Vintage S-K Tools

[twertsy]

Here's the Kraeuter 32071 ratchet I picked up. Not sure how old it is (or if it qualifies for vintage), but it's in pretty nice shape.

I had never seen a flat handle Kraeuter before, always seen them with the I-beam handles.

If S-K would give us the map to their damn coding system we'd know.......they refuse to give it up. I'd put that in the 60's perhaps? Maybe later.

 

[Username already in use]

That Kraeuter ratchet looks spot on the SK made JC Penny's ratchets. Do we know when they made those?

 

[davethorik]

If S-K would give us the map to their damn coding system we'd know.......they refuse to give it up. I'd put that in the 60's perhaps? Maybe later.

I am an SK neophyte, but the codes on my ratchets are all over the place, with 2-4 characters. This Kraeuter is A, 2nd digit possibly upper case i, number one, or a T with top cut off. The selector is identical to my Dresser-era SK 45170, wider bar than my older Mac X3R. The Mac has plainly visible tooling marks on the selector, others are smooth w/o tooling marks...machined from solid stock vs die cast?

I'm not sure when Kraeuter branded SK drive tools were introduced. Not scientific by any means, but from what I've seen, the I-beam handle Kraeuter rats seem to outnumber this flat style by around 9 to 1, possibly more. I have also never seen a flat handle in a blue hammertone metal set case, but like I said...SK newb, there is a lot I've never seen.

Based on some PM correspondence/conjecture with bbrins on this subject, trusting his input since he owns just about every vintage iteration of SK ratchet ever made, lol.

Bear with my theory...J.C. Penney branded SK rats had a similar flat handle, as well as those with Klein branding (And possibly others I've never seen). It would make sense for SK to streamline production, keeping classic knurling for themselves, while applying contract production re-brands to the flat handle, and discontinuing the mostly unique Kraeuter I-beam altogether in the interest of simplification. Plus, that I-beam is, in my opinion, kinda goofy and not very ergonomic nor particularly comfortable, and I know I'm not the only one with that opinion.

If so, I would lean to more modern production- say late 70s/80s, once again guessing as I do not know particulars about when Kraeuter was shuttered, or when J.C. Penney models were dropped. I have seen presumably even more modern Klein re-brands with knurled grip, assuming a further simplification to only one style handle at a later time.

Another clue is the part number, a 3/8 I-beam Kraeuter was no. 32070, the flat being 32071. This numbering scheme appears the same in 1/4 and 1/2 models, a literal one-upping across the board. To me it seems like a Revision 1 on a blueprint. I can't imagine both models being sold simultaneously, I've read Kraeuter was a 'value' brand of SK, would seem strange to offer handle options on the value brand and not the flagship brand.

One last thing, the stamping on I-beam Kraeuter rats seems to be a closer match to that on older SK, with smaller stamps and occasional 'character flaws.' The stamping on the flat handle is very nicely done, well spaced, took chrome evenly, and the font seems more modern to my untrained eyes.

Again, this is basically just me thinking aloud. I welcome suggestions.

 

[twertsy]

I am an SK neophyte, but the codes on my ratchets are all over the place, with 2-4 characters. This Kraeuter is A, 2nd digit possibly upper case i, number one, or a T with top cut off. The selector is identical to my Dresser-era SK 45170, wider bar than my older Mac X3R. The Mac has plainly visible tooling marks on the selector, others are smooth w/o tooling marks...machined from solid stock vs die cast?

I'm not sure when Kraeuter branded SK drive tools were introduced. Not scientific by any means, but from what I've seen, the I-beam handle Kraeuter rats seem to outnumber this flat style by around 9 to 1, possibly more. I have also never seen a flat handle in a blue hammertone metal set case, but like I said...SK newb, there is a lot I've never seen.

Based on some PM correspondence/conjecture with bbrins on this subject, trusting his input since he owns just about every vintage iteration of SK ratchet ever made, lol.

Bear with my theory...J.C. Penney branded SK rats had a similar flat handle, as well as those with Klein branding (And possibly others I've never seen). It would make sense for SK to streamline production, keeping classic knurling for themselves, while applying contract production re-brands to the flat handle, and discontinuing the mostly unique Kraeuter I-beam altogether in the interest of simplification. Plus, that I-beam is, in my opinion, kinda goofy and not very ergonomic nor particularly comfortable, and I know I'm not the only one with that opinion.

If so, I would lean to more modern production- say late 70s/80s, once again guessing as I do not know particulars about when Kraeuter was shuttered, or when J.C. Penney models were dropped. I have seen presumably even more modern Klein re-brands with knurled grip, assuming a further simplification to only one style handle at a later time.

Another clue is the part number, a 3/8 I-beam Kraeuter was no. 32070, the flat being 32071. This numbering scheme appears the same in 1/4 and 1/2 models, a literal one-upping across the board. To me it seems like a Revision 1 on a blueprint. I can't imagine both models being sold simultaneously, I've read Kraeuter was a 'value' brand of SK, would seem strange to offer handle options on the value brand and not the flagship brand.

One last thing, the stamping on I-beam Kraeuter rats seems to be a closer match to that on older SK, with smaller stamps and occasional 'character flaws.' The stamping on the flat handle is very nicely done, well spaced, took chrome evenly, and the font seems more modern to my untrained eyes.

Again, this is basically just me thinking aloud. I welcome suggestions.

I'm no modern S-K expert either, that's for certain! So, having both proclaimed our mutual ignorance, I agree!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

There seems to be a flurry of jc Penney socket set interest lately! I am seeing them on ebay, offerup, cl. I would speculate penny's pitted there sk product against the wards plomb/penens stuff, so maybe same time period?

 

[d42jeep]

Most of Wards PowrKraft tools were sourced from Wright, Barcalo and Duro. I’m not really familiar with Penny’s offerings but here are a couple of tool listings from ‘76.
-Don

 

[davethorik]

Most of Wards PowrKraft tools were sourced from Wright, Barcalo and Duro. I’m not really familiar with Penny’s offerings but here are a couple of tool listings from ‘76.
-Don

I believe those are NB rats. They have the, for lack of a better term, dot of metal in the middle of the selector bar. Thanks for sharing! so SK wasn't making JCP tools in '76.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have a wards speedmaster set somewhere that looks like plomb stuff, but I am sure they probably changed suppliers periodically

 

[d42jeep]

I used to have a set of WARD MASTER QUALITY ratchet and sockets that were apparently sourced from Truth. I was only speaking of Powr-Kraft suppliers. I’m sure that over the years Wards used many suppliers.
-Don

 

[Catfishdan]

I found enough stuff at the flea market today to almost complete my 20 piece 3/8" set. Still need to find the breaker bar and the cross bar.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[d42jeep]

That is a great looking set. I was surprised to see that patent number on a 3/8” drive ratchet. That is a really early one. Congratulations.
-Don

 

[1oldtimer]

Ok, this has been on 3 threads now....but I just found it last weekend. I have more SK stuff but it's all scattered.....I'm still using the tools.....no show pieces all go back to work.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I used to have a set of WARD MASTER QUALITY ratchet and sockets that were apparently sourced from Truth. I was only speaking of Powr-Kraft suppliers. I’m sure that over the years Wards used many suppliers.
-Don

Here is the wards speedmaster set

 

[Username already in use]

Here is the wards speedmaster set

That's a really nice looking Wards set! That set looks like it was made by Plomb to me. You should repost that set over in the POWR-KRAFT thread HERE.

 

[twertsy]

That Kraeuter ratchet looks spot on the SK made JC Penny's ratchets. Do we know when they made those?

I have a single lonely JC Penny branded combo that is absolutely S-K made. I found it odd when I picked it up last year. Never seen another.

 

[Username already in use]

I have a single lonely JC Penny branded combo that is absolutely S-K made. I found it odd when I picked it up last year. Never seen another.

I've picked up a couple of those so far. Definitely SK made. I posted them over int he 'Penny's tools' thread, but I'll share them here as well. The chrome is near perfect on them. I don't think they ever got used.

 

[twertsy]

I've picked up a couple of those so far. Definitely SK made. I posted them over int he 'Penny's tools' thread, but I'll share them here as well. The chrome is near perfect on them. I don't think they ever got used.

Yup, them'r it.

 

[d42jeep]

I found this S-K dark finish 1/4” drive set on eBay recently. The wartime dark finish sets are not all that common. It was only missing the 3/8” socket which I had in my spares. The first shot is the photo from the eBay listing. The last shot shows a cad finish set at the top with the dark finish sets below.
-Don

 

[Username already in use]

Very nice looking set Don! I've got a similar set, but mine didn't come with a nice dark ratchet like that. Took me months to track one down.
Here's mine as it sits today. Looks like you've got more of the original label them mine.

 

[RubiconJK]

Nice sets guys. I've never found any of the darker finished ratchets.

 

[misterbill]

Very nice Don/UNAIU - love those war-era S-K sets! I'd really like to see a 3/8" set from that time period, too.

Bill

 

[Username already in use]

Thanks RubiconJK.
Bill, that's a great looking set as well! They're coming out of the woodwork now, aren't they.

I don't have any wartime 3/8" drive pieces that I know of, certainly not in that nice dark finish, but I have a pretty nice 1/2" set going.

The smallest sockets in this image are Bonney placeholders, but have since been replaced with dark finish wartime SK sockets.

 

[d42jeep]

I’m really liking those dark finish 1/2” drive extensions and ratchet. I’ve never run across any that aren’t chrome. I am working on an early 1/2” drive spark plug socket set. Here it is with my postwar one.
-Don

 

[Mr. Tool]

Yes, even though this specific SK thread is going on 3 years now, some of you have posted some very "sweet" looking vintage SK tool sets!

Just a couple of days ago, I just now acquired for the very first time ever SK tools, a brand new SK flare nut wrench set that I just added to my humble tool collection. I look forward to using them with pleasure.

Thanks to all those who have posted images of those vintage SK tool sets and tools.

Yea I know, not vintage but still SK !

 

[Oldtuleguy]

So does anyone know what year the sk tool chest had slides for the drawers. I have one with no slides and one a little newer with slides. Also the tray is bigger on the newer one.

 

[Username already in use]

I've been finding more and more vintage SK around at the flea recently. Today was no exception.
A pair of SK TOOLS thread files, SK and SK-Wayne combos, SAE sockets and a couple of screwdrivers.

 

[misterbill]

I'm still curious if anyone has any wartime (or just before) S-K 3/8" sockets. This image is from the 1943 S-K catalog.

Bill

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I'm still curious if anyone has any wartime (or just before) S-K 3/8" sockets. This image is from the 1943 S-K catalog.

Bill

Are these Narrow band sockets what is pictured?
View media item 82838View media item 82837View media item 82836

 

[d42jeep]

Are these Narrow band sockets what is pictured?
View media item 82838View media item 82837View media item 82836

I believe what Bill is looking for is either sockets with a dark finish (like the dark 1/4” sockets you sent to me), cad plated, or plain steel. It looks like a couple of your sockets may be cad plated. During WW2 the metal restrictions were in place which precluded chrome plating. We see plenty of 1/2” drive and 1/4” drive tools meeting those criteria (see username’s posts above) but 3/8” drive tools are few and far between. I’ll post some dark 1/4” tools below and the one dark 3/8” drive ratchet I’ve found.
-Don

 

[davethorik]

Wow that dark 3/8 does not look like it has been used much. Idk if that is black oxide, but it has that luster like black oxide on polished steel, and hasn't faded to a dingier greyish like black oxide does after not much use. Very cool! It pops with the standard selector.

 

[misterbill]

Thanks, Don, that is exactly what I mean.

 

[d42jeep]

Wow that dark 3/8 does not look like it has been used much. Idk if that is black oxide, but it has that luster like black oxide on polished steel, and hasn't faded to a dingier greyish like black oxide does after not much use. Very cool! It pops with the standard selector.

When I found it I initially thought it had been painted, but whatever that finish is it’s incredibly tough. Chemicals had no effect on it and it doesn’t chip off like paint would. It looks like lt may have had a finish applied like japanning. Additionally, it’s my only 3/8” S-K ratchet with the early patent number.
-Don

 

[davethorik]

When I found it I initially thought it had been painted, but whatever that finish is it’s incredibly tough. Chemicals had no effect on it and it doesn’t chip off like paint would. It looks like lt may have had a finish applied like japanning. Additionally, it’s my only 3/8” S-K ratchet with the early patent number.
-Don

Reading that, I wonder if it is gun blued? Definitely interesting.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Picked up some S-K Lectrolite combo wrenches at an estate sale today. Since there are no gaps in this set is it possible this was at one time a complete set? Anyone recognize these sizes as being part of a set they offered? Sizes are: 11/16, 5/8, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16 and 3/8. Spent about $2 on 'em I reckon.

Thanks!

 

[d42jeep]

How about this set? I filled it with Lectrolite but I have a larger set with the same markings that came filled with S-K Lectrolite.
-Don

 

[txlonghorn1989]

How about this set? I filled it with Lectrolite but I have a larger set with the same markings that came filled with S-K Lectrolite.
-Don

Don,
I can't tell ALL the sizes on the wrenches in that smaller set you posted even after blowing them up. I assume they are all the same sizes as mine. Interesting but seeing yours only poses more questions.

My two larger wrenches both have "S-K Lectrolite" on the handle whereas the others only have "Lectrolite". Are my two larger wrenches properly matched with the rest of the wrenches?

Also, mine all have the size at the closed end and C-# at the open end. Yours have the size on both ends. I assume different period in the Lectolite period. ???

I've feel like I've read it before but what was the period for Lectrolite?

Thanks!

Mike

 

[d42jeep]

On the smaller S-K Lectrolite combos the whole logo wouldn’t fit on one side so they put Lectrolite on one side and S-K on the other. That set goes from 3/8” to 11/16”.

-Don

 

[txlonghorn1989]

On the smaller S-K Lectrolite combos the whole logo wouldn’t fit on one side so they put Lectrolite on one side and S-K on the other. That set goes from 3/8” to 11/16”.

-Don

I'm curious why the 11/16 and the 5/8 wrenches in your small set don't have S-K on the front and both of these have the sizes on both ends. Have you noticed that?

 

[d42jeep]

I'm curious why the 11/16 and the 5/8 wrenches in your small set don't have S-K on the front and both of these have the sizes on both ends. Have you noticed that?

That smaller set is Lectrolite, not S-K Lectrolite. Lectrolite wrenches were perhaps even nicer before they started being marked S-K Lectrolite. The size markings are somewhat inconsistent. I ran out and took some more pictures of the small set and some large Lectrolite combos.
-Don

 

[txlonghorn1989]

That smaller set is Lectrolite, not S-K Lectrolite. Lectrolite wrenches were perhaps even nicer before they started being marked S-K Lectrolite. The size markings are somewhat inconsistent. I ran out and took some more pictures of the small set and some large Lectrolite combos.
-Don

Don,
Got it. I think. Thanks for taking the extra pics!

Mike