Truecraft sockets?

[RandyRanderson]

I have a set of Truecraft metric 12 pt sockets in 1/2 drive. I haven't gotten around to using them until today. I mostly use 3/8 drive or SAE around the farm. Well, the 14mm rounded off a drain plug bolt. Had to switch to 3/8 Craftsman 6 pt which had no issues.

Was it a fluke, or is there a good reason that this company is out of business? Anyone else have issues with that company's tools? Or am I judging too quickly?

 

[plinker]

Up here they are common as the farm type stores sold them. Generally speaking they were high quality tools. Mid tier like S-K. Most made in Japan, some Spain. IIRC, Daido was the parent company of Truecraft.

Could be a fluke, hard to say for sure. 12pt isnt my first choice for sockets.

 

[ken w.]

The auto parts store I worked at years ago sold Truecraft. A good product. The Parent company just stopped selling in the US. They are still in business. The returns we used get back were far less than the Blackhawk or SK back in the mid 1980's.

 

[cjarvis]

I have some Truecraft pliers that I bought in the mid nineties. Still the best pliers I’ve ever owned.

 

[PFSard]

I have a set of Truecraft ..... Anyone else have issues with that company's tools?

The only Truecraft tool I own is an adjustable wrench (from Japan IIRC). I've had it for 40 years. Seems like decent quality.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have a set of Truecraft metric 12 pt sockets in 1/2 drive. I haven't gotten around to using them until today. I mostly use 3/8 drive or SAE around the farm. Well, the 14mm rounded off a drain plug bolt. Had to switch to 3/8 Craftsman 6 pt which had no issues.

Was it a fluke, or is there a good reason that this company is out of business? Anyone else have issues with that company's tools? Or am I judging too quickly?

The drain plug bolt is what failed, not the socket. 12 point sockets don't have much to grab on. That is the reason you should use 6 point if it looks like a lot of force will be needed.

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[Carquest]

We sold Truecraft in the 90’s, pretty good import tools. Best punch and chisel display I’ve ever seen. My salesman told me at the time they just announced one Friday they were done


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[RandyRanderson]

Thanks for the feedback.

These are US made sockets. I wasnt sure whether or not it was a fluke or I had been had lol

I normally use a 12 pt socket on this particular plug, but in a different drive. I guess it was just its time to round off.

 

[woody 73]

I could be 100% wrong (the cripe web-site is down for the last few days); so no way for me to check for you. I think (key word here) that before it went down they were selling some Truecraft products ??? just not sure about my memory at this time ?

But I do remember the tools and they were not all that bad from several years ago. Although I do remember some junk, well a lot of junk from the early years of Japanese made hand tools being sold at the traveling tool tent shows.

Not sure if this helps you out op?

 

[plinker]

There is/was quite of stuff on ebay, pretty reasonable prices. Satco supply had a lot a few years ago.

Now that you mention i, some tools were US made, mostly some sockets from what I remember.

 

[M6erfan]

I seem to remember that Truecraft was kinda hit or miss. Some stuff was great and some was junk.

 

[groundcoat]

About 40 years ago, I purchased a Truecraft ratchet-socket set that included the 30130 3/8" ratchet, the 40130 1/2" ratchet and a gang of sockets. The sockets are all long gone. Never did like them but those two ratchets are still my #1 go-to ratchets today. The ratchet heads are an SK design with a fantastic handle design that fits my hands perfectly. Both incorporate an easy-to-remove lock ring that makes disassembly and cleaning easy. Back drag is minimal which helps in tight places. Never had a need for a 90 tooth ratchet. Can be found all over Ebay for short money. I also have a Truecraft flex ratchet and a stubby ratchet and they're nice too but I don't use these as often. The Truecraft sockets were replaced many years ago by a better set of Craftsman 6 point sockets.

 

[Two Door]

I have an extra-long 1/4" drive breaker bar from Truecraft which appears to be very nice quality.

 

[319]

I have a few Truecraft tools I picked up here and there, including this 40134 1/2" ratchet/flex head I've had for probably 30 years or more.
They're pretty decent tools for imports.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Oil drain plugs are usually made of soft steel. This a good thing as it's better to round off the plug head than it is to strip the pan threads.

I like to use six point tools on drain plugs.

 

[NewEdgePerf]

True Craft you say? I never found any sockets, but I have a few items I purchased years ago from Chuck Homier Distributing at one of his traveling sales.


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