My Small But Growing 1/4" drive Socket Set Collection

[Nutria]

Interestingly, there was a spinner in with my set, but I don't know that it's even SK. Several things are different from the two in your images.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a postwar S-K amber handle spinner.
-Don

 

[Raineman]

Let me ask you guys a question, and it applies to all size sets, not just 1/4" sets. It just seems appropriate to ask here since you all are posting such great sets.

Do you put non period correct sockets/accessories in your tins (box, case, whatever you call yours) until you get the correct piece, or do you keep everything separate and only fill in when you get the correct piece? Don, really interested in your thoughts on this.

Example: SK 4098, I could fill a tin mostly right now, but with a jumble of different era styles. I don't know if my psyche could handle it.

 

[d42jeep]

I always prefer to find a complete original set put together at the factory. Unfortunately, those don’t come around all that often. I usually have some sets in progress that I fill up with correct parts as I find them. This has led to building up a stock of pieces that I can use as I need them. Here are some pictures. Usually the last piece needed to complete a set is the crossbar.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

Do you put non period correct sockets/accessories in your tins (box, case, whatever you call yours) until you get the correct piece, or do you keep everything separate and only fill in when you get the correct piece? Don, really interested in your thoughts on this.

Every "collector" has their own method. None of them are right, and none of them are wrong. We need to start from that point.

In my own case, I endeavor to have socket sets which contain all the pieces which were originally contained in the set, and if and when possible (which may well take considerable time), I will try to find the period-correct, matching production type pieces (e.g, same knurling pattern, same text printed on socket, etc.)

Don and I have done several "tradesies" deals - one where he needed a particular 7/16" 12-point Walden-Worcester socket for one of his sets with the correct knurling pattern to match up to one of his GMTK sets. And I'm still looking for the correct "Carb-O-Mang" 3/8" 6-point for one of my sets.

You will note in one of my posts just above an "incomplete" New Britain 1/4" drive set, and just below that, four orphans. I think those orphans came out of that "incomplete"set, because if you put them in, you've got all the socket sizes. I probably pulled them out long ago when I got the set and set the orphans aside, waiting for the right sockets to happen along.

In MY case, it's prohibitively expensive cobbling sets together like that - buying onesie-twosies on ebay to fill holes. Some of them work out okay, others cause me to wonder if I'm losing my mind.

Some times it may take years to find the correct piece to complete a set. Whether or not you're willing to wait that long, and do all the requisite work and are willing to pay the cost of finding "correct" pieces is entirely up to you - we all have different value systems. It all depends upon what your end goal is. In MY case it's having stuff that's just as it was when it left the factory - perhaps a bit worse for wear, but containing all of the original pieces that were there. That's where your greatest "intrinsic value" in "collectibles" lies.

Just my two cents.

 

[bmwrd0]

I used to put placeholders in sets that I was working on, but I realized a long time ago that I wasn't going to use the set, so, why do it?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

There is no point, you know what goes in there.

 

[d42jeep]

"Mark I" model 1162 16 piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set (marketed by G.L. Company Inc. of Los Angeles)

Of all the ratchets and sockets they could have copied, WHO did they pick?

(Gotta give 'em credit for doing a nice job, though!)

Attach files

looks like I need to dig around and find the correct socket to fill that hole and get rid of that Oxwall piece...

I dug through my Japanese 1/4” drive sockets and found these 8 point ones. Gotta be closer than that Oxwall.

 

[four.cycle]

^ perfect.. put the 5/16" 8-point in a box for me please.

I have enough set aside here for you to fill a box, but I haven't gotten to the Thorsen or the Walden yet.

 

[four.cycle]

Just received this 2800 Indestro 1/4" drive SAE socket set today


Indestro 2800 1/4" drive SAE socket set

- all the pieces are cad plated.
- with the exception of the 2810S 5/16" 8-point socket, all the sockets are stamped only with the size and "D-I".
- the 2810S socket is stamped "Indestro"
- the set is missing the 5/32" x 4" cross bar.

This set was a "grab bag" of mixed items - the seller's description of the item wasn't clear, the photos didn't show all the contents, some of the photos were out of focus. Don helped me ID one of the oddballs as being New Britain.
One of our members just purchased some New Britain from me, and a few weeks ago had made an inquiry about an earlier NB set that I had listed on Ebay that he wasn't able to bid on because he was in Hawaii and I had it listed "shipping to CONUS only."

I sent him a note and told him I thought I might have some New Britain coming, but I didn't know for sure what it was, and if he'd be willing to wait a couple extra days, I'd toss it in to what he had purchased.

I was a bit surprised when I brought the package home from the post office earlier and opened it up and sorted out the contents:


New Britain Machine Co. 1/4" drive SAE "Chrome" socket set

So, @Etchase, looks like you're shy:

NM607 7/32" 6-point socket
NM31 3/16" x 4-1/2" cross bar
NM51 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
NM63 6-inch wood handled spinner

... and the correct box. When I discovered what was in the set, I went searching for a box, but didn't find the right one. (That's in another thread. )


BK

 

[four.cycle]

got all these sorted out today ...
Japan / Taiwain made 1/4" drive sockets 11/15/23


Japan / Taiwan made 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets 11/15/23

 

[d42jeep]

Just received this 2800 Indestro 1/4" drive SAE socket set today


Indestro 2800 1/4" drive SAE socket set

- all the pieces are cad plated.
- with the exception of the 2810S 5/16" 8-point socket, all the sockets are stamped only with the size and "D-I".
- the 2810S socket is stamped "Indestro"
- the set is missing the 5/32" x 4" cross bar.

This set was a "grab bag" of mixed items - the seller's description of the item wasn't clear, the photos didn't show all the contents, some of the photos were out of focus. Don helped me ID one of the oddballs as being New Britain.
One of our members just purchased some New Britain from me, and a few weeks ago had made an inquiry about an earlier NB set that I had listed on Ebay that he wasn't able to bid on because he was in Hawaii and I had it listed "shipping to CONUS only."

I sent him a note and told him I thought I might have some New Britain coming, but I didn't know for sure what it was, and if he'd be willing to wait a couple extra days, I'd toss it in to what he had purchased.

I was a bit surprised when I brought the package home from the post office earlier and opened it up and sorted out the contents:


New Britain Machine Co. 1/4" drive SAE "Chrome" socket set

So, @Etchase, looks like you're shy:

NM607 7/32" 6-point socket
NM31 3/16" x 4-1/2" cross bar
NM51 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
NM63 6-inch wood handled spinner

... and the correct box. When I discovered what was in the set, I went searching for a box, but didn't find the right one. (That's in another thread. )


BK

The interior of that Indestro box is excellent. The decal is amazing for a wartime set. Congrats on grabbing that set.
-Don
Here is a set with those same NB sockets. The box may or may not be correct.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are a couple of Duro labeled D-I 1/4” drive socket sets in the same size boxes, I believe.
and a partial set with Duro brand sockets that you sent me last Christmas. It is slowly moving towards completion.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

^ That last one with the wood spacer is the one I dug out last year and sent down to you. those had kind of a dark green "wrinkle finish" paint on them. that Indestro set has the medium blue wrinkle paint - I'm leaning toward it being earlier for some reason. The interior of the box is fabulous. The exterior has some schmutz on it - I peeled a mess of scotch tape off of it earlier.

 

[d42jeep]

When I was in the basement this morning I checked on how far I’ve come with that set. It has an Indestro 5/16” 8 point substitute for a Duro and could use a 7/32” Duro hex socket as well. No need for the wood spacer any more.
It’s back in the Navy box.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

PENNCRAFT - manufactured by New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut:


these four sets have been something of a "work in progress" for several years...


I'm reasonably confident I've got most of the stuff sorted out, although you just never know what may turn up...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I used to think @CRTDI - who hasn't been around in a few years, had the most midget sets. With maybe @Oldtuleguy a close second. Lately I am not so sure!

 

[four.cycle]

^ I'm going to tackle this brand by brand. New Britain came up becaue @Etchase made an inquiry about it. Not sure what I should do next.... maybe Craftsman since Christmas is coming up and people tend to get stupid with their money......

I'm going to put up the Penncraft because I kept tripping on the box it was all in every time I went into the living room. It needs to go before it kills me.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

We use to joke crtdi had a time machine he had so many pristine rare sets

 

[four.cycle]

Crescent / KAL 13-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set w/box

this set contains:

LM606 3/16" 6-point Crescent (Japan)
LM607 7/32" 6-point
LM608 1/4" 6-point
LM609 9/32" 6-point
LM610 5/16" 6-point
LM611 11/32" 6-point
LM612 3/8" 6-point
LM614 7/16" 6-point
LM616 1/2" 6-point

- 1/4" RHFT ratchet KAL (US)
1059 1/4" x 2-inch extension
1070 1/4" universal joint KAL (US)

- unmarked socket clip rail
- metal box

The sockets are all marked "Crescent Japan K Alloy".
The ratchet, extension, and universal joint are all American-made KAL (manufactured by Emporium Forging, Emporium, Pennsylvania) and are NOS.
The box is a Japan-made unit.

* this is a cobble job - going on the block Sunday

 

[four.cycle]

Crescent 17-piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Set in Original Box

manufactured by Crescent Tool Co., Jamestown, New York

this set contains:

CM606 3/16" 6-point
CM607 7/32" 6-point
CM608 1/4" 6-point
CM609 9/32" 6-point
CM610 5/16" 6-point
CM611 11/32" 6-point
CM612 3/8" 6-point
CM614 7/16" 6-point
CM616 1/2" 6-point

CM808 1/4" 8-point
CM810 5/16" 8-point
CM612 3/8" 8-point

CM4 2-inch extension
CM12 6-inch extension
CM17 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
CM70X RHFT ratchet (marked "PAT. PEND." forging code A)

LM75 RHFT ratchet (re-branded Wright model 2400)
- Steel Box

- The CM70X ratchet is original to the set.
- The LM75 ratchet is an add-on to the set. It is a re-branded model 2400 Wright.
- All piece are marked "Crescent" and "USA" (or some variant thereof)

 

[four.cycle]

FAIRMOUNT 14-piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set with Box

manufactured for the Fairmount Tool & Forging Co. of Cleveland, Ohio by the New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut

this set contains:

NM606 3/16" 6-point
NM607 7/32" 6-point
NM608 1/4" 6-point
NM609 9/32" 6-point
NM610 5/16" 6-point
NM611 11/32" 6-point
NM612 3/8" 6-point
NM614 7/16" 6-point

NM810 5/16" 8-point
NM612 3/8" 8-point

NM20A Sliding "T" bar
NM42 5-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
NM115 6-inch extension
NMF51 Pear-Head Ratchet
- Steel Box

- All pieces are marked "Fairmount" and "USA"

- The BOX was repainted by a previous owner. While I am not a fan of repaints, he actually did a fairly decent job with a deep red textured "splatter" paint. (Not really a "wrinkle finish" like the original - more like that "stone" finish paint.)

 

[four.cycle]

Firestone 13 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

manufactured for the Firestone Tire Company by the Plomb Tool Company, Los Angeles, California

this set contains:

7/32" 6-point
1/4" 6-point
9/32" 6-point
5/16" 6-point
11/32" 6-point
3/8" 6-point
7/16" 6-point

- 5-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
- 6-inch extension
- Oval-Head Ratchet
- 5/32" x 3-inch cross bar

- All of the pieces except the crossbar are marked "Firestone"
- There are no part numbers on any of the pieces.
- The exterior of the box has not fared as well as the interior.

 

[four.cycle]

Stanley 12 piece 1/4" drive 6-point SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

manufactured by The Stanley Works Division, Stanley Tools, New Britain, Connecticut

this set contains:

88-037 3/16" 6-point production code G1
88-038 7/32" 6-point production code F4
88-039 1/4" 6-point production code G1
88-040 9/32" 6-point production code G1
88-041 5/16" 6-point production code F4
88-042 11/32" 6-point production code G1
88-043 3/8" 6-point production code G1
88-044 7/16" 6-point production code F4
88-045 1/2" 6-point production code F4

88-015 2-inch extension production code G1
88-009 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar) production code E4
88-001 Pear-Head Ratchet production code G1

- All piece are marked "Stanley" and "USA"

- The notation regarding "Safety Goggles" dates the set NO EARLIER than 1977.

 

[d42jeep]

Firestone 13 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

manufactured for the Firestone Tire Company by the Plomb Tool Company, Los Angeles, California

this set contains:

7/32" 6-point
1/4" 6-point
9/32" 6-point
5/16" 6-point
11/32" 6-point
3/8" 6-point
7/16" 6-point

- 5-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
- 6-inch extension
- Oval-Head Ratchet
- 5/32" x 3-inch cross bar

- All of the pieces except the crossbar are marked "Firestone"
- There are no part numbers on any of the pieces.
- The exterior of the box has not fared as well as the interior.

I’m liking that Firestone set!
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I don't get too jealous of sets I don't have, but I've been hoping to run into that winged Crescent decal set in the wild ever since I first saw one here, so far no luck, and that FairmounT, with the marking redolent of their wartime wrench face logo, is fabulous, and super clean!

 

[four.cycle]

"... that winged Crescent decal ..."

Crescent Tool Co., Jamestown NY "Give Wings to Work" logo

 

[d42jeep]

In the basement. I had to resort to eBay. Never saw one in the wild.
-Don

 

[3baygarage]

You know that particular Stanley is a Mac in disguise right?

 

[four.cycle]

G.M. Mfg. Co. (Long Island City, NY) 10-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set

this set includes:

3/16" 6-point
7/32" 6-point
1/4" 6-point
9/32" 6-point
5/16" 6-point
11/32" 6-point
3/8" 6-point
7/16" 6-point

2-inch extension
5-inch "Frankenstein" ratchet

The sockets are stamped with the size and "USA". There are no part numbers or manufacturer's name stamped on any of the pieces.
The size stampings on these socket are expressed with a "-" dash, e.g., 11-32.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Cool set with the cardboard tray inside a metal box.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The box is plastic. like those flimsy plastic boxes you got stuff in as a kid - the ones that either the hinge or the latch breaks from.
That one has one broken hinge.
Very difficult to find with boxes intact, with both hinges and the latch intact.

The question raised earlier (in another thread) compelled me to dig out all of my "GM" and Oxwall and Meteor, which is what brought this one out of the woodwork.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The box is plastic.

Could've Did fooled me! Still an interesting combination.

 

[four.cycle]

I found the LM25 spinner for the Crescent set, so it's now 18 pieces. (see post #1822 above)

 

[four.cycle]

DAYTON 15 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

manufactured for Grainger by the Herbrand Company, Fremont, Ohio

this set contains:

3/16" 12-point socket
7/32" 6-point "
1/4" 12-point " (two each)
9/32" 12-point "
5/16" 12-point "
11/32" 12-point "
3/8" 12-point "
7/16" 12-point "
1/2" 12-point "

5/16" 8-point socket

- 2-inch extension
- 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
- Oval-Head Ratchet
- Steel Box

- All sockets are marked "DAYTON" and "CHGO-USA".
- The flex handle and extension are marked "DAYTON" and "CHGO-USA".
- The ratchet is marked "DAYTON" and "CHICAGO" and "4X336".

 

[four.cycle]

Grand Auto 15 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

this set contains:

3/16" 6-point socket
7/32" 6-point "
1/4" 6-point "
9/32" 6-point "
5/16" 6-point "
11/32" 6-point "
3/8" 6-point "
7/16" 6-point "

1/4" 8-point socket
5/16" 8-point "
3/8" 8-point "

- RHFT Ratchet
- 3-inch extension
- 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
- Steel Box with Plastic Insert

- The sockets are a mix of Japan and Taiwan-made sockets. Some pieces may not be original to the set.
- The Ratchet, the flex handle, and the extension are Japan-made.
- The ratchet functions exactly as designed. Perhaps not as smoothly as the 2875 Indestro they were copying, but pretty close.
- The plastic insert is in amazingly good condition considering age. Obviously the Japanese knew something we didn't about plastic inserts in socket sets. (see next post)

 

[four.cycle]

Husky 13 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

this set contains:

20006 3/16" 6-point socket
20007 7/32" 6-point "
20008 1/4" 6-point "
20009 9/32" 6-point "
20010 5/16" 6-point "
20011 11/32" 6-point "
20012 3/8" 6-point "
20014 7/16" 6-point "
20016 1/2" 6-point "

20220 3-inch extension
20210 6-inch spinner handle
20201 RHFT Ratchet

- All of the piece are marked "HUSKY" and "USA"
- Notwithstanding the sockets and drive tools appearing to have never been used, the black plastic insert has deteriorated over time. (see photos.)

 

[four.cycle]

Master Mechanic 10 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box

manufactured by EASCO Hand Tools, Hunt Valley, Maryland for True Value Hardware Stores

this set contains:

T1006 3/16" 6-point
T1007 7/32" 6-point
T1008 1/4" 6-point
T1009 9/32" 6-point
T1010 5/16" 6-point
T1011 11/32" 6-point
T1012 3/8" 6-point
T1014 7/16" 6-point
T1016 1/2" 6-point

T1063 6-inch Spinner Handle
- Plastic Box

- All of the pieces are marked "Master Mechanic" and "USA".
- Some of the pieces were marked by a previous owner.

 

[four.cycle]

K-D Tool 14 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box with Extra Ratchet

manufactured by the K-D Manufacturing Co., Lancaster, Pennsylvania

this set contains:

51106 3/16" 6-point
51107 7/32" 6-point
51108 1/4" 6-point
51109 9/32" 6-point
51110 5/16" 12-point
51111 11/32" 12-point
51112 3/8" 12-point
51114 7/16" 12-point
51116 1/2" 12-point

711708 Universal Joint
711203 3-inch extension
711208 6-inch spinner with bolster
711111 RHFT Ratchet
711102 Pear-Head Ratchet

- Plastic Box


- All of the pieces are marked "K-D" and "USA"
- All of the sockets are marked with ®
- The Pear-Head Ratchet is an add-on to the set. It is also marked ®

 

[four.cycle]

JS Technology Inc. 13 piece 1/4" drive SAE Socket Wrench Set in Original Box (NSN 5120-00-081-2305) (one of two see also post #1850)

manufactured for JS Technology Inc., 1000 Mcfarland 400 Boulevard, Alpharetta Georgia

this set contains:

11500-06 3/16" 6-point
11500-07 7/32" 6-point
11500-08 1/4" 6-point
11500-09 9/32" 6-point
11700-10 5/16" 12-point
11700-11 11/32" 12-point
11700-12 3/8" 12-point
11700-14 7/16" 12-point
11700-16 1/2" 12-point

11300 Universal Joint
11200-02 2-inch Extension
11130 6-inch spinner with bolster
11000 RHFT Ratchet

- This set was manufactured for the United States Armed Forces as a "Small Arms Repair Kit".
- All of the piece are marked "JS" and "USA"