Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011

[DadsTools]

Here are some random pictures of some Craftsman wrenches. I checked through all of my wrenches and couldn’t find a ratcheting combo wrench.
-Don

Looks like you have just a couple of Cman wrenches!

There's a couple of anomalies brought to light in your post #39 photos.

In the first photo, you have those four early modern era wrenches. The forged "N4" seems to show up frequently in the war time finish wrenches. Your photo show it on both the MDF and Wilde examples, although each is configured a little differently. To my knowledge, the meaning of this mark is unknown today. Some war time wrenches don't have it. Go figure. Another participant in the Craftsman Lottery.

The third wrench down appears to have no mfr code. Can't see the other side of the wrench, but from this side it looks like our mystery mfr. Another feature is a lack of serifs in the 1s on the size mark like the one Lesserstore observed. Is there a mfr code or a serif 1 on the other side? Are any of these chromed? Inquiring minds want to know.

Another anomaly is in the sixth photo, fifth wrench from the top, having a V= mark with the double line segment to the left of the code missing. I have a 15/16 x 1 DBE with the same anomaly, and spoken to another member who has also seen this oddity. It seems too distinct to be unintentional. What's it mean? Spin the wheel....

 

[Corndoggeh]

A few more.
-Don

Did they only sell the stubby DBE in a set of 3? Did they ever sell a metric version? I have a 5/8 and a 7/16.

 

[Lesserstore]

Did they only sell the stubby DBE in a set of 3? Did they ever sell a metric version? I have a 5/8 and a 7/16.

As far as I can tell they were only available in SAE. They were sold from about the beginning of raised panel to 1970. They only sold 3 stubby DBE models, so I am pretty sure most people just bought the set; however, they did sell them individually.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Re: Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011 PART II ADDED


Here are some pictures of the E wrenches I couldn’t find any online I know they aren’t the best. They do look like Husky from that time period for sure.


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[Lesserstore]

Re: Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011 PART II ADDED

Here are some pictures of the E wrenches I couldn’t find any online I know they aren’t the best. They do look like Husky from that time period for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Thanks for the pictures.

Update 9/13/20
Part I: Small Line Sears logo variant added.
Part II: E series wrenches added.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Re: Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011 PART II ADDED

Thanks for the pictures.



Update 9/13/20

Part I: Small Line Sears logo variant added.

Part II: E series wrenches added.

No problem always happy to help fellow GJ members especially since I share a Craftsman interest I actually wasn’t going to get it but then I got thinking about it how I had never seen an E series one so I figured I would go ahead and get it now I am glad I did. I used it today to put an air tool fitting on.


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[Lesserstore]

Update- added the Springdale, Arkansas plant as the origin of the VV code.

 

[Lesserstore]

Update- added info on trivalent chroming to part II.

I found an approximate date of when they switched to trivalent thanks to the article below. The article was published 4/1/'99 and they talk about how much Danaher saved using the process for 5 months, so at least since December '98.

I also changed the start date of V^ from 1992 to c.1998 because of this.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/hardware-for-plating-hand-tools

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Re: Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011 PART II ADDED

The link isn’t working here only in the socket one. Just letting you know.


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[Lesserstore]

Re: Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011 PART II ADDED

The link isn’t working here only in the socket one. Just letting you know.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Thanks. The link is fixed.

 

[b.well]

I really do love when a type study or history like this is put together. Nice to have it on paper and thank you for the digital copy!

Here are some wrenches I have not seen on the thread on in you doc. Use freely if you like/need to

 

[b.well]

Here are some more. These are talked about in Part I but looks like a picture would be appreciated

 

[NBiegSNFU]

Re: Craftsman Wrench History 1945-2011 PART II ADDED

Fantastic! I’ll have to get some photos of my opi’s craftsman collection he bought them in the 50s when he came to Canada. He has taken care of them and they look brand new

 

[Lesserstore]

Added 6 point DBEs to part 2 and added pics of the Dunlap ratcheting wrenches to part I.

 

[Lesserstore]

Update- I have a better start date for the third generation ratcheting DBEs thanks to a 1998-99 catalog I bought. It states that they are "new," but since we know that catalogs aren't always accurate, I put "around 1998."

 

[d42jeep]

Here are a bunch of wrenches that don’t have any manufacturers codes. I posted a couple at the beginning of the thread.
-Don

 

[Capt. Curt]

I have a set of the Craftsman professional long pattern in both metric and standard sizes and also both sets in the stubby versions. I bought all these brand new in 1998-1999 in the Houston area at the Baybrook Mall Sears store.

I've read many times that most consider these wrenches to be Sears Craftsman's best effort ever at making a professional style wrench line series. I agree, they are very nice high quality full polished wrenches as good or better than any other brands out there...

Update: I wanted to verify who made my wrenches I mentioned above my next trip over to my shop which was yesterday. So both my metric and standard sets do indeed have the "K" code manufactures mark which is for SK Tools. I added all the missing set skips also back in 1998 to complete both sets and these separate wrenches are also "K" marked. Both my Professional stubby sets which were purchased the same week are all marked with the "VV" manufactures code.
VV: Danaher 1990-c.1998

 

[Lesserstore]

Here are a bunch of wrenches that don’t have any manufacturers codes. I posted a couple at the beginning of the thread.
-Don

I wish I could just find out who made them. The 9/16x5/8 DBE and the 3/4x7/8 DOE have a forged in "B" code and I have an 11/16x13/16 DBE with a B code too, it could just be a lot code, but I have seen that a code a lot so now I'm wondering. If it is the first letter of a manufacturer, it could be Bonney, Blackhawk, Barcalo, or Billings and Spencer. But this is just a wild guess.

 

[Lesserstore]

I have a set of the Craftsman professional long pattern in both metric and standard sizes and also both sets in the stubby versions. I bought all these brand new in 1998-1999 in the Houston area at the Baybrook Mall Sears store.

I've read many times that most consider these wrenches to be Sears Craftsman's best effort ever at making a professional style wrench line series. I agree, they are very nice high quality full polished wrenches as good or better that any other brand out there...

Nice wrenches, I wish I had some.

 

[b.well]

Here are a bunch of wrenches that don’t have any manufacturers codes. I posted a couple at the beginning of the thread.
-Don

I wish I could just find out who made them. The 9/16x5/8 DBE and the 3/4x7/8 DOE have a forged in "B" code and I have an 11/16x13/16 DBE with a B code too, it could just be a lot code, but I have seen that a code a lot so now I'm wondering. If it is the first letter of a manufacturer, it could be Bonney, Blackhawk, Barcalo, or Billings and Spencer. But this is just a wild guess.

Would be great to identify them. Maybe there is hope for the "B".

I've read the ones without a code on the RP were likely made by different manufacturers sears was considering contracting with. Maybe at times of contract renewals or manufacture changes(ie MDF -> Easco). Give manufacturer A,B,C your specs and ask them to make a batch(maybe a large one). Still sell them and see how they are received.

I recently picked up a set of CMan sockets with no series code. The guy said they were bought in the 80s. Maybe the series Stamp guy was sick that day, or maybe it's another test case(maybe testing Danaher). This is interesting to me because the timing is in the ballpark of the move from Easco to Danaher. Which was also the timing of design change from corner engagement(V) to side engagement(inverted G) sockets. Could these be 1st gen Cman side engagement sockets? Well, they are 12 point so I don't know....

Back to wrenches. Here is a lot of =V= DBE 5/8" wrenches. So roughly span 1946-67. A couple without the "=V=". A couple with "V=". A couple with extra stamps (N, O). Wrench widths and amount of angle at the box ends vary alot. These are from an ebay seller when I was looking to complete my DBE set.

 

[406Rich]

I have several with no MFG code the smallest flare wrench no code, plus it is stamped on the other side compared to the top two...knowing that it is a much older wrench. The top two flares right side pointing up the third flare is pointing down.

 

[406Rich]

several other anomalies..

 

[d42jeep]

Here is one that’s not long C or obviously MDF. Just kind of an oddball.
-Don

 

[Lesserstore]

Update- Added info and pics of pawlless ratcheting DBEs and combo wrenches to parts I and II.

 

[d42jeep]

I found these Chinese combos at a recent yard sale. They didn’t clean up well since they have some kind of coating.
-Don

 

[Gear Wolf]

This is an ambitious project!

It is nice to be among others looking to do similar kinds of projects. Too cool!

 

[Auctionhunter]

Hi All, I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to find a checklist of Craftsman wrench types and sizes, so that I can check off my collection against it. So I have built a series of lists myself. I do not own all of these, I know of their existence by looking at descriptions of sets owned by others. I am building a collection of Craftsman Wrenches from the classic era, -V- =VV= G. and other made in USA types from the 1960-1980's. Please have a look, if you know this work has been done before - please give me the link to their list. If not - please feel free to let me know any sizes and or types that I have missed. Also feel free to correct my descriptions of each Wrench Type.
Miniature Combo Wrenches
SAE - Ring one end, open other end - different size each end
5/32 - 3/16
3/16 - 5/32
13/64 - 7/32
7/32 - 15/64
15/64 - 1/4
1/4 - 9/32
9/32 - 5/16
5/16 - 11/32
11/32 - 3/8
3/8 - 7/16

Ignition Wrench
SAE Open both ends - one end right angle - same size each end.
5/16
7/16
7/32
9/32
11/32
15/64
1/4
3/8

Combination Wrench
SAE - same size each end
1/4",
5/16",
11/32",
3/8",
7/16",
1/2",
9/16",
5/8",
11/16",
3/4",
13/16",
7/8,
15/16",
1",
1 1/16"
1-1/8-in. ,
1-1/4-in. ,
1-5/16-in.

Miniature Combo Wrenches
Metric - same size each end
4mm,
5mm,
6mm,
7mm,
8mm,
9mm
Combo Wrenches
Metric - same size each end
10mm,
11mm,
12mm,
13mm,
14mm,
15mm,
16mm,
17mm,
18mm,
19mm,
20mm,
21mm,
22mm,
23mm,
24mm

Box End Miniature Wrench
SAE Rings both ends - different size each end
13/64 - 7/32
7/32 - 15/64
15/64 - 1/4
1/4 - 9/32
9/32 - 5/16
5/16 - 11/32
11/32 - 3/8
3/8 - 7/16

Box End regular Wrench
SAE Rings both ends - different size each end
1/4 - 5/16
3/8 - 7/16
1/2 - 9/16
5/8 - 3/4
19/32 - 11/16
3/4 - 7/8
11/16 - 13/16
25/32 - 13/16
15/16 - 1
1 1/16 - 1 1/8
1-1/4 x 1-5/16
1-3/8 x 1-7/16
1-1/2 x 1-5/8

Open End Wrench
SAE open both ends - different size each end
1/4 - 5/16
3/8 - 7/16
1/2 - 9/16
5/8 - 3/4
19/32 - 11/16
3/4 - 7/8
11/16 - 13/16
25/32 - 13/16
15/16 - 1
1 1/16 - 1 1/8
1-1/4 x 1-5/16
1-3/8 x 1-7/16
1-1/2 x 1-5/8

Quick Speed Combo Wrench
Same size each end - open end in the "speed" design with notch.
8mm
9mm
10mm
11mm
12mm
13mm
14mm
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8

45-degree Deep Offset Box-End Wrenches (from Todd F's study on Tool Talk)
matt finish
44316 3/8 x 7/16
44317 1/2 x 9/16
44318 5/8 x 11/16
44319 3/4 x 7/8
44320 13/15 x 15/16
full polish
44360 10 x 11mm
44361 12 x 14mm
44362 13 x 15mm
44364 16 x 18mm
44366 17 x 19mm
44367 20 x 22mm
44368 21 x 23mm

Ratcheting combo sizes ?
Double Racheting sizes?
Stubby sizes?

 

[Lesserstore]

You are missing the metric combo ignition wrenches with 2 different sizes on each end, also tappet, crossforce combo and flare nut wrenches. Here's the ratcheting combo and box end wrench model numbers except for the pawlless wrenches. Also I included the old style ratcheting open end combo wrenches.

 

[Lesserstore]

More pics.

 

[Lesserstore]

One more.

 

[piehammer]

Great documents, very helpful. Just a comment on this line: "=V= : Moore Drop Forge/Easco 1948-c.1969 (On very small sizes -V- or -V was used, but no model number.)"

None of the =V= ( or =VV=, or V=) wrenches have model numbers on them no matter what the size is.

 

[DadsTools]

Great documents, very helpful. Just a comment on this line: "=V= : Moore Drop Forge/Easco 1948-c.1969 (On very small sizes -V- or -V was used, but no model number.)"

None of the =V= ( or =VV=, or V=) wrenches have model numbers on them no matter what the size is.

Correct. This is one of a couple little "gotchas" when trying to derive more from the =V= and -V- markings than what was originally intended. Both the double lines and the long single lines on the smallest wrenches were meant to be part of the brand logo--they are not part of the mfr code as is often assumed. There was NEVER a -V- code or a =V= code. There was only a V code throughout the Moore years. Sears simply made a decision to embed the V code inside the logo lines, which was a "double line" logo or a "single line" logo for the smallest wrenches. When model numbers were introduced , it was determined that there was no longer enough room to have the line logos as before, so they removed the code from being inside logo lines and placed it in a new position. The tiny lines to the left and right of the code were only delineaters to distinguish them from the characters to the left or right. Again, the reality is, there's no such thing as a =V= code or a -V- code, but only V. The occasional glitch in interpretation of the marks is when one imagines that the == or -- was actually part of the mfr's code.

 

[GoToGuy_Ron]

Did miss something, in school shop class. We were taught, lectured, shouted at as the shop tools manual states.
Open end wrench, obvious open both ends.
Box wrench , closed both ends. Not rings.
Combination wrench, one open end and one box end. Get it, combination of one each end. It's in the name.

 

[SKJay]

A few Combo wrench with no model # or maker mark

 

[Capt. Curt]

Update- added the Springdale, Arkansas plant as the origin of the VV code.

Living in this area I've drove through the old Moore Drop Forging Plant in Springdale on Missouri Street last summer. Here are a few pictures I took that day. You can see the last sign at the gate was when Danaher Tool Group was operating the old MDF plant last.

 

[Capt. Curt]

Nice wrenches, I wish I had some.

I had no idea when I bought these wrench sets back in 1998 (for $59 each set) that SK Tools was the manufacture. I wish I had bought ALL the bigger size open stock wrenches also over 3/4" and 19mm.

 

[Capt. Curt]

One of the oddest Craftsman branded wrenches I own is this 7/16" combination wrench I found at a local pawn shop for a quarter. This is the "BF" Japan made version that I have never seen actually branded Craftsman on the raised panel itself, I have seen Japan made "Sears" branded wrenches and my Dad actually bought a set of open end Japan made wrenches in the late 1960's I still have. Here is all Alloy Artifacts has on the "BF" marked Japan made tools contracted by Sears:
"The Japanese maker associated with the "BF" code has not yet been identified. The "BF" code can also be found on Craftsman wrenches, often with a marking for molybdenum alloy steel."

BF

Block Letters

Japanese Maker

1960s to 1970s?

Known on wrenches and pliers, typically with "Japan".

 

[Lesserstore]

One of the oddest Craftsman branded wrenches I own is this 7/16" combination wrench I found at a local pawn shop for a quarter. This is the "BF" Japan made version that I have never seen actually branded Craftsman on the raised panel itself, I have seen Japan made "Sears" branded wrenches and my Dad actually bought a set of open end Japan made wrenches in the late 1960's I still have. Here is all Alloy Artifacts has on the "BF" marked Japan made tools contracted by Sears:
"The Japanese maker associated with the "BF" code has not yet been identified. The "BF" code can also be found on Craftsman wrenches, often with a marking for molybdenum alloy steel."

BF

Block Letters

Japanese Maker

1960s to 1970s?

Known on wrenches and pliers, typically with "Japan".

『KTC-3 コンビレンチ編-３（海外OEM）』

【2021年4月14日メモ】Cen-Tech（Searsボディー）とCraftKing（M41ボディー）を新たに確認。追記予定。【2021年5月1日】AWA…

ameblo.jp

This link shows the tool brands KTC contracted for including Craftsman. Also on a different part of this site it has a picture from a KTC tool museum exhibit with Craftsman in it.

 

[MisterEd]

Craftsman 4344 8-Piece Combination Ignition Wrench Set “-V-” with 2 added making it equivalent to 1968, 43221 Midget Wrench 10-piece set

 

[d42jeep]

Craftsman offered some cute little wrench sets. I wonder if some were supplied by Wright?



-Don