -V-, =V=, or G series sockets. And, for all practical purposes, they're all made by the same company and all made in U.S. facilities. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it."
I have often found G series mixed in with V series. I throw them in with the other non-v series tools.
Whats your thoughts on the G series?
Chilly
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Bought this last week. I found some v's on higher definition. I was watching this auction for 12 weeks. It's shipping down from Michigan.
Note some of the drive tools (I added the sloppy arrows)
(http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac6/chillylulu/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/d016c90c-0ef5-498a-b2e9-3df66aae4955_zpsb013e887.jpg) (http://s880.photobucket.com/user/chillylulu/media/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/d016c90c-0ef5-498a-b2e9-3df66aae4955_zpsb013e887.jpg.html)
(http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac6/chillylulu/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/a068ee72-c571-4364-b7c6-e7ad9b7bffa2_zps3d063af9.jpg) (http://s880.photobucket.com/user/chillylulu/media/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/a068ee72-c571-4364-b7c6-e7ad9b7bffa2_zps3d063af9.jpg.html)
(http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac6/chillylulu/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/64AE30622D28FD2D4F542D8A4D2D559B6479E885IMG5F5048_zpspnkgtwlk.jpg) (http://s880.photobucket.com/user/chillylulu/media/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/64AE30622D28FD2D4F542D8A4D2D559B6479E885IMG5F5048_zpspnkgtwlk.jpg.html)
(http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/ac6/chillylulu/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/A7E538F02D0B892D4E222DA5492D13F6E527E823IMG5F5052%201_zpspvug78dd.jpg) (http://s880.photobucket.com/user/chillylulu/media/Tools%20Sized/july%20tools/A7E538F02D0B892D4E222DA5492D13F6E527E823IMG5F5052%201_zpspvug78dd.jpg.html)
Its gonna be Christmas in July in Colorado next week.
Chilly
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Very Lucky Chilly!!! Beautiful tools..
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GREAT score Chilly!!!!! I'm envious of the 3/8" speeder ratchet. That one is definitely on my "must have" list.
Jim C.
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A pair of Craftsman 1/4" drive ratchets with the "V" type selector. V selector ratchets are some of my favorites.
Jim C.
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Hey Chilly,
How about posting a couple more pictures of that Craftsman 3/8" speeder ratchet?
Jim C.
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I will when it gets in.
I have been looking for one for quite awhile. They are hard to find at the right price.
I hope it is "V" series.....
Chilly
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If memory serves, they were made for such a very short period of time that they should all have the =v= mark.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee4_zps37fc6298.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee4_zps37fc6298.jpg.html)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee3_zps11957ef9.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee3_zps11957ef9.jpg.html)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/tee1_zpsf87b736f.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/kxxr/media/tools/tee1_zpsf87b736f.jpg.html)
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> they should all have the =v= mark.
I would expect so, the reverse lever itself is patented...
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I think you guys are right. I've never seen one that had anything other than a =V= manufacturer's mark. I really wanna get one of those.
Jim C.
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That is an awesome looking speeder!!! Why didn't they continue making them? I would think it was popular...
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I am not a Craftsman collector, but found this thread interesting and looked though my few open ended, box end and combination wrenches. I only found 30 marked Craftsman, but noticed 7 different markings. I am not attached to any of them and would make them available to someone who could use them.
These markings are =Craftsman=(both sides) no V; =Craftsman=(front), =Forged in USA=V=(back); =Craftsman=(front), Forged in USA-V^-5numbers; -Craftsman-(front), -Forged in USA-V-(back); Craftsman-V-(front), Unmarked (back); Craftsman (front), Made in USA-V-5numbers(back); and Craftsman 5numbers(front), Unmarked(back).
These may all be very common, but let me know if you need one.
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I am not a Craftsman collector, but found this thread interesting....
I didn't collect craftsman "V" before I read this thread either. Thanks, Jim.
Chilly
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Hey Chilly,
I didn't really start collecting Craftsman =V= tools until just a few years back. What triggered it mostly for me was tinkering with old cars and woodworking machinery. I specifically needed a 25/32" open end wrench to turn a fastener on a 1952 Delta wood shaper. I didn't have a 25/32" wrench, so I used a 20mm, which was very close and got the job done without rounding off the corners of the fastener. I remember thinking to myself that it didn't seem right to use metric tools on old USA made machinery, and it might be fun to use similar vintage tools to work on my old machines. Growing up, I remember using a lot of my uncle's old Craftsman tools, and decided I wanted a set of my own. Next thing you know, I picked up a few =V= wrenches, a ratchet, some sockets, etc. Now I'm a committed Craftsman =V= tools user and collector. It's really just another reason to buy tools. I'm glad to hear that this thread also motivated you to start collecting =V= tools.
Jim C.
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Craftsman 1/4" drive hex bit sockets:
The sockets depicted include sizes 7/32", 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8". I think the set also included a 3/16" size. (if anyone has an extra one to sell, I'm interested.) What I like about these old bit sockets is that the bits themselves were held in place with a small hex socket set screw. If the bit was damaged, it could easily be removed and replaced without having to replace the drive socket.
Jim C.
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On the down side with the set screw Allen Head sockets they come loose and the hex drive bit falls out in the middle of a project. I forget who made them but somebody made a set that was held in place with a spring ring.
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On the down side with the set screw Allen Head sockets they come loose and the hex drive bit falls out in the middle of a project. I forget who made them but somebody made a set that was held in place with a spring ring.
Hey Les! Good to see you over here on the Craftsman =V= thread. I read your post and started laughing at the thought of the bit falling out in the middle of a project. Can you imagine? That's usually the kind of luck I would have. So far that hasn't happened to me, but now I'll really make sure they're snug before I use them.
Jim C.
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$65 including postage price.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
Is this offer still in effect ?
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$65 including postage price.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
Is this offer still in effect ?
Try sending him a PM.
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On the down side with the set screw Allen Head sockets they come loose and the hex drive bit falls out in the middle of a project.
Unfortunately, this is so true.
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$65 including postage price.
David Maher
1300 Saratoga Avenue #1104
Ventura, CA 93003
Cash, check, money order, paypal. Paypal Firstclass4 They are shipped USPS priority 2 day. Outside the US, I pay $6 of the postage and you pay the rest.
Is this offer still in effect ?
Try sending him a PM.
It's a great resource and well worth the money and effort.
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On the down side with the set screw Allen Head sockets they come loose and the hex drive bit falls out in the middle of a project.
Unfortunately, this is so true.
I still think they're pretty neat and will probably keep picking them up when I can. I have a few with clutch head bits in them.
Jim C.
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That Craftsman speeder is an interesting piece, but its short manufacturing life was probably brought about by the introduction of an affordable air ratchet. When I bring out a speed wrench at work, the techs younger than 35, (most of them) look at me crosseyed. More of them are using battery powered tools than air anymore. Can't really figure that, as you have to buy the batteries, whereas I just use the shop supplied air hose. They aren't working so fast they can't drag an air hose around.
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Craftsman 1/2" drive "L" wrench/breaker bar:
This example looks to be NOS. Also notice the inked numbers stamped onto the shank that appear to read "109". Could it be the price of the tool? The only Craftsman catalog I can find that lists the price of this tool at $1.09 is the 1964 version. Who knows for sure?
Jim C.
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Craftsman SAE nut drivers:
This is a complete set (3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2") of Craftsman SAE nut drivers. The manufacturer's mark is a V within a circle. I'm guessing they were produced during the 1950s - 1960s. What's interesting about them is that their shafts are hollow all the way up to the handles. Later versions of Craftsman branded nut drivers are made with shafts that are hollow only about one third of the way up.
Jim C.
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Hi Jim. I wanted to comment that I've enjoyed this thread. You have a wonderful collection of V series tools, and a collection to be proud of. I've learned along the way. Thanks for taking the time to share.
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Hi Mr. Rascal,
Thanks for watching the thread. I'm slowly but surely building my =V= collection. It started out as a working collection, and for the most part, it still is. There's a few tools that I probably won't ever use (like a dog bone wrench because it's not very useful) but when I'm re-assembling an old car and definitely when I'm working on an old woodworking machine, I try to use tools out of my =V= collection. Sometimes it's just not possible, but as I'm able to add a little more to the collection, using the right vintage tool for the job is getting easier to do. What I like about collecting =V= tools is the fact that they're relatively abundant, and generally affordable. I hope you'll keep checking back. I'm always on the hunt, so as I add to my collection, you'll see it here. Also, if you have any old =V= tools, I'd really like to see them so please post a few pictures.
Jim C.
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Craftsman 3/8" drive shallow 12 point sockets:
Sizes include 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4"
Jim C.
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Love the set of nut drivers.
I have a couple extensions, swivel adapters, an a few Offset box wrenches with v markings. If you are intrested just send me a pm an I will grab some pictures.
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Love the set of nut drivers.
I have a couple extensions, swivel adapters, an a few Offset box wrenches with v markings. If you are intrested just send me a pm an I will grab some pictures.
Yes it's a nice set of nut drivers. Thanks. I was lucky to find them. Right now I'm really looking for a complete set of =V= combo wrenches.
Jim C.
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Crazy---------Just this weekend I picked up a Craftsman speed wrench 1/2" drive just like this one for $3.00. Looks just as good.
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Great price!!! How about posting a few pictures?
Jim C.
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Love the set of nut drivers.
I have a couple extensions, swivel adapters, an a few Offset box wrenches with v markings. If you are intrested just send me a pm an I will grab some pictures.
Yes it's a nice set of nut drivers. Thanks. I was lucky to find them. Right now I'm really looking for a complete set of =V= combo wrenches.
Jim C.
Jim,
I could help you out with those combos, or at least some of them - depending on how big you want to go.
I have been trying to focus on the tools in the 1960 catalog. My target year is 1962, but I don't know how often Sears made hand tool catalogs back then. I have the Rose Tool scanned 1960 and 1964 catalogs.
Last week I received an16 pc 1/2" socket set, with tool box, exactly as shown in the catalog, except missing the crossbar for the 15" flex. Interestingly, in the 1960 catalog the same set was described as "17-pc. Set for Mechanics, Farm, Home". The only difference is that in 1957 they counted the a "15 inch "T" handle with crossbar" while in 1962 it became "15 inch flex handle; crossbar" (2 pieces.) So, exact same set with only the logo on the toolbox changing, but in 1960 advertised as 17 pc and in 1957 as 16 pc. I don't think of the crossbar as a tool, but as part of the15" flex tool. But I am not a marketing person....
Cost
1957 $20.95 & the 15 pc midget set was $8.95
1960 $22.50
2015, used, $47.00 for both sets.
($1.52 per piece, above my favorite price by 52% .)
Same shipment included a complete 15 piece 1/4" midget set. It was pre 1960 because of the logo change and the box insert was metal.
1957 logo was an like an oval with a rectangle superimposed, and 1960 was the crown logo.
So, even though the 1957 era stuff is earlier than my target, and I have all the same tools in the 1960's version (except the 1/2"set toolbox), I think I'll keep it.
My father-in-law's mother bought him his first craftsman set when he turned 16, in1957 (I think.) I am using that set's lettering and others to try to determine when each of the 3 variations of "v" stamping began / ended. Catalogs help. A bit. But they are often rendered. The 3/8" speeder ratchet I have is my best indication of the stamping that fits the era I am focusing on.
Any other ideas on when those stampings started and / or changed?
Chilly
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Hi Chilly,
I also use the 1960 Craftsman catalog as my go to resource and guide to collecting old Craftsman hand tools. I mostly go after those with the =V= manufacturer's mark on them and also some with the -V- and a part number. I really don't know when the logos changed on the Craftsman stuff, but a guy over at the GJ who goes by "jakemac" might know.
Jim C.
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Craftsman Clutch Head (Type G) Screw Drivers:
This set of four Type G clutch head screw drivers was offered by Craftsman during the late 1950s into the 1960s. There were different clutch head screw configurations to include Type A, Type G and possibly others. I don't believe clutch head screws are very popular now. Notice the small driver still includes its original price tag of $1.29. The size of each driver is stamped onto its respective shank. The sizes are 5/16", 1/4", 3/16" and 5/32".
Jim C.
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Jim C, I just checked my tool collection.
I have a US Craftsman with the marking VVR 44363. I can't decode the VVR. Do you know the manufacturer and approximate date of manufacture?
Thanks
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Hey giants,
I’m going to guess somewhere around 2002 to 2005, give or take.
Jim C.
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Hey Jim,
What do you think about these wrenches. It’s my belief that they were made by MDF right after the transition from long C wrenches but they hadn’t started using =V= yet as a manufacturer’s mark. They all have the pointed A. The pictures of the individual combo wrench are easier to ID with the cast in V.
-Don
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Hi Don,
I’m in agreement with you, particularly after seeing that forged “V” on the shank. I’d say very early =V= era from MDF. THANKS FOR THE PICTURES!
Jim C.
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While looking through my -v- tools, I discovered two more MDF looking unmarked wrenches. I’m a little surprised that they don’t look older. The last shot is all of the unmarked wrenches.
-Don
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A while back I posted separate threads regarding Craftsman =V= era Whitworth and metric tools as shown and described in the Sears/Craftsman 1960 hand tool catalog. Well, there was a very basic SAE set listed as well. My goal was to complete the Whitworth and metric sets, but when I came across another correct tool box that was in respectable condition, I figured, "What the heck. I may as well go for the SAE set too." Like the Whitworth and metric sets, this set includes the same 1/2" drive tools, however, there are no DOE or DBE wrenches. The hard pieces to collect were toolbox, the breaker bar T handle and the Type 1 ratchet. The sockets, the speed wrench, the extensions and the breaker bar are fairly common items.
Jim C.
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Your set looks period perfect. I found an earlier set that seemed to have many of its original pieces and have added additional pieces to it like an owner may have done at the time. I didn’t check any catalogs until today. The wrench set came with the box.
-Don
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Here is a Crown box I’ve been adding =v= tools to. Once again, I hadn’t checked the catalog until today.
-Don
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Here is another Crown box, possibly closer to yours in age that I’ve been throwing more =v= tools in. These things are starting to build up in my garage!
-Don
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Wow, wow, wow Don!!! Great looking sets! You’ve got some really nice =V= tools there! That’s a super collection. The boxes are tough to come by. Thanks for the pictures!
Jim C.
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Don,
I'm still using the 1960 Sears/Craftsman hand tool catalog as my guide, but found a specific instance when the actual picture of the tools included in a particular set doesn't necessarily match the written description. I've been trying to complete this basic 3/8" drive set as shown in the 1960 catalog. While the picture shows seven sockets beginning with 7/16" and running through 3/4", notice that one of the sockets is sized at 19/32". I'm almost positive Sears/ Craftsman never offered a 19/32" socket in the 3/8" drive series. The written description of the set (circled in red) lists the sockets sizes as 3/8" through 3/4", which is what is depicted in the photo of the tools I've collected so far. Also look at the speed wrench. While 1/2" drive versions from that era have a top knob and handle, I'm pretty sure the 3/8" drive speed wrenches only had a top knob. Once again, I think the picture in the catalog is wrong. I'm still keeping an eye out for a 3/8" drive with a knob and a handle, but I'm about to buy one with just the top knob, which is what I believe to be correct for the era.
The other thing I noticed is that the tool box looks like the the same box included with the 1/2" drive sets, however it only has one latch unlike the 1/2" drive box that has two latches. When one reads the written description, the dimensions of the box included with the 3/8" drive set are clearly a little smaller than those of the 1/2" drive box. I have yet to run across that slightly smaller box! I wouldn't have even considered it unless the dimensions were so precisely spelled out in the written description. Have you seen one of these smaller boxes? As for the rest of the tools, once again, the Type 1 ratchet (particularly in the 3/8" drive size) might be tough to find. And as always, the T handle that goes with the breaker bar can be tricky too. Generally speaking however, it looks like the tool box could be the hardest piece of the set to find.
Jim C.
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I think that I have most of the =v= 3/8” drive tools pictured in the set on the right and I sold a similar but probably newer set like the one on the left on eBay. It even included the rare crossbar. I have one more really ugly Crown box that may only have one latch but I never measured it.
-Don
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Jim,
Here is a newer 3/8” drive speeder and my single clasp Crown box. I think that it’s the same size as my others and not the smaller 3/8” drive box that you discovered.
-Don
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Thanks for the photos Don. As far as I can tell, the 1/2” drive box is about 19.5 inches long, while the 3/8” drive box is 17.5 inches long. The height and width of both boxes is about the same. Maybe it’s a misprint in the written catalog description and the box you have is actually correct. Who knows? I guess I’m going to keep looking for a 17.5 inch long box with one clasp.
Jim C.
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Jim,
Looking at a couple of pictures of the interior of the box, the socket slot looks like it is more appropriate for 1/2” drive sockets rather than 3/8” drive.
-Don
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Yeah, I agree Don. I think that’s a 1/2” box. I’m pretty sure even the 1/2” boxes started using one clasp as time passed. The handles also changed from metal to black plastic.
Jim C.
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I've never been sure quite what happened with clutch head screws. I guess they were another attempt at the same firm attachment to the screw that Robertson, square, and Torx screws offer, but they didn't attract enough customers.
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Hey Bill,
I can't tell you what ever happened to clutch head screws. There were a few, or least a couple, different "types" as far as I know. For some reason, I have it in my mind that clutch head screws were frequently used to assemble tow-behind campers and mobile homes back in the 1950s and 1960s. They may also have been used on similar vintage car interiors, like dashboards, upholstery, etc. I posted the "G" type screwdrivers offered by Sears/Craftsman back on page 9, reply 134. I included them below as well as the three type "A" clutch head screwdrivers also offered by Sears/Craftsman during the same time period. The catalog page is from the 1960 Craftsman Hand Tool Catalog. (Notice both of the smallest screwdrivers from each type still retain their original price tags, which read $1.29..... same as the catalog.) Sears/Craftsman also offered three Type "A" 1/4" drive socket bits. Funny, but I don't think Sears ever offered type "G" socket bits. Again, the catalog reference is from the 1960 Craftsman Hand Tool Catalog.
Jim C.
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I do recall seeing clutch head screws in old campers/tornado-coffins back when... reminded me of this one.
Sorry it's not Craftsman/Sears. Apparently Upson made these for Proto and i'm guessing a few other companies.
Interesting write-up over at https://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2016/01/clutch-head-screwdrivers.html
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Hey Peter,
GREAT follow up!! Thanks for adding some good content to the thread. I learned a few things that I didn’t know, and confirmed some things I thought I knew. No problem that it’s not all Sears/Craftsman. The history is certainly interesting. Once the conversation gets going, there’s bound to be other tools and manufacturers introduced into the mix. Your post is right on point! I’m a Craftsman fan, so I’ll keep posting them here. If that starts a conversation, it’s fine with me.
Jim C.
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I have quite a few clutch head screwdrivers. My 1963 Corvair camper van used quite a few of them holding various body parts together. Here are a couple Xcelite and a Proto along with a couple old pictures of the van.
-Don
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Thanks Don. Great photos!! What ever happened to that camper?
Jim C.
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It’s sitting out in front acting as my wife’s personal storage container. Here it is a couple of days ago next to her Camry. It does a little work around the cabin since we don’t use it for camping anymore.
-Don
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That’s pretty cool Don! It’s nice to hear that you still have it and it’s still running......and it’s held together with clutch head screws. :grin:
Jim C.
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Thanks, Jim. I just had to buy some tires for it recently. It’s not easy to find 14” whitewalls.
I found a fairly large lot of Craftsman at a garage sale yesterday and most of the tools were early =v=. I’m not sure what toolbox provided the tray but I’ve started adding a few =v= tools to complete the various sets. The really amazing thing to me was that the usually missing crossbars were in place. Since I have a thing for 1/4” drive sets, I’ll probably end up keeping the Heritage logo set.
The Crown carry box came from another sale. It’s pretty straight and the interior is nice. A previous owner protected the bottom of the box with cardboard.
-Don
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Wow Don!!! That’s a great score!!! I hope the price was right. Looks like you got some nice stuff.
Jim C.
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Yeah, i know...but this got run off the road long ago.... new to me driver.
It's a 5/32 clutch driver (other style) and the very worn handle says "Apex Dayton Ohio".
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Wow Don!!! That’s a great score!!! I hope the price was right. Looks like you got some nice stuff.
Jim C.
Jim,
I found a set yesterday that has to be considered unusual. It’s a Heritage marked 1/2” drive =v= set that is 100% cad plated. I’ve found a few cad =v= sockets before but never a complete set. It eve has an extra 3/4” 12 point and 11/16” 8 point socket.
-Don
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Yeah, i know...but this got run off the road long ago.... new to me driver.
It's a 5/32 clutch driver (other style) and the very worn handle says "Apex Dayton Ohio".
That looks familiar. Yours is the only other one I’ve ever seen.
-Don
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Indestro Super 4643 Chrome Alloy Steel Cutch Head Screwdriver.
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I hit a couple of estate sales yesterday and found these =v= tools. I don’t often see the =v= marked ell handles.
-Don
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Hello, d42jeep. Nice find on the tools!!! Regards, Lou
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Thanks, Lou.
-Don
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Here’s a pretty clean set of early RHFT ratchets from the end of the =v= era. The 1/2” and 3/8” still have the “New Ratchet” advertisement decal on their handles. Also notice the stamps on the 3/8” handle are reversed. So much for quality control.
Jim C.
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Came home Thursday with a 1/2" =V= Breaker Bar Ratcheting Adapter from 1954-69.
I guess it would work on a sliding T, an ell, or a speed wrench as well.
If you have the patience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7OL1gwuAEs
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Also worked good on the older fixed head torque wrenches. I have an older Snap-On I use on one of the sliding t-bar's. They're kind of handy.
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I haven't had one of those apart in a long time. Is it possible that the handle can be reversed?
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Hi Al
The answer to your question is No. The Round Head Fine Tooth or the Teardrop ratchet cannot be assembled backwards. These had to be miss forged or miss machined. I don't know if the forgings can be machined from either side. I'm thinking not. I'm pretty sure the finished forging is pretty close the the final machined product. So the mistake was probably in the original forging.
As long as we're on the subject, here are some pictures of my miss forged Craftsman ratchets. My favorite is the 1/2 inch teardrop with the wrong part number. It should be 44975 but this one is stamped 44976 which is the part number for the 15 inch long "breaker bar" ratchet.
Todd F.
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That is a very unique find Todd! I’ve seen a few with the stamps on the wrong sides of the handle, but not one with the wrong model number.
Jim C.
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In the last few years I’ve posted some 1/2” drive Sears/Craftsman tool sets as they appeared in the 1960 tool catalog. While I was collecting those 1/2” drive sets, I also put together a basic 3/8” drive set. Like the 1/2” drive sets, some of the tools were harder to find than others. The Type 1 teardrop ratchet took a little time to find as did the T handle that goes with the breaker bar. What I found with the 1/2” sets was that finding a correct tool box was usually tough but not impossible. Actually finding one in good shape was the trick.
When I was looking for the 3/8” set, the catalog described the accompanying tool box as being about two inches shorter than the 1/2” drive box, those measurements being 17.5” and 19.5” respectively. After looking for that shorter box for at least three or four years, and never seeing one, I was beginning to think that it was a typo in the catalog. Well, it’s not a typo, the shorter box exists. While it’s not in great condition, it’s the best and only example I’ve seen so far. When it comes to collecting the 1960 Sears/Craftsman 3/8” drive set, the box is definitely the most challenging item to find. If anyone has a better example of this box, I’m an interested buyer!
Jim C.
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Hey Jim,
I checked all of my Crown carry boxes and they are all the longer ones.
I picked up this set at a tool sale on Saturday. The exterior of the box was quite rusted and a couple of the sockets were from the Far East. I replaced those sockets with correct =v= ones and repainted the box. There is still some pitting but it looks okay.
-Don
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Hi Don! I hope all is well with you and your family. Looks like you did pretty good with that little Cman set. Way to go! Those shorter Cman carry boxes must be tough to find. I had almost given up and got to thinking that the catalog description was wrong. I guess not. For now, I’m glad to have the one I have, but I’m looking for one in better condition.
Jim C.
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A few months ago I picked up a Craftsman wall mounted tool cabinet. I had been looking for one and finally decided to pull the trigger. I didn’t get a smoking hot deal, but got it for a fair price. I think the cabinet first appeared in the Sears catalog somewhere right around 1954. In an effort to collect all the vintage correct tools that would have been included with the cabinet, I relied on the 1954 Craftsman Tool Catalog description. I had a lot of the tools prior to buying the cabinet, but I also got some help from a few other “tool guys” and of course scrolling through page after page of eBay listings. Here’s the cabinet and complete set of tools.
Jim C.
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Nice! I wouldn’t mind finding one of those.
-Don
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Don,
I’m surprised that you haven’t been there and done that. For the record, Don was one of the “tool guys” who provided substantial assistance in helping me complete the set.
Jim C.
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A few months ago I picked up a Craftsman wall mounted tool cabinet. I had been looking for one and finally decided to pull the trigger. I didn’t get a smoking hot deal, but got it for a fair price. I think the cabinet first appeared in the Sears catalog somewhere right around 1954. In an effort to collect all the vintage correct tools that would have been included with the cabinet, I relied on the 1954 Craftsman Tool Catalog description. I had a lot of the tools prior to buying the cabinet, but I also got some help from a few other “tool guys” and of course scrolling through page after page of eBay listings. Here’s the cabinet and complete set of tools.
Jim C.
That is very nice! I could have helped you with the tappet wrenches.
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Nice!
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Craftsman 3/8" drive flex head ratchet. Well used but not abused.
C. 1959--1966