Vintage metric Kromedge, replacing missing HSS taps/die

[mckaymotoworks]

I just picked up a vintage Craftsman Metric Kromedge tap/die set, paid more than I wanted (192.00 shipped) to as I wanted the vintage quality, seller did note a few items were missing. Just received today, it's missing about 13 pieces, more than the seller let on, many of them the smaller I commonly use in building vintage motorcyles, so the kit is worthless to me at this point.

Had some newer U.S.A SAE pieces mixed in, as well as one vintage SAE die.
The Ebay ad looked more complete http://www.ebay.com/itm/200927167060?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
I'm assuming seller picked it up at an estate sell, didn't inspect it carefully.

I will try to work it out first with the seller before filing a dispute.
Option #1 source U.S.A HSS replacements, seller refunds difference to replace
Option #2 get a refund, save for a newer U.S.A made HSS kit

Where can I source quality U.S.A made HSS taps/die at decent price?

 

[warmpancakes]

ebay link isnt working

 

[mckaymotoworks]

Probably because the auction ended, here's the ad:
CRAFTSMAN METRIC KROMEDGE HIGH SPEED STEEL TAP AND DIE SET 59pc

This is a barely used CRAFTSMAN METRIC KROMEDGE HIGH SPEED STEEL TAP AND DIE SET. There are a couple smaller size taps missing, and a couple extra sizes included. I think I counted 60pcs total. Shipping is $14.90 in the USA. Please see our other auctions for an SAE set also.

A bit vague, and his pics were not too clear, easy to not identify what's missing with some extra SAE pieces thrown in. I just emailed him to see how he'd like to proceed.

I need to source and price replacements if he opts for that.

 

[mckaymotoworks]

He made good and is refunding $80, enough to get Greenfield from Grainger.
I'll spend some time trying to source originals on Ebay.

 

[woody 73]

Don't hold me to the following because my mind is not what it used to be, but I seem to recall back in the day that Vermont American made the Kromedge sets for sears, the only problem is that today they are no longer made in the states. If you can hunt for the older taps & dies they should be the same as your set only not marked with the craftsman name.

Maybe someone on the GJ can confirm about Vermont American making those sets for craftsman.

 

[mckaymotoworks]

I think you're right, almost identical to my kit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VERMONT-AMERICAN-1749-40PC-PROFESSIONAL-TAP-DIE-SET-METRIC-NEW-USA-MADE-IN-CASE-/140974621676?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item20d2be03ec&vxp=mtr

 

[Hiball]

Im really not sure if those Taps are even Kromedge, Every set ive ever seen was extremely Bright/SS like, similar to the picture below.

 

[mckaymotoworks]

They're all Craftsman HSS other than the ones I pointed out, possible someone mixed and matched between kits.
He did tell me he picked it up at an estate sale, shame someone didn't keep it all together.

I have sourced most of it on Ebay, would be nice to have all matching Craftsman HSS, but it does appear Vermont American did make them, also suggested by VM in the parts number/series.

 

[warmpancakes]

heres the auction link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-M...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[ilovevocs]

I have that same set. Got it in high school over 15 years ago. I wouldn't call it vintage though, that makes me feel old. It's just my tap and die set. They have served me well. Good luck with yours.

 

[mckaymotoworks]

The kit is definitely from the early to mid 70's. Sears hasn't used that logo since then, or “Sears Best”.

I've sourced 75% of it, almost 99.5% sure it's Vermont American, it's identical to their older kits available on Ebay. The blown case and the tray layouts match to the “T”

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[mckaymotoworks]

Thought I revive this to see if anyone has further thoughts on the manufacturer. I've started to use this kit more, and would like to add the missing pieces, preferably from the original maker if they still exist and produce such.

 

[skruft]

I have and still use two Kromedge sets that I think are from the 70s, in black and gray plastic cases. They have been fine except that the tap wrenches are poorly made.

 

[mckaymotoworks]

Mines done a good job so far, I'm just O.C.D and want to complete the kit, of course with American made components. I did order the gauge and a missing T wrench NOS off Ebay last year.

All the NOS Vermont stuff looks very similar, so I've assumed that's who made it so far. Unless someone chimes in with something different.