Show your "Long C" Craftsman!

[Outlawmws]

WrenchGuy and I were discussing this, and I know we have threads like this for the Heritage and Crown marked tools, which are mostly power tools and boxes, (the tools generally having =V= or -V- markings...) but we were unable to find one for the older "Long C" Craftsman tools.

Backgrond:

Most of the "Long C" marked tools were from the early thirties (about 1933 based on catalog evidence), and mostly ended by late 40's, but there were still a few so marked going into the early 50's or so.

For this thread any tools from this era are OK to post. However please post Crown and Heritage (red oval) tools in their respective threads.

For the "Long C" markings, the key is the full or partial underline extending from the front "C"; but there were also some markings that omitted the underline, or it was just a tiny half letter width long, but the Letter styling was also distinctive, with an angular font:

EDIT: I guess for clarification showing some of the variants: No underline just the geometric type font, a short one letter variant on the crescent, the half underline adn the full:

Note the geometric angles on the C, R, A the S. This is often much more sharply defined than on this example, which was picked to show a "short" Long C...

What started me down this path?

I personally have long collected the Long C tools starting with a 1/2" drive socket set that took me about 30 years to complete, one socket at a time. When I first set them aside I had four total IIR, and simply added as I ran across them at fleas, and yard and estate sales. This was also my very first stab at "collecting" a tool, rather than buying users!

I acquired other Long C's of course, and only after I completed the last socket (The 3/4" seemed to evade me for ages - I finally traded for it here on GJ!), did I find a complete boxed set a couple of years ago with not only the 1/2" set, but 3/8's and all the ratchets and extensions as well (Ratchets also evaded me for YEARS). As many find, you only find them lot AFTER you find that elusive first one!


This is the set today, and has all the sizes from 7/16 to 1-1/16

I eventually went after the period correct boxes for the tools... And this is the roller of the stack I have (the top is somewhat buried) and a sampling of what is in the three drawers of the roller. I have MANY more Long C tools, but got to leave some for later, (and don't have time to fully photo-document them)

I got the top box with the assistance of a an East coast GJ member, who bought and picked it up for me, then shipped it to me, (Fully paid for by me)

The roller was a local CL buy.

This box set has all of my early tools Sears sold in it (including Dunlap etc.) but no "Vee" series (that is another carry box..), and here are the contents of the three drawers of the roller, aerial shots:

There is at least one "None Better" (New Britain) ratchet that is the same as the Long C ratchets, (not surprising as they were the MFG for Sears then)

That blue box was a find with "junk" in it. I had three of the wrenches:

I'll post more pics, time permitting.

Feel Free to post your own "long C", or other period correct tools!

 

[AdrianBoomer]

Here are mine. I still need a couple stubbies and some combos but otherwise, I am pretty complete with all the the socket sets etc. I flip through the catalogs, find something I am missing then go searching. IT's a lot of fun and I love using this on my vintage machines.

 

[wrenchguy]

Re: Show your "Long C" Craftsman! No. 5183 vise

thanks outlaw! i think this will be popular thread about a neat craftsman era. some of my underlined craftsman! If you able please post catalog advertisement for this item.
No. 5183 5" vise.

 

[wrenchguy]

No. 4957 2 man crosscut saw. If you able please post catalog advertisement for this item.

 

[wrenchguy]

Re: Show your "Long C" Craftsman! No. 5186 vise

No. 5186, 4" vise.
If you able please post catalog advertisement for this item.

 

[Outlawmws]

Per Wrenchguys request - Copied from my Craftsman Vise thread:

1937 1938 & 1939 (Note the jaw interface and ball on the main screw, these Machinist's (heavy Duty) vises are made by Reed, and apparently also by Rock island. Both Vises have features identical. (38-42 at least), and has been confirmed with at least one Reed Pat. No. if not the Model No. (5137? - This one may be Pre 1938 post 1933...)

 

[Username already in use]

I just picked up this long C 5/8" cold chisel today. Looks like either BC or BO is the code, but I can't quite tell.

 

[Jim C.]

Here’s my one and only Craftsman long C tool. It’s a 3/8” drive 1/2” twelve point socket. I have absolutely no idea where I got it from, but think it might have been included with some other sockets I bought. The only reason I remembered having it is because it has the “short” long C described by Outlaw. I noticed his photo also shows the short C logo followed by a “U” in a circle. The socket depicted below has the same manufacturer’s mark.

Jim C.

 

[Outlawmws]

That's a good point Jim, I'd bet the Mfg names would follow the length of the C underline:

Some common Long C era Mfgs:

H-circle = Husky/ New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947
BE = New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947
CF or C-F = Herbrand, ca. 1934 - 1939
BT = Vlchek/New Britain , ca. 1936 - 1938
BM = S-K, ca. 1939 - 1951
K-circle = SK 39-51
U-circle = Plomb/Penens 44-49

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: it's hard to believe that there wasn't another thread started and ongoing for LONG C Craftsman tools, but even if there is or was it should be you hosting it so i'm IN.

I wanted to make a post to let you know I'm supporting it and i've got more than a few LONG C tools and stuff to post as i GET ORGANIZED. here's my Craftsman push lawnmower that i use twice a week from May to the end of October. if it goes a week i usually have to rake so i try to mow every couple days since my yard is fairly small.

EDIT: i just noticed it might not be a LONG C mower made by YARDMAN, but thought it was

thanks for starting this cause even though Craftsman may not make the best tools now they sure were one of the top names in the past hiring the top tool companies around the USA to make theirs and put the CRAFTSMAN name on them.

cheers

 

[wrenchguy]

i believe that clipped corner "c" may qualify with outlaw mentioning it above. this is why i'm asking for anyone with catalog information to confirm items age.

 

[Outlawmws]

I spent quite a bit of time on this 1936/7 7" Companion Table saw this past summer making some transport boxes for camping gear. The Companion name was also with a long C, in the catalogs if not always the tools...

The frame of the boxes was re-purposed oak pallet wood, which required the long edges to be re-milled straight, and then I made up a finger joint fixture to have the oak frame finger jointed together.

First time for me to make finger joints! - See my camp gear thread for more details if you are interested.

I sold 3 larger table saws just a month or two before, as this one is all I ever used anyway, and I liked that it was so small. It's missing the original fence, but I either used a 6-7 ft long piece of bed frame angle (See Pic), or an edge clamp for the fence, so not missing it at all! I have since made a custom pair of clamps with 1/2" clamping bars that slide into the 1/2" table extension support holes you can barely see in the pic (lower right corner of the table)

The Std (HSS? non carbide) blade did impressive work, as did a a stack of 3 7-1/4" carbide skill saw blades for the finger joint work (an almost perfect 1/4" kerf!)For such a small table (14-1/2 X 11-1/4!) it worked great!

I also bought a "Project" saw back in September; an 8" Craftsman (Long C, blue oval) that needs a new motor mount. Its also missing the riving separator and blade guard, so I need to find that, or get one that works...

I bought this as the tilting table was a minus for the 7", and the 1/2" arbor and how short the arbor was made blades and dado's tricky...

This one was manufactured by Atlas for Sears, and has a micrometer fine adjustment for the fence. It is the 8" bench model; they also made a 10" and a free stander that was "shop grade"

Sorry for the sub-std pics, my camera was acting up back then...

The typewriter stand it is sitting on will be its stand in use, I'll add some panels (Alum diamond plate?) to the sides for rigidity, and a shelf down below, and a vac attachment to minimize sawdust..

This table is not a lot bigger than the other smaller saw: only 20 X 16

I'll also be able to use things like this Delta tenoning fixture the little 7" can't support ( The guide bar won't fit...)

 

[Outlawmws]

i believe that clipped corner "c" may qualify with outlaw mentioning it above. this is why i'm asking for anyone with catalog information to confirm items age.

I agree; I wonder how old that pusher is? certainly above 50, probably above 70!

Hmm, Yardman is new to me. so 123 = Yard-Man. One for the spreadsheet! Thx Drives!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Outlaw,

WWII falls within the Long C geometric logo era, so I'm always on the look out for it, and I've collected and still have a lot of it. Likewise the other WWII collectors here. I'm sure you'll get plenty of examples of BE and (H) drive tools posted. I'll try to get to some of the more uncommon items if I can.

I also wanted to remind you - and inform others who may not have seen it - that we did do a good deep dive on the New Britain made Long C geometric logo ratchets, which had some production peculiarities associated with them, linked here.

 

[Outlawmws]

Yep, we did! I'd forgotten I started that thread!

 

[pendragon1998]

The first hand drill I restored was a Craftsman 107.1 (sometimes called a 1071, since folks can’t make out the period). This drill is a clone of the Millers Falls no. 2A hand drill. Clones like this were manufactured by one maker for another brand, in this case, Millers Falls company made these to be sold under the Craftsman name.

Read more on my blog.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[pendragon1998]

That hand drill looks like a Millers Falls. Is it another clone made for Craftsman? Their 107.1 line encompassed several distinct models of drill under the same Sears part number.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Outlaw, great thread topic. I have become a collector of older Craftsman tools ever since I came across this complete set of CI combination wrenches. According to Alloy Artifacts (aside from GJ, my other favorite website to read), this set was manufactured sometime in the early to mid 1940s. I found them in a taped box at an estate sale for $5.00 with many later V style craftsman wrenches. After doing a little research I was pleased at this find and it started my ongoing search for early craftsman tools.

 

[Jim C.]

Here’s my one and only Craftsman long C tool. It’s a 3/8” drive 1/2” twelve point socket. I have absolutely no idea where I got it from, but think it might have been included with some other sockets I bought. The only reason I remembered having it is because it has the “short” long C described by Outlaw. I noticed his photo also shows the short C logo followed by a “U” in a circle. The socket depicted below has the same manufacturer’s mark.

Jim C.

**** If anyone is trying to complete a set and needs this socket, send me a PM.

 

[AdrianBoomer]

Here are some Long C Stationary tools. I am not an expert as some but I do love this era more than any other. I lovev BE and Circle H sockets as previously posted. I love that this thread is starting strong. I will try to contribute as much as I can.

Late 30s Craftsman/Atlas 10" TS with somewhat rare original hold downs etc

Same Era lathe, most likely 1937, my favorite badge of them all, the blue one

the 1941/42 drill press, it has the Long C ball bearing decal, its of the Era and I think it would qualify....

the red badge 1930s Sander

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Here is another one of my favorites, a C-Circle pair of lineman's pliers from 1934-1941. If the quality of these old tools wasn't enough, the nested diamond design on the outside of the grips gave them style.

 

[Outlawmws]

That hand drill looks like a Millers Falls. Is it another clone made for Craftsman? Their 107.1 line encompassed several distinct models of drill under the same Sears part number.

Yes, 107.1 with a solid wheel. Not sure I'd call them "clones" as that often implies copying someone else's design. Certainly MF probably made these for Sears and the Craftsman brand.

 

[Outlawmws]

Adrian, your Atlas built table saw is the 10" version of my 8" project. Yours has the somewhat rare extension to the sides and front, and the extended fence and fence rail, besides the hold downs, so very nice find!

Is the base also original? I believe these saws were only made from 1937-1940

the "Mohawk" DP is a definite fit for the thread!

 

[Outlawmws]

BR, Pliers this early are somewhat hard to find, as I believe many, if not most were turned in under warranty, along with the New Britain made ratchets. Most other tools survived the abuse (sockets, extensions, wrenches, etc.) better so less reason to turn them in...

The only ones I have are an 8" pair of lineman's, a pair of dykes, and a pair of duck bills.

 

[davethorik]

Here is a thread I made about my Craftsman 117.2102 pistol grip rotary tool I found at a yard sale this past summer. I believe it is from the late 30s.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=371103

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Here is a thread I made about my Craftsman 117.2102 pistol grip rotary tool I found at a yard sale this past summer. I believe it is from the late 30s.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=371103

Have the same rotary tool. Inherited from my dad. Still in the original case. Will try to get a pic tomorrow (grandkiddos are here) and post.

Nice thread Outlaw. Here is a pic of my drill press (posted on another thread).

 

[Sawdustmaker]

My Craftsman Table Saw (posted on another thread). Inherited from my dad. It is still going strong. Needs a new belt.

 

[3baygarage]

Long C 3/8 box, ratchet, speeder:

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[davethorik]

3bay, thanks! I have a lone 1/2 Craftsman socket that matches your set. I was curious when it was from.

 

[twertsy]

Long C 3/8 box, ratchet, speeder:

QUOTE]

Absolutely love that set 3bay!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I remember when 3bay first posted that set. It's a good example of how tricky it can sometimes be to identify/date Craftsman tools, with the handles having the Long C geometric logo (that would make me think mid to late 30s or 40s) and the sockets having the early 30's logo. I have a set of brace drill bits that are also tricky, with the case having a short C geometric logo and the bits having non-geometric logo.

This Sliding T-Bevel is easy. Long C geometric logo, but the Registered Trademark symbol - "(R)" - wasn't established as a mark to accompany trademarks until 1946.

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[Username already in use]

3Bay, Love that 3/8" drive set!

I've posted this drill bit set somewhere else on here, but it belongs in this thread as well.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm very interested in seeing how the bits are marked, Unaiu.

 

[wrenchguy]

Craftsman 4", No. 5181, 2 lube holes in active jaw tower? I believe its in original gray paint. picked sometime ago but never posted decent pics of it. still lots of old grease still on it.

 

[Username already in use]

I'm very interested in seeing how the bits are marked, Unaiu.

Bits are chrome and marked Craftsman Made in USA (geometric C)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks. Any mfgrs code? I'll post mine (later production, circle-D code) later. It's too bad your box isn't just a little bigger and wider. It would seriously no kidding look great repurposed as a mailbox!

 

[Mintgrun]

I also have a mohawk drill press, but the decal on mine is pretty crusty.

There is a long C drill press on Craigslist locally for $125.


https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/d/huge-power-tools-lot-no-china/6398872502.html

I found this grinder on CL and couldn't pass it up for $10. No regrets, although that makes grinder number five : D

 

[Stuart in MN]

Here is a thread I made about my Craftsman 117.2102 pistol grip rotary tool I found at a yard sale this past summer. I believe it is from the late 30s.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=371103

I have that same set as well. It still works although it's not very powerful.

 

[Username already in use]

Thanks. Any mfgrs code? I'll post mine (later production, circle-D code) later.

No code on the bits anywhere that I can see.

It's too bad your box isn't just a little bigger and wider. It would seriously no kidding look great repurposed as a mailbox!

That would be a neat idea, but apparently the metal drill bit boxes are somewhat rare. With my luck, I'd hang it on the house and it would sprout legs and walk away!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Probably. But it would be so perfect on a little funky Craftsman-style house - pun intended.

These really don't belong in this thread, only posting for comparative purposes. Here's how my auger bits are marked (see thumbnail 1) - which definitely looks 50's. Yet the case has a geometric C (see thumbnail 2) - teasing at 40's.