Cambuster
Well-known member
How can I identify Craftsman handtools (sockets,wrenchs,ratchets,etc) from the middle 1970s. Thanks
Question for the Craftsman experts
- Thread starter Cambuster
- Start date
Scooterfish
Well-known member
Do A search here for "Craftsman time code " You will find a lot of =V= code for the 70s Much better quality than todays tools, IMO
Da Bull
Well-known member
Look at this thread, it should answer all your questions!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14107&highlight=Craftsman+tool+history
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14107&highlight=Craftsman+tool+history
Merkava_4
Banned
That looks familiar as hell; I think I've seen that on my Dad's old tools. Did they put that code on sockets too?
cruiser808
Well-known member
Yes they did.
expatriated
Well-known member
Look for cracks, missing chrome and blemishes; those will be the newer ones.
Also, the older =V= tools (sockets included) do not have a Sears part number on them. the more recent ones do. But, I don't know where the 1970's ones are (older or newer).
Joe Mamma
cruiser808
Well-known member
Maybe I can help some. My first new Craftsman mechanic tool purchase was in 1971 and it had both the =v= and a number. I still have the tools and they won't break despite me and my abuse over many years. I think they are better than the new stuff, but I don't really know. The last Craftsman mechanic tools I purchased was in 1991 and they're okay. As for overall Craftsman quality, anything before 1971, well, I was just a sperm on my daddy's knees and after 1992, its sperm on my knees.