Vintage Mastercraft Tools

[lbgradwell]

So, Rob over at the GG has thoughtfully posted some CTC catalogue scans and I think I now know the story.

I have a No. A 1452 set.

Here are Rob's catalogue photos along with some observations. I have higher-resolution copies than appear here and, if you wish, you can also copy them from Rob's Photobucket account.:

1952:

• "Mastercraft" does not seem to be used in connection to socketry - "C.T.C. Socket Wrench Sets" - but is used for Machinists' Tool Chests.
  
• The ratchets are the older-style H3183 push-through style in sets, but newer CS41 available as open stock.
  
• Logo on 1/4" sets is the simple "CTC Tested Proven Products".
  
• No. A 1452 set is 12pc with ten 12-pt sockets from 7/16" to 15/16", 15" breaker & crossbar in metal box.

1954:

• "Mastercraft Socket Wrench Sets" now used in connection to socketry.
  
• Most sets now contain newer style CS41 ratchets.
  
• No. A 1452 set same as 1952.

1958:

• "Mastercraft Socket Wrench Sets" continues in use.
  
• Logo on 1/4" sets now "Mastercraft" like the logo on my set.
  
• No. A 1452 set same as 1952.

1961:

• "Mastercraft Socket Wrench Sets" continues in use.
  
• Ratchets now round-head Kilness-patent CS42 models.
  
• No. A 1452 set now a "13pc" set; the "extra" piece is the box itself! Still ten 12-pt sockets but now from 7/16" to 1", 15" breaker & crossbar. What previous socket has been dropped in favour of 1"? 19/32"? 25/32"?

1966:

• Now "Mastercraft "Husky"" used in connection to socketry.
  
• No. A 1452 set now re-named with a modern stock number (in the style still used) to 58-9217 and the crossbar no longer included so back to a "12pc" set. Three smallest sockets now 6-pt.
  
• Boxes now actually labelled "Husky".

1969:

• Still "Mastercraft "Husky"" used in connection to socketry, but Husky logo now featured prominently.

1973:

• Now only "Husky". No mention of "Mastercraft"!
  
• Ratchets now round-head Kilness-patent CS45 ratchets.
  
• Knurling now gone from sockets.
  
• Some boxes now plastic.

 

[lbgradwell]

So, what does all the above mean? Here's my theory:

It's looking like 1953 or 1954 was the first year that the Mastercraft name was applied to tools. However, I am pretty sure the tools in those "Mastercraft" sets were not themselves stamped "Mastercraft", but were in reality all branded "Husky". Normally, that fragile Mastercraft logo that appears on my set pictured above would have worn off decades ago leaving only a tray of Husky tools with no apparent connection to Crappy Tire at all. That would explain why old "Mastercraft" sets are so seldom seen; once the sticker is gone, the entire set would simply appear to be Husky. We never see vintage Mastercraft tools until the Gray-produced wrenches of the late 1960s or early 1970s. (Although Gray is not mentioned by name, the wrenches in the 1973 catalogue above are Gray "Maple Leaf"-series and I don't think they're stamped "Mastercraft".)

My set seems to date from sometime after 1958 when the 1" socket was added in favour of some smaller size - probably 19/32"or 25/32" - to sometime before 1966 when the boxes appear to have used the Husky logo and the three smallest sockets were then 6-pt.

It also seems that the Mastercraft name was retired for a while before being re-introduced as the house brand. Odd...

So, as always, I am open to and welcome and observations you might have! If anyone has any old sockets or tools from the 1970s or earlier stamped "Mastercraft", please post some photos!

 

[CouchSpring]

Hello LG,found two screwdrivers a wrench and a similer unmarked socket.

 

[lbgradwell]

Thanks for posting these photos, Roger!

I'd love to know the story on this Coast-to-Coast stuff with the identical logo...

 

[Jmac00]

i'll try to snap a pic of the older mastercraft wrench i picked up at a flea market...pretty sure it was made by Gray.

Edit: found a pic on my phone.

 

[MikeF2316]

Sorry, not Mastercraft, and just a hammer, but I think you'll find it interesting. My dad bought this ball peen hammer when his 16 oz carpenter hammer was not up to the task of knocking a hole in a concrete block basement wall for a 4" drier vent. This was in the house we lived in from 1965 to the start of 1968. That dates it pretty accurately to '65 or '66.

You can see CTC on the head, and Finest Hickory on the handle. I believe that it's a Canadian Tire logo between the "Finest" and "Hickory"

Even though I would have only been 5 or 6 at the time, the effort he expended doing this job made enough of an impression on me that I remember taking note that our new house from Jan '68 already had a drier vent in the wall!

 

[lbgradwell]

You can see CTC on the head, and Finest Hickory on the handle. I believe that it's a Canadian Tire logo between the "Finest" and "Hickory"

I do find it interesting & I can see the CTC-in-the-Maple-Leaf quite clearly.

 

[PCO6]

MikeF2316 - I could be wrong but I seem to remember that those hammers were made by Gray and sold by CTC at one time. I could be thrown off by the blue on the hammer head which looks identical the Gray punches and chisels that were also sold by CTC. I have a similar but smaller "blue" hammer but the handle has "Pioneer" stamped into it.

 

[Outlander]

Here is a picture of a vintage Motomaster 6/12V car charger. Took the tool stretch a bit farther.

 

[MikeF2316]

I do find it interesting & I can see the CTC-in-the-Maple-Leaf quite clearly.

Actually, it shows up better in the picture than when I'm looking at it directly.

 

[Gregg33]

MikeF2316 - I could be wrong but I seem to remember that those hammers were made by Gray and sold by CTC at one time. I could be thrown off by the blue on the hammer head which looks identical the Gray punches and chisels that were also sold by CTC. I have a similar but smaller "blue" hammer but the handle has "Pioneer" stamped into it.

That's interesting I never knew Canadian Tire sold Gray punches and chiesels. A couple years ago I bought a used set of Gray punches and chiesels. They look identical to the new Gray punches and chiesels ( I bought a couple new ones to complete the set). The older gentleman that sold me the set had mostly Mastercraft tools. I thought it was odd he'd go to an industrial supply to get that set, but going by what you're saying he probably got them at Cdn Tire.

 

[Gregg33]

Ok, as promised here is the "Mastercraft Alloy Canada" wrench I promised. Except the one pictured is a 1-1/4". I purchased it on the weekend from the 689 store in Hamilton, the same place i got the 9/16" (still not photographed!) from. It is possible the owner of the store got them from the same place. Regardless other than an ad on Kijiji, which showed simliar wrenches in a lot of tools, I have never seen that type of wrench (with the "Mastercraft Alloy Canada" labelling) anywhere else.

I should also point out that even though I neglected to take a side shot of the wrench, it has some grinding done to it, meaning it appears to be a "1" series Gray with different text stamped on it. Also, I have a hunch that the 1-1/4" was the biggest size made in this style as the Gray "1" series ranged from 1/4" to 1-1/4".

 

[lbgradwell]

That's interesting I never knew Canadian Tire sold Gray punches and chiesels.

I bought a small set of punches & chisels at a CT in London, ON in 1988 or 1989. They were the only such tools I owned until quite recently.

 

[lbgradwell]

Ok, as promised here is the "Mastercraft Alloy Canada" wrench I promised.

No, I don't recall seeing these before, but I am certain both these & the example posted above without the "Alloy Canada" marking are both Gray 1-Series products...

(Good photos!)

 

[Gregg33]

They look the same, minus the "Alloy Canada". Interesting the word "Mastercraft" is in the typical (for the era) Cdn Tire-Mastercraft script, while the words "Alloy Canada" are in the same script as Gray wrenches from that era.

The old Canon digital I have works good. I barely know how to use it lol, but when I remember to set it properly, it takes very detailed, clear photos, much better than a more modern, 1/2 the size Fuji i have.

 

[texjake]

I am ISO the older Mastercraft tool set. The one that came in the gray case, see attached picture. I’m unsure of the date of mfg or the number of pieces in the set. Thanks!

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Here in BC, Canadian Tire didn't come until the early '80s, so we wouldn't like see much in the way of old Mastercraft tools. I did buy a set of Gray Maple Leaf sockets when they cleared out in the late '80s for work, I didn't want to lose my ETF ones. After that it was Mastercraft. I would guess, imported. The Grays were crude but tough. Simpson-Sears sold Craftsman, but likely not the full line.

 

[Tylermorris]

Mastercraft old logo beside a couple other gray made wrenches

 

[Gregg33]

View attachment 935753

Mastercraft old logo beside a couple other gray made wrenches

Cool wrenches! I don't think there is any doubt they are made by Gray. This is a pretty old thread but since I last posted on here I have accumulated 2 sets of the Gray made Mastercraft combos, including one in an original roll (see attached photo). Both sets are stamped "MASTERCRAFT" on the wrenches and most likely early 1960's vintage going from old catalogues I've seen. Over the years I have come up with several "MASTERCRAFT ALLOY CANADA" wrenches, but still am several short of a full set. Do you have any you are willing to part with?

I also attached a pic screwdriver of an old Mastercraft screwdriver set I recently picked up at a flea market. Much newer than the wrenches, I remember seeing them in stores (and actually purchasing a set, most of which I lost) in the mid 90's. Made in Canada, most likely made by Fuller. It is definitely an economy set, probably a $7.99 gas bar coupon special back in the day, but still a neat find.

 

[d42jeep]

It looks like at some point in time they were using Barcalo as a supplier. These have been living in my Barcalo shrine.
-Don

 

[Gregg33]

It looks like at some point in time they were using Barcalo as a supplier. These have been living in my Barcalo shrine.
-Don

If you are talking about the Mastercraft tools sold at Canadian Tire. It's news to me that any were ever supplied by Barcalo. In the very early days all the hardline tools were Husky which to my knowledge none of the Husky were ever labelled as Mastercraft, then Gray which on rare occasion were labelled Mastercraft but usually sold as Gray and then in the late 1980's the hardline became off shore and was always Mastercraft, usually made by Stanley in Taiwan and China. In more recent years Canadian Tire also carried socket and sometimes wrench sets (but never individuals)of various other off shore brands like Stanley, DeWalt, Channellock etc.

I really don't know if the wrenches you have are unrelated to Canadian Tire (I think in the U.S. a hardware chain unrelated to Canadian Tire sold tools as Mastercraft) or if Canadian Tire actually carried Barcalo in this case labelled as Mastercraft. I suppose it's possible Barcalo sold tools to Canadian Tire as despite being in different countries the companies' headquarters were only about a 1.5 hour drive apart.

 

[3baygarage]

Don’s wrenches, along with Couchspring’s wrench, definitely Barcalo-made for Mastercraft.

To add to post #83 by CouchSpring, there is a Mastercraft pear head ratchet identical to Penens as well.

 

[Jazz1]

Master craft dog bone wrench Made in West Germany. Given to me over 40 years ago

 

[MTRS]

Hi everyone - I recently bought a Mastercraft socket set from what I think is the 1970s. This 21 piece tool box has seven 6 point and seven 12 point sockets - although one of the six point sockets has been replaced by a 13 mm metric Snap-on made in Canada. I'm very curious to learn about who may have manufactured the ratchet and sockets. Based on what I've read in this thread, the trail seems to run cold right before this may have been produced. It was bought at a small Canadian Tire by the original owner - and his son sold it to me in clearing out his garage. I would definitely appreciate your expert advice.

 

[LukeOresk]

I’m pretty sure if you read the tag it’ll say at the bottom imported by Canadian tire. Most of the Canadian made stuff was stamped Canada, same with the USA rebranded tools.

 

[MTRS]

I’m pretty sure if you read the tag it’ll say at the bottom imported by Canadian tire. Most of the Canadian made stuff was stamped Canada, same with the USA rebranded tools.

Unfortunately not! There's no markings on the tools nor indication of place of manufacture or name of manufacturer anywhere to be found. Not on the tool box, not on the label, not anywhere...

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

Have to agree with Caper in the last few years since migrating to the Maxxium branded logo quality has gone to **** . . .

All of my Professional Series tools from CT have continued to perform flawlessly over 30 years . . .

Getting warranty from CT is a whole other ball game how ever!

Canadian Tire will not see a dime from this Beaver Eater, ever!

You want warranty from them, you better have a good connection to God . . .

It's been my experience that if they know you are using them professionally they won't honour the warranty. Pretty sure that's in fine print somewhere.

I always sent my warranty claims in with my wife or daughter, never questioned once.

 

[LukeOresk]

I’m 100% sure they are imports, my dad has a set in a black plastic case and it’s about the same as far as the style goes. I’m surprised on the lower part of the label on the bottom left it doesn’t say anything about it being imported

 

[Duke74]

Hey. Mastercraft tools are garbage today but their old line of tools was different. I have 2 vintage axes that are good. I wish I knew who made them. Here in AB, there is an old Mastercraft Vise that I have been salivating over and I want to add it to my collection. Problem is is about an 8 hour round trip to drive to get it. And it would break me to have it shipped. Anyway, here are a couple of pictures of it. It looks like it is a copy of a record Vise but it says Japan on it so it was likely made by Eron, which would make it a pretty good Vise.

 

[LukeOresk]

Mastercraft is pretty **** today but, the maximum is pretty good. The sockets and ratchets are gear wrench. It’s pretty hit or miss now though

 

[reusable-pasta]

A set I found at an estate sale a week or so ago. Says made in Japan, kinda curious to know more about them.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks like jap version of wright

 

[Inno]

Can anyone date this 1/2" CT ratchet for me? I also have an identical 3/8".

They are much more solidly built than the old ones.

 

[lilredex]

Eighties, I think......

 

[Oldtuleguy]

My one Mastercraft set. Appears to have been supplied by penens (plomb/proto)

 

[thefraze_1020]

I just picked up this Mastercraft Coast to Coast #1 Phillips screwdriver. This one is made in USA and the shaft has Phillips license #39. I cannot find anywhere who had license #39.

 

[Lesserstore]

I just picked up this Mastercraft Coast to Coast #1 Phillips screwdriver. This one is made in USA and the shaft has Phillips license #39. I cannot find anywhere who had license #39.

I have an Oxwall with that license number, but I don't know if they made it or contracted someone else.

 

[thefraze_1020]

I have an Oxwall with that license number, but I don't know if they made it or contracted someone else.

Lo and behold, I just pulled up the 1971 Oxwall catalog from the International Tool Catalog Library. On the first page is the "J" line deluxe quality screwdrivers, and the handle shape in the illustration is identical to this Mastercraft Coast to Coast driver.

 

[soundjunky]

I wanted to share something - but I'll get to that in a minute.

Being a Canadian, I have a LOT of CT tools.

I think that by a wide margin the late 1990's through early 2000's 'Mastercraft Professional Series' was the best stuff they made;
I have the two attached ratchet sets, and I would love to one day come across the metric versions of these sets - and maybe even 1/4" drive sets (if they ever offered those):



I will add that I've had a couple of the ratchets like the one pictured in post #113;
I believe those are 1980's - my issue with them is they just felt cheap, they had good weight to them, but the logo directional switch would always turn on you when you didn't want it to.
I don't like them, but that's just my opinion.
The post that I was hoping to help with is a garage sale post quoted below:

Hello,

I’m looking for the following Combo Wrenches in the Mastercraft Professional Series. These are NOT the newer maximum style. They started disappearing from Canadian Tire shelves around 2010.

I’ve attached a picture of a 19mm for example.

I’m looking for the 16mm and 18mm at this time.

Not sure if they made a 20mm but I’d take that if it is around.

These are hard to find but I know they were available as singles (not sold in the set).

(LINK)

I was actually surprised when I went out to the garage;
It appears as though I bought my imperial and metric wrenches when they were initially switching from 'Professional Series' to 'Maximum';
Disclaimer - I think that generally speaking the 'Maximum' series is garbage, and I will not buy any of it, no matter the sale.

I found that I had a full set of stubby 'Professional Series' wrenches, but the long ones are all 'Maximum' - albeit the early ones - which appear to be the exact same parts as the 'Professional Series', only stamped different.

I have one size with three versions (images attached);

The top wrench is a 'Professional Series';
The middle wrench is an early 'Maximum';
The bottom is a later 'Maximum'.

The middle wrench has stamped 'Maximum' and the part number on one side, and 'Mastercraft' on the other side - this wrench is as best as I can tell in every discernable way the same wrench as the older 'Professional Series'.

If you notice the bottom wrench has 'Mastercraft Maximum' printed on both sides, it is slightly longer, slightly fatter on the box end, and skinnier on the open end (the most important end!).

I looked at all my larger chrome finish MC wrenches, and they all have the 'Mastercraft' on only one side.

I hope this helps someone.

 

[soundjunky]

Just giving this thread a little bump when some of you might have some down-time, and be able to add to the discussion.

the story I heard with the "professional Series" available in the late 90s and early 2000s is that they were made in the same place as the MAC stuff. Anyone know any more? They have certainly been good wrenches and sockets.

Just wondering if anyone had anything further to add