Vintage S-K Tools

[Mintgrun]

I found this box the other day. It was full of mostly crappy sockets, but did include a Thorsen 13/16" that another set needed. I am not a fan of this type of socket holder. They're too specific, in terms of height and OD and I don't see myself putting the actual set together. None of the (few) S-K sockets I have on hand fit it well. I am happy to have found the box though.





I am guessing the logo with a tan background (in Don's box) is older than this more-metallic example.



A previous owner had used a sharpie pen to put great big initials on the top, the ends and the inside of the lid. I am glad alcohol washes that ink right off.

Tom

 

[d42jeep]

Yeah, I’m not a big fan of the boxes with the metal tabs sticking up. I think they went to those shortly before the transition to S-K Wayne. I only have one larger blue box with that configuration.
-Don

 

[bmwrd0]

I have a couple of them, and actually kind of like them. the fingers make it really easy to pull sockets out of the box and ensure you get the right one.

 

[Old Radar]

Here's mine. I found the box just over a week ago. It was nearly empty and I've populated it with loose items on hand. I've obviously got a ways to go, but I haven't found a catalog with this depicted as a set. I'm pretty sure it's a 1/4 and 3/8 combination but I don't know what actually came with it. Can I get a vector?

 

[Kdaniel8601]

This is one that I got that was complete.

 

[d42jeep]

I’ve checked every catalog I could find and never found them. I just put tools that fit and made sense to me. The set is pretty packed at this point.
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I'd say that looks about like what would come in that

 

[Old Radar]

This is one that I got that was complete.

Ahhh. Now we get into the variations! My case is 11.25" long. Are all your sockets 3/8 drive?
Edit: The 1/4" spinner just dawned on me...

 

[Kdaniel8601]

They are 3/16" to 11/32" in 1/4" drive and 3/8" to 3/4" in 3/8" drive.

 

[d42jeep]

They are 3/16" to 11/32" in 1/4" drive and 3/8" to 3/4" in 3/8" drive.

Old Radar’s and my box are a little longer. Our 1/4” drive socket trays hold a few more sockets. I think mine range from 3/16” up to 1/2”.
-Don

 

[Old Radar]

Thanks for the info Daniel!

Don, I guess without definitive data on the original contents, it's destined to be a catch-all. Oh, well. We all certainly need some of those! Thanks for your help!

 

[Kdaniel8601]

I don't know if this will help, these are the only information on similar sets I have ever been able to find. S-k Wayne advertisements from 1965 and 1966.

 

[Old Radar]

I don't know if this will help, these are the only information on similar sets I have ever been able to find. S-k Wayne advertisements from the 1965 and 1966.

I'd say that was pretty definitive! Allowing for artistic license on the socket rail, that looks like a winner. My box has those exact dimensions. I cannot imagine that the contents would be dramatically different between the S-K & S-K Wayne eras.

Thanks Daniel! This works for me!

 

[Old Radar]

Well, hell. That didn't last long.

Maybe in this case we can't allow for artistic license. The metal tabs in my box will not allow the 7/8" socket to fit at the extreme right side slot. For that mater, the 13/16" doesn't fit there, either. The largest socket that fits is the 3/4". At the other end of the 3/8" rail, the 1/2" can be forced into the last tabbed slot but it deforms the tabs on both sides. (Can I get a witness, Don and/or Tom?)

I'm forced to believe the older S-K tabbed case was designed for 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, & 3/4. Maybe the artist who drew the depiction of the S-K Wayne case was correct when he drew the case without tabs. I know that I can get an additional 1/2" socket on the 1/4" side so taking that and the tabs away would allow the extra room needed for the two larger sockets in the Wayne case--and conform to the statement in the ad "with no duplication of sizes!"

It was a valiant effort Daniel and I appreciate your help--it just means we'll have to keep looking for an S-K ad with a tabbed case.

Given the size limits of the tabs, I'm now pretty sure about the socket sizes--the only variable is whether a 1/4 drive 1/2" socket was included in the set as a "duplicate" to the 3/8 drive. There's plenty of room in the case for the depicted drive tools--plus a 1/4" ratchet.

 

[Outlawmws]

OR - The cut off at 3/4" for the rack was common among brands, as the 13/16 was a spark plug socket and deep. the smaller sizes used the drive tool or adapter.

I just picked up a Action/Thoresn set with the same socket sizes, and I'm sure I have others, possibly in SK...

 

[Kdaniel8601]

According to this New Product Supplement to Catalog 164 dated 1965 the 13/16' and 7/8" sockets weren't introduced until then, I have an S-K Wayne 3/8" socket set with tabs and it only goes from 1/2" to 3/4" and a later one with a tray that goes up to 7/8".

 

[d42jeep]

That’s good information. Thanks for posting that. I guess that they covered the larger sizes in 3/8” drive deep sockets. It makes more sense now that even the larger boxes only have slots for up to 3/4” sockets. That makes the two sockets in the second picture newer than S-K Wayne.
-Don

 

[Kdaniel8601]

If anybody is interested, I just uploaded the entire New Product Supplement To Catalog 164 to the International Tool Catalog Library, it should be ready tomorrow. Just search for (New Product Supplement To Catalog 164).

 

[Old Radar]

Great work Daniel!! That supplement is very interesting--it's already up by the way. I think the new tool introductions caught the Symington marketing department off guard. Look at the fine print at the bottom of the pages--"Nothing has changed but our last name." Hard to justify that slogan on a page of new tools!

 

[Kdaniel8601]

Glad you enjoyed it, there are five more that have not been included in the International Tool Catalog Library Collection yet, so they have to be searched for. they are (1966 S K Wayne Catalog), (1943 Sherman Klove Catalog), (Sherman Klove Catalog No. 649), (S K Spark Plug Socket Advertisement), and (S K Wayne Autumn Windfall Advertisement)

 

[ALLFAST]

I just posted up some progress updates on the 1943 Socketchest 4000W over on the WWII Barn find toolbox thread. It's the last page and on entries 103,104, and 105. Thanks for checking iit out.

 

[Kdaniel8601]

That’s good information. Thanks for posting that. I guess that they covered the larger sizes in 3/8” drive deep sockets. It makes more sense now that even the larger boxes only have slots for up to 3/4” sockets. That makes the two sockets in the second picture newer than S-K Wayne.
-Don

Your comments on the 3/8” drive 13/16” and 7/8” sockets got me wondering, how do you tell the difference between the 3/8” to 3/4” sockets made from 1943 to 1963 from the later ones marked S-K made by Dresser Industries, Inc. after 1968?

 

[d42jeep]

Your comments on the 3/8” drive 13/16” and 7/8” sockets got me wondering, how do you tell the difference between the 3/8” to 3/4” sockets made from 1943 to 1963 from the later ones marked S-K made by Dresser Industries, Inc. after 1968?

The distance that the grooves are apart. The early sockets grooves are much closer together. The earliest sockets don’t have detents to retain the sockets to the drive tools. The third picture shows sockets with the wider grooves. It’s easy to see the detents in these 3/4” drive sockets in the fourth picture. There aren’t any detents in the prewar and wartime sockets.
-Don

 

[Kdaniel8601]

Thank you, that is very helpful, it turns out I only have one socket from after 1968 and the ones in my 1950's sets are correct.

 

[d42jeep]

I took a close look at your blue box set and all of the pieces look original and period correct to me.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I spent some time putting correct style sockets into these 3/8” drive deep socket sets yesterday to better match the ‘43 and ‘53 catalogs. I added an extra shorter 5/8” socket to the early or prewar set.
-Don

 

[Kdaniel8601]

I took a close look at your blue box set and all of the pieces look original and period correct to me.
-Don

The only other 3/8" I have earlier than S-K Wayne is this one, I added a crossbar to make it complete and I am still tiring to find a better box. From what i have noticed 3/8" sets don't seem to be as popular in the 30's to the 50's as they were in the 60's and 70's. Daniel

 

[d42jeep]

The only other 3/8" I have earlier than S-K Wayne is this one, I added a crossbar to make it complete and I am still tiring to find a better box. From what i have noticed 3/8" sets were don't seem to be as popular in the 30's to the 50's as they were in the 60's and 70's. Daniel

It seems that 1/2” drive was much more popular back then. It looks like your set is the 4511 shown below. I have found three varieties of the slightly larger boxes that included a speeder and u-joint. One is a very unusual galvanized box that Lugz sent me.
-Don

 

[Kdaniel8601]

Nice Sets, Daniel

 

[Kdaniel8601]

The distance that the grooves are apart. The early sockets grooves are much closer together. The earliest sockets don’t have detents to retain the sockets to the drive tools. The third picture shows sockets with the wider grooves. It’s easy to see the detents in these 3/4” drive sockets in the fourth picture. There aren’t any detents in the prewar and wartime sockets.
-Don

What is the history of the set that you had in the first picture

 

[d42jeep]

What is the history of the set that you had in the first picture (fifth Picture), I have two sets that were made before 1941 (the first and second pictures) that have lids that are the same as yours, The third picture is one made in 1941 or later and the forth is a close up of that box showing the the notch on each side of the lid. Every box I have ever seen that has the notch in them seems to have be made after 1941

I think that S-K added the notch to stop the lids from closing too far and getting stuck. My S-K chrome 1/4” drive set in the original box doesn’t have the notch so it was probably made before mid ‘41. I’m not sure of the exact timeframe of when they started the notch but probably early wartime, based on my examples. I really like your early Spark Plug socket set. I haven’t yet run across any S-K Chrome marked spark plug sockets. My similar box came with mid ‘41 on sockets that no longer used the “Chrome” marking on the sockets. I don’t think the sockets were original to the box. After doing some checking, I actually think my box is maybe from around ‘38 since it doesn’t have room for a 5/8” socket. I ended up making a set with fewer but slightly more modern sockets with the ell handle as a compromise.
-Don

 

[Kdaniel8601]

That's a good reason for putting the notches in, When I got this set in the mail the lid had been pushed down over the bottom and it got bent during shipping.

 

[Kdaniel8601]

I think that S-K added the notch to stop the lids from closing too far and getting stuck. My S-K chrome 1/4” drive set in the original box doesn’t have the notch so it was probably made before mid ‘41. I’m not sure of the exact timeframe of when they started the notch but probably early wartime, based on my examples. I really like your early Spark Plug socket set. I haven’t yet run across any S-K Chrome marked spark plug sockets. My similar box came with mid ‘41 on sockets that no longer used the “Chrome” marking on the sockets. I don’t think the sockets were original to the box. After doing some checking, I actually think my box is maybe from around ‘38 since it doesn’t have room for a 5/8” socket. I ended up making a set with fewer but slightly more modern sockets with the ell handle as a compromise.
-Don

That spark plug socket box looks great, the one I have is the same I believe, it holds 8 sockets, but the condition is not nearly as good as yours. I bought it on eBay at auction for $17.00 dollars, it was listed for at least 7 days and I was the only one that bid on it. I really don't think I will ever be able to complete it, with S-K Chrome deep sockets and ell handles being as rare as they are.

 

[ALLFAST]

I want to thank Lugz for his time in responding to my simple inquiry as to what gloss a Socketchest might be, with his lengthy ( and PhD level of detail and information ) .

I am much appreciative of the help and feedback. I need to learn how to isolate a discussion in that block/highlight format in order to reply more professionally....I'm in process on that...

Now, not having access to vintage SK catalogs in hand, I took to exploring the Web and was able to see some of the SK offerings of 1940s colors. I believe I saw Baked enamel,, Green Wrinkle,Attractive Textured Finish,etc. I may have not gotten the color descriptions exactly as written, but I get the idea that there is more than one possible color possibility.

I found a "Socketchest" on the 1941 SK catalog cover. If anyone here has the 1941 catalog could you please look and see what the different boxes paint jobs were described as?

In reading the catalog exerpts it seems that the Socketchest was available from perhaps 1940 to 1943 ? Is this plausible or am I off base? Thanks for your assistance!

Be Well,

Shawn

 

[d42jeep]

The picture you posted is the cover of the postwar catalog 649 although S-K was known to use previous year’s artwork in their later catalogs. Here is the link to the 1941 catalog although it may be of limited use in your project since it was still showing the “S-K Chrome” marked tools recently discussed. The second link is to catalog 649.

https://archive.org/details/ShermanKloveCoCatalogMay1941/mode/2up

https://archive.org/details/sherman-klove-catalog-no-649/mode/2up

-Don

 

[ALLFAST]

Don,

I haven't forgotten that SK was known for using their previous years artwork in later catalogs thumbup and always appreciate the reminder ! I need to find where I located that particular cover,as it was from a reputable source. It was referred to as 40 or 41,IIRC,so I Thank you for the postwar clarification on that. At this point, I'm less concerned with tool finishes and more with paint

Thank you for the proper links Sir ,


Stay safe,

Shawn

 

[ALLFAST]

From seeing Wrinkle, Green Wrinkle, and Crystalline finishes referenced, do you think "wrinkle" left open the opportunity to have either a brown or green hue, and might "crystalline " be the "Elephant hide " which you refer to (a perfect descriptor IMHO )?

It looks like the cover I provided is the 1949/postwar catalog (as you aptly described ) . Those are good links Don. Thank you again !

Shawn

 

[d42jeep]

From seeing Wrinkle, Green Wrinkle, and Crystalline finishes referenced, do you think "wrinkle" left open the opportunity to have either a brown or green hue, and might "crystalline " be the "Elephant hide " which you refer to (a perfect descriptor IMHO )?

All the wrinkle finishes I’ve seen are green. The Crystalline finish may be referring to the elephant hide brown but don’t hold me to that. The cover to catalog 649 can be accessed by clicking on my second link posted above.
-Don

 

[ALLFAST]

If anyone out there is looking for a nice SK wartime 3/4 drive, 8 inch extension ( it's unmarked, SK dual grooved, looks like plain steel [could be cadmium;it's enrt to me...can't tell yet) with a small, subtle "69" tastefully engraved on it ,plead LMK.

I'm looking for a wartime SK 1/4 flex handle (40953) that is in very nice shape,hopefully plain steel. I would like to work a trade if possible.

Thanks for the consideration, photos available via my email to yours. Please PM if interested.

Shawn

 

[RTM]

Well, this is kinda awkward. I just hauled out my 1/4" user box, and went to use my SK 1/4" flex handle (40953), and noticed the yoke on the flex thingy is bent slightly on one leg, ~1/16". Came on here to ask if there were any concerns about putting it in the arbor press to close the yoke back down, decided to search to see if anyone is talking about them being weak, or breaking one doing that...

Allfast, I don't think this one currently passes as nice shape, maybe after I bend it back.

Geez, talk about timing.