Chapman Tools?

[LawnBoy-5247]

I recently picked up a Chapman 1316 low profile screwdriver set. Do any of you guys know about them or use them.

I did find out they still exist today here is their website https://chapmanmfg.com




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[6PTsocket]

We had a ratcheting screw driver set with an assortment of bits, where I worked. No complaints. They were good quality and great for close quarters work.

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[T45]

Hit up the search, here is a thread with background if you needed it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44633&highlight=chapman

vintage

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303954&highlight=chapman

 

[markhm]

I have a couple of different sets and like them a lot.
They are still made in USA.

 

[gdocktor3]

Made in Durham CT. Not too far from me. I have a few old sets from my father and it's cool because the current bits and what not still fit the original ratchet I have. They come in nice boxes also.

 

[priceman1414]

Im pretty sure that's the exact same set I just bought new

 

[four.cycle]

They must be doing something right, because out of all of the manufacturers of those small, low-torque, low-budget ratchet/socket/bit kits that once existed, Chapman is the only one that is still around.

The others in that genre were North, Oxwall, G.M. Manufacturing, General, and (although the design was radically different and it didn't fall into the "low budget" category) Wadsworth Falls.

 

[Don53]

Isn't Wadsworth still around?

I have a Chapman set. Comes in handy. Ratchet doesn't seem high end, but it'll h handle more torque than you'd think.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I have only been able to find an address for Wadsworth. I was not able to determine whether they are still in business. Their full kit (with the ratchet and all the bits) is fetching upwards of $75 on Ebay currently. Kits missing all kinds of bits are going for $50 and up. Really quite an interesting ratchet design.

 

[Wyoming09]

I have several Chapman sets. I really like them. As stated above the ratchets are not pretty but they handle quite a bit of torque as do the bits. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another. https://chapmanmfg.com/

 

[thesilverone]

I prefer the Wadsworth ratchet to Chapman

 

[dede2897234]

I prefer the Wadsworth ratchet to Chapman

I agree with "thesilverone". The WFMC Manufacturing Company is still in business. I purchased my 52 piece set about 10 years ago from Techni-Tool. They still stock it. Here is the link: Techni-Tool.

I like the set because the ratchet has more gears and is smoother in operation than the Chapman. Also, the WFMC kit comes with a lot more bits, even the rarer Reed & Prince bit. This bit was useful in upgrading the 3/8" chuck to a 1/2" chuck on my Craftsman Professional corded drill. In addition, it came with a slim, long bit extension that was used in that chuck replacement. The bits that come in the WFMC set are also shorter in length than the Chapman set. It came in use when replacing the driver's power window motor on my former 2003 Subaru Forester.

Below, is a document of the different sets and parts numbers for the individual items composing the WFMC sets.


Dave

 

[ssdave]

I purchased a set for gunsmithing use, and found out instantly that they were far inferior to the standard 1/4" zephyr insert bits and a snap-on driver that I was using. I passed them on to someone else to try.

The main defect in the whole Chapman setup is that they chose to make a weird, non-standard size insert bit. Therefore, you can't use their bits with a better driver, and you can't use other makers bits in their driver. I use dozens or even hundreds of insert bits, many of them custom ground or milled to what I need. I don't want to be stuck buying expensive bits from them to modify, and I definitely don't want to use their drivers. Leaves me with no incentive at all to use their stuff, even though their flat blade tips are well designed for gunsmithing.

 

[pstemari]

... The main defect in the whole Chapman setup is that they chose to make a weird, non-standard size insert bit. ...

Well, in all fairness, Chapman has been making that design long before standard insert bits became common. It has a number of useful features you don't get with standard insert bits.

A nicer screwdriver handle would do them a lot of good, though.

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[toolz]

I've got the exact same set that the OP pictures, have used it for over forty years. It will get into tight spots where nothing else will work. I've yet to find a lower profile and smaller diameter ratchet/allen/bit combo. Simple and effective.

 

[jakemac]

Went to a GS this morning. All the tools were only being sold with the tool chest.
However, the seller let me pick out these items since they were considered trash.

I got two cardboard sleeve covers for Chapman #1316 sets in the vinyl pouches (the sets and pouches were missing).
One still had the paperwork in it. Here are the readable scans.

 

[ttpete]

I purchased a set for gunsmithing use, and found out instantly that they were far inferior to the standard 1/4" zephyr insert bits and a snap-on driver that I was using. I passed them on to someone else to try.

The main defect in the whole Chapman setup is that they chose to make a weird, non-standard size insert bit. Therefore, you can't use their bits with a better driver, and you can't use other makers bits in their driver. I use dozens or even hundreds of insert bits, many of them custom ground or milled to what I need. I don't want to be stuck buying expensive bits from them to modify, and I definitely don't want to use their drivers. Leaves me with no incentive at all to use their stuff, even though their flat blade tips are well designed for gunsmithing.

Anyone who is doing gunsmithing should own the Brownell's master driver set. It has bits in graduated thickness with about 5 width choices for each thickness. There are also specialty bit sets for specific guns. The quality is the best I've seen and used.

 

[SweetD]

I have the WFMC "master" set and it is REALLY nice quality. I love it.

 

[bonneyman]

Went to a GS this morning. All the tools were only being sold with the tool chest.
However, the seller let me pick out these items since they were considered trash.

I got two cardboard sleeve covers for Chapman #1316 sets in the vinyl pouches (the sets and pouches were missing).
One still had the paperwork in it. Here are the readable scans.

I guess it's true - one man's trash is another man's treasure!

 

[ssdave]

Anyone who is doing gunsmithing should own the Brownell's master driver set. It has bits in graduated thickness with about 5 width choices for each thickness. There are also specialty bit sets for specific guns. The quality is the best I've seen and used.

I originally bought every bit that Brownells offered. Then, I bought duplicates and ground them down to fit in between. Then, I found that Zephyr and Apex made their bits, and I just ordered Zephyr directly. I often have to custom mill or grind a bit to fit, even with the assortment I have.

I agree, though, Brownells sets are the best available as a "kit" for gunsmithing. Much better than Chapman or Wheeler sets.

 

[SnapOnAddiction]

I love my set I've spoken to the owner it's a lady and marketing director is her son they have 10 workers, they will make a custom set for you I got them to do green for me.

 

[jakemac]

Picked up another set at a GS this morning.
Set #6320
missing one bit, a grip handle(?), and maybe an extension(?).

 

[Hytekrednek]

I have the large Wadsworth set also. LOVE it. It rides in my truck, sometimes my pocket, and sometimes it is on house duty. I also have a Wheeler set, it worked fine, but I did upgrade it to the Brownells super duper set. That set, and none of the pieces, leave the room where I do the gunsmithing work. I also have many other 1'' insert bits from german makers, and a few junkers for odd jobs of low precision.
After having the Wadsworth and the Brownells sets, I will not be happy if I ever have to go without one of them. No regrets at all.

 

[davewo]

I have a set but avoid using it because of the low tooth-count ratchet. They are obviously intended for tight areas, but the combined backlash between the fastener, bit and ratchet mechanism, make it frustrating to use.

 

[JMLangford]

I picked up a set at a yard sale about a year ago.....looked like it had never been used





.

 

[bradleykd]

I've got both the Chapman set JMLangford posted and this Wadsworth set:

https://www.specialized.net/wadswor...MI04bQg8fj1wIVCLbACh1BRghDEAQYASABEgL4CPD_BwE

I rarely use the Chapman set. The Wadsworth has more points of engagement and fits in tighter spaces, two things that are critical for these tools. I have to use them all the time.

 

[6PTsocket]

They must be doing something right, because out of all of the manufacturers of those small, low-torque, low-budget ratchet/socket/bit kits that once existed, Chapman is the only one that is still around.

The others in that genre were North, Oxwall, G.M. Manufacturing, General, and (although the design was radically different and it didn't fall into the "low budget" category) Wadsworth Falls.

General appears to still be making this type of item. Home Depot is showing a complete set and the double sided screw driver ratchets with with different permanent fixed tips appear to still be availalable. I have a couple of those.

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[JohnDeere1]

I have one that's all hex bits and it's made very nice wish I had other bits as if you try others they fall out