Vintage S-K Tools

[Rileysan]

Here's a family photo of my 4 S-K Model No. 42470 1/2" drive ratchets.

From the top on down:

- Diamond Logo "Pat. Pend." chrome plated ratchet. This was the first Model No. 42470 ratchet manufactured with an "improved mechanism" (patent #2,232,477). The "Pat. Pend." ratchets were manufactured from 1939 - 1941 (I just learned today).

- Diamond Logo "Pat. No. 2232477" chrome plated ratchet. Manufactured from 1941-?? (Whenever the Diamond Logo was discontinued).

- Diamond Logo "Pat. No. 2232477" black finish ratchet. No sign of chrome plating and the black finish does not come off with lacquer thinner or a wire wheel. Instead, it polishes up and shines nicely.

- Modern Model No. 42470 with chrome plated finish. The heads of the newer ratchets are reinforced by having a tapered shank that is thicker than the early versions. I previously owned (and gave away) and early 42470 whose head was bent where it meets the shank. Someone may or may not have used a pipe on the end of that ratchet. :tard:

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

On a slightly different topic, I found the T-bar for my newly acquired S-K Model No. 4163 1/2" drive breaker bar today. Actually, I found it yesterday when I was unloading the tool box I purchased. I set it down thinking it was a sliding T-bar driver that was missing the drive head. When I was cleaning up the breaker bar today, I realize my mistake.

Brian

 

[ganymede]

I've got some wartime ratchets that had cadmium or zinc plating that wore off and the steel looks kinda dark.
Not saying that your ratchets weren't originally black oxide, just mentioning another reason some tools can look so dark.

 

[d42jeep]

I went to a tool sale in Tahoe yesterday and picked up an almost complete set of virtually unused 1/2" drive knurled sockets and drive tools along with some used 3/8" sockets. Definitely an upgrade to my S-K box.
-Don

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

d42jeep, that's a great looking set. Well bought.

 

[Catfishdan]

I picked up this box at a garage sale today with some other tools for 20 bucks. Anyone know how to date it?


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[r_olson_06]

I picked up this box at a garage sale today with some other tools for 20 bucks. Anyone know how to date it?


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That is early. I would put it at early 40s at the latest.

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[twertsy]

That is early. I would put it at early 40s at the latest.

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I'd sooner think 30s......awesome box!

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[Catfishdan]

I'd sooner think 30s......awesome box!

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Wow. I was thinking later than that. thanks!

 

[twertsy]

Wow. I was thinking later than that. thanks!

Late 30s or early 40s. Again, awesome score!

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[d42jeep]

From period photos, I think they used the decal through the end of WW2 and then went to the riveted on tag after that.
-Don

 

[Rileysan]

I picked up this box at a garage sale today with some other tools for 20 bucks. Anyone know how to date it?




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Holy **** - You just helped me identify the box I bought last weekend! Unfortunately, mine is missing the front cover and the emblem. And to think - I was going to get rid of this box!

Yours is 100 times better than mine, though. Fantastic find!

Brian

 

[d42jeep]

d42jeep, that's a great looking set. Well bought.

Thanks. I was lucky to find them. I found a bit more S-K at a garage sale yesterday. The lowest sockets are really old.
-Don

 

[LeonardY]

I have a catalog from about 1955.
Here's the page that shows the main box that I have. It was given to me from my Uncle. I even have the receipt.
I have all the pages scanned in if anyone would like something in particular.
I shared some pics of it awhile back in this thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104093

 

[LeonardY]

I put the entire catalog in an album in my profile. Hopefully this will be helpful to someone.

 

[davethorik]

I have the newer version of that box, in the green hammertone vs. olive crinkle paint. Surprisingly heavy without anything in it. Nice find

 

[d42jeep]

I took a few minutes this afternoon to take some pictures of my S-K made Chrome Alloy sockets Alloy Artifacts identifies as being sold as Brazil tools, a contract brand. One picture shows some S-K Chrome sockets on the left.
-Don

 

[Catfishdan]

I have a catalog from about 1955.
Here's the page that shows the main box that I have. It was given to me from my Uncle. I even have the receipt.
I have all the pages scanned in if anyone would like something in particular.
I shared some pics of it awhile back in this thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104093

I wish I hadn't seen that. Now I need to find all those tools to fill up my box.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I bought a Craftsman gray & red toolbox this weekend with some tools in it. The best of the tools were some S-K socket sets. d42jeep pointed out that what I have looks like it was from the 4347 32-piece set. I wanted to cross post here as this is where the S-K collectors seem to congregate. I didn't plan on becoming an S-K collector but these appear to be really high quality tools and after reading this entire thread last night I'm thinking I at least would like to complete this set if that's possible. Here's what I've got:

- 1/2" drive, SK-Wayne ratchet (not correct period with the rest of the set)
- 1/2" drive, 5" and 10" extensions (marked with "S-K" in a diamond) 40161 & 40162
- 1/2" drive, speeder handle (marked with "S-K" in a diamond) 40181
- 1/2" drive, 17" flexible handle (marked with "S-K" in a diamond) 41653
- 1/2" drive, 10" sliding T-handle (just marked "S-K") 40152
- The following 1/2" drive, 12-pt regular sockets: 7/16- 1" with the 25/32" & 19/32" sockets. Note: The 9/16" socket is a 6-pt socket but the part# is 40118 is in sequence with the 12-pt sockets in the set. This is confusing to me. ???
Small metal box with S-K Tools metal badge containing:
- 1/4" drive, 5" flex handle (marked with S-K in a diamond)
- 1/4" drive, 4.5" leverage bar (unmarked but knurled on one end)
- 1/4" drive, Six 6-pt sockets: 7/16", 3/8", 11/32", 5/16", 9/32" & 1/4".
- 1/4" drive, Three 8-pt sockets: 3/8", 5/16" and 1/4".

The 1/4" sockets are knurled at the bottom and marked "S-K" just like the 1/2" set. My speeder handle is bent. Advice on how to straighten it without further damaging it would be appreciated.

It appears I need the following to complete the set:
- Appropriate period metal S-K toolbox for the 4347 set
- 1/2" drive, reversible ratchet
- Cross bar
- 1-1/8" & 1-1/16" 12-pt sockets
- 9/16" 12-pt socket? What I have came with ONE 6-pt socket. The 9/16". However, the part # is in sequence with the 12-pt sockets. Do the 6-pt and 12-pt S-K sockets have the same part #s depending upon the size? I'm confused on this.

Thanks for any help!

PS What do you guys think the dates on this set is?

 

[Rileysan]

I bought a Craftsman gray & red toolbox this weekend with some tools in it. The best of the tools were some S-K socket sets. d42jeep pointed out that what I have looks like it was from the 4347 32-piece set. I wanted to cross post here as this is where the S-K collectors seem to congregate. I didn't plan on becoming an S-K collector but these appear to be really high quality tools and after reading this entire thread last night I'm thinking I at least would like to complete this set if that's possible. Here's what I've got:

- 1/2" drive, SK-Wayne ratchet (not correct period with the rest of the set)
- 1/2" drive, 5" and 10" extensions (marked with "S-K" in a diamond) 40161 & 40162
- 1/2" drive, speeder handle (marked with "S-K" in a diamond) 40181
- 1/2" drive, 17" flexible handle (marked with "S-K" in a diamond) 41653
- 1/2" drive, 10" sliding T-handle (just marked "S-K") 40152
- The following 1/2" drive, 12-pt regular sockets: 7/16- 1" with the 25/32" & 19/32" sockets. Note: The 9/16" socket is a 6-pt socket but the part# is 40118 is in sequence with the 12-pt sockets in the set. This is confusing to me. ???
Small metal box with S-K Tools metal badge containing:
- 1/4" drive, 5" flex handle (marked with S-K in a diamond)
- 1/4" drive, 4.5" leverage bar (unmarked but knurled on one end)
- 1/4" drive, Six 6-pt sockets: 7/16", 3/8", 11/32", 5/16", 9/32" & 1/4".
- 1/4" drive, Three 8-pt sockets: 3/8", 5/16" and 1/4".

The 1/4" sockets are knurled at the bottom and marked "S-K" just like the 1/2" set. My speeder handle is bent. Advice on how to straighten it without further damaging it would be appreciated.

It appears I need the following to complete the set:
- Appropriate period metal S-K toolbox for the 4347 set
- 1/2" drive, reversible ratchet
- Cross bar
- 1-1/8" & 1-1/16" 12-pt sockets
- 9/16" 12-pt socket? What I have came with ONE 6-pt socket. The 9/16". However, the part # is in sequence with the 12-pt sockets. Do the 6-pt and 12-pt S-K sockets have the same part #s depending upon the size? I'm confused on this.

Thanks for any help!

PS What do you guys think the dates on this set is?

I'm still a noob when it comes to dating S-K tools, but I'll give it a shot.

The sockets with a knurled base span the 1930s through 1960s. There are some fine details that might make the age more definable but I haven't learned all of those details yet. The only ones I know to look for are S-K Wayne.

The Diamond logo was used on S-K tools as far back as 1932 and (I think) ended with the S-K Lectrolite marked tools in 1953.

The S-K Wayne trademark was used from about 1962 through 1969.

You 1/2" drive 42470 ratchet would have to be post 1969.

Brian

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I may have a line on a 1/2" S-K ratchet. Can someone please post pics of the 1/2" drive ratchet that would have sold with the 4347 S-K set back in the day? I suspect the correct ratchet would have the "S-K" within the diamond since all the other pieces except the sliding T-handle and the sockets are marked with that. Quick responses much appreciated!

 

[Rileysan]

I may have a line on a 1/2" S-K ratchet. Can someone please post pics of the 1/2" drive ratchet that would have sold with the 4347 S-K set back in the day? I suspect the correct ratchet would have the "S-K" within the diamond since all the other pieces except the sliding T-handle and the sockets are marked with that. Quick responses much appreciated!

Check out my post here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6729958&postcount=403

Your set could have come with any of the top three ratchets in my pictures.

Brian

 

[Groesbeck]

This is my first post and I'm hoping that you guys'll tell me that I ****.

I just picked this up off Craigslist today. Pictured is the tool box and every S-K tool that came with it. The box is also half full of other tools including some williams and armstrong stuff that I'll need to find a home for. There are just enough pieces missing to make it fun.

I'm happy to add this to my S-K collection that I started accidentally a couple years ago.

 

[Empty Pockets]

This is my first post and I'm hoping that you guys'll tell me that I ****.

I just picked this up off Craigslist today. Pictured is the tool box and every S-K tool that came with it. The box is also half full of other tools including some williams and armstrong stuff that I'll need to find a home for. There are just enough pieces missing to make it fun.

I'm happy to add this to my S-K collection that I started accidentally a couple years ago.

GROESBECK - Sadly, while the set of tools is really nice, you have 2 problems:

1.) You did not list the price that you paid for it
2.) Suckage can not be bestowed when it is asked for.

Sorry

 

[Rileysan]

This is my first post and I'm hoping that you guys'll tell me that I ****.

I just picked this up off Craigslist today. Pictured is the tool box and every S-K tool that came with it. The box is also half full of other tools including some williams and armstrong stuff that I'll need to find a home for. There are just enough pieces missing to make it fun.

I'm happy to add this to my S-K collection that I started accidentally a couple years ago.

Welcome to GJ!

Your S-K acquisition looks fantastic! You probably ****, but we don't know what you paid. Still, you have my respect for saving these beautiful tools. Well done!

Also, it would be great if you added your location to your profile. Prices of tool brands and types vary throughout the country, so it's nice to know what you paid and where so we have some reference.

Brian

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Nice box and great bunch of S-K tools plus you've got other high quality tools. Apparently. No pics...it didn't happen! ;-) Welcome to GJ!

 

[Groesbeck]

Also, it would be great if you added your location to your profile. Prices of tool brands and types vary throughout the country, so it's nice to know what you paid and where so we have some reference.

Brian

I added my location of Central Florida. I don't think there's a ton of S-K down here. Could be wrong.

I paid $150. Figure the box is worth most of $50. The complete 3/8" metric set in the flip box looks completely unused. I've seen the screwdrivers go for a surprising amount on eBay as well. The set of Williams wrenches (not pictured) looks brand new. I need find out about those.

Would be nice if there were somebody nearby I could do some horse trading with. I've got a ton of doubles/triples now plus all the non S-K stuff. I think I now have 4 S-K 1/2" drive ratchets.

-Bryan

 

[Rileysan]

I added my location of Central Florida. I don't think there's a ton of S-K down here. Could be wrong.

I paid $150. Figure the box is worth most of $50. The complete 3/8" metric set in the flip box looks completely unused. I've seen the screwdrivers go for a surprising amount on eBay as well. The set of Williams wrenches (not pictured) looks brand new. I need find out about those.

Would be nice if there were somebody nearby I could do some horse trading with. I've got a ton of doubles/triples now plus all the non S-K stuff. I think I now have 4 S-K 1/2" drive ratchets.

-Bryan

I think you did well. I don't know the market in Florida, so can't say "you ****", but no matter where you are, you paid a fair price.

As for trading with others in your area. There's a GJ members of Florida thread somewhere in the "Free Parking" forum. I have no doubt there are many members willing to buy/sell/trade in your area.

Brian

 

[3baygarage]

This is my first post and I'm hoping that you guys'll tell me that I ****.

I just picked this up off Craigslist today. Pictured is the tool box and every S-K tool that came with it. The box is also half full of other tools including some williams and armstrong stuff that I'll need to find a home for. There are just enough pieces missing to make it fun.

I'm happy to add this to my S-K collection that I started accidentally a couple years ago.

The rules on "Suckage" :

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257324

With that said, you did fantastic. Nice set.

 

[Empty Pockets]

In recent months, I have developed a greater fondness for SK tools. In recent trips to the local pawn shops and resale stores, I have seen precious few in the wild, but if I live to be 100, I'll build a full set.

 

[r_olson_06]

In recent months, I have developed a greater fondness for SK tools. In recent trips to the local pawn shops and resale stores, I have seen precious few in the wild, but if I live to be 100, I'll build a full set.

That is really odd to me. We have vintage SK everywhere​. If I wanted I bet I could pick up 50 sets a year. But I think it is all area. Blackhawk, Bonney, and Williams are really scarce in these parts. Every farmer seems to have at least 2 1/2 drive SK knurled or Wayne socket sets. If you need any help filling out a set hit me up with a PM.

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[d42jeep]

I agree. I see S-K tools very frequently in Northern California but some of the brands of tools that others find are quite rare. I put some of my recent finds into my galvanized box. They just seemed to look right in it.
-Don

 

[colin39]

Picked this up this week, the plastic is broken but i have some green tool foam that im cutting this week

 

[DadsTools]

I added my location of Central Florida. I don't think there's a ton of S-K down here. Could be wrong.

I paid $150. Figure the box is worth most of $50. The complete 3/8" metric set in the flip box looks completely unused. I've seen the screwdrivers go for a surprising amount on eBay as well. The set of Williams wrenches (not pictured) looks brand new. I need find out about those.

Would be nice if there were somebody nearby I could do some horse trading with. I've got a ton of doubles/triples now plus all the non S-K stuff. I think I now have 4 S-K 1/2" drive ratchets.

-Bryan

I'm in North Central Florida. I can attest that high quality vintage tools are not easy to find here--not impossible by any means, just challenging. There's a few factors involved with this that I have mentioned elsewhere in these posts:

1. Florida did not really start becoming reasonably populated until residential air conditioning became commonly available in the 1950s. For many folks, you just couldn't live down here without it. Makes anything prior to late-1950s early-60s very scarce.

2. Lack of safe storage. Because of the high water table and 'dirty sand' soil (most people from up north wouldn't even recognize it as soil) there's no basements. Because there's no snow, there's no need for high pitched snow shedding roofs that can provide real attics. Attics down here are little more than crawl spaces because of the shallow-pitched roofs. That means....

3. Everything gets stored in the garage. If you recall your chemistry from school, heat and moisture accelerates chemical reactions like rust. From Mid-May to about mid-October, we have high 80s to mid-90s temperature. Every Day. Every day. Every day. Every day. Every day. For five flippin' months! If it's 93 outside, what is it inside the garage? Couple this with consistently high humidity and everything rusts, and rusts, and rusts...even plastics decompose, especially the older stuff. To find older tools with no rust on them is very difficult. The metal tool boxes are almost always roached.

4. Florida has a huge population of retirees. Guess what kinds of items they sold off before moving down here.

5. There's also a cultural element here that is hard to put into words. Locals don't see it, but anyone who has moved down here from the north finds out fairly quick. Without trying to offend anyone...lets just say that the standards of excellence and quality is nothing like what it is where I came from. "Just get by' is probably a good metaphor. As long as your pizza has no less cheese and sauce on it than Joe's down the street, you have attained the highest standard of excellence. This mindset is not conducive to the acquisition of high-quality tools that are meticulously cared for and well organized, and there certainly isn't any emphasis on such an approach. Yes, there are some that do, but it is the exception rather than the rule. Ridiculously low wages is another factor, but that's a whole 'nother story, along with other odd economic factors.

5. Natural Disasters. For many, many years, the lack of harsh winters encouraged the proliferation of cheaply built homes. Tons and tons of trailers. Stuff stored in cheap tin sheds because there's nowhere else to put it. Let's not talk about the proliferation of a multitude of critters that chew / eat / urinate /defalcate on everything in such sheds. Building codes have been vastly improved over the last several decades, but that's only recent history which doesn't apply to the 'vintage' era. Guess what happens to personal possessions when the tropical storms and hurricanes came through? This contributes to the cultural subconscious 'why even try' mentality.

6. Everyone thinks they have gold. When you do have an exceptional find, everyone knows it's rare and want ridiculous money for them. Back in my native NJ & wife's native IL, vintage items in good shape are relatively common and sell reasonably--expect to pay 3x those figures for equivalent vintage items down here.

There's more to it than this but it gives you the general jist of things.

In short, ALL you guys up north ****!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

That is really odd to me. We have vintage SK everywhere​. If I wanted I bet I could pick up 50 sets a year. But I think it is all area. Blackhawk, Bonney, and Williams are really scarce in these parts. Every farmer seems to have at least 2 1/2 drive SK knurled or Wayne socket sets. If you need any help filling out a set hit me up with a PM.

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Roy,
Tried to respond to your PM but your mailbox if full.
Mike

 

[Rileysan]

It was an S-K kind of day at the swap meet, yesterday. Someone showed up with a truck full of NOS S-K tools from the 1990s. What really caught my eye was this (80s?) set of DBE wrenches in the green plastic roll. I just couldn't leave this set behind!

S-K No. 311R 11 piece DBE wrench set. $60





I also came home with this socket set for $20

S-K Diamond logo 1/4" drive socket set.
S-K 40970 ratchet
S-K 1/4" drive 3/16" to 1/2" 6pt sockets
S-K 1/4" drive 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" 8pt sockets.
S-K Diamond logo 1/4" drive extensions (x3)
S-K 1/4" drive unmarked breaker bar. Were any of the Diamond era 1/4" breaker bars marked? I don't think I've seen one.
P&C 1/4" drive spinner. I know it doesn't belong there but it was with the set.







Brian

 

[txlonghorn1989]

It was an S-K kind of day at the swap meet, yesterday. Someone showed up with a truck full of NOS S-K tools from the 1990s. What really caught my eye was this (80s?) set of DBE wrenches in the green plastic roll. I just couldn't leave this set behind!

S-K No. 311R 11 piece DBE wrench set. $60





I also came home with this socket set for $20

S-K Diamond logo 1/4" drive socket set.
S-K 40970 ratchet
S-K 1/4" drive 3/16" to 1/2" 6pt sockets
S-K 1/4" drive 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" 8pt sockets.
S-K Diamond logo 1/4" drive extensions (x3)
S-K 1/4" drive unmarked breaker bar. Were any of the Diamond era 1/4" breaker bars marked? I don't think I've seen one.
P&C 1/4" drive spinner. I know it doesn't belong there but it was with the set.







Brian

Brian,

Really nice additions to your SK collection.

This is the breaker bar from the SK set I got with the Craftsman gray & red toolbox last weekend. Does this qualify? There was a 1/2" drive SK socket set in the toolbox as well. Based on what was there d42jeep thought it was the 4347 SK set which had 1/2" sockets with ratchet, extensions etc and the 1/4" set you see. The 1/4" is complete if I remember correctly.

Mike

 

[Rileysan]

Brian,

Really nice additions to your SK collection.

This is the breaker bar from the SK set I got with the Craftsman gray & red toolbox last weekend. Does this qualify?

Mike

I'll be damned! I have at least two or three other 1/4" drive S-K breaker bars without any markings. Nice find!

Brian

 

[d42jeep]

Most of the wartime S-K 1/4" flex handles are unmarked but it seems to me that they started marking them again later.
Todd sent me a smaller but similar DBE set for my home S-K toolbox.
-Don

 

[Rileysan]

Most of the wartime S-K 1/4" flex handles are unmarked but it seems to me that they started marking them again later.
Todd sent me a smaller but similar DBE set for my home S-K toolbox.
-Don

I wondered at the possibility of this set being wartime as the ratchet has no plating. But the sockets appear to be plated. Was it possible to have a mixed set sold during the war? I suppose the sockets could have been stock leftover from before the war ...

Brian