Funny I always grab these used when I see them as well. Flea markets and garage sales. I snagged quite a few still in the packaging at an auction when they came with a bunch of other stuff I was getting. I keep an old tool box and toss them in for safe keeping, but I've given away sets a couple of times. I've even used the handles as a guide to make similar London pattern handles for other tools using a band saw jig I made. Just love 'em.
Great video and a real trip down memory lane for me. I am an old geezer (age 69) and I remember well how you could take any tool to Sears & Roebuck (folks have forgotten the Roebuck part) and just replace it. My dad was a big Craftsman fan back in the day going back to the 1940's (have a 1940's cast iron bandsaw I inherited) so when I was putting together my tools back in the 1970's, I bought Craftsman as well. In the 70's, I used to buy old 40's-60's cars on the cheap and restore them, which include rebuilding the engines. So my tools got a lot of use then...as well as now. When my dad died, I inherited his tools, so I have all sorts of screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, socket wrenches, etc. that are as old as 70 years (my dad's) and 50 (mine) that are still as good as new. I have Western Forge but most are Platt-Reed and Moore Drop Forging with the old "V" stamp that pre-date Western Forge. Craftsman (who never actually manufactured anything) may have gone to hell in a handbasket but I would put the tools from the 40's to late 70's against any tool made today. Yeah, sure the old socket wrenches may be only 40 teeth sockets but they are still going strong after all these years. Plus, there isn't a better feeling than picking up one of my dad's tools knowing it was in his hands building or fixing something. Gotta admit though, I am also a big fan of Knipex and have their tools as well.
I look for any tools USA made. I’ve built up my Snap On collection but as a tribute to our old favorite Sears Craftsman I keep my SAE wrench drawer strictly my first set of Craftman USA wrenches.
All craftsman made in USA screwdrivers are qualify in my opinion. For the longest time people have taken them for granted but eventually they will become less available making them sought after. I keep an eye out for the pro line in particular.
For me it's Vaughan & Bushnell hammers, I can't pass them up. Especially the #9,#99, and #999. I also can't pass up Channellock pliers either, but I'm generally looking for stuff that's in really good condition or made before the Blue dips were introduced. I just don't want dipped handles that are worn out because there's just nothing you can do about that. I kind of avoid the western forge screwdrivers ( same drivers were also made for HD/Husky ) because I've had so many, and because I'm never finding any that aren't already off-gassing and stinky.
My rule on Torx is to only by actual Torx™ design drivers, bits or T handles. Generally the quality tool co's will pay the fee to use the patented design. Budget Asian tools will generally be sold as a 'star' or T-? but not sold as genuine Torx. Also many leave out T-27 as it's a rarely used size being inbetween the popular T25 & T30 but Stihl tools all use T-27 & I have a bunch of OPE.
USA made Craftsman or Petersen Vise Grip locking pliers are usually a good value. I've picked up some rusty examples and run them in the ultrasonic cleaner first with Oil Eater and then Evaporust and had them get cleaned up and working well. I also like USA made adjustable wrenches for some reason although I almost never use them.
I hate acetate handles no matter the brand. I was a mechanic in a previous life and started with all Craftsman. Once I walked into the Snap-On and Mac trucks I got rid of everything Craftsman. Kind of ridiculous but ever since I dislike anything Craftsman. I collected Bergeon watchmaking tools. I started as a watch collector and ended up having a more expensive watchmaker tool collection than actual watches.
I have a 40 year old Craftsman slotted in my tool bag. Its like a good luck charm. I hardly ever use it, except for light prying. I use a magnetic bit driver for all my screwdriver needs. Thanks. IT tech out.
I bought one of those black craftsman chisels for $5 at a flea market ..it’s my go to ..tried getting it razor sharp with a wet stone and that steel won’t budge
Doc, If they have a Ace hardware stores out your way check there craftsman section out. I stopped in our local one and they surprisingly had a couple of the original Sears nutdrivers on the racks. A little dusty but the inventory is still around.
The WF made wood chisels are fantastic. I was lucky enough to score a complete NOS set on eBay off of a mom & pop hardware store. Harry J Epstein still has them in some sizes as well.
🇬🇧 Hi Doc. The tool I always look out for at the car boot sale is the Footprint wrench or a good quality copy even if I already have that particular model.
Vermont American driver bits are / were excellent quality and I definitely can't pass those up if they're not rusty. As far as Buck bros, I have a bunch of their current inexpensive black plastic handled miter saws. I find them frequently at goodwill with the yellow plastic miter box and buy them because I can just use 'em up then toss them when they go dull since they can't really be sharpened.
Funny I always grab these used when I see them as well. Flea markets and garage sales. I snagged quite a few still in the packaging at an auction when they came with a bunch of other stuff I was getting. I keep an old tool box and toss them in for safe keeping, but I've given away sets a couple of times. I've even used the handles as a guide to make similar London pattern handles for other tools using a band saw jig I made. Just love 'em.
Vintage Sanvik hand saws - cross or rip. Helps me remember my dad.
How about a shop tour? I'd love to see how you store all of those tools.
Great video and a real trip down memory lane for me. I am an old geezer (age 69) and I remember well how you could take any tool to Sears & Roebuck (folks have forgotten the Roebuck part) and just replace it. My dad was a big Craftsman fan back in the day going back to the 1940's (have a 1940's cast iron bandsaw I inherited) so when I was putting together my tools back in the 1970's, I bought Craftsman as well. In the 70's, I used to buy old 40's-60's cars on the cheap and restore them, which include rebuilding the engines. So my tools got a lot of use then...as well as now. When my dad died, I inherited his tools, so I have all sorts of screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, socket wrenches, etc. that are as old as 70 years (my dad's) and 50 (mine) that are still as good as new. I have Western Forge but most are Platt-Reed and Moore Drop Forging with the old "V" stamp that pre-date Western Forge. Craftsman (who never actually manufactured anything) may have gone to hell in a handbasket but I would put the tools from the 40's to late 70's against any tool made today. Yeah, sure the old socket wrenches may be only 40 teeth sockets but they are still going strong after all these years. Plus, there isn't a better feeling than picking up one of my dad's tools knowing it was in his hands building or fixing something. Gotta admit though, I am also a big fan of Knipex and have their tools as well.
I like finding small japanese pliers. Restored several of them, even to a mirror polish in one case. They are often very tight tolerance.
this is me. just generally love finding old japanese tools and prefer their style over any other in 9/10 cases
I look for any tools USA made. I’ve built up my Snap On collection but as a tribute to our old favorite Sears Craftsman I keep my SAE wrench drawer strictly my first set of Craftman USA wrenches.
metric craftsman wrenches & the old acetate handle set were the first tools I ever had. they had been my father’s first set as well
All craftsman made in USA screwdrivers are qualify in my opinion. For the longest time people have taken them for granted but eventually they will become less available making them sought after. I keep an eye out for the pro line in particular.
For me it's Vaughan & Bushnell hammers, I can't pass them up.
Especially the #9,#99, and #999.
I also can't pass up Channellock pliers either, but I'm generally looking for stuff that's in really good condition or made before the Blue dips were introduced.
I just don't want dipped handles that are worn out because there's just nothing you can do about that.
I kind of avoid the western forge screwdrivers ( same drivers were also made for HD/Husky ) because I've had so many, and because I'm never finding any that aren't already off-gassing and stinky.
My rule on Torx is to only by actual Torx™ design drivers, bits or T handles. Generally the quality tool co's will pay the fee to use the patented design. Budget Asian tools will generally be sold as a 'star' or T-? but not sold as genuine Torx. Also many leave out T-27 as it's a rarely used size being inbetween the popular T25 & T30 but Stihl tools all use T-27 & I have a bunch of OPE.
Had to go digging for a T-27 on a BMW headlight last week and realized some of my sets were missing them.
USA Made PH2 screwdrivers with the 6inch or 8inch shank. Torx screwdrivers as well. Putty knives and scrapers. Prybars.
10 mm and 1/2” sockets. The world is held together by the nuts and bolts these fit. This is why they get lost so often. 😂
USA made Craftsman or Petersen Vise Grip locking pliers are usually a good value. I've picked up some rusty examples and run them in the ultrasonic cleaner first with Oil Eater and then Evaporust and had them get cleaned up and working well. I also like USA made adjustable wrenches for some reason although I almost never use them.
I hate acetate handles no matter the brand. I was a mechanic in a previous life and started with all Craftsman. Once I walked into the Snap-On and Mac trucks I got rid of everything Craftsman. Kind of ridiculous but ever since I dislike anything Craftsman. I collected Bergeon watchmaking tools. I started as a watch collector and ended up having a more expensive watchmaker tool collection than actual watches.
Bro, I’m mad at you.
Now IM going to have to collect watchmaking tools.
Gosh darn it.
Off to eBay we go!
I found one of the Bergeon Swiss Army knives at my local goodwill, and now I've gotta start collecting watches...
I have that same set use them daily love craftsman USA tools nice you mentioned the manufacturer also.
I'll grab Stanley's US made 100 plus screwdrivers when I come across them. I also grab the Craftsman Professional line of tools whenever I find them.
I have a 40 year old Craftsman slotted in my tool bag. Its like a good luck charm. I hardly ever use it, except for light prying. I use a magnetic bit driver for all my screwdriver needs. Thanks. IT tech out.
I bought one of those black craftsman chisels for $5 at a flea market ..it’s my go to ..tried getting it razor sharp with a wet stone and that steel won’t budge
The craftsman comfort grip nut drivers are my go to’s. The black handle chisel I have in one inch as my construction chisel and it’s indestructible.
The craftsman = v = sockets from the 60s are great
Doc, If they have a Ace hardware stores out your way check there craftsman section out. I stopped in our local one and they surprisingly had a couple of the original Sears nutdrivers on the racks. A little dusty but the inventory is still around.
The WF made wood chisels are fantastic. I was lucky enough to score a complete NOS set on eBay off of a mom & pop hardware store. Harry J Epstein still has them in some sizes as well.
A lot of the American made Husky screwdrivers are virtually identical to the Craftsmans so I always pick those up if I see them.
🇬🇧 Hi Doc. The tool I always look out for at the car boot sale is the Footprint wrench or a good quality copy even if I already have that particular model.
Yeah, I’ve always liked the USA Craftsman nut drivers.
I always look voor old fully steel pliers of all types. Just so much more durable than a lot of the new stuff considering the price
I found some craftsman nail sets still in their pouch
Vermont America, Buck Bro.
Vermont American driver bits are / were excellent quality and I definitely can't pass those up if they're not rusty.
As far as Buck bros, I have a bunch of their current inexpensive black plastic handled miter saws.
I find them frequently at goodwill with the yellow plastic miter box and buy them because I can just use 'em up then toss them when they go dull since they can't really be sharpened.