Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set ID?

[harleyberger]

Found this unused, complete, vintage Craftsman USA 219-piece mechanic's tool set at an auction last week. Can't find a model number for it though. Includes SAE and Metric ratchets and sockets from 1/4 - 1/2 with some ignition wrenches and allen wrenches. Seems very similar to some of the 5 drawer models but this one doesn't include any of the larger combination wrenches. All USA made, G-Series. Any help on a model number?

 

[ohhimark]

Weird there's not part number on it. Probably late 1990s-early 2000s, might have to comb through catalogs to find it: http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3&fl=General Line Catalogs

 

[Jtels85]

You won't find a part number on the case, but the original box would have had it. If the sockets are "G" series, that means it dates back to pre-2001. I have a similar set, same case but with 4 drawers that came with combination wrenches, hex keys and ignition wrenches. My sockets are "G2" and the paperwork is dated 08/2004.

What is the code on the ratchets? That will help narrow down what year the set is from. My guess is anywhere from "VM to VR"?? I believe this style set was introduced around 1997 or 1998.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Found this unused, complete, vintage Craftsman USA 219-piece mechanic's tool set at an auction last week. Can't find a model number for it though. Includes SAE and Metric ratchets and sockets from 1/4 - 1/2 with some ignition wrenches and allen wrenches. Seems very similar to some of the 5 drawer models but this one doesn't include any of the larger combination wrenches. All USA made, G-Series. Any help on a model number?

Have a very similar set. Probably purchased in the late '90s. I don't know which one it is.

It has to be after the 88 catalog because they had no blow molded cases.

At the link that was posted they do not have any of the 1990s catalogs but I peeked into the 2004 Cadillac.

There is a 213 piece set which is closest to yours which is part number is 0934183.

So if you take a look at fat's hat you can compare to see what you have and versus what is missing. My stupid guess would be that it is a newer model because they like to add new tools by adding a few more screwdriver bits or maybe counting drawers or something.

That's pretty Nice set regardless.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Weird there's not part number on it. Probably late 1990s-early 2000s, might have to comb through catalogs to find it: http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3&fl=General Line

Weird there's not part number on it. Probably late 1990s-early 2000s, might have to comb through catalogs to find it: http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3&fl=General Line Catalogs

Have a similar set and mine doesn't have a part number on it either which really annoys me

I have a different style packaged ratchet set that I like. Todd only has the part number on a big big sticker on the top of the case and no part numbers whenever else on the case

 

[harleyberger]

You won't find a part number on the case, but the original box would have had it. If the sockets are "G" series, that means it dates back to pre-2001. I have a similar set, same case but with 4 drawers that came with combination wrenches, hex keys and ignition wrenches. My sockets are "G2" and the paperwork is dated 08/2004.

What is the code on the ratchets? That will help narrow down what year the set is from. My guess is anywhere from "VM to VR"?? I believe this style set was introduced around 1997 or 1998.

The ratchets are stamped M6W (1/2"), T2W (3/8") and T4W (1/4"). The sockets aren't stamped with series codes, but the extensions have G series stamp. Pictures of similar sets in the catalog show 10 combination wrenches included, but this set doesn't have those. And there doesn't seem to be a place for them. The allen keys sit in the 1/2" drawer slide - that would seem to be the only place that 10 combination wrenches could fit, but doesn't seem like they're supposed to be just tossed in there randomly. And I don't think 10 wrenches would fit in there with the allen keys.

 

[Jtels85]

Out of M6W, T2W and T4W, the letter "W" is the key, which is a 2007 date code. X was 2008, Y 2009, Z 2010, AA 2011, AB 2012, and so on.

Your socket was one of the first laser etched sockets which premiered in 2001 and lasted until around 2003/2004 when Craftsman brought back dual markings (laser etching/stamped).

It was not uncommon to find "G" stamped extensions in later sets. I have a 263 piece set I bought in 2008 that came with a "G" extension, and the rest are "H".

The ratchets are a few years newer than the sockets in the set.

 

[Fedwrench]

It might have been a special set for the Holidays and not a regular catalog item.

 

[harleyberger]

Out of M6W, T2W and T4W, the letter "W" is the key, which is a 2007 date code. X was 2008, Y 2009, Z 2010, AA 2011, AB 2012, and so on.

Your socket was one of the first laser etched sockets which premiered in 2001 and lasted until around 2003/2004 when Craftsman brought back dual markings (laser etching/stamped).

It was not uncommon to find "G" stamped extensions in later sets. I have a 263 piece set I bought in 2008 that came with a "G" extension, and the rest are "H".

The ratchets are a few years newer than the sockets in the set.

thanks for all the great info

 

[woody 73]

I bought 3 of those empty boxes at my local sears store in 1999, sorry I don't have the model number for you.
Funny story but it took me some time, but I managed to fill up all three boxes with all craftsman tools. Now for the kicker part, I gave each of my 2 sons a box and the look on their eyes was priceless.

Turns out the oldest son gave his x-mother-in-law the box along with all his other tools that I gave him plus his paid off car...sigh it is what it is.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I bought one of those boxes on a local CL ad. Drawers are all wide-open - no spacers, no dividers, no little pockets for each tool. No labels on anything. Didn't realize it was plastic until I showed up to buy it. Still trying to figure out what to use it for.