J.C. Penny tools

[Steinmetz]

I remember in the 60s I could go into JCP and buy underwear, tools, and a gun in one trip.

Times have changed a bit.

A "Home Entertainment System" and a new refrigerator, also, if you needed one.

 

[hefty lefty]

PowerKraft tools were sold from way back till the late 1970's or possibly very early 80's. I think they were gone by around 1985. PowerKraft tools were every bit as good a tool line as Craftsman. My dad has quite a few PK tools from back in the day. My first set of box ends, (still have them) were Montgomery Ward branded, not even PK! I would guess my box ends came from prolly the 1940's cause they were already old when I got them. I do recall that for the last 8-10 years that MW sold hand tools the ratchets,sockets and wrenches looked identical to the old Thorson line while it was still USA made, so that is who I think made the line for the last few years of MW while it was still a decent store. I seem to recall that at the very end before MW went **** up they just threw in the towel and quit selling tools alltogeather! Who can add more to the MW story?

I worked for MW Doctronics for about three weeks at the very end. The Doctronics operation was not that old but the final cleanout pulled out cases of old tools, they had warehouses of "old junk" that got routed to Doctronics as it was no longer offered as merchandise. I saw quite a few of both Montgy Ward and PowerKraft tools.

I think the stores quit selling all but a small smattering of hand tools many years before my involvement with the company. Inventory control at MW was abysmal at least in certain regions. It was only a couple of years ago that the MW web site-which is still going-still had ten year old laptops for sale new!

I (and some others) installed the paging/emergency audio system in the US national Montgomery Wards call center on 67th street in Merriam, Kansas in the late eighties. The place, built circa 1967 is still in use as a call center by GE for their credit cards such as Penneys, Lowe's, and so forth. I was in there as a guest of an employee about two years ago: there are still tons of old Montgy Wards ads framed on the walls of the corridors and the place has a dingy old office feel about it. Workers complain of mold and allergy issues. It's unbelievable that a company like GE that makes tons of money and manages to pay no taxes still operates facilities that are old dumps. That's true of the Grain Valley, MO train electronics plant and the Erie, PA locomotive facility, certainly. But I digress....

 

[rusty65]

I have a couple things to add to this thread for people who are doing research. The wrenches are made by sk for sure and are marked jc penny.

The tool box is marked penncraft abd was made by Waterloo for jc penny.

 

[athomas543]

Softfoot, i have a drill just like yours and 2 years ago the reverse quit. Its a great tool and i think it was one of the first tools with 3 settings. I thought i got this in the 60's but can't remember. Its the same model that you have and i have it apart now and i am going to search tonight for the part. Its number is 312380. I still have the brochure/parts list that came with it.

Athomas

 

[scaron]

i've got some jcpenney tools that have made their way to me thru my family... a 3/8" drive metric socket set in a black metal box, and some full-polish metric wrenches. they are nice tools. i'd pick up more if i ever saw them at a yard sale or flea market.

 

[athomas543]

I have a JCPenny impact drill model #0002B that my father got back in 1972 or 73. It has 3 settings, impact, rotary impact and rotary. You turn the collar just behind the chuck to set. It's still going strong and I use it all the time, although the reversing switch just broke the other day. I'm going to see if I can contact JCPenny and find out who made them.

ht one.

Softfoot, have you found a switch? I can't find one. If you did, can you tell me where you bought it.
athomas543

 

[athomas543]

Softfoot, did you ever find a switch for your drill? I need one and can't find one. I love this drll better than my batt operated ones.
Thanks, athomas543

 

[oak_park]

Bumping an old thread, I finally found the 1/2 drive ratchet to complete the set. All made by S-K.

 

[Flatintoone]

Bumping an old thread, I finally found the 1/2 drive ratchet to complete the set. All made by S-K.

Great set! I had never seen a JCPenney-branded ratchet (though I had seen other tools) until last weekend. Guy had a 1/4" drive like yours. They look like the Kraeuter (also SK-made) ratchets.

 

[FMC1959]

I worked at my local Penneys in the early 70's, and with my employee discount, I picked up this socket set and a set of Penneys SAE combination wrenches that I also still have. These tools made up pretty much most of my tool arsenal thru most of that decade. I now keep in my emergency roadside kit in my car. Looks a lot like SK to me.

With the revival of this thread, I saw this post. I have a Husky USA set I bought back in the late 70's that is 100% identical, including the case, except it says Husky. Either Husky made these JCP or SK also made the Husky USA back in the day.

 

[Steinmetz]

SK made tools for a lot of other labels, including Craftsman.

 

[3baygarage]

With the revival of this thread, I saw this post. I have a Husky USA set I bought back in the late 70's that is 100% identical, including the case, except it says Husky. Either Husky made these JCP or SK also made the Husky USA back in the day.

I would say the ratchet was S-K made and the rest Husky made (or whoever made Husky).

 

[Flatintoone]

I would say the ratchet was S-K made and the rest Husky made (or whoever made Husky).

I see a mix of "JCPenney" (SK-made) and "Penncraft" (New Britain-made, who also made Husky) in there.

 

[3baygarage]

I see a mix of "JCPenney" (SK-made) and "Penncraft" (New Britain-made, who also made Husky) in there.

Good eye there.

 

[stage20]

cool thread!

 

[gipraw]

I have my dad's JC Penney circular saw from the early 70's. It still works and I still use it.

 

[bamamichael]

I have many Penncraft tools, when I was first married in late 60's my wife worked for them so a discount was always used. LOL

I have a 7 1/4" circular saw model 4053 that I can not get the blade off. It has a slotted shaft and then the nut tightens on the shaft. I'm looking for some information before I try to force nut off because I don't want to screw up the threads on the shaft. I had heard that the nut might be a REVERSE thread but don't know this to be true. I have a manual up north in MI but I'm at our winter home in AL so I can't look it up. Does anyone have a saw from late 60,s or early 70's where they could look and see which way the nut turns to remove it?

Penncraft was a great brand and everything I have still works. I bought a 10" table saw from them that still is used every summer. It was made by Delta I think and has all steel bed and 2 extensions on it. I love that saw.... they don't make them like that anymore!!!!! bamamichael

 

[Cope]

I think JC Penny tools were contracted to the same company as Craftsman as were 50 other brands.

The Penncraft were made by New Britain. I had a set of 3/8" deep sockets, and one was marked Husky.

 

[mechanicalmoron]

I have a few penncraft sockets and two ratchets that I got in an estate auction lot.

The sockets seem fine and one of the ratchets feels top notch - I think it's something like 62 teeth, and they feel really nice.

The other ratchet came with one of the pawl pivot pegs broken off, and would only ratchet in the tightening direction - I drilled it out and drove in a pin, but apparently I didn't position or size it right, now it only ratchets in the OTHER way - took it apart to try to adjust it again, and messed up a crimp that holds the head guts together.

Too bad the design is apparently wimpy and poorly made - I like the other one. The broken one is quick-release, but I think they both have the same weak pawl design. And as luck would have it, the logo was ground off the one that works, but I think they have different tooth counts, so I have an ugly handle with a good ratchet and a nice handle with a grenaded ratchet.

 

[Cope]

I think JC Penny tools were contracted to the same company as Craftsman as were 50 other brands.

Sockets and ratchets were made by New Britain. No idea about wrenches. Screwdrivers looked like Stanley. I still have a couple of their screwdrivers.

 

[mopar_johnny]

Reviving an old thread, just thought I'd show these off. They were my grandpa's. The ratchet is an SK with no penncraft or jcpenny markings. I'm guessing it was added after he lost/broke the original ratchet because it looks too short for the spot. Everything else is still in good shape.
<a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/user/007_punk/media/Tools%20and%20garage%20stuff/20150731_094617.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t11/007_punk/Tools%20and%20garage%20stuff/20150731_094617.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20150731_094617.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/user/007_punk/media/Tools%20and%20garage%20stuff/20150731_094651.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t11/007_punk/Tools%20and%20garage%20stuff/20150731_094651.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20150731_094651.jpg"/></a>

 

[stage20]

very cool!

 

[Leoruiz]

"How years ago in days of old, when magic filled the air."
Pre corporate excrement.

 

[Cato]

These are all cool tools.

I'm just too young to remember Pennies having tools. As a kid back in the 80s I do remember going there for school clothes. I don't remember any tool department.

 

[sonvolt]

I just picked up a Penncraft 1/2 drive ratchet, $7.00 and smooth as butter

 

[BFBOB]

I have a JCPenny impact drill model #0002B that my father got back in 1972 or 73. It has 3 settings, impact, rotary impact and rotary. You turn the collar just behind the chuck to set. It's still going strong and I use it all the time, although the reversing switch just broke the other day. I'm going to see if I can contact JCPenny and find out who made them.

Skil. It's a Skil Xtra Tool. Made in two sizes, 3/8 and 1/2" chuck - and I think the ONLY difference was the chuck size. It took me 30 years to wear one out, liked it so much I found an excellent condition replacement on evilbay. Nothing else combines all its functions with a small size.

 

[BFBOB]

anybody ever find a 19mm Penncraft 3/8" drive socket? I would really appreciate one?

Talk about long shots - I saw your post from years ago, and I do have a 19mm 3/8 drive Penncraft 6-point standard depth socket. I'd gladly trade it for and 8mm or smaller, 15mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm or bigger. Of these, the only one I know exists is the 15mm, but 20 and up are a possibility.

Only Penncraft branded, not JCPenney.

Thanks!

 

[BFBOB]

Does anyone know if JCPenney has a deal with any company to replace Penncraft tools for them? I know that my brother-in-law had one of their lifetime auto batteries which he got replaced at Texaco stations I believe after JCPenney closed their auto shops.

Yes, last I had occasion to find out, Penney's was warranteeing their tools by issuing a voucher for a Craftsman. Makes sense - Both were made by New Britain (at various times)

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Ah, I hate this thread. I am getting all hot and bothered by these sk jc penny sets. Going to have to add those ratchets to the list of things to lookout for. I really would love to find one of those or a krauter one.

 

[CRTDI]

New Britain sourced 1/4" Penncraft set.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I have a few of their sockets they work well, these tools did carry a lifetime warrenty.

Sadly, the life of JC Penney.

 

[GTO]

I have a nice PowrKraft vise...got it for free too.

 

[stage20]

I have a nice PowrKraft vise...got it for free too.

hold up now. thats a competitors product.


ill have to get a pic up. guy on craigs had a huge upper and lower snap on box loaded with snap on tools. in one of the pictures was a 1/2 SK made round head fine tooth ratchet. i was going to email him about it an offer him 10 bucks for the ratchet, or if he countered id pay higher.

the dealers i buy from at sales had bought this box. i ended up buying 3 sets of snap on impacts from them and the jc penney ratchet. 4 bucks. im more than happy.

 

[Virgil Cain]

Sadly, the life of JC Penney.

J.C. Penney may well end up outlasting Sears.

 

[McBrownie]

So, here is an old Penncraft ratchet with a story. Back in the early '70's, my dad, a high school biology teacher, worked part-time at JC Penney's in the hardware department. I remember him working that job with a couple of other teachers which let them keep flexible schedules. A nice setup for some extra cash. One of the things I remember is that someone returned a 3/8" socket set because it didn't work. My dad bought it for 25 cents (at least that was the story). He took it apart, fixed it, and used it for years. I've had it for the past 30 years or so, and it quit working years ago. It was just locked up and basically a breaker bar. I remembered him talking about doing something with a spring. So, I took it apart tonight, stretched a string a bit and it is back in action. I like it way better than my 3/8 Craftsman, so I'm glad it's working again. As you can see, it's seen a fair amount of use in it's life. It's going to see more now.

View media item 54150
View media item 54151

 

[dodge610]

My deceased BIL has a 4 drawer roller chest full of penncraft stuff. I forgot he had them He worked for years at J C Penneys as a tailor. He was a tailor by trade bought a lot of his tools there when he worked there. Need to see if my sister will sell me roller cabinet and all. He also had some penncraft tool boxes gotta go see sis see if she will let me go thru everything.

 

[stage20]

if you cant buy it at least take pictures to share.
sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[Norcal]

Have a J C Penney branded, Baldor built 6" bench grinder, at least they sourced a lot of their tools from good vendors.

 

[Ponchoguy]

My deceased BIL has a 4 drawer roller chest full of penncraft stuff. I forgot he had them He worked for years at J C Penneys as a tailor. He was a tailor by trade bought a lot of his tools there when he worked there. Need to see if my sister will sell me roller cabinet and all. He also had some penncraft tool boxes gotta go see sis see if she will let me go thru everything.

The Kennedy toolbox shown in the photo is a 1972-1973 JCP branded unit. As I have related before, the story is the elderly neighbor (who had a Dodge Dart and was a Chrysler fan BTW, Dodge610...My parents had a 1967 Dart GT among other Chryslers, and I believe theirs was a '66. They used to come to my Dad for help in fixing theirs) had it in his garage. I was admiring it one day. Fast forward a few years later, there's his grandson putting it to the curb. I jammed on the brakes and said, "Hold it buddy, I'll take that if you're pitching it". He said, "Want a hand with it?" I said, "Nah, I'll roll it around the block". I did.

Inside was one 9/16" socket that was also JCP. It's definitely an Easco made unit (USA made). The JCP name plate is broken on mine, but I know the guy worked at JCP as I found a business card in the drawer and my sister worked at the local JCP before they relocated to the mall and knew the owner of this box (as did my family).

 

[dodge610]

The Kennedy toolbox shown in the photo is a 1972-1973 JCP branded unit. As I have related before, the story is the elderly neighbor (who had a Dodge Dart and was a Chrysler fan BTW, Dodge610...My parents had a 1967 Dart GT among other Chryslers, and I believe theirs was a '66. They used to come to my Dad for help in fixing theirs) had it in his garage. I was admiring it one day. Fast forward a few years later, there's his grandson putting it to the curb. I jammed on the brakes and said, "Hold it buddy, I'll take that if you're pitching it". He said, "Want a hand with it?" I said, "Nah, I'll roll it around the block". I did.

Inside was one 9/16" socket that was also JCP. It's definitely an Easco made unit (USA made). The JCP name plate is broken on mine, but I know the guy worked at JCP as I found a business card in the drawer and my sister worked at the local JCP before they relocated to the mall and knew the owner of this box (as did my family).

My BIL like i said was a tailor for years for them he even got to meet Mr. J C Penny in person. He had an autographed picture of him come to think of it I do to in a foot locker I have of kids stuff. He has if I remember correctly the Penncraft 4 drawer roller cabinet in the back of the garage covered up. And since you brought up Darts I have a 68 and 70 dart in the back workshop. I gotta get over to sisters house make sure her son in law didnt get rid of the box and tools. See if sis will sell me the whole box tools and all.