Action Tool Set

[Ugly Truck Nut]

What can you guys tell me about this set. I received it as a gift about 35 years ago. It's 1/2 drive.

 

[SMKS]

Action was a brand made by Thorsen. It's obvious when you compare the tools to Thorsen tools.

EDIT -
Alloy artifacts claims the Action line was a value-priced line.
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/thorsen-manufacturing.html#action

That sort of jives with what I've seen, where Action tools sometimes aren't as nicely finished. But, I've also seen lots of Thorsen tools without a great finishing, so perhaps there were lower-end Thorsen tools as well.

 

[zkling]

In for info, I have some action combo wrenches. USA made, get the job done, but are not exactly the best fit and finish IMHO.

 

[Ugly Truck Nut]

Thanks for the info. The fit and finish seems pretty good on these.

 

[PowderKeg]

I believe Action was Thorsen's "popular priced" brand available in general merchandise type stores, while the Thorsen brand was the "premier" offering. Other than what may be slightly better/deeper engraving ans some better finishing on some of the Thorsen tools I've seen, I've not noticed any real difference between the brands. Thorsen also did a boatload of contract tool production for a few store brands and particularly for .gov contracts.

Thorsen sourced tools were decent tools at the time, IMHO not on par with Wright and Bonney and such (and especially Snap-On), but far better than most Eastern imports of the day. I'd put them closer to the level of the Pendleton/Proto brands of Fleet and Challenger. Were definitely popular though, as they can be found fairly regularly around the flea markets and such - just not normally in the really nice shape of your set, and with the case too!

 

[Ugly Truck Nut]

I believe Action was Thorsen's "popular priced" brand available in general merchandise type stores, while the Thorsen brand was the "premier" offering. Other than what may be slightly better/deeper engraving ans some better finishing on some of the Thorsen tools I've seen, I've not noticed any real difference between the brands. Thorsen also did a boatload of contract tool production for a few store brands and particularly for .gov contracts.

Thorsen sourced tools were decent tools at the time, IMHO not on par with Wright and Bonney and such (and especially Snap-On), but far better than most Eastern imports of the day. I'd put them closer to the level of the Pendleton/Proto brands of Fleet and Challenger. Were definitely popular though, as they can be found fairly regularly around the flea markets and such - just not normally in the really nice shape of your set, and with the case too!

Thanks, there was a graphic insert in the lid I wish I'd kept. Hind sight is 20/20.

 

[bonneyman]

Here's my 3/8 and 1/4 Thorsen's for comparison to the Action.