Question: Building complete Craftsman socket sets

[txlonghorn1989]

In the last year, I've come into possession of some vintage sockets and wrenches. Most of the sockets are 1/2" drive Craftsman with the most being ==V==. I have about ten BE sockets and then a couple of Circle-H. I want to start building these into a collection. Well, at least try to build up close to complete socket set. I've tried several Google searches but haven't hit pay dirt trying to find out what constitutes a complete set for these "styles/eras" and this drive size. I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. It would be awesome to find some catalogs with pics of complete sets with each piece and size documented.

Thanks!

 

[r_olson_06]

In the last year, I've come into possession of some vintage sockets and wrenches. Most of the sockets are 1/2" drive Craftsman with the most being ==V==. I have about ten BE sockets and then a couple of Circle-H. I want to start building these into a collection. Well, at least try to build up close to complete socket set. I've tried several Google searches but haven't hit pay dirt trying to find out what constitutes a complete set for these "styles/eras" and this drive size. I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. It would be awesome to find some catalogs with pics of complete sets with each piece and size documented.

Thanks!

There is a website online that has all the old Craftsman catalogs. I can't remember the link but if you search on the vintage forum I know it has been posted a few times.

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[softailgarage]

I have all the craftsman catalogs on disc, if you can give me years, I'll see what I can come up with.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I have all the craftsman catalogs on disc, if you can give me years, I'll see what I can come up with.

Thanks stg! I'll have to figure out the years. I'm unsure if that'll make a difference but the fact that you're asking me for years sort of tells me it probably does matter.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

There is a website online that has all the old Craftsman catalogs. I can't remember the link but if you search on the vintage forum I know it has been posted a few times.

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I'll try that. Thanks!

 

[softailgarage]

If I remember correctly the BE & Circle H years were late 20's and 30's, the Craftsman name with the long line was late 30's into the early 40's (production stopped in '42 - '47 for the war effort). The =V= years are tough as they covered most of the 50's & 60's, even going into the early 70's....I believe.

 

[ken w.]

I have quite a few of all of these sockets that I wouldn't mind parting with. PM me

 

[Cruzan80]

Vintagemachinery.org is the site with all the catalogs. Shouldn't be too hard to find these. Managed to get almost a full set of each (count BE and Circle H the same) of long/shorts.

 

[r_olson_06]

Vintagemachinery.org is the site with all the catalogs. Shouldn't be too hard to find these. Managed to get almost a full set of each (count BE and Circle H the same) of long/shorts.

That's the one. I know the name of the site didn't seem like where it should be.

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[Zeeman]

Are you guys talking about the Rose Tool Catalog collection. I believe you can do a search for Blackburn Tools catalogs and find them. I have made several sets of the Craftsman sockets in the past and given them as gifts to my sons. They liked them. The older sets include at least two uncommon sockets that aren't used much today. I can't remember the exact ones, but I believe they are 32nds.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

GJ member twertsy hosts a site called "The Tool Archives" that has an extensive library of catalogs, some of his own, and others generously contributed by other members, all scanned. There are a number of Craftsman catalogs that will help you.

For the sockets marked with a geometric underline C Craftsman logo and BE and Circle-H, if they're not plated, you'll want to consult the 1941 or 1942 catalogs. If they're plated, the 1947 catalog. That's as far as BE and Circle H went. Safest to consult the 1948 (edit: or later!) catalogs for sockets marked =CRAFTSMAN=, which your =V= series likely is.

Frankly, though, there's very little difference. In the 1940's and early 1950's Craftsman consistently offered 1/2-inch drive sockets in a dizzying array of sets, from small to large, solo, or with 1/4- and 3/8-inch drive pieces. All the sets start at 7/16. The 10-pc set ends at 15/16. The 11-pc set at 1, etc, up to 1-1/8. Typical sizes in between, with a 19/32. 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 19/32, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/16, and 1-1/8. You could also buy other /32nds (21 and 29) separately, in all those years.

But if you want to poke around yourself, you should. All the sets came with different types of handles, extensions, etc.

Registration is free. Once you're registered, here's a link to the Craftsman catalog page: http://www.toolarchives.com/all-upl...turer_tid[]=433&document_types_tid=All&=Apply

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If I remember correctly the BE & Circle H years were late 20's and 30's, the Craftsman name with the long line was late 30's into the early 40's (production stopped in '42 - '47 for the war effort).

Craftsman BE and Circle H, made by New Britain and New Britain subsidiary Husky, with a geometric and underline C logo, were produced throughout the war, including military contracts. These will look just like pre-war and post-war BE and Circle-H sockets, but they will have a natural steel finish.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a pretty complete set of Craftsman sockets (NO 12 point and NO deep 1/4" drive), but they were purchased for different "eras". The oldest ones are 50 years old. The newest about 30 (for many years the 1/2" deep only came in 12 point and I refused to buy them). I even have Craftsman 1/2" deep impacts, both SAE and Metric.

I am sure thnat more than 50% of them have NEVER been used !

My 3/8" impact (standard, deep, SAE and Metric) are all Sunex.

 

[woody 73]

If you are interested in a 1/2 socket set I have a very nice vintage set that I put together, I like craftsman but my interests were in other brands so I have no attachment to that brand.

 

[Cruzan80]

Sorry, meant that I put them together from yard/estate sales. Got rid of most of spares a bit back for a grey/res toolbox, so can't really help.

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[txlonghorn1989]

Vintagemachinery.org is the site with all the catalogs. Shouldn't be too hard to find these. Managed to get almost a full set of each (count BE and Circle H the same) of long/shorts.

Oh wow! I didn't know the mothership also had this hand tool kind of stuff too! I will be checking it out tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Are you guys talking about the Rose Tool Catalog collection. I believe you can do a search for Blackburn Tools catalogs and find them. I have made several sets of the Craftsman sockets in the past and given them as gifts to my sons. They liked them. The older sets include at least two uncommon sockets that aren't used much today. I can't remember the exact ones, but I believe they are 32nds.

Must be the 25/32 and the 21/32 or 19/32. I think I've got either 2 of those. Can't recall which.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

GJ member twertsy hosts a site called "The Tool Archives" that has an extensive library of catalogs, some of his own, and others generously contributed by other members, all scanned. There are a number of Craftsman catalogs that will help you.

For the sockets marked with a geometric underline C Craftsman logo and BE and Circle-H, if they're not plated, you'll want to consult the 1941 or 1942 catalogs. If they're plated, the 1947 catalog. That's as far as BE and Circle H went. Safest to consult the 1948 (edit: or later!) catalogs for sockets marked =CRAFTSMAN=, which your =V= series likely is.

Frankly, though, there's very little difference. In the 1940's and early 1950's Craftsman consistently offered 1/2-inch drive sockets in a dizzying array of sets, from small to large, solo, or with 1/4- and 3/8-inch drive pieces. All the sets start at 7/16. The 10-pc set ends at 15/16. The 11-pc set at 1, etc, up to 1-1/8. Typical sizes in between, with a 19/32. 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 19/32, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/16, and 1-1/8. You could also buy other /32nds (21, 25, etc) separately, in all those years.

But if you want to poke around yourself, you should. All the sets came with different types of handles, extensions, etc.

Thanks a lot PL! All that's extremely helpful. All of my BE sockets are not plated so now I know the years those came from. Given what you said compromises sets for these I'm really close to already have a full set of longs with the BEs. My Circle-H are plated. Lots more collecting to do there.

I will definitely check out The Tool Archive. And I'm gonna try to find the '41 and '47 catalogs for BE & Circle-H and maybe 1955, it was a damn good year ;-), for the ==V==.

You guys are adding a whole new level of fun to my retirement!

Thanks!!!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Anybody know what to search on at vintagemachinery.org (aka the Mothership) to locate these catalogs containing Craftsman BE/Circle-H/==V== socket sets? I'm not finding anything hand tool related there but machine stuff.

 

[Rileysan]

Anybody know what to search on at vintagemachinery.org (aka the Mothership)? I'm not finding anything hand tool related there but machine stuff.

Here's a direct link to the Craftsman page. Be warned - there's a lot of catalogs and manuals to look at so be prepared to lose a few hours!

Brian

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3

 

[jakemac]

Go to Rileysan's link, then use the filter button and choose "General Line Catalogs" to narrow down your search.

 

[notlob]

Here's another link to Craftsman catalogs:

http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/sears/index.html

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Go to Rileysan's link, then use the filter button and choose "General Line Catalogs" to narrow down your search.

Just went through the catalogs and the only ones I found of interest (pre-1977) that had hand tools were 1966 and 1976. All the earlier catalogs are power tools & machines. The '66 and '76 were interesting but not sure how much it helps me with the BE and Circle-H sockets.

 

[twertsy]

If I remember correctly the BE & Circle H years were late 20's and 30's, the Craftsman name with the long line was late 30's into the early 40's (production stopped in '42 - '47 for the war effort). The =V= years are tough as they covered most of the 50's & 60's, even going into the early 70's....I believe.

Here are the production timelines on my site...........

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Just went through the catalogs and the only ones I found of interest (pre-1977) that had hand tools were 1966 and 1976. All the earlier catalogs are power tools & machines.

Go to The Tool Archives!!!

It's run by twertsy, a GJ guy, (he just posted a link to the Craftsman timeline above this post), frequented by other GJ guys (I use it every day), with information/research contributed by GJ guys (including yours truly!), and it has a gazillion catalogs. It only takes a minute to register, and registration is free. Once you're registered, go to "Catalogs by Brand", which will bring up a list of Mfgrs in alphabetical order. Click on Craftsman and it will take you directly to the Craftsman page, where you will see a list of Craftsman hand tools catalogs in chronological order: 1940, 1941, 1942, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1954.

I'm not sure if you can see the list if youre not registered, but here, again, is a link to the Craftsman catalogs page.

 

[twertsy]

Go to The Tool Archives!!!

It's run by twertsy, a GJ guy, (he just posted a link to the Craftsman timeline above this post), frequented by other GJ guys (I use it every day), with information/research contributed by GJ guys (including yours truly!), and it has a gazillion catalogs. It only takes a minute to register, and registration is free. Once you're registered, go to "Catalogs by Brand", which will bring up a list of Mfgrs in alphabetical order. Click on Craftsman and it will take you directly to the Craftsman page, where you will see a list of Craftsman hand tools catalogs in chronological order: 1940, 1941, 1942, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1954.

I'm not sure if you can see the list if youre not registered, but here, again, is a link to the Craftsman catalogs page.

Thanks for the plug Greg. You can't see catalogs if you're not registered. You can however see what is in the inventory, you just can't open it.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

When it comes to cleaning what do most of you do with tools you're collecting? I want these to be user tools not hang on the wall tools but at the same time I don't want to completely devalue a tool by cleaning it. While I like the patina of rusty old tools and machines I recognize that rust is a silent killer! ;-) I want it off as much as possible to prevent damage and to extend the life of my tools and machines.

Below are pics of the 8 BE sockets I currently have. I can't tell if these are "cold-broached" or later. I think I can see the base is slightly larger but I'm honestly not confident of that. Thoughts? (So I can only upload 7 pics in one comment. If you guys can tell which process was used to manufacture them maybe I can tell on that 8th socket.)

Thanks!

 

[twertsy]

When it comes to cleaning what do most of you do with tools you're collecting? I want these to be user tools not hang on the wall tools but at the same time I don't want to completely devalue a tool by cleaning it. While I like the patina of rusty old tools and machines I recognize that rust is a silent killer! ;-) I want it off as much as possible to prevent damage and to extend the life of my tools and machines.

Below are pics of the 8 BE sockets I currently have. I can't tell if these are "cold-broached" or later. I think I can see the base is slightly larger but I'm honestly not confident of that. Thoughts? (So I can only upload 7 pics in one comment. If you guys can tell which process was used to manufacture them maybe I can tell on that 8th socket.)

Thanks!

Pretty sure New Britain was hot broaching by then. I use a brass wire brush/wheel (handheld drill) to remove rust from sockets. I usually then coat them with an anti rust spray from Boelube. A lot of guys use Fluid Film but I can't stand the smell of that **** and gave it away. Plus, it's nowhere near as good as Boelube.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Pretty sure New Britain was hot broaching by then. I use a brass wire brush/wheel (handheld drill) to remove rust from sockets. I usually then coat them with an anti rust spray from Boelube. A lot of guys use Fluid Film but I can't stand the smell of that **** and gave it away. Plus, it's nowhere near as good as Boelube.

Thanks Todd. How do you get the rust out of the inside of the socket?

 

[twertsy]

Thanks Todd. How do you get the rust out of the inside of the socket?

Grainger sells a kit of drill accessories that are pipe cleaner style brass brushes.

 

[r_olson_06]

When it comes to cleaning what do most of you do with tools you're collecting? I want these to be user tools not hang on the wall tools but at the same time I don't want to completely devalue a tool by cleaning it. While I like the patina of rusty old tools and machines I recognize that rust is a silent killer! ;-) I want it off as much as possible to prevent damage and to extend the life of my tools and machines.

Below are pics of the 8 BE sockets I currently have. I can't tell if these are "cold-broached" or later. I think I can see the base is slightly larger but I'm honestly not confident of that. Thoughts? (So I can only upload 7 pics in one comment. If you guys can tell which process was used to manufacture them maybe I can tell on that 8th socket.)

Thanks!

I use evaporust. Works amazing on steel tools and still keeps the older looking finish to them vs polishing them. I will use a wire wheel first if there is a lot of rust.

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[Private Lugnutz]

You can't see catalogs if you're not registered. You can however see what is in the inventory, you just can't open it.

Well then, hopefully txlonghorn89 will click on my link and see all those 1940's and early 1950's Craftsman catalogs just waiting for him to get lost in after he registers!

Thanks for the plug Greg.

That wasn't a plug. That was just me trying to lead txlonghorn89 to the promised land!

This is a plug!

The Tools Archive is the best development that I have seen in this hobby in the ten years that I have been researching and collecting vintage tools. A place for vintage tool researchers and collectors to collectively maintain references and resources for their own use. When I need to look up something routine that I can't remember or I don’t have recorded in my own notes and references, I go to The Tools Archive. When I'm stumped, I go to The Tools Archive . And when I make a new significant research discovery or reach a new significant conclusion, The Tools Archive is where I want it published. It's the best place I know of for up-to-date historical hand tools information.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

How do you get the rust out of the inside of the socket?

I immerse all my rusty tools in TheWorks or Lysol brand toilet bowl cleaner, the blue gel type, which has 10% HCL acid. Immersion works especially well on sockets. I gave up everything else, including Evap-O-Rust and an e tank, years ago. It may seem ignoble, but in my experience it's the quickest (literally minutes!), safest, and most economical method there is. I use a couple different types of well-worn brass brushes on the most stubborn pieces, but I usually only need to rub things down with fine grade (0000) steel wool. It does require an immediate and thorough rinse with water, then an immediate and thorough drying, and an immediate layer of penetrating oil, otherwise a thin light layer of oxidation will fur up on the piece almost immediately.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

I have 3/8 drive 12 point 3/4 BE socket a 9/16 swivel 12 point BE and 1/2 circle h socket if you need any of those let me know. I've also got a circle u crafts!an socket

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[leg17]

Must be the 25/32 and the 21/32 or 19/32. I think I've got either 2 of those. Can't recall which.

The ==V== offered all three. 19/32, 21/32, and 25/32. Not included in many of the sets. Had to be purchased separately.

Williams offered a 31/32 and for some reason I thought that maybe Craftsman did as well but a quick run through of some old catalogs didn't show it.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

The ==V== offered all three. 19/32, 21/32, and 25/32. Not included in many of the sets. Had to be purchased separately.

Williams offered a 31/32 and for some reason I thought that maybe Craftsman did as well but a quick run through of some old catalogs didn't show it.

In looking at the '41 Craftsman catalog on toolarchives.com last night I noticed they sold a "125-Pc Socket Wrench Set" which included amongst many items fifteen 12-pt sockets in the 1/2" drive from 7/16" to 1 1/8". They only show fifteen as being offered in the catalog and that would have included the 29/32", 21/32" and the 19/32".

How far off base am I in thinking that people who purchased sets in '41 could have received "BE" sets Circle-H sets as well as others markings as well? I still don't have a real good handle on this stuff.

 

[twertsy]

In looking at the '41 Craftsman catalog on toolarchives.com last night I noticed they sold a "125-Pc Socket Wrench Set" which included amongst many items fifteen 12-pt sockets in the 1/2" drive from 7/16" to 1 1/8". They only show fifteen as being offered in the catalog and that would have included the 29/32", 21/32" and the 19/32".

How far off base am I in thinking that people who purchased sets in '41 could have received "BE" sets Circle-H sets as well as others markings as well? I still don't have a real good handle on this stuff.

You are correct. Both BE and Circle H were being produced during that time.