Old 1/4" socket set

[AngryJoe]

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[JoCoSawdust]

Made by Moore Drop Forge. The ratchet is is known as a "box head" or "first generation raised panel" depending on who you talk to. If memory serves me correctly it was produced from 1951-1953. The sockets for this set should also be marked with the =v= stamp although MDF used that marking for several years after the date of that ratchet. Nice set and even better that it has family providence for you.

EDIT: 8 point sockets were pretty common in the older socket sets.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

This is from the 1954 catalog so I'm a bit off on the end date for that ratchet.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

All for $7.98!

 

[Dagny]

I think the two 8 points are for refrigeration service valves.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

$74.53 in todays dollars so that wasn't a cheap set!

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Angry Joe: I think you'd be surprised and find that set to be all original with the exception for the deep well sockets. Your Grandpa probably used that set for a specific purpose and threw those deep sockets in there for that particular task. That unassuming small metal bar in the far left of the case is something we all look (usually in vain) for to complete sets. Its purpose was to be threaded through the hole in the handle of the breaker bar to use as a T spinner. Just look at the forge codes on all the sockets and extensions. If they all have =v= on them I think it's safe to say your Grandpa kept track of his tools very well and you've got a complete original set.

EDIT: If you do ever come to own that set, I'd keep the deep wells in there. They were in there for a reason at some point and I'd leave it be.

 

[d42jeep]

Well, that didn't take long. Very cool to see that old ad. Anyone have a higher quality version? Thank you so much for the information. It would be nice to print it and put it with the set.

I really want to get this set from her. I want to clean them up and clean/regrease the ratchet. I would have to take a closer look at each piece, but very surprised it appears to be all original and complete being possibly 60+ years old.

Here is the scan of the entire page from the internet.
https://archive.org/details/SearsCraftsmanMechanicsTools1954Catalog/page/n5
-Don

 

[Jim C.]

Your set should have these tools in it, including two eight point sockets.

Jim C.

 

[Zrxrunner]

Nice set!! I've acquired one missing a few things, and I've managed to complete it short of a matching 5/16 6pt. That's the fun part tho, thrill of the hunt!! Plans are to color match the inside and do a new sand and paint on the outside.

 

[gpw_42]

You may want to add pics of your set to the 1/4" dr. thread, located here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=405698

 

[thehorse13]

I see that the Craftsman info has been covered very well. The date codes on your Snap-On sockets tell us they were made in 1968.

Nice set.

 

[lilredex]

Eight pointers must have been a standard issue back then. My S-K set that I bought new in 1954 has two also. #5 and 7 from the left.

 

[bmwrd0]

8-pointers were common as square head fasteners used to be much more common. My lathe has many in that size range, and they show up on many other pieces of mid-sized machinery from that era.

 

[bonneyman]

Nice looking set, Joe!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I got mine for 40$

 

[Jim C.]

You guys are the best. Thank you so much for the information. I think the only thing the set is missing is the T-Handle.

Looks like it’s missing the breaker bar T and the sliding breaker bar.

 

[d42jeep]

I think I see the crossbar hiding in the left side of his set.
-Don

 

[Jim C.]

I think I see the crossbar hiding in the left side of his set.
-Don

Good eye Don!!! I see it.

 

[Zrxrunner]

Theres one on ebay now for $5.55 plus $3.44 shipping. Item number 153430468624

 

[Zrxrunner]

Most of the others listed now too are only the single -v-, not the =v= like what you want. Lots of different variants to look for to make everything match. Keep an eye out on garage/estate sales and keep watching ebay...you'll find one

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Careful, once you start it's hard to stop!

 

[jeff64]

Eight point sockets work on square headed nuts, bolts, pipe plugs and set screws. It’s a good idea to have a few of them for pipe plugs.

 

[GreyOwl]

Only because they are too small to put longer double bars on them.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Glad to hear it's home with you Joe and yup, you'll see the :v: on the tiny stuff. Please think twice before painting the case. It's only original once. A good scour with WD40 and fine steel wool followed by a coat of car wax and one day your grandkid will have a beautiful set with family history.

 

[Zrxrunner]

Good job on completing!! I was keeping an eye hoping you were the bidder on it! Only reason I'm thinkin of repainting mine is cause the insides in great shape, but the outside is more rusty brown than it is paint. Once I clean mine up a bit, I leave a light coat of gun oil, or penetrating oil on them to help stop rust from forming back up

 

[Farmer J.]

For those interested, if any... .

Thanks for posting this, it is interesting, and has given me much pleasure looking at your lovely shiny little socket set!

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Well done Joe. Nice set!