Craftsman wrenches made in Japan

[TheBigTool]

I have 2 sets of Craftsman wrenches made in Japan from, I'm guessing the late 70's or early 80's. I read somewhere that Craftsman dabbled with some outsourcing around that time frame. These sets are new old stock. I'm just wondering if these have any collector value. The part numbers are 94971 for the SAE set and 94972 for the metric set. One side is stamped 'CHROME MOLYBDENUM BF JAPAN.' Any input would be appreciated. I'm trying to decide if I want to keep or sell them.

[OilyRascal]

value of scrap iron for me, but I'd prefer to give them away (if they were mine) to some young person in need.

[bonneyman]

I had a set of DBE's in SAE marked Sears brand, made in Japan. I bought them in 1980. They were nice wrenches.
I was under the impression that Japanese steel for tools was a bit lacking in the 70's, but they got better as time went on.

[TheBigTool]

These are actual Craftsman brand wrenches with the lifetime guarantee. They look and feel like the US made wrenches but the lettering looks different. I've read that they may have collector value and that they are worthless. I'm just curious to know.

[lbgradwell]

They were actually quality wrenches; I am fairly sure they were made by KTC - a highly-regarded manufacturer.

I just sold a pristine 11-piece set of metrics locally for $30.

I don't think you'll find them to be highly sought after.

[lauver]

They were actually quality wrenches; I am fairly sure they were made by KTC - a highly-regarded manufacturer.

I just sold a pristine 11-piece set of metrics locally for $30.

I don't think you'll find them to be highly sought after.

Gang,

These Crafty tools have the BF-Japan manufacturers code stamped on them.  The BF code also appears on some Sears branded tools and some Fuller branded tools.  The date range for the BF code is roughly 1969-1987.  These tools were every bit as good as the MDF/Easco/Danaher USA made tools that we are so used to. 

[TheBigTool]

Thanks to all for the input. I've been using Craftsman (not exclusively) tools since the 70's and have never seen any made in Japan. I listed these 2 sets on CL for $35 each. Regards.

[dimwittedmoose51]

One of oour  mechs at work has a Crafty Japan set of ratchets and sockets and he likes them etter than the US counterparts from the same era.  Thinner handles on the rats for one.....ymmv

DDM&FS

[Exceller8]

Funny... I was at the swap meet today and I came across a Craftsman wrench marked "Japan" and I wondered if I should buy it. I decided to pass.

[EVILDR235]

I have two of the Japan marked C-man combo wrenches.Both are 15MM.One I have used for appox 10 years or more and the other is like new and unused. I remember going into Sears about 15 years and seeing  C-man 3/4 inch drive sockets marked MADE IN TAIWAN.

EvilDr235