Craftsman : series time frame ?

[old salvage]

The 3 55 sounds like a date code. I have a Craftsman 1/4" electric drill with
' 7 57 ' stamped in little strip on the id plate (nomenclature plate, whatever you call it).
Its also marked 'Simpsons Sears Ltd' but there is no circle logo.

 

[lauver]

old salvage,

While researching some old tool companies I ran across a website (www.wildetool.com) for Wilde Tool Co (aka WITCO). It turns out they are still open for business. I didn't know that; I thought they got swallowed up by another company in the 70's. Received one of their catalogs today. Nice looking tools at reasonable prices. And guess what, some of their tools look an awful lot like some of the craftsman tools, especially their pliers.

 

[lbgradwell]

I'm not trying to cloud the issues on this thread, which deals with Craftsman hand tools of the auto mechanical variety, but I ran across something in my inventory that's new: what appears to be a Craftsman trademark...its a circle with a large C and smaller SA inside the circle.

This trademark appears on a metal plate attached to a 1940's -1950's 6-1/4" circular saw (model # 207.25910) that my father purchased used about 1960. The metal plate also carries the Sears-Roebuck and Co. and Simpson-Sears LTD corporate names, and a stamped 3-55 code of some sort, perhaps a manufacturing date code (i.e. March 1955).

Has anybody else run into this trademark before? Was it specific to power tools or woodworking tools (I own very little of either type of equipment)?

That's the mark for the Canadian Standards Association since the tool was approved for sale in Canada via Simpson-Sears. The CSA performs the same function as the US-based UL (Underwriters Laboratories)...

 

[old salvage]

old salvage,

While researching some old tool companies I ran across a website (www.wildetool.com) for Wilde Tool Co (aka WITCO). It turns out they are still open for business. I didn't know that; I thought they got swallowed up by another company in the 70's. Received one of their catalogs today. Nice looking tools at reasonable prices. And guess what, some of their tools look an awful lot like some of the craftsman tools, especially their pliers.

Your kidding.
What a coincidence.....I was looking for some Craftsman tools in my collection that are NOT on Alloy Artifacts (otherwise id feel wierd posting pics) and I found these.....

The ones on top are Craftsman (P 44763) the others are a company I can find nothing on, 'Whitaker' ( 1044 ) but they both look like Wilde.
None are identical but they look similar enough to make me wonder .
I found the Craftsmans in an abandoned house and the Whitakers came from the flea market.

 

[lauver]

The woven rope pattern looks like a dead wringer of the wilde pattern. Also, Wilde produced branded tools for companies other than Sears (Whitaker maybe, although I've never heard of them?)

The style of both wrenches looks like the classic "wilde wrench".

Do you have one of their catalogs? I ordered mine from their website and it was in my hands 4 days later. I find catalogs great reading material for sitting on the throne (hope that's not too much information).

 

[lauver]

lbgradwell,

Thanks for the info about the CRA mark, that all makes sense. On the other hand, I'm a little dissapointed now because I thought I was really onto something big (you know the holy grail of craftsman tools).

Guess I'll go back to my new Wilde Tool catalog and see what I can dig up there.

 

[Elroy]

The shop towels under the wrenches are Santa Fe Railway inprinted, "Work Safely WIPE OUT Axy Dent on the Santa Fe". Charles

The "Rags" are neat and really cool.

The shop towels...are from the 195o's

Elroy would venture to say that those "rags" are more rare than the tools. A really neat item !!!

Wipe out "AXY-DENT"............BEFORE there was OSHA

Neat shop item there

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I really had not given the rags much thought. Then in 2003 my Uncle passed away,(he was my mother's brother (and only sibling)) and my brother and myself went to Temple, TX, to attend to his funeral and affairs. While in Temple we went to the old Santa Fe depot (my Grandfather had worked in the roundhouse there for 50 years), and the old Depot, a two story Art Deco building, the largest of that style the Santa Fe had built, has been turned into a town museum and a railroad museum and library. While wandering thru the RR museum, we saw a display case with a couple of old RR wrenches in it with some of these "Axy-Dent" rags in the case also. It was then that I realized the possible value of them. Their condition is a tribute to their excellent quality. Being 50 years old you would expect them to be rotten but they are not, and they have been machine washed many times, first by mom as she used them in the house as cleaning rags, and later I used them as shop rags and we had a special washer just for the shop rags. They've seen a lot of launderings and drying.

Charles

 

[bmwpower]

Maybe I'm missing something... Is "Axy Dent" a play on words, and if so, how so?

 

[strizzy]

Maybe I'm missing something... Is "Axy Dent" a play on words, and if so, how so?

Accident

 

[bmwpower]

Accident

No ****, but what is "AXY"??? Usually the word they're using has to mean something...

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Wipe out Axy-dent on the Santa Fe

Wipe out accident(s) on the Santa Fe.

The "wipe" of course, being a play on the shop rag you wipe with.

I think the whole thing was to get peoples attention, leave them with a message they would not forget easily, so you do it in an unusual way.

Charles

 

[lauver]

Charles (in GA),

Small world Charles, I live in Temple and have been to the Santa Fe depot/museum a couple of times; even caught a train there once. And here we are trading posts about old tools.

 

[lauver]

Anybody,

Was reading a post on another thread which alluded to the fact that Kastar(A&E) makes the Craftsman ratcheting box end wrenches. Can anybody verify this? If so:
1) what is the series code for Kastar?
2) which RBE wrench sets do they make?
3) does Kastar make other types of tools for Craftsman? List any that you know of
4) can you supply me with approximate purchase dates for Kastar-made Craftsman tools you have?

Thanks, I really need help with this, I got nothing on the Kastar Craftsman connection.

 

[MAD]

Anybody,

Was reading a post on another thread which alluded to the fact that Kaster(A&E) makes the Craftsman ratcheting box end wrenches. Can anybody verify this? If so:
1) what is the series code for Kaster?
2) which RBE wrench sets do they make?
3) does Kaster make other types of tools for Craftsman? List any that you know of
4) can you supply me with approximate purchase dates for Kaster-made Craftsman tools you have?

Thanks, I really need help with this, I got nothing on the Kaster Craftsman connection.

Here is an interesting article about Kastar and a few Craftsman tools I am fairly certain are made by Kastar.

http://www.biztimes.com/news/2006/9/15/a-e-hand-tools-has-edge-over-chinese-competitors

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942275000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Automotive+Specialty+Tools&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00940815000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Automotive+Specialty+Tools&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947757000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Automotive+Specialty+Tools&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943364000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Wrenches&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman%5EType+of+Wrench%7CRatchet+wrenches

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920915000P?keyword=test+lead

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941350000P?vName=Tools&keyword=magnetic+socket+insert

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02820519000P?keyword=filter+wrench

 

[eschoendorff]

Don't forget that KASTAR is also a vendor that serves the likes of Snap On too....

 

[lauver]

MAD,

Thanks for the links and leads. You are the first person to pony up some information on this manufacturer. I have several of these tools in my tool box. Unfortunately they either have no series code, or they have conflicting series codes. How do you know (or how would I know) whether or not they are produced by KastarA&E? Do you own any of the tools shown in the above links? If so, do your Kastar manufactured tools have a series code stamped/forged/etched on them? If so, could you share it with me?

Also, I'm interested in the period of time over which Kastar has been supplying tools to Sears/Craftsman. If you own any of these tools, can you share with me your best guess when you purchased them? I need your help here.



eschoendorff,

Thanks for weighing in on the KastarA&E connection, but I'm not sure what you're driving at. What's the significance of Snapon in this? I understand that Kastar supplies tools to Snapon, Craftsman, other tool companies, as well as some auto supply retailers. What am I missing?

 

[eschoendorff]

eschoendorff,

Thanks for weighing in on the KastarA&E connection, but I'm not sure what you're driving at. What's the significance of Snapon in this? I understand that Kastar supplies tools to Snapon, Craftsman, other tool companies, as well as some auto supply retailers. What am I missing?

Nothing really. Just stirring the pot.

Actually, knowing that KASTAR made tools for different brands may make putting them in a time line easier.... somehow. Snap On has a date code sheet out already, but I do not know if the Snap On/KASTAR tools have the date codes on them. I'd have to go out and check....

 

[lauver]

eschoendorff,

Hey that's good thinking, but you'd have to have multiple Kastar/Snapon tools, purchased in different years, to estimate the time period. I don't know about your tool inventory but mine is short on Snapon tools. Let me know what you can dig up? And thanks for the help!

 

[eschoendorff]

eschoendorff,

Hey that's good thinking, but you'd have to have multiple Kastar/Snapon tools, purchased in different years, to estimate the time period. I don't know about your tool inventory but mine is short on Snapon tools. Let me know what you can dig up? And thanks for the help!

Snap On/KASTAR, circa 2000:

Sorry, but this is the best that I can come up with this AM. It was really the idea behind the research, not my own research itself.... maybe someone else will have better leads for you.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14884&highlight=snap+date+codes

 

[Charles (in GA)]

After doing some looking, I have 1/4 drive 12 point sockets, Craftsman, with knurling bands around them, marked BE, same thing in 1/2" drive, also BE, and a 1/2 drive ratchet, also BE. These tools most likely date to the later '40's, possibly WWII.

Remaining wrenches, long and short offset double box ends, and such are all the unfinished, (no chrome) CI marked tools. Plus a chrome finished set of tappet wrenches, most certainly dating around 1950 (thats when dad traded in an overhead valve straight 8 Buick, 1938 model) on a brand new 6 cyl 1950 Ford two door.) He would have bought the tappet wrenches to adjust the tappets in the flat head 6 cylinder.

Charles

 

[lauver]

Charles (in GA),

Your BE and most of your CI wrenches fit the periods outlined on the Alloy Artifacts website. I'm curious about your chromed tappet wrenches you date to 1950; are they CI or V series? If they are CI they are past the commonly accepted dates for the CI series. If they are V series (my guess), 1950 fits nicely. So the question is what series are they?

And thanks for digging around in your toolbox again. I appreciate your efforts. I wish more folks would do the same. As I said before, the answers to the "Craftsman series time frame" question are in the toolboxes of the GJ members.

 

[MAD]

MAD,

Thanks for the links and leads. You are the first person to pony up some information on this manufacturer. I have several of these tools in my tool box. Unfortunately they either have no series code, or they have conflicting series codes. How do you know (or how would I know) whether or not they are produced by KastarA&E? Do you own any of the tools shown in the above links? If so, do your Kastar manufactured tools have a series code stamped/forged/etched on them? If so, could you share it with me?

Also, I'm interested in the period of time over which Kastar has been supplying tools to Sears/Craftsman. If you own any of these tools, can you share with me your best guess when you purchased them? I need your help here.

Sorry, I have no Kastar heiroglyphics for your Craftsman rosetta stone. The only thing that may help you with the timeline is that I found a Ratcheting box wrench with a circled I mark. This was on a wrench that has no part number and the Craftsman logo that looks like a crown. Two newer but similar ratcheting box wrenches that I bought in the mid 1980s (#43684 and 43685) have patent #3742788 but no series code or id mark. That patent belonged to Parker mfg co., a MA company. When I did a search for Parker mfg I found a patent dispute between Parker and Sears vs another company about the release lever for locking vise grip type pliers. I dug through my pliers and found some old Craftsman locking pliers that also had a circle I mark. So maybe a circle I mark= Parker mfg. Parker mfg may be Parker metal products/Parker International products now. I am not sure.
http://www.parkermetal.com/contact.htm

 

[MAD]

old salvage,

While researching some old tool companies I ran across a website (www.wildetool.com) for Wilde Tool Co (aka WITCO). It turns out they are still open for business. I didn't know that; I thought they got swallowed up by another company in the 70's. Received one of their catalogs today. Nice looking tools at reasonable prices. And guess what, some of their tools look an awful lot like some of the craftsman tools, especially their pliers.

Wilde still makes tools for Craftsman and they still use the P mark on them to indicate that Wilde is the OEM. I have some recently purchased ignition pliers P 4513 and some plastic handled pry bars that have the P mark and match tools on the Wilde website. The professional series Prybars have a Z instead of a P. That makes me think Z = Mayhew. When I was in Sears the other day I noticed they had Pipewrench pliers with a P mark on them. Pipewrench pliers is a registered trademark belonging to Wilde tools. I have some Klein branded pipewrench pliers so I assume Wilde makes them for Klein as well.

Most of the other Craftsman pliers I own have the WF mark indicating that they were made by Western Forge. One other exception to this is some Craftsman Professional series wire strippers with no part number or id marks. I have Klein branded wire strippers that are identical except for the color of the handle plastic dip. I always assumed Klein was the OEM for these but the pipewrench plier thing means that a third OEM could supply both Klein and Craftsman with these wire strippers.

I looked at those laminated Craftsman pliers in the store and did not see any id marking on them but I know Cooper tools sells at least a pump plier in that style. I have red handled Crescent branded ones and Green handled Nicholson branded laminated pump pliers that I bought for a buck each on clearance a few years ago.

 

[eschoendorff]

http://www.parkermetal.com/contact.htm

That is one scary website!

 

[Uncle Buck]

That is one scary website!

Ain't it so! Looks like five and dime **** from the dollar store to me!

 

[MAD]

That is one scary website!

Ain't it so! Looks like five and dime **** from the dollar store to me!

This is certainly true. But if you read the company history you will see that it is possible that this company may have once supplied wrenches and pliers to Sears. There is a heck of a lot less remaining over here a few miles to the west of once great tool makers like Millers Falls and the original Greenfield Tap and Die. Mayhew and Starrett are still making a go of it here but who knows what those companies will look like in a few years.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I'm curious about your chromed tappet wrenches you date to 1950; are they CI or V series? If they are CI they are past the commonly accepted dates for the CI series. If they are V series (my guess), 1950 fits nicely. So the question is what series are they?

There are no markings at all on the shanks of the wrenches, and on the side of the head it says "Craftsman" (with the letter C underscoring the entire word, and just underneath the Craftsman it has the number of the wrench, ie. "No.1", "No.2", "No.3", and "No.4" and on the same side of the wrench on the other end/head it says "FORGED IN U.S.A." and if you flip the wrench over, on the sides of the heads it has the sizes, No.1 (3/8 - 7/16), No.2 (1/2 - 9/16), No.3 (5/8 - 11/16), and No.4 (3/4 - 7/8).

The sides of the heads are polished, the shanks are rough finish.

There are no series markings nor any other markings on these wrenches, except on close inspection, the letter V is forged into the rough of the shank near the head with the Craftsman name, on the 5/8 - 11/16 wrench only. No series marks on the others. I have these wrenches engraved (they were in my work toolbox for a number of years) so I probably will not show photos of them.

Charles

 

[lauver]

To everyone following this thread,

I invite all of you to review this material and post your comments, suggestions, and any new evidence you have concerning the series codes, manufacturers, and especially the date ranges.


Last Updated: 12/1/10
(Note-- items in red are the latest updates)


Early Craftsman Series (generally pre-1947, some exceptions):

A-circle = Empire, ca. 1935 -1973

BC = unknown U.S. manufacturer, ca. ? - ?

BE = New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947

BM = S-K, ca. 1939 - 1951

BT = Vlchek/New Britain, ca. 1936 - 1938

Cxx = Probably New Britain or Hinsdale, ca. 1932 - 1936

CI = unknown U.S manu., ca. 1930 - 1945

CF or C-F = Probably Herbrand, ca. 1934 - 1939

CK = Unknown U.S. manu., ca. 1939 - 1943

Craftsman Vanadium = unknown U.S. Manu, ca. 1931 - 1941

C8 = JP Danielson, ca. 1930 -1936

F-circle = Miller Falls, ca. 1949 - 1964

G-circle = possibly Lectrolite, ca. 1949 - 1964

H-circle = New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947

K-circle = SK, ca. 1939 - 1951 perhaps later

N-square = unknown U.S. manu., ca ? - ?

P-circle = Wilde, ca. 1945 - 1960

S-circle = Kastar, ca. 1960 - 2008, perhaps earlier

V-circle = unknown U.S. manu., ca. ? - 1985

U-circle = Plomb/Penens, ca. 1944 - 1948

Y-circle = possibly Ridge Tool, ca. ? - ?

Z-circle = Mayhew, ca. 1957 - 1969


Modern Craftsman Series (generally 1947 and later, some exceptions):

AZ-circle = unknown U.S. manu, ca ? - ?

BF = probably Daido, possibly KTC, Japanese made, ca 1969 - 1987

C = unknown U.S. manu., ca. 1991

C = Stanley Works, Taiwanese made, ca. ? - ?
(note--this is a Canadian Craftsman series code)

CG = unknown U.S. manu., ca. 2001 - 2005

D = Kington, Chinese made, ca. 1992 - 2008

DJ = Mitutoyo, Japanese made, ca. 1968 perhaps earlier & later

E/EE = National Hand Tools/later Stanley Works-NHT division, some USA made, most Taiwanese made, ca. 1982 - 1991

EEE/EEC/EE7 = Stanley Works, Taiwanese made, ca. 1988 - 2009
(note--these may be Canadian Craftsman series codes)

F = Danaher/possibly K-D division, ca. ? - 2008

G = Easco, ca. 1980 - 1989 perhaps as early as 1979 when Easco acquired the Gastonia plant

G continued = Danaher, ca. 1990 - 2010

G1 = Danaher, ca. 2000

G2 = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

G2D = Danaher, ca. 2008 - 2010

GD = Danaher, ca. 2008 - 2009

GK = Danaher/Kingsley Tools Division, ca. 2003 - 2010

GK-A = Danaher/Kingsley Tools Division, ca. 1999 - 2003

GK-F = Danaher/Kinsley Tools Division, ca. 2007 - 2008

GK-G = Danaher/Kingsley Tools Division, ca. 2007 - 2008

GK-X = Danaher/Kinsley Tools Division, ca. ? - 2008

H = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. 1994 - 2010

HZ = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. ? - 2008

HZ O = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. 2008 - 2009

HZ OO = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. 2008 - 2009

I-circle = Parker Mfg Co, ca. 1962 - 1986

JW = J.H. Williams & Co, ca. 1954 - 1972

K = SK division of Facom, ca. 1985 - 2004, could still be NOS

K = Danaher, ca. 2009 - 2010

K1W = Danaher, ca. 2007

K3V = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

K3X = Danaher, ca. 2007 -2008

K7Z = Danaher, ca. 2010 - ?

K4W = Danaher, ca. 2007 - ?

K9W = Danaher, ca. 2008 - 2009

KR = Danaher, ca. 2005 - 2008

KU = Danaher, ca. 1992 - 2005

KV = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

KW = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008, probably earlier

KX = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008, probably earlier

KY = Danaher, ca. 2009 - ?

KZ = Danaher, ca. 2010 - ?

L1X = Danaher, ca. 2008 - ?

LC = probably Lectrolite, ca. ? - 1964

L SI = Simmonds International, ca. 2008 - 2010

LZ = Danaher, Made in Taiwan, ca. 2010 - ?

M6W = Dahaher, ca. 2007 - 2008

M6Y = Dahaher, ca. 2009 - 2009

N = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2009

OA = Unknown U.S. manu., ca. ? - ?

P = Wilde, ca. 2008 - 2010, perhaps earlier

Q = Pratt Read, ca. 2002 - 2006

R = Pratt Read, ca. 2002 - 2006

PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2002 - 2009

Q PR = Pratt Read, ca. ? - ?

S PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2008

T PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2008

T-hex (T inside hex outline) = unknown U.S. manu, ca. 2010 - ?

U PR1-3 = Pratt Read, ca. 2008

V PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2008

W PR = Pratt Read, ca 2007 - 2009

X PR = Pratt Read, ca 2009 - 2009

ST = Stanley Works, likely Taiwanese made, ca. 2007 - 2009
(note- this is a Canadian Craftsman series code)

T1V = Danaher, ca. 2006 - 2007

T2W = Danaher, ca. 2008

T3W = Danaher, ca. 2008

T5V = Danaher, ca. 2008

T5W = Danaher, ca. 2008

T5X = Danaher, ca. 2008

V = Moore Drop Forge, ca. 1946 - 1967

V (continued) = Easco, ca. 1968 - 1986 perhaps as late as 1991 as NOS

VE = Danaher, ca. ? - ?

VF = Danaher, ca. likely early 1990's

VG = Danaher, ca. 1994 - 1995

VH = Danaher, ca. 1994 - 1997

VJ = Danaher, ca. 1994 - 2008

VK = Danaher, ca. 1996 - ?

VL = Danaher, ca. ? - ?

VM = Danaher, ca. 1998 - ?

VN = Danaher, ca. 1999 - 2001

VP = Danaher, ca. ? - ?

VQ = Danaher, ca. 2001 - 2004

VR = Danaher, ca. 2002

VS = Danaher, ca. 1995 - 2003

VT = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2006

VU = Danaher, ca. 2005

VV = Easco, ca. 1974 - 1989

VV continued = Danaher, ca. 1990 - 2009

VW = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2009

V^(2nd V inverted) = Danaher, Armstrong Division, ca. 1992 - 2010

^V(1st V inverted) = Danaher, ca. 2010 - ?

VVH = Danaher, ca. 2000 - ?

VVL = Danaher, ca. 2000 - ?

VVN = Danaher, ca. 2005

VVS = Danaher, ca. 2003

VVT = Danaher, ca. 2004 - 2005

VVV = Danaher, ca. 2008

VVW = Danaher, ca. 2008

VVX = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008, possibly earlier

VVY = Danaher, ca. 2009 - 2009

VVZ = Danaher, ca. 2010 - ?

W = SK Hand tools, post-Facom , ca. 2005 - 2008

WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - 2008

WF ll = Western Forge, ca. 1969 - ?

WF D = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

WF J = Western Forge, ca. 1991 - ?

WF K = Western Forge, ca. ?

WF L = Western Forge, ca. ? - 2009

WF R = Western Forge, ca. ?

WF U = Western Forge, ca. 2008

WF V = Western Forge, ca. 2008 - 2009

WF W = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

WF X = Western Forge, ca. 2008 - 2009

WF Y = Western Forge, ca. 2009 - 2010

WF Z = Western Forge, ca. 2010 - ?

A WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

B WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

C WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

D WF = Western Forge, ca. 1993 - 2000

E WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

F WF = Western Forge, ca. 2003

G WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

H WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

J WF = Western Forge, ca. 1995

K WF = Western Forge, ca. 1995

L WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

M WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

N WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

O WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

P WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

Q WF = Western Forge, ca. 1990 - 1995

S WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - 2009

T WF = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

U WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

V WF = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

W WF = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

X WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - 2009

Y WF= Western Forge, ca. 2009 - 2010

Z WF = Western Forge, ca. 2010 - ?

+ WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - ?

* WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - ?

> WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

|| WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

∆ WF = Western Forge, ca. 1966 - ?

□ WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - ?

7 WF = Western Forge, ca. ? - ?

X = SK Hand tools, post-Facom , ca. 2008 - 2009

X = Mayhew, ca. 2010 - ?

Y = Danaher, Made in China, ca. 2009 - 2010

Z = Mayhew, ca. 1957 - 2010

3 = Kastar, ca. 1991

4 = Kastar, ca. 1992

7 = Easco, ca. 1987 - 1988 possibly 1984 - 1991

[ = Kastar, ca. 2002 - 2009 possibly earlier

Hex-Line = Kastar, ca. 2009 - ?

.(Dot) = SK, ca. 2008 - 2009


Again, feel free to review, comment, and provide evidence of series codes, manufacturers, and/or dates not shown above. Post away!

 

[lauver]

Charles (in GA),

Regarding the chromed tappet wrenches; one V forged on one of the tools in that set is good enough for me. Now the 1950 date fits! The only thing that doesn't fit is the early Craftsman script; perhaps this is what's known as a transitional forging. Thanks for the detective work. You've earned your Craftsman Club Badge!

 

[MAD]

Most of my Craftsman screwdrivers with typical red, clear and blue plastic handles have the common WF (Western Forge) and PR (Pratt Read) id. marks. A few of my older ones from garage sales have different markings. One is a beefy flat head with an unusually large 1/2" blade. The handle is identical to the modern screwdrivers with no number but marked with an F. I suspect that this one was made by Millers Falls since I have a 1/2" Millers Falls screwdriver that is identical accept for the length and the handle. I cannot remember seeing another Craftsman screwdriver with a 1/2" blade. I have another "F" marked red, clear and blue screwdriver that is also marked "Super-Tuff". I also have another "Super-Tuff" screwdriver with a circled G mark.

 

[MAD]

duplicate post deleted.

 

[lauver]

MAD,

You're rapidly becoming one of my favorite contributers on this thread. I like the way your mind works and the way you "connect the dots". Keep up the good work.

Regarding Kastar and Parker Mfg (post #63): Are the ratcheting box end wrenches you refer to the early laminated ones or the later forged/pressed ones. I have a handful of the laminated ones with series codes of "3" and "4" stamped on them. These are clearly made by Kastar. However, last week I was checking various tools at Sears and found similar laminated ratcheting box end wrenches with no series codes and a few with an unusual series code stamping that looks like a crude C composed of 3 straight lines (if you can picture that).

I also have a locking plier (PN 45342) similar to what you described with the I-circle code stamped on it that I bought in 1985. This locking plier is definately different from a set of locking pliers (PN 45348) that I bought in 1993 and has no series codes. I have no idea who may have manufactured these uncoded locking pliers. I suppose whoever makes the Vice Grip brand would be a possible candidate.

Regarding Wilde and Mayhew (post #64): I was aware that Wilde was still making Craftsman tools, and saw their Pipe Wrench Pliers and Prybars at Sears last week. I didn't, however, see the Z coded professional prybars you mentioned. Good find, and I agree with you on the likely Mayhew connection; after looking them up in the Craftsman and Mayhew catalogs I can see that they are dead-ringers.

Regarding screwdrives (post #71): Most of my screwdrives have the WF code too. I have two drivers (both 3/8" blade) one extra extra long, one a stubby with a full size handle, that are marked "F WF". Since I purchased these two drivers in 2003, I think we can safely rule out Miller Falls as a manufacturer. Lastly, I have not seen the "Super-Tuff" trademark, F, or G-circle codes on any screwdrivers to date. I may have to make another trip to Sears just to explore current drivers of all types.

Thanks Again MAD.

 

[MAD]

Regarding Kastar and Parker Mfg (post #63): Are the ratcheting box end wrenches you refer to the early laminated ones or the later forged/pressed ones.

These are laminated with plastic that goes all the way around the entire edge. I believe the ones they sell now you can see the gear at the box ends.

Regarding screwdrives (post #71): Most of my screwdrives have the WF code. I have two drivers (both 5/16" blade) one extra extra long, one a stubby with a full size handle, that are marked "F WF".
Thanks Again MAD.

I changed the post late last night. I intended to say The screwdriver had a 7/16" blade not 5/16". After taking a look at it again, it actually has a 1/2" blade. I will change my post again. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[MAD]

Here is a link to an old thread about a similar M.F. 1/2" screwdriver:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10319&showall=1

And a link to an old Millers Falls Catalog:
http://www.wgtoolco.com/mf1961.html

 

[MAD]

MAD,

Do you have a link to the current Miller Falls Tool Co.? I'm assuming they are still in business, is that correct? It would be nice to look at the tools they are producing today for comparison to Craftsman tools. Everything I have found on the internet is about MF early history. All the catalogs I've seen are pre-IR.

Thanks for any help with a current link.

Sorry, if you are looking for a current catalog you are 25 years too late. I think the Gorilla Glue company owns the name now but the tool line is no longer produced. There are lots of folks around here in Franklin county MA. that wish this was not the case.

I am afraid this is the best I can do:
http://oldtoolheaven.com/

 

[Uncle Buck]

Miller Falls made great tools in the day. I run into a good many in antique shops and the like on a routine basis. Good stuff!

 

[lauver]

MAD,

Maybe I should start reading the newspaper once in a while. Ok then, so the Miller Falls tool line died about 1983? That means we can eliminate Miller Falls as a possible tool source from 1983 forward. But, Miller Falls is still a possible tool source before 1983.

Thanks for the wake up call.

 

[lauver]

Everyone,

Ok then, we've assembled a starting list of Craftsman series codes (post #69 above) complete with manufacturers (where known or suspected) and approximate production dates (where known). As you can see from this list, there are lots of gaps (missing manufacturers and spotty production dates). What we need now is help filling in the missing information. Can you supply:

> A series code or codes that we have missed?

> A known or suspected manufacturer for a series code that has no manufacturer?

> A date or range of dates for a particular series code?


How do you do this? Look in your toolbox. Find your Craftsman tools. Look at the series codes stamped/forged on your tools. Think about the approximate dates you purchased these tools (i.e. about 1995, or between 1994 and 1996, etc). Make a list. Post your findings on this thread.

If you have lots of Craftsman tools, like me, break it down. Do screwdrivers first, make a list, post it. Later, do your pliers, make a list, post it. Later yet, dive into wrenches, make a list, post it. It's a matter chipping away at it, as you have the time.

You might be wondering how you would identify manufacturers? Most of us have tools from different manufacturers in our tool boxes, and most of us have catalogs from different tool companies laying on our desks, and most of us have accumulated tool knowledge stored in our heads. Then again, some tools have patent numbers stamped on them; a quick search of the patent number can frequently lead you to the manufacturer. Let me give you a personal example of how it happens sometimes: I have 2 sets of line wrenches, 1 set Craftsman metrics and the other set SK SAE's. I store them in the same drawer, side by side. One day I happened to notice how similar (identical) these two tool sets were. I started comparing other tools in SK and Craftsman catalogs and noticed many tools were similar and the Craftsman series code was always "K" on these similar tools. So I had a strong suspicion. Then, a couple of other GJ guys tapped me on the shoulder and said K = SK Tool Co., and my suspicions were confirmed.

So let's not loose our momentum here. We've got a good start but we need lots of help from lots of people. Will you help? Let's see your posts!

 

[lauver]

Everyone,

Just had an afterthought. If you spend any time at all looking through your Craftsman tools, sooner or later you will run into a tool with no series code (and it may not have a PN or country of origin stamped on it). I have about a dozen of these unmarked tools and couple of theories on why Sears may do this:

Theory I--Sears is between long term contracts and needs more wiggets. They place a one time order with manufacturer X who can quickly produce the quantity of wiggets that Sears needs. This buys Sears time to work out a longer term contract with more bells and whistles and perhaps at a lower cost.

Theory II--Sears thinks there is a hole in their tool line and wants to test market a new tool. They do a short term buy from a manufacturer that is already producing this tool. Sears test markets it. If the new tool tests well, they place a longer term order and invest the extra money required to cast series codes and stamp part numbers and country of origin on the tools. If the tool tests badly, Sears cuts their losses and move on to the next new tool idea.

Theory III--Sears thinks there is a need to offer a niche tool (i.e. small quantity). Sears does a short term contract with a manufacturer that already produces that tool, but to save money on tooling, they leave the series code, PN, and/or country of origin off. Sears fills the niche, but keeps the tool fairly generic knowing they will never sell many of them.

Whatever reason Sears has for omitting the manufacturers code, you will likely run into an example. The pattern I have observed is that these uncoded tools generally are produced for short periods of time. My suggestion, therefore, is that we do not waste a lot of time on the uncoded tools. Instead, let's focus our efforts on the coded tools that have been, or will be, around for longer periods of time.