Craftsman codes

[twertsy]

I have been actively investigating my theory that the codes do not represent vendors, but something else. I will use this thread to present evidence as I find it, or at the very least, compelling examples.

I'm going to start with circle U sockets. I'm very confident they were not made by Plomb. The ratchet and drive tools yes, but not the sockets. My evidence for this assertion is the 3/8 drive sockets. Plomb simply never made the circle U style. All 3/8 drive sockets produced by Plomb had the trunked / tapered drive end.

More to come. So if not a vendor identifier, what could the codes have signified?

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[jakemac]

Could it be possible that Plomb had a separate set of dies, or a dedicated manufacturing line for sockets made only to Sear's specifications ?
That could account for Plomb made sockets that don't match Plomb's catalog.

 

[twertsy]

Could it be possible that Plomb had a separate set of dies, or a dedicated manufacturing line for sockets made only to Sear's specifications ?
That could account for Plomb made sockets that don't match Plomb's catalog.

I doubt that. Also, no Bog, P&C, or any other subsidiaries had similar designs. On top of that, not only do the outsides not compare, but sockets from the same era (44-48) are broached differently. There are sockets out there that match in design and construction, New Britain.

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[r_olson_06]

Just like the c series sockets. Everyone has been chanting snap on. The drive tools I can believe but sockets appear more plomb than snap on.

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[twertsy]

Just like the c series sockets. Everyone has been chanting snap on. The drive tools I can believe but sockets appear more plomb than snap on.

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That's another one on my target list.......

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[r_olson_06]

I have some craftsman examples I can take spacing marks on the rope braids and ODs in the drive and socket side if we have the same size. But I have no plomb examples

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[twertsy]

I have some craftsman examples I can take spacing marks on the rope braids and ODs in the drive and socket side if we have the same size. But I have no plomb examples

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I have a couple, I'll get back to you with which ones I have tomorrow.

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[woody 73]

just from the look the outside banding has the look of New Britain but yet the knurling still looks different in my old weary eyes.

 

[woody 73]

Ok I checked the knurling on two 1/2 drive sockets, one BE and one H series (not from the U series) and they do have "the look". also several small 3/8 drive proto sockets to look at Hope it helps you out:

 

[twertsy]

Ok I checked the knurling on two 1/2 drive sockets, one BE and one H series (not from the U series) and they do have "the look". also several small 3/8 drive proto sockets to look at Hope it helps you out:

Mornin' Woody. These results from sold ebay listings show the Plomb socket we're speaking of, and they're the correct era too........

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...lete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

 

[twertsy]

Here's another mystery to get to work on............

Here I have a quandary. Both Craftsman wrenches, both with the "N4" Code (Whatever that means). The DOE bears the circle P code which is supposed to indicate Wilde production, while the Combo bears the CI code indicating Moore. I'll reiterate that I do NOT believe these are purely manufacturers codes since I think some tools bearing the "purported" manufacturer code, such as the BT ratchet, we actually not made by the manufacturer supposedly represented by that code (ie. Vlchek). I also don't believe Wilde ever made wrenches, so there's that.

So, what could this "N4" code possibly mean?

 

[Rileysan]

Here's another mystery to get to work on............


So, what could this "N4" code possibly mean?

I wondered that, myself. I haven't delved into the world of manufacturers, but I have observed a few things while examining my DBE wrenches.

I have N4 and AF marked (Long C) DBEs that match unmarked wrenches exactly. Anecdotally speaking, I'd say that the two codes are not intended to identify the manufacturer because the tooling belongs to the manufacturer, not Sears. That is, the tooling to make these wrenches is not being passed from one manufacturer to another. This leads me to the conclusion that the codes represent something else.

My personal opinion is that those codes represent a revision change in either the dies, the metal, heat treatment, or the manufacturing process.

In my world (metal casting), patterns and core boxes are frequently changed to improve efficiency, yield (what percentage of the metal is wasted in making the final product), or customer requirements. Furthermore, parts are marked with letter or number codes to track changes in alloy structure or heat treating techniques because normal production has to continue along side test samples. In our case, samples that pass all test requirements are sold as normal products.

I believe that all of the Long C Craftsman DBEs in my collection (AF, N4, and unmarked) are made by the same manufacturer - but that's just my opinion.

Brian

 

[twertsy]

I wondered that, myself. I haven't delved into the world of manufacturers, but I have observed a few things while examining my DBE wrenches.

I have N4 and AF marked (Long C) DBEs that match unmarked wrenches exactly. Anecdotally speaking, I'd say that the two codes are not intended to identify the manufacturer because the tooling belongs to the manufacturer, not Sears. That is, the tooling to make these wrenches is not being passed from one manufacturer to another. This leads me to the conclusion that the codes represent something else.

My personal opinion is that those codes represent a revision change in either the dies, the metal, heat treatment, or the manufacturing process.

In my world (metal casting), patterns and core boxes are frequently changed to improve efficiency, yield (what percentage of the metal is wasted in making the final product), or customer requirements. Furthermore, parts are marked with letter or number codes to track changes in alloy structure or heat treating techniques because normal production has to continue along side test samples. In our case, samples that pass all test requirements are sold as normal products.

I believe that all of the Long C Craftsman DBEs in my collection (AF, N4, and unmarked) are made by the same manufacturer - but that's just my opinion.

Brian

Agree with your comments Brian. Bigger question is WHO was the manufacturer? I was talking to Mark and I know that somewhere in my shop I have an N4 marked wrench branded Lectrolite I believe.

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[Rileysan]

Agree with your comments Brian. Bigger question is WHO was the manufacturer? I was talking to Mark and I know that somewhere in my shop I have an N4 marked wrench branded Lectrolite I believe.

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I'll make it a point to look through my DBEs to look for those makings.

Bluebolt, if you're reading this, perhaps you wouldn't mind doing the same?

Brian

 

[Gear Wolf]

I'm excited to see what you come up with Todd! ^_^