Craftsman Professional Wrenches

[3 at 8]

How old are we talking? What markings to identify old RP vs. new? My raised pannels are about 8-10 years old I'm guessing. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[obsessive]

Here are the wrench contact point links from the sticky post:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55449
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57071&showall=1
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59707

It's the same for Cman sockets. The older ones contact the corners, the newer are surface drive / flank drive design.

The codes (V, VV, etc.) are listed in the posts.

 

[pipsters]

How old are we talking? What markings to identify old RP vs. new? My raised pannels are about 8-10 years old I'm guessing. Just curious. Thanks.

You'd have the "newer" style

 

[Skin]

Does anyone know who manufactured their second rendition of U.S.A. professional wrenches, after the "K" versions? I have been very happy with these.

K was SK
After that they were supplied by Armstrong.

 

[pdxgearhead]

Exactly, the USA made Danaher versions are vastly superior to those wide in the hips, bulky SK made wrenches of years gone by.

If you want SK combination wrenches, (why, I don't know) wait for the new ones to come out later this year.

I don't care for the looks of the new PRC made Craftsman polished wrenches as they have those funky fat open ends. However, if you can find nos US made sets, they will serve you well for many years.

I'm dragging up an old post, but I always wonder why people say SK wrenches have such thick beams. My SK wrenches have thinner beams than my friend's Snap On.
Also, my Craftsman Pro full polish set, stamped "K", that I bought in the 90's have thinner beams than my SK wrenches bought at the same time.

 

[bcradio]

What is the general consensus here for Armstrong -vs- SK wrenches? Is Armstrong a respectable USA company? I've never heard of them. Which Craftsman sets are more desirable? Thanks.

Armstrong is a great tool company. I believe they supply the US military with many of their tools. I think both SK and Armstrong are very good companies and you will get people who prefer either. I like the Armstrong ones better because of the shape (don't taper out at the ends like SK do).

 

[Rye425]

Armstrong is a great tool company. I believe they supply the US military with many of their tools.

SK does as well.