Sears Forged Alloy Japan BF socket set

[pendragon1998]

I thought I'd share this metric socket set (#9-4374) that I inherited from my
grandfather. He passed away in the late 1980s, and my Grandmother passed
the set to me in the early 1990s. The back of the ratchet says SEARS
FORGED ALLOY JAPAN BF. I have read about other JAPAN BF tools dating at
least from the 1970s. Alloy Artifacts says, "BF = probably Daido, possibly
KTC, some USA made but predominantly Japanese made, ca. 1969 - 1987."

The ratchet is great - 60 T and very tough. I probably did a lot of things
with it that I should have used a breaker bar for instead, before I knew
better. I'm interested in how old the set is, and whether there might be a
rebuild kit out there, in case the ratchet ever goes (I'd like to keep a kit on
hand). This set has great sentimental value for me, because it's just about
the only thing I have of my Grand-papa's.

(The foam weatherstripping was added by me when I got tired of the sockets
always getting loose and mixed up when the box was closed.)

 

[CNGsaves]

That's a Nice little set.

Keep using and enjoying it . . . in memory of grandpa!

 

[ssentt]

Now thats pretty cool.

 

[Gregg33]

Years ago alot of lower end tools were made in Japan. I've come across lots of Japanese tools from (presumably) the 1970. The quality isn't as good as the U.S. stuff generally, but the quality level is as good as just about any import today. Enjoy the set, the sentimental value is priceless I'm sure.

 

[2oolhound]

That's cool, I have some craftsman raised panel made in Japan wrenches around here. I like that it says "High Carbon Steel" rather than the usual Chrome Vanadium.

 

[bonneyman]

Years ago alot of lower end tools were made in Japan. I've come across lots of Japanese tools from (presumably) the 1970. The quality isn't as good as the U.S. stuff generally, but the quality level is as good as just about any import today. Enjoy the set, the sentimental value is priceless I'm sure.

ditto

I had a Japanese SEARS set of combo wrenches that served me well for years.

 

[tribbles]

I have a pair of pliers from Sears, marked 'JAPAN BF,' that I got new from my dad for Christmas in 1978. The plastic handle covers are tattered and torn, and I have to wire wheel off the flaking chrome every couple of years, but the jaws are still nice and sharp.

 

[piehammer]

Bumping this old thread - looking to buy this ratchet and the two extensions if anyone has them. Thanks.