Some old sockets from a time long ago

[glenmore]

Came across these old sockets at a garage sale.

From the left, two old Snap-Ons, date code 1944 and 1945!

Williams and two brands I've never seen before, Fleet and Wizard.

Old Craftsman V and a really old Craftsman BE with an older logo.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I've foudn some of those Fleet and Wizard in my father's tools, I believe they were made by Indestro and were also sold at Western Auto. Hopefully somebody knowing more chimes in.

TheGrooveking

 

[wreckercologist]

Wizard was Western Auto's house brand for many years. I believe they were made by Duro/Indestro but I may be wrong on that.

Fleet was a value line by New Brittan?? Maybe...

 

[matthew]

I had thought Fleet was Proto, but I could be wrong (I think it was mentioned in one of the NOS stuff for sale threads...).

 

[Davefr]

I know Fleet was sold at K-Mart stores in the '70's.

Fleet was actually decent quality.

 

[billymade]

Sounds like Wizard and Fleet were possibly OEM'd from Vlchek:
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/vlchek-story.html

 

[TheGrooveking]

Sounds like Wizard and Fleet were possibly OEM'd from Vlchek:
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/vlchek-story.html

No they were Plomb later Proto.
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/proto-empire.html#penens-fleet

TheGrooveking

 

[TheGrooveking]

The Craftsman socket was made by New Britain.

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/craftsman-be-hcircle-p2.html#craftsman-14dr-be-breaker

TheGrooveking

 

[billymade]

Doesn't really matter but looks like they got bought out in a round about way and became part of Proto later...

"In 1958 Vlchek Tool was acquired by Pendleton Tool Industries, the parent company of Proto Tools, P&C, Penens Corporation, and other tool manufacturers. "

Looks like there was a connection to Duro and Indestro OEM for Wizard:

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/duro-indestro-p6.html

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I've got a question of YOU truly slcko tool addicts (because, of course I'M not sick!). When you find thngs like these old sockets, how much do you clean them? Personally, I'm OCD enough that I'd have to wire wheel them; try to make them perfecly clean. You guys would probaby have a cow about that because I'd be "ruining the patina"?

 

[woody 73]

Hi,

Those are very nice sockets I see them a lot in my few travels ,it amazes me just when I think I have heard of every name I pick up a tool and learn of another name!
Keep up the search you will find new names to add to your collection...

 

[Old Donn]

I've got a question of YOU truly slcko tool addicts (because, of course I'M not sick!). When you find thngs like these old sockets, how much do you clean them? Personally, I'm OCD enough that I'd have to wire wheel them; try to make them perfecly clean. You guys would probaby have a cow about that because I'd be "ruining the patina"?

Can't speak for anyone else, but I'd clean them up some, then put them to work. They're tools, not museum pieces.

 

[arkangel06]

those are some pretty old snap ons

cool stuff

 

[quneur]

Herbrand, Indestro/Duro and Vlchek all made Wizard one time or another and sold to Western Auto. There is also another company I have yet to identify but it has an 'E' series.

 

[glenmore]

I've got a question of YOU truly slcko tool addicts (because, of course I'M not sick!). When you find thngs like these old sockets, how much do you clean them? Personally, I'm OCD enough that I'd have to wire wheel them; try to make them perfecly clean. You guys would probaby have a cow about that because I'd be "ruining the patina"?

I've cleaned them up with a wire brush and dremel. They are in plenty fine shape to use. But I guess there is not must use for the old 8pt star sockets.