I've found the most gentle rust removal stuff to be gun bore cleaning products, like Hoppes #9. Naval jelly, evaporust could be good choices as well. Anything abrasive risks altering the surface, although a light scouring with a non-scratch scotchbrite pad by hand should be ok.
Craftsmanomania?
- Thread starter qqzj
- Start date
Next is a set of V series 1/2 drive socket set. Mint condition. Rarely used. The plastic box is slightly damaged. I guess this might be very hard to avoid given this kind of material. But this is a truly unique style and I have never seen it before. So it still feels neat. The ratchet does not have an oil port. That is a bit curious.
Surprisingly, the previous owner actually lubed the ratchet with some kind of grease, which dried into a substance like peanut jelly. So I have to remove that gunk and stuff the gears with Super Lube. Now it turns super smooth and the gears feels like plastic ones.
Surprisingly, the previous owner actually lubed the ratchet with some kind of grease, which dried into a substance like peanut jelly. So I have to remove that gunk and stuff the gears with Super Lube. Now it turns super smooth and the gears feels like plastic ones.
The last, but absolutely not the least, discovery is this set of ratchets. I have tried to locate them ever since I participated in this thread.
www.garagejournal.com
It was a bit of a surprise that I found them from a Hispanic lady selling pawn-shop style jewelries. Kudos to her to realize these are above and beyond the common Cman ratchets. They are not going to live in the garage. Instead, I am going to find a case for them and they will stay in my home office.
Is this really the best Craftsman ratchet?
Watched this video a few days ago. By some weird chance, today someone gave me such a ratchet with 3/8 drive size. Depending on you guys comments, I shall see how happy I am going to be. Please let the comments coming. Thanks! Sent from my SM-G981U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app
www.garagejournal.com
It was a bit of a surprise that I found them from a Hispanic lady selling pawn-shop style jewelries. Kudos to her to realize these are above and beyond the common Cman ratchets. They are not going to live in the garage. Instead, I am going to find a case for them and they will stay in my home office.
If you do, please give me a heads-up!
My latest acquisition. Cannot believe 24 inch is so much larger than 15. I also really like that it still has the UPC code on. Previous owner used it for one job and got some paint on the jaws. Took me about 30 minutes to clean up. Now it's really looking brand new.
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Ton ton
Well-known member
Those western forge adjustables are beautiful.
Time to show off my latest acquisitions! But bummer, I am a bit disappointed. It is an NOS 17'' 1/2 drive flex head ratchet (more like 16.5 inches), VVX 44816, with the UPC bar code intact. I had been looking forward to this for a while because my main daily driver is an imported 44816 A-AG. So I kinda wanted to get the 'real deal' for a while.
This side is perfect, but when I flipped them over, I noticed something strange.
What is the problem? Let me zoom in
My old one is at bottom. You can see the quick release button and the reverse switch show wear and tear. The USA made version looks perfect. But isn't it too perfect? I mean they look like plastic, while my old imported version looks to have metal parts. So I put a magnetic pickup tool to test them. Indeed, both parts on the VVX 44816 are made of plastic. The QR button on the A-AG is metal. The reverse switch of the A-AG is also plastic, even though it looks like made by metal.
That is a bit disappointing to say the least. I expected the VVX is like the more sophisticated VV ratchets, old school. Apparently, they are not. Probably the last generation of USA made Craftsman ratchets?
This side is perfect, but when I flipped them over, I noticed something strange.
What is the problem? Let me zoom in
My old one is at bottom. You can see the quick release button and the reverse switch show wear and tear. The USA made version looks perfect. But isn't it too perfect? I mean they look like plastic, while my old imported version looks to have metal parts. So I put a magnetic pickup tool to test them. Indeed, both parts on the VVX 44816 are made of plastic. The QR button on the A-AG is metal. The reverse switch of the A-AG is also plastic, even though it looks like made by metal.
That is a bit disappointing to say the least. I expected the VVX is like the more sophisticated VV ratchets, old school. Apparently, they are not. Probably the last generation of USA made Craftsman ratchets?
robert6715
Well-known member
Buy a NOS rebuild kit off eBay to get rid of the plastic.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
True, plus then you have a rebuild kit ready for the Chinese version when it is needed.
You obtained some nice Craftsman goodies recently!!!Time to show off my latest acquisitions! But bummer, I am a bit disappointed. It is an NOS 17'' 1/2 drive flex head ratchet (more like 16.5 inches), VVX 44816, with the UPC bar code intact. I had been looking forward to this for a while because my main daily driver is an imported 44816 A-AG. So I kinda wanted to get the 'real deal' for a while.
This side is perfect, but when I flipped them over, I noticed something strange.
What is the problem? Let me zoom in
My old one is at bottom. You can see the quick release button and the reverse switch show wear and tear. The USA made version looks perfect. But isn't it too perfect? I mean they look like plastic, while my old imported version looks to have metal parts. So I put a magnetic pickup tool to test them. Indeed, both parts on the VVX 44816 are made of plastic. The QR button on the A-AG is metal. The reverse switch of the A-AG is also plastic, even though it looks like made by metal.
That is a bit disappointing to say the least. I expected the VVX is like the more sophisticated VV ratchets, old school. Apparently, they are not. Probably the last generation of USA made Craftsman ratchets?
I’m going to be honest with my opinion on these since I’ve been in the Craftsman game for a long time. The Craftsman 36 tooth ratchets in any form do not garner much respect from people on this board. I happen to like them. They have served me well over the years. All of my mechanics sets have come with them and they get the job done.
That being said, I have as many USA raised panel ratchets as I do China, and the China models have always outperformed the USA’s internals.
I have a set from the first year they were made in China, stamped A-AA and even a couple A-AC’s around here, all heavily used and still working. Then I have some of the last of the USA’s marked KZ, KAC, T3Y, etc.. some are still okay, others feel very worn and two of them need rebuild kits whenever I get around to it.
The China ones all show signs of wear on the switch and quick release button. It’s not pleasing to look at, but they’re solid tools nonetheless.
I’ve come to appreciate some of the Craftsman mechanics tools made in China over the last dozen years. They took a lot a flack, especially from me, but to be honest, they weren’t all that bad and they’re still a reminder of what it was like to walk into Sears not even 5 years ago and look at the tools.
I love Craftsman tools as well. When I got started, I watched a lot of videos from Eric the Car Guy and he used this kind of ratchets too. (He only switched to Snap On's later after he got rich making videos.) So for a long time, this is what a ratchet should look like. I will try to get older versions in the future.
I participated in Craftsmanomania! Got this nice used set on the bay of E for $100 shipped, I thought it was an ok price for a no skip 6-19mm USA set. They are marked =VɅ= so I think that dates them as Danaher, Armstrong Division, ca. 1992 - 2010. My Pittsburgh set can now live in the emergency car tool kit.
Had to get 12pt though, those 6pt units are pricey. Maybe I'll learn to appreciate 12pt. Just today I ran into a fitment issue with my 6pt 10mm box end.
Had to get 12pt though, those 6pt units are pricey. Maybe I'll learn to appreciate 12pt. Just today I ran into a fitment issue with my 6pt 10mm box end.
Attachments
Picking up tools, aka, toys, on road trips is fun! A good way to kill time and visit places I will never go to otherwise. We went to Sacramento recently. While the kids were wasting money and warming up the planet on Folsom Lake playing jet skis, I picked up two sets of tools, costing less than 15 minutes of their playing time.
The first one is a small set. The definition of mint condition tools. The previous owner probably never used it, but still made two pieces of foams to keep the tools inside from rattling.
The sole reason I picked it up is because of the spinner. This is actually my first one. All my other 5 sets of Cman box sets have those cheap *** aluminum screwdrivers. I hate them because they are the most susceptible to damage but they draw previous owners like magnet. So often times those screwdrivers are often beat up in a set that is otherwise mint. These spinners are much more decent looking. However, one flaw is that it does not have a female 1/4 drive at the end of the handle so cannot be used as an extension. So I guess the hunt for the perfect spinner continues ...
The first one is a small set. The definition of mint condition tools. The previous owner probably never used it, but still made two pieces of foams to keep the tools inside from rattling.
The sole reason I picked it up is because of the spinner. This is actually my first one. All my other 5 sets of Cman box sets have those cheap *** aluminum screwdrivers. I hate them because they are the most susceptible to damage but they draw previous owners like magnet. So often times those screwdrivers are often beat up in a set that is otherwise mint. These spinners are much more decent looking. However, one flaw is that it does not have a female 1/4 drive at the end of the handle so cannot be used as an extension. So I guess the hunt for the perfect spinner continues ...
The other set is more interesting. It is a set of nut removers.
It is a nut remover, I guess, because it is different from my other Cman removers. The two one the left are my regular bolt removers. They have female square drive holes. These new-to-me removers do not have female square drive holes. Instead they are turned with a wrench. So they are used to remove fasteners with a long shaft sticking up in the middle. Kind of a pass-thru design.
I don't understand why the seller has difficulty selling them for only $5. Maybe other buyers think 5 pieces are missing? Not to long-time Sears shoppers! I remember Sears sold them like that. The other 5 pieces come in a separate package without the case. So you need to put two sets together to fill the case. But I am also puzzled where #6 and #11 are missing. Any clues?
It is a nut remover, I guess, because it is different from my other Cman removers. The two one the left are my regular bolt removers. They have female square drive holes. These new-to-me removers do not have female square drive holes. Instead they are turned with a wrench. So they are used to remove fasteners with a long shaft sticking up in the middle. Kind of a pass-thru design.
I don't understand why the seller has difficulty selling them for only $5. Maybe other buyers think 5 pieces are missing? Not to long-time Sears shoppers! I remember Sears sold them like that. The other 5 pieces come in a separate package without the case. So you need to put two sets together to fill the case. But I am also puzzled where #6 and #11 are missing. Any clues?
Just in case you don't already know, the part number for the 1/4" spinner with the female drive at the end is 43393. NOS USA made ones still pop on eBay.
Keep in mind, there are two types of “VA” Craftsman wrenches. The earlier (Pre-2002/03) wrenches have a more rounded edge beam. Wrenches made after 2003/04 have squared off or sharper edge beams. There is also a noticeable difference in the appearance of the grain of the metal (I guess that’s what you would call it?).
The squared off beams appear to be non-existent in the larger sizes such as 25mm and up and 15/16” and up for the entire 1992-2011 run.
It’s one of the things that drives me crazy when looking for a specific size Craftsman “VA” wrench on eBay. People generally don’t take pictures of the beam. Personally, I prefer the later squared off beams.
To me it’s almost as bad as people who don’t have any pictures of the date codes on say… a Craftsman screwdriver set.
It matters to some people.
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Now you have to show pictures too!
The first two pictures, you can see how the beams are sharper, more squared off. In the last two pictures, you can see how the beams are more rounded.
The grain or texture of the metal will also be different. The older ones with the rounded beams also always seem to have the letters and numbers stamped deeper.
It’s almost an OCD for me. Even the first few years of G2 sockets appeared to have a whiter, brighter chrome than the last couple years of USA, G2 series production. I have sets from the 2010/11 that have a darker tint of chrome than the stuff from 2004-2009.
Do you know the reason? Different manufacturers?The first two pictures, you can see how the beams are sharper, more squared off. In the last two pictures, you can see how the beams are more rounded.
The grain or texture of the metal will also be different. The older ones with the rounded beams also always seem to have the letters and numbers stamped deeper.
Jeepster04
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
- Messages
- 3,093
Wow, I had no idea they made a 24" adjustable. I'll have to keep my eye out for one. I bought the set of USA black oxide before they quit making them, love using them. I have the set from 4"-15".
Most of my USA cman ratchets have plastic selectors.
Most of my USA cman ratchets have plastic selectors.
As far as I recall, VA series wrenches were always made at the Danaher facility. Something changed about the manufacturing process in the early 2000’s.
I’ve used both and there’s no real quality difference. They’re my favorite, go-to wrenches that have continuously taken a beating. They deserve more love than they truly get from people.
I agree I have both styles of the VA series wrenches and have had no problems with either. My dad had a set of the early ones and I bought a set of the later ones and noticed the difference shortly after, no difference in function but above sizes 17mm or 11/16" the newer style seems to be more similar to the older style.
These are actually very good. I have 6, 8, 10, 24. Need to find 12, 15 and 4. It's going to cost me some money! I have also some China made Cman adjustable wrenches. They are different from those new one made by Stanley. They look very close to the USA ones made by WF. They also work well when I need them, like remove tie rods etc.
Found solid evidence that the 'half' set is actually a complete set.The other set is more interesting. It is a set of nut removers.
It is a nut remover, I guess, because it is different from my other Cman removers. The two one the left are my regular bolt removers. They have female square drive holes. These new-to-me removers do not have female square drive holes. Instead they are turned with a wrench. So they are used to remove fasteners with a long shaft sticking up in the middle. Kind of a pass-thru design.
I don't understand why the seller has difficulty selling them for only $5. Maybe other buyers think 5 pieces are missing? Not to long-time Sears shoppers! I remember Sears sold them like that. The other 5 pieces come in a separate package without the case. So you need to put two sets together to fill the case. But I am also puzzled where #6 and #11 are missing. Any clues?
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I can 100% confirm that set was sold like that. The add on set didn't have case but fit in that one also. I purchased them new just like that.
bds1984
Well-known member
I recently stumbled upon the youtube channel that tests wrenches like that. Very informing. In one segment he also test several combination wrenches which many of us have most likely watched. It would have been nice to see him test a USA made Craftsman in addition to the current lineup. I've had both versions yet still find the fit and finish of the Western Forge variants to be the best.
ANYways, back to the Craftsmanomania... It is something to see how the prices on good used and NOS USA Craftsman have shot through the roof. It makes completing/replacing my set ever more expensive but something I'll pay within reason as I just cannot bring myself to buy something from overseas and I am not wanting to step up to the Snap-on stratosphere. Speaking of the Craftsman Professional wrenches, what are the oddball blue titanium sets fetching? I have the 5pc set of 1-1/6 through 1-1/2, not new, but very nice.
ANYways, back to the Craftsmanomania... It is something to see how the prices on good used and NOS USA Craftsman have shot through the roof. It makes completing/replacing my set ever more expensive but something I'll pay within reason as I just cannot bring myself to buy something from overseas and I am not wanting to step up to the Snap-on stratosphere. Speaking of the Craftsman Professional wrenches, what are the oddball blue titanium sets fetching? I have the 5pc set of 1-1/6 through 1-1/2, not new, but very nice.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Just follow the garage journal classifieds for a rough idea on pricing.
WWheeler
Well-known member
Perhaps this is when they changed from the old hexavalent to trivalent chromium. AFAIK Hexavalent chromium was phased out by all manufacturers because it poses known health hazards (EDIT: I believe the hazards were to those in production facilities, notsomuch if at all to end users)
KnurledNut
Well-known member
A buddy gave me an empty blow molded case for the 154pc mechanics tool set.
In typical GJ fashion, I obsessed over filling it, even though I didnt need it and didnt really even like the case.
I nickel-n-dimed myself to death trying to fill that stupid thing.
I probably have more money in it than what it sold for new.
Over half of the pieces are CM but I finally gave and filled the rest with other brands.
FWIW, I did go with RHFT ratchets.
This style kit (not my picture):
In typical GJ fashion, I obsessed over filling it, even though I didnt need it and didnt really even like the case.
I nickel-n-dimed myself to death trying to fill that stupid thing.
I probably have more money in it than what it sold for new.
Over half of the pieces are CM but I finally gave and filled the rest with other brands.
FWIW, I did go with RHFT ratchets.
This style kit (not my picture):
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finn
Well-known member
Was, not is.
Beanie Babies , NASCAR diecasts, pet rocks, and dozens of other collectibles had their day in the sun, too.
finn
Well-known member
That sounds like shill bidding to raise the selling price when the seller thinks he has a fish on the hook.
That’s one of the reasons I no longer participate in eBay auctions. Too many dishonest sell, in my opinion.
I cannot believe it took me so long to get another piece of Craftsman! I changed job in the middle of July and has been kept busy. So finally able to get a break and picked up something I really like.
These babies are really cute! (I cannot believe that I missed one of them in the 2nd picture.) I took them out carefully and polished them a little, removed a tiny bit of surface rust from the 'tang/anvil' and put them back in the case. They go really well with the rest of my collections!
These babies are really cute! (I cannot believe that I missed one of them in the 2nd picture.) I took them out carefully and polished them a little, removed a tiny bit of surface rust from the 'tang/anvil' and put them back in the case. They go really well with the rest of my collections!
Ton ton
Well-known member
Well done!I cannot believe it took me so long to get another piece of Craftsman! I changed job in the middle of July and has been kept busy. So finally able to get a break and picked up something I really like.
These babies are really cute! (I cannot believe that I missed one of them in the 2nd picture.) I took them out carefully and polished them a little, removed a tiny bit of surface rust from the 'tang/anvil' and put them back in the case. They go really well with the rest of my collections!
I put mine into one of my father in law’s toolboxes. He has every other gimmick tool in the world… a couple more pairs won’t hurt.
Picked up some oddball stuff recently!
First is a pair of pry bars. New or nearly new condition. These things may not be as valuable as premium wrench or sockets, but they are truly rare. Who is going to buy a bunch of pry bars and throw them into a closet and forget them for 20 years?
First is a pair of pry bars. New or nearly new condition. These things may not be as valuable as premium wrench or sockets, but they are truly rare. Who is going to buy a bunch of pry bars and throw them into a closet and forget them for 20 years?
