Stanley screwdriver black & yellow history

[natas2000]

I've seen these forever. Solid black with yellow panels. No clear plastic. See them in tons of toolboxes on here.
But I see no history on them. I want to get a set. Never had them before but I know I used them here and there that someone had.
Never liked Stanley but for some reason I keep seeing them and want them, I think they are discontinued.
Bonus , I've also seen another brand identical color but not a stanley. Does anyone know what brand it could be? I've seen them on here in the "show your toolbox" thread but most entries are from years ago.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I had a set that I bought at Kmart sometime in the 1980s. They came with a plastic holder. I wall mounted the holder in the garage so that if I needed one, I could reach just outside the door to retrieve one without having to put my shoes on.

 

[Chipm]

I think the solid black with yellow paint was called the "Thrify" line. They are cheap, but I have a set in the junk drawer.

You want "100 Plus," which is the professional line (clear yellow with black paint). I like them because they are kind of retro. The handles are full-size, so think 125% of a Sears Craftsman. Like all acetate handles they are not resistant to chemicals like brake cleaner.

 

[Lesserstore]

Some shameless self promotion:

Stanley USA Plastic Handled Screwdrivers 1932- Present

For the past several days I have been working on this history of Stanley USA plastic handled screwdrivers from the earliest catalog I can find that lists them, the 1932 catalog, all the way up to today. I was going to originally have wood handled screwdrivers too, but that would have just been...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[B_Bimmer]

Don't seek out the black ones... 100 plus with bolsters are much nicer. Personally the stanley drivers I think worth seeking out are the tri lobe handles that were a little earlier.

 

[woody 73]

Again, not to be the bad *** and I know 100 guys will chime how great they are but...cheapest garbage out there, trust me, just today I passed over at least 6 of them in great shape. I should know, so many other great Stanley's out there waiting to be bought.

Today I hit the mother lode, at one garage sale sitting in a box were 6 rusted 1920 era Cornwell wrenches, 1 vanadium from my home state,1 wooden handle Stanley screwdriver, and last but not least 1 war era or before snap on rusted pliers. Trust me op if you have your heart set on the black and yellow Stanley screwdrivers they are out there waiting to be found.

 

[natas2000]

I was looking at all Stanley series because I do collect screwdrivers for some strange reason, And I see you guys saying they are cheap and that doesn't bother me. I never thought Stanley were great but I do remember them. And like I said I see them in many pictures.
Also Lessorstore thank you for the links--I saw the first one you had many times on the standard Stanley series, just somehow missed the other links. Don't know how.
I thank all you for the help.

 

[NoahG]

Some shameless self promotion:

Stanley USA Plastic Handled Screwdrivers 1932- Present

For the past several days I have been working on this history of Stanley USA plastic handled screwdrivers from the earliest catalog I can find that lists them, the 1932 catalog, all the way up to today. I was going to originally have wood handled screwdrivers too, but that would have just been...

www.garagejournal.com

Oh great, now I’m all excited to hunt for old Stanley drivers this season, something I was previously ignoring.

Quickly rummaging thru the bucket of last years acquisitions next to my work bench, this is what I just happened to have. I thought I had a Workmaster around here too. I love those handles and have only found one so far.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I will try and get some pics of what I have over the weekend

 

[natas2000]

So I started getting some Stanley drivers in and others stuff. And haven't been able to post anything yet.
But out of the few catalogs and Lesserstore's History I have never seen these anywhere. I mean they fell and look old but could be 90's or 80's. Yes the handle feels a little light and cheap. Only says Stanley and USA no part number. They are a blue gray color. Any info on these?

 

[Lesserstore]

So I started getting some Stanley drivers in and others stuff. And haven't been able to post anything yet.
But out of the few catalogs and Lesserstore's History I have never seen these anywhere. I mean they fell and look old but could be 90's or 80's. Yes the handle feels a little light and cheap. Only says Stanley and USA no part number. They are a blue gray color. Any info on these?

Mind if I use the photo? I have an Appendix for unknown screwdrivers.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Those were sold in many department stores over the years. If you start looking, you will probably find a few sets unused at garage and estate sales.

 

[teufel666]

Oh great, now I’m all excited to hunt for old Stanley drivers this season, something I was previously ignoring.

Quickly rummaging thru the bucket of last years acquisitions next to my work bench, this is what I just happened to have. I thought I had a Workmaster around here too. I love those handles and have only found one so far.

I think the mold for the center yellow ones were also used for Proto

 

[natas2000]

Mind if I use the photo? I have an Appendix for unknown screwdrivers.

Sure can, I sell yours all the time, J/K. Please do. I've found some other oddities. Look at them hang holes on the red and yellow handyman's, like the black and red.
The second picture looks like a handyman but is earlier than the picture of the set in the plastic tray shaped like a house from 1973. I dont see that middle driver anywhere. Its old and the flutes are very red.