VIM Ignition

Here are a few shots of some VIM brand ignition wrenches. Elroy procured these at one of the local pawn shops for $5 several years ago. The kit contained a complete set of VIM brand wrenches. Elroy added his existing Craftsman to it. The kit appears to be US Government issue as it states:

?????????????????
TOOL KIT AUTO ELECTRIC
SIZE 1
VIM-USA

Can't make out the part number on the top line.















These wrenches are OK for what they are. They appear to be a simple stamping not forged. For low torque applications they work fine. Elroy has seen VIM advertised in some of the speciality catalogs. Never seen them at a retailer.

Elroy would also like to solicit any information on this little "off brand" Gem:



This was also a pawn shop purchase and has a really nice finish to it. Any one have any information on "Master Tradesman" ?

vim was a supplier to mac and matco for distributor wrenches, brake tools and scrapers. vim is also the current supplier of bit sockets to cornwell. heres a link to thier site...
http://www.vimtools.com/home.asp

i'm not familar with master tradesman.......i'm assuming it a "store brand"

I have a few of their tools. The small triple square set Mac buys in a red tray and triples the price. I think they make Snap on also their chrome isn't as good as Mac and Snap on.for these bits.

Elroy, an unlikely thought; however, the first that came to mind. You don't suppose that "Master Tradesman" was a higher end of the True Value Master Mechanic line of tools for a brief time do you? Just a thought, though I worked in a couple of True Value hdw stores years ago and I don't recall ever seeing that brand.

hholmberg said:

Elroy, an unlikely thought.........You don't suppose that "Master Tradesman" was a higher end of the True Value Master Mechanic

Click to expand...

Not unlikely at all. That source could well be accurate. The VIM tools are rather cheap. They are just a plain cheap stamping.

That "Master" however is VERY nice. Dare say the chrome is as good or better than a Snap-On. Yes the finish is THAT NICE. There are still a few True Value stores in the area. The next time Elroy passes through one, he is going to approach the management and inquire. THANK YOU for the source lead.

VIM seems to put out some quality stuff. I picked up a set of Cornwell branded VIM sockets, brand new for fairly cheap a little while back. While I was disappointed to learn they were made in Taiwan (first experience with Cornwell), I must say, they have been holding up very very well for me.