Newbie here. Any Craftsman hand tool "historians?"

[Diesel Demon]

Hello. I was trying to research info on a Craftsman socket set I have. I have had poor luck other than finding pictures of the set. Your site came up several times while I searched. Decided to give it a go. I'm mostly trying to find out what year(s)the set was made, was there a model/catalog number, Did the lid ever have any kind of Craftsman stickers on it, etc. I'm looking for a general history. I don't think the set has ever been used other than the 1.5" socket. The outside of the socket is super clean. The inside has a few marks but zero rust/corrosion. Everything else looks unused.

Here are a few pics of the set, some specs, and some numbers from different pieces.

4" ext # 44285
7" ext # No visible part number.
15" ext # 44287
I'll assume the 7" ext # is 44286?

There's a 19" long breaker bar, no numbers anywhere.

The ratchet has 4375 on the handle.

I also have a new repair kit # 44798

There's 21 sockets from 7/8 thru 2.5" All but 1 appear unused. Almost all have visible numbers on them as well as "ee" above the number.

All the pieces with part numbers have "Taiwan" written on them. Any idea if the set is a durable, quality steel that was used? Is the set "junk?"

There are 2 unbroken plastic socket holders that line the bottom of the case and a SK409 3/4" ratchet to 1/2" drive. This is new.

I look foreword to any info you gents may have. I thanks all responses up front. Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks again!

Aj

 

[Wakefield]

There are at least 2 long threads in the archives of Garage Journal about Craftsman tool markings codes and date ranges of manufacture and tool companies that made the contracted tools. Continue to search or perhaps someone will post a link(s) to the thread(s).

(edit) search Craftsman : series time frame ?
www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14107

 

[Super Sport]

I'm pretty sure that is from the 80's. For a brief time Stanley made Craftsman tools in Taiwan. There was a backlash from consumers, and they moved production back to the States.

I'm sure others here can provide you with more information.

 

[woody 73]

look to see if any of your sockets are stamped with a Double ( EE) that indeed would be the Stanley time period, mid 1980's.

 

[jakemac]

The first post in this thread lists all the known Craftsman date codes (a work in progress).
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84807&highlight=craftsman+date+code

 

[BirdMobile]

From my research (and personal experience), the "EE" series of U.S. made sockets is the worst of the bunch. "Circle U" is supposedly the best, though i've never personally seen one. I personally like the "G1", "G2", and "G2D" code Danaher stuff... great chrome and real nice stamping quality. A lot of people don't like the "double detent" of the G2 and G2D sockets, but I've never had a problem with it. "V" and "VV" stuff is highly regarded around here, has more of a "silvery" chrome (as opposed to the later Danaher "golden brown" chrome). I'm kind of "Meh..." about the V series'es, it's OK stuff but I haven't seen anything particularly special or durable about it, just average Craftsman (which, I think, all of it pretty much is!).

The only thing I can say for CERTAIN about the various Craftsman stuff is that the new China manufactured sockets are pure junk - I've split 2 sockets and sold the rest shortly afterward. Looks similar to other Craftsman stuff, but is definitely of inferior quality!

 

[woody 73]

I just did a post a few days ago showing a 1/2 drive craftsman socket from 1988 that was the Double marked EE series made in Taiwan see if you can locate some markings on your sockets:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264227&highlight=craftsman+overseas+adventures

 

[Diesel Demon]

Thanks guys I appreciate your help. I will check back regularly in case something new is posted. Pretty cool site.