True Value "Master Mechanic" Power Tools

[BDFan1981]

Does anyone remember the True Value "Master Mechanic" power tools? Most of these were made by Skil.

In particular, I'm talking about what power tools they'd sold in the 1980s.

Among them are:
MM8510 = Plunge Router (same as Skil 1835)
MM8521 = 2.4V Cordless Screwdriver (same specifications as Skil Twist Model 2105)
MM8525 = 3.6V Cordless 3/8" Drill and Screwdriver (same as Skil 2125)
MM8545 = Variable Speed Auto-Scrolling Jig Saw (same as Skil 4395)
MM8550 = 7-1/4" Circular Saw (same as Skil 5150)
MM8570 = 1/3 Sheet Finishing Sander (same as Skil 7284)
MM8575 = 3" x 18" Belt Sander (same as Skil 7313)
MM9640 = Professional 3/8" Cordless Variable Speed Reversing Drill and Screwdriver (same as Skil 2725)
MM9670 = Palm Grip Finishing Sander (same as Skil 7275)
MM9680 = 3/8" Variable Speed Reversing Drill (same as Skil 6325)

I'm also asking about this as to whether or not you still have some of these oldie tools in your possession more than 25 years after they were first made.

I'm guessing that True Value's contract with Skil started in 1987, as that is the earliest year I can find in the Google News archives that has the power tools branded as Master Mechanic, as all years earlier than that (1983, for example) the tools were still under such original labels as Skil or Black & Decker.

~Ben

 

[jakemac]

I was working at a True Value as a buyer for the store when TV moved the Master Mechanic contracts to an offshore (read Chinese) manufacturer. I can't remember the year, but it was in the mid-2000's. The tools instantly became junk. We had a lot of returns.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I received a Master Mechanic model 375 rotary tool from my parents for Christmas some time between 88' and 90'. If I remember correctly it was priced at $79.99 from the local True Value which was an astronomical amount of money back then, perhaps justifiable because I couldn't seem to leave dad's tools alone. Here are a few pictures: