The Sidchrome thread
- Thread starter jabberwoki
- Start date
Not one of mine, just easier then pulling out and photographing
this and the 2 you have are 1965-71
I have an English car set-biggest spanner in that is a 7/16W, probably more of a Handy set and buy a larger size set for the garage ?Here’s a “set” I have. Why would you use a power bar that is shorter than the ratchet?
This set omits the next two sizes of 11/16 and 3/4W which are often the most needed sizes on English cars.
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Usually 1/2 drive sockets were made in SAE sizes up to 1 & 1 /4” and metric to 32mm.
WW sets stopped at 3/4 which is bigger by 1/16”
Common uses on British cars were....
Crankshaft pulley nut.
Steering wheel nut, and steering box drop arm nut.
Gearbox rear flange nut.
Differential pinion flange nut.
Axle hub nuts.
Etc
Granted most were beyond the norm for home maintenance.
Agree that that using 3/4” drive WW sizes is a better option for wrenching any sizes at the upper limits of 1/2” drive tooling.
WW sets stopped at 3/4 which is bigger by 1/16”
Common uses on British cars were....
Crankshaft pulley nut.
Steering wheel nut, and steering box drop arm nut.
Gearbox rear flange nut.
Differential pinion flange nut.
Axle hub nuts.
Etc
Granted most were beyond the norm for home maintenance.
Agree that that using 3/4” drive WW sizes is a better option for wrenching any sizes at the upper limits of 1/2” drive tooling.
Jack Ryan
Well-known member
- It fits in the box
- Works with any convenient pipe extension and
- Makes a useful spinner
Jack
Yes, got lost for a moment, a couple of rare sets have the 3/4W, Saw a 7/8 but missed the change to BS-confuses the hell out of me, as I don't do anything with the Whitworth anymore.
I probably should do better as I have quite a few Whitworth sets, need to readjust from A/F every time I stuff around with them
Had to check after saying I have a few, fairly uncommon the Whitworth only sets, have more A/F-Whit combination sets, did find another English car set I'd forgotten about, don't think I've been near them for a year or so.
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Went down the rabbit hole again after yesterdays Posts, out of curiosity more than anything, but I'm going to post some early sets and what I worked out about them so I don't have to do it again, just come here instead.
Nothing I'm posting is gospel as I wasn't around in the 40's/50's, so if anyone can clear things up feel free, and I'm sure I will have some errors/deeper thinking and will correct them later.
So my oldest Whitworth set is actually a A/F set with Whitworth Fences- may actually have 2 older Whitworth.
Sidchrome Forged sockets with scalloped edges, Cadmium plating. the Breaker bar is also the only one I have with Sidchrome Forged on it.
The very first of the Sidchrome sets, came out in Whit and A/F, late 1940's- 52. This is a A/F
The reason I call them Whit fences is the Whit sockets don't fit in the A/F fences.
The right set has the A/F fence, both are A/F sets
Nothing I'm posting is gospel as I wasn't around in the 40's/50's, so if anyone can clear things up feel free, and I'm sure I will have some errors/deeper thinking and will correct them later.
So my oldest Whitworth set is actually a A/F set with Whitworth Fences- may actually have 2 older Whitworth.
Sidchrome Forged sockets with scalloped edges, Cadmium plating. the Breaker bar is also the only one I have with Sidchrome Forged on it.
The very first of the Sidchrome sets, came out in Whit and A/F, late 1940's- 52. This is a A/F
The reason I call them Whit fences is the Whit sockets don't fit in the A/F fences.
The right set has the A/F fence, both are A/F sets
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And what I thought was 2 different steel gauges in the early sets is 3, I'm thinking the heavy gauge tins are earlier.
Just a really solid tin, 570gm, 520gm, 320gm ( tin only) rounded corners. all the later sets are in the lighter gauge apart from some 3/4 and assuming 1" drive sets.
Sockets are Sidchrome Forging, no scallops, One Cadmium plated, one chrome Plated set.
Dropped the Forging around 1952, later ones only have Sidchrome on them.
Heavier gauge, Whit sets
A/F set
cadmium plated, no scallops, Sidchrome forging. sockets
These 3 sets were tin only when delivered, so can't really say without the tools what age they are, I would guess they should have the scalloped Sidchrome Forging sockets, Not anywhere near as common as the lighter gauge sets, which lead me to think they are earlier as well, but could just be a different tin maker/run out of lighter gauge for a while, Military issue ?
Just a really solid tin, 570gm, 520gm, 320gm ( tin only) rounded corners. all the later sets are in the lighter gauge apart from some 3/4 and assuming 1" drive sets.
Sockets are Sidchrome Forging, no scallops, One Cadmium plated, one chrome Plated set.
Dropped the Forging around 1952, later ones only have Sidchrome on them.
Heavier gauge, Whit sets
A/F set
cadmium plated, no scallops, Sidchrome forging. socketsThese 3 sets were tin only when delivered, so can't really say without the tools what age they are, I would guess they should have the scalloped Sidchrome Forging sockets, Not anywhere near as common as the lighter gauge sets, which lead me to think they are earlier as well, but could just be a different tin maker/run out of lighter gauge for a while, Military issue ?
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OP
jabberwoki
Well-known member
Simple and rock solid.
Very nice.
Very nice.
Hi, has anyone got any 1/4" sets that they know are completely original ? ( yellow inserts, i probably have all the 1998-2005 ish sets completely original-not quite sure which year is which thou, more the 70's to 90's sets I'm looking for.)
I only have a few I know are complete, original early sets, just trying to work out each era for the ratchets (approx 15 differences)
Sockets and bars I have a rough idea, but any info is good I'm a little lost on the early sockets, have heaps of variety there.
I'm going to sort them out and post them here I may be able to work some things out, just triggered by a ratchet that arrived today, paid overs for it but only one I've seen- late70's/early 80's maybe.
I only have a few I know are complete, original early sets, just trying to work out each era for the ratchets (approx 15 differences)
Sockets and bars I have a rough idea, but any info is good I'm a little lost on the early sockets, have heaps of variety there.
I'm going to sort them out and post them here I may be able to work some things out, just triggered by a ratchet that arrived today, paid overs for it but only one I've seen- late70's/early 80's maybe.
Just an idea you may be interested in.a mint 3/8 set, my go to set with some metric sockets, love the old solid ratchet
and finally a whitworth set
Easy to cut with a scalpel, can layer it, and fit to suit.
Did one under a tool tray with surplus tools not in the tray for my use-3/8 and some 1/2 and one for a small wall cabinet that is missing the insert. Line all my tool drawers with it as well, a couple of different colours
john.k
Well-known member
Early to mid 70s ,more and more Sidchrome stuff was made offshore by ANI subsidiary Phillipine Forge ......About 35 years ago ,I bought a big lot of assorted tools ,and there were lots of similar sockets ,some unmarked,some marked Sidchrome ,and some marked store brands ........quite obvious the plain sockets were imported and roll stamped here in Oz to claim the Made in Oz sticker ......It didnt take much.....,same timeframe ,Palfinger truck cranes were repainted in NZ to claim the sticker .
Thankyou, that helps with the sockets, a lot of variety in the early ones, makes sense
I'm going to try and date the 1/4" sets and ratchets as much as I can I have a few catalogues and sets which helps.
The ratchets are particular to each different insert, so while they may look similar they will only fit in the right set.
**** Lynchs Sidchrome bible, while excellent, doesn't cover the 1/4" ratchets in a lot of depth-for example lists the ratchets under one part number and is correct but more variety than that. I have 12 different Ratchets, one very uncommon one.
There are gaps in my catalogues/ sets so any additional help is welcome.
I have a couple of uncommon sets, some original-which helps, but a few here I've made up as best I could
The ratchets are particular to each different insert, so while they may look similar they will only fit in the right set.
**** Lynchs Sidchrome bible, while excellent, doesn't cover the 1/4" ratchets in a lot of depth-for example lists the ratchets under one part number and is correct but more variety than that. I have 12 different Ratchets, one very uncommon one.
There are gaps in my catalogues/ sets so any additional help is welcome.
I have a couple of uncommon sets, some original-which helps, but a few here I've made up as best I could
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john.k
Well-known member
i have a 1973 Repco catalog ,from which I replaced my stolen stuff,I might add ..........everything had doubled in price from 1970 to 1973, by some of the scratched out printed prices ,was still on an inflationary path...........anyhoo,seems in 1973 there was still lots of sidchrome sets with sheet steel holders in the boxes ,and also lots with the familiar yellow plastic inserts......plenty of 1/4 stuff in 1973..
1974/5 - 1989
The reason I've included this ratchet is it came with the 403-6 set, I've seen a couple of other sets with it also, the closeups look like this bigger ratchet, of the three images the far right one appears bigger/this type - the others are smaller and don't completely fill the box. No Sidchrome branding, seems a tad cheaper built, was thinking it is a Taiwanese/knockoff thing, but no idea-hoping someone knows for sure.
Length 125mm
The reason I've included this ratchet is it came with the 403-6 set, I've seen a couple of other sets with it also, the closeups look like this bigger ratchet, of the three images the far right one appears bigger/this type - the others are smaller and don't completely fill the box. No Sidchrome branding, seems a tad cheaper built, was thinking it is a Taiwanese/knockoff thing, but no idea-hoping someone knows for sure.
Length 125mm
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1974/5 - 1979/80
Apart from inside decal, mint original set
Plain Sidchrome Branding - no double lines, The 3-pronged switch type are 1979 - 81 ? - Length 125mm
Have only seen 2 ratchets with the Chrom-Vanidium, and only one i've seen of the below with the indented V switch.
Apart from inside decal, mint original set
Plain Sidchrome Branding - no double lines, The 3-pronged switch type are 1979 - 81 ? - Length 125mm
Have only seen 2 ratchets with the Chrom-Vanidium, and only one i've seen of the below with the indented V switch.
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3baygarage
Well-known member
Hi Colmal, that's a nice collection. Regarding the unmarked ratchet, I'm pretty sure that it and all of those ratchets including those Sidchrome branded were made in Japan. A bit surprising to me, but not really, knowing how many brands used similar Japanese ratchets.
These photos are from eBay. They show some Kal brand items made in Japan.
Without a doubt, the other two round heads are common Japanese selectors, and I think, I think the pear head ratchet is also from Japan. It looks quite similar to others.
These photos are from eBay. They show some Kal brand items made in Japan.
Without a doubt, the other two round heads are common Japanese selectors, and I think, I think the pear head ratchet is also from Japan. It looks quite similar to others.
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1989- 1997 New part numbers, Lid design
Length 125 mm, coarse knurls and 14mm wide handle.
13/5/1992
Really rare set, 27 piece, only one I've seen, interesting part number, no catalogue information for the set or the 4 extra sockets - 5/32, 13/32, 4.5, 5.5
Length 125mm, fine knurls, 12mm width on handle.
Length 125 mm, coarse knurls and 14mm wide handle.
13/5/1992
Really rare set, 27 piece, only one I've seen, interesting part number, no catalogue information for the set or the 4 extra sockets - 5/32, 13/32, 4.5, 5.5
Length 125mm, fine knurls, 12mm width on handle.
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Thankyou, those 3-pronged switch ratchets are fairly rare in Sidchrome, this is the first I've seen of a similar one.Hi Colmal, that's a nice collection. Regarding the unmarked ratchet, I'm pretty sure that it and all of those ratchets including those Sidchrome branded were made in Japan. A bit surprising to me, but not really, knowing how many brands used similar Japanese ratchets.
These photos are from eBay. They show some Kal brand items made in Japan.
Without a doubt, the other two round heads are common Japanese selectors, and I think, I think the pear head ratchet is also from Japan. It looks quite similar to others.
The 72-79 extensions, breaker bars, the 81 on Nut driver, nut driver adapter, bendy thing, screwdriver bits, Allen keys are unbranded, the feeler gauge is probably Vitrex, which is the brand in the large set, but probably not the correct one.
I have been looking for some of the above, another rabbit hole and place to look - much appreciated.
3baygarage
Well-known member
When it comes to seeing the the 3 prong style over here, I'd say they aren't seen as much in the wild as the other Japanese round heads which are quite common, other than maybe the knurl ring on the chrome lever.
Edit: I think the chrome lever with knurl ring shows up on Truecraft a lot.
Edit: I think the chrome lever with knurl ring shows up on Truecraft a lot.
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Hmmm1974/5 - 1979/80
Apart from inside decal, mint original set
Plain Sidchrome Branding - no double lines, The 3-pronged switch type are 1979 - 81 ? - Length 125mm
Have only seen 2 ratchets with the Chrom-Vanidium, and only one i've seen of the below with the indented V switch.
OP
jabberwoki
Well-known member
And after a few uses you`ll be growing a new bushel of course dark chest hair..
Nice find.
Nice find.