Question About Craftsman Screwdrivers

[Lesserstore]

I've decided to do a detailed history on Craftsman Screwdrivers from 1950-2016, starting with the classic butyrate handled type. The butyrate handled type was introduced in late 1950, before learning this I thought they entered production when Western Forge was started in 1965. I've been looking at pictures on eBay and google of old craftsman screwdrivers and all I see are Western Forge and the occasional Pratt-Read, so here's my question: who made them between 1950-65?

 

[Lesserstore]

Some of my old ones look very much like Stanley.

Thanks for the reply. I don't think Stanley made screwdrivers for Craftsman, unless they were the amber handled ones. Here's my theory: Vlchek, who made the BC coded amber handles, was selected to make them until WF was founded. Another theory would be that Wilde made them either by themselves or in conjunction with Vlchek. I have no proof of these theories; they are just educated guesses.
So another question: does anybody have a handle like the one pictured below that doesn't have a Western Forge or Pratt-Read code.

Edit: okay after looking at Wilde and Vlchek catalogs from the time both theories have been disproven.

 

[Lesserstore]

Solved! I knew if I found it, it would be right in front of me. The manufacturers were: Miller's Falls (Circle F), Lectrolite (Circle G) and Parker Mfg. Co. (Circle I).

 

[d42jeep]

I don’t believe that Lectrolite made anything for Sears other than wrenches. I only have one Craftsman screwdriver in this style.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a long slotted screwdriver with a G code
-Don

 

[Lesserstore]

I found this set on Worthpoint with what appears to be circle G marked handles. They do appear to be slightly different than Circle I and the later WF style. They have ribs in between the raised parts and have "super tuff" on the handles.
According to lauver's code list Circle G is Lectrolite, so was there another manufacturer with this code?

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a screwholding screwdriver with a PD code.
-Don

 

[Lesserstore]

I don’t believe that Lectrolite made anything for Sears other than wrenches. I only have one Craftsman screwdriver in this style.
-Don

You're right Lectrolite didn't even make their own screwdrivers. This is probably going to be a who knows who made it code.

 

[d42jeep]

The back cover of this ‘52 catalog has Super-Tuff shown on the screwdriver handle and touts being able to pound sideways on the handle with a ball peen hammer. I actually avoid doing that to my screwdrivers.
-Don

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a large selection of Craftsman butyrate handled screwdrivers. Despite all the negatives you read about them, I like them and you could always buy a set cheap around Father's Day or Christmas.

My old ones (from the 1970s) did eventually start to stink, but they all got replaced (some how they got broken tips). Not sure what they changed, but they don't stink any more.

 

[Lesserstore]

I have a few used Pratt-Read made screwdrivers that don't stink, but I have 2 NOS cushion grip WF that have a slight smell to them, but it's no where near as bad as an old VACO I have.

 

[d42jeep]

These Phillips drivers are all WF except the fourth one down which is PR
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Here are a couple more PR marked drivers.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a different style of WF screwdrivers. No knob on the end and the handles are clear with red paint only
-Don

 

[Lesserstore]

I've seen those red ones on eBay too, and I've looked through the catalogs and I can't find them. My only guess is that they were a store exclusive for some reason.

Another couple of questions:
1- When were craftsman cushion grips released? I have 2 one marked WF U from 2008 and another marked WF W from 2002-09.
2- When were the red and black craftsman professional screwdrivers released?

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Subscribed. I’ll post pics later, ran into a bunch of circle I screw holders, couple super tuffs too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gungatim]

Here is a different style of WF screwdrivers. No knob on the end and the handles are clear with red paint only
-Don

I used to have a bunch of those red ones, IIRC, early 90's or so? they weren't in the stores long, and I swapped most of them out for regular ones.

I've got some odd old craftsman drivers i'll have to dig out some pics and post.

 

[Provincial]

Here is a different style of WF screwdrivers. No knob on the end and the handles are clear with red paint only
-Don

I remember buying one or two of those, perhaps in the mid-1980's. I have since picked up a few at garage sales.

Not bad screwdrivers, but not as good as the Red/Blue WF version. I don't abuse screwdrivers (except throw-aways from garage sales) so I am not a good test case.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a Reed Prince design screwdriver that I found unusual in that it is marked WF rather than PR. I would have expected PR to have manufactured their own style screwdriver rather than it being made by WF. It’s also clear with red but includes the knob.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I don’t see many Craftsman screwdrivers with this handle style.
-Don

 

[billp603]

I don’t see many Craftsman screwdrivers with this handle style.
-Don

I've got a couple with that handle style, including a professional which is my favorite Philips. Also a solid red and a solid orange, both were in any size $0.99 bins on the 80's.

 

[d42jeep]

Seeing your Black Professional Phillips reminded me that I had one in the toolbox in the car. I can’t tell who made it.
-Don

 

[Lesserstore]

I've finally finished my screwdriver evolution series. If you haven't already, check it out.

 

[gungatim]

Here's a few of my rare oddballs

"Genuine" phillips
Husky craftsman clone
Round shaft flat blade
3 long handle stubbies with different blade styles
Medium stubby
Orange
Long 3/16 flat
3-16 clutch
Screw holder
Small ratcheting
Medium ratcheting
#1 robertson
3 1/4 bit drivers, last is steel not alum
Drum Brake tool

And my cman adjustables, 12" 8",6", and 4" with small and large head.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I've finally finished my screwdriver evolution series. If you haven't already, check it out.

have a link?

 

[LB-1911]

have a link?

Craftsman Screwdriver Evolution 1950-2017 PART III ADDED

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have one of those Reed Prince drivers picked up at the pawn shop I have never seen any other ones though other than the red and blue ones that I bought at Sears and Ace Hardware. I never seen those odd handles in the store either the ones without the knobs. All mine are D WF, U PR, X WF and Q PR and the Reed Prince is A WF and the new ones I have are AG WF I use them as a professional mechanic and have never broken one I have several new packages of them I bought over the years in case mine start to wear out.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[gungatim]

picked up some more unique screwdrivers over the weekend.
another jumbo stubby, these things just keep popping up.

"Screwstarter" - never seen this one before,

and "Scratchawl", now i've got 2 other versions of the scratchawl, but never one with this style handle.

 

[californiamilleghia]

I got a Husky Jumbo shorty at the swap meet Sunday , it sure looks the same as a Craftsman.

when did Craftsman stop selling them ?

Thanks

 

[Lesserstore]

picked up some more unique screwdrivers over the weekend.
another jumbo stubby, these things just keep popping up.

"Screwstarter" - never seen this one before,

and "Scratchawl", now i've got 2 other versions of the scratchawl, but never one with this style handle.

What are their codes? Especially the awl because it looks pre WF, or at least from the pre WF vendors.

I got a Husky Jumbo shorty at the swap meet Sunday , it sure looks the same as a Craftsman.

when did Craftsman stop selling them ?

Thanks

My guess would be when Sears stopped sourcing from WF in April 2017. Sears introduced it prior to WF in 1955. I've got a set of them from Masterforce made by Ideal about 6 months ago.

 

[gungatim]

What are their codes? Especially the awl because it looks pre WF, or at least from the pre WF vendors.

My guess would be when Sears stopped sourcing from WF in April 2017. Sears introduced it prior to WF in 1955. I've got a set of them from Masterforce made by Ideal about 6 months ago.

here you go,
the screwstarter = 41026 W F
The Scratchawl = 36642 F

and the others in the pic:
wood Awl = circle F
acetate Awl = 9 41028 G WF
and the last one (Red/acetate)apparently not a craftsman = Magna 91350
(never looked that close before, assumed it was Craftsman)

 

[Lesserstore]

here you go,
the screwstarter = 41026 W F
The Scratchawl = 36642 F

and the others in the pic:
wood Awl = circle F
acetate Awl = 9 41028 G WF
and the last one (Red/acetate)apparently not a craftsman = Magna 91350
(never looked that close before, assumed it was Craftsman)

I think those scratch awls with the bigger handles and the screwstarter were included in sets starting from about 1977-79. The screwstarter was offered individually in the catalogs in 1978, but the awl wasn't, at least not in the catalogs. Also, are you sure it's an F code on the awl and not BF?

 

[gungatim]

I think those scratch awls with the bigger handles and the screwstarter were included in sets starting from about 1977-79. The screwstarter was offered individually in the catalogs in 1978, but the awl wasn't, at least not in the catalogs. Also, are you sure it's an F code on the awl and not BF?

it's definitely an 'F'. got the magnifier out and took a look then used a toothpick, I can feel the indentations of the 'F' but there is nothing before it. not really worn, even after lightly washing there is nothing else there.

 

[Lesserstore]

it's definitely an 'F'. got the magnifier out and took a look then used a toothpick, I can feel the indentations of the 'F' but there is nothing before it. not really worn, even after lightly washing there is nothing else there.

Cool it's made by Miller's Falls. If it was BF it would have been Fuller.