Tips & Tricks 101 Pratt-Read screwdrivers.

[woody 73]

Since I joined the GJ a few years back I never heard much about one of the oldest tool companies out there started back in 1798 in lvoryton, Connecticut. They got their start producing billiard balls from elephant tusks imported from Africa.

They made their first screwdriver in 1834 and the rest as they say is History. I have been told that at one time or another they have either made the handle /or the whole screwdriver for just about most of the tool companies out there. As a matter of fact if you are interested you can look at the two pictures of the craftsman screwdrivers below, one has the mark of Western Forge (WF) and the other comes from Pratt-Read or (PR).

I am guessing that with all the cheap screwdrivers coming from China that in 2009, Pratt-Read filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and Ideal bought them out on March 22, 2010.

Special tips: I do not know at this time & date what Ideal is going to do with that tool line, so tip #1 The Harry J. Epstein Co. (see link) has a few sets of the better screwdrivers for sale, WHEN THEY ARE GONE, THEY ARE GONE.

Tip #2 For any of you that like the older made in the USA craftsman screwdrivers start looking for Pratt-Read anytime you walk into garage sales, pawn shops, flea type places, etc.

Tip#3 The better grades are the Contractor series, either in full black oxide or polished nickel chrome.

Good luck & happy hunting.

https://www.harryepstein.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratt-Read

 

[HanShotFirst]

That's cool information. Globalization rarely benefits workers, tends to make the fat cats fatter. As for the consumer, their dollar goes a bit farther, but 9 out 10 times its at the expense of quality. For some things you can spare a little quality, but no so much when it comes to tools.

 

[toolmutt]

I have a set of each of the Pratt Read styles in your photo. The "Black Pearl" handles are incredibly comfortable but quite slick, even just from sweat (think Texas in summer). I have them in a cart that we use at the fire station. The tips have held up well to that type of abuse. The cushion grips don't get much use so I can't attest to their durability. I got both sets from Epstein's several years ago. Thumbs up to both HJE and PR.

 

[McFarmer]

I have two sets of the black handled ones, also from HJE. The medium straight blade twisted right off the bat. I only use them in the wood shop now.

One set has serrations on the blade, the other doesn't. The one that twisted was the one without serrations.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm going to bump this screwdriver history thread up for all you screwdriver fans.