Used to be a thread on GG. Let bring it back.
I'll start
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Sidchrome and Plvmb
Heck mudman, a few of us old farts probably still have that catalog! I know I have several from way back. I know at least one or two of mine still showed Sears selling 6 & 12" metal lathes and all the accessories!
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I have a definate thing for Vaughan & Bushnell hammers and pry bars.
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Quote from: Uncle Buck on Feb 13, 2025, 07:05 PMHeck mudman, a few of us old farts probably still have that catalog! I know I have several from way back. I know at least one or two of mine still showed Sears selling 6 & 12" metal lathes and all the accessories!
Back when Craftsman was some thing to be proud of as a full time mechanic
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Quote from: Muddy on Feb 14, 2025, 08:10 PMQuote from: Uncle Buck on Feb 13, 2025, 07:05 PMHeck mudman, a few of us old farts probably still have that catalog! I know I have several from way back. I know at least one or two of mine still showed Sears selling 6 & 12" metal lathes and all the accessories!
Back when Craftsman was some thing to be proud of as a full time mechanic
For decades the brand was the cornerstone of my tools and where over 90% of any new tools I bought were purchased.
For me, the downfall of the brand was a huge loss. I have never found an affordable alternative that I like as much as the old Craftsman line and doubt I ever will.
The remaining brands I favor like Proto cost a bit more than my hobbyist pursuits can really justify leaving me having to settle for used tools most of the time. Occasionally I do settle for offshore alternative choices, but will never feel any offshore tools equal to the quality of my domestic made tools. The only fortunate part of the deal is I amassed most everything I will ever need in both SAE and Metric before so many of the old quality quality domestic brands either went offshore, or like SK, just disappeared entirely.
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Feb 14, 2025, 03:09 PM(https://i.postimg.cc/7YFPh3Th/True-Temper-Tools-Magazine-Ad-1024x1024.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dL9cST6c)
Funny thing -- I have that hammer and those pruning shears. Hand-me-downs from my dad.
Quote from: Muddy on Feb 13, 2025, 05:51 PMUsed to be a thread on GG. Let bring it back.
I'll start
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My Lord -- how many budding mechanics started out with one of those sets? They sold millions of them.
Work boots are tools right ?
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How about knives , they are cutting tools.
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that's a sweet olds!
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What a great company Central Tool is. They're still around and making precision tools like always
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Quote from: goodfellow on Feb 15, 2025, 03:39 PMQuote from: Hickory n Steel on Feb 14, 2025, 03:09 PM(https://i.postimg.cc/7YFPh3Th/True-Temper-Tools-Magazine-Ad-1024x1024.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dL9cST6c)
Funny thing -- I have that hammer and those pruning shears. Hand-me-downs from my dad.
I sold tons of that brand years ago working at True Value hdw stores. That and Master Mechanic brand tools (made by Easco in the 1980's) Mechanic chests and roll cabs branded MM of that era, like M Ward brand were rebadged Rem Line.
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Feb 16, 2025, 08:33 AMHow about knives , they are cutting tools.
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Sadly now made in China I think.
Quote from: goodfellow on Mar 06, 2025, 06:39 AMWhat a great company Central Tool is. They're still around and making precision tools like always
An inexplicibly under appreciated brand in machinist circles in my opinion. There are numerous others as well. I have several of their offerings in my box. Often found on ebay, many in pristine condition at a fraction the cost of more favored brands, but usually pleasing to the eye and hand with all the accuracy that should be expected of such a tool. The last Central brand tool I bought was a NOS metric measurement mic for less than $20 total cost to my door!
Quote from: Muddy on Mar 06, 2025, 06:53 PM(https://i.postimg.cc/t4G86cGV/Cfdt-MVWw-AARN9z-jpg-large.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KRQ9SJzZ)
These examples shown hold their value. Rarely purchased add ons I guess explain their high cost used as much as the brand I suspect. I have seen a few used through the years, but never one to justify the asking price or I would have bought it. That way for decades, even when Sears was still in business and offering essentially the same thing new and at the time still good quality at comparable prices.
Quote from: Uncle Buck on Mar 07, 2025, 06:43 AMQuote from: Hickory n Steel on Feb 16, 2025, 08:33 AMHow about knives , they are cutting tools.
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Sadly now made in China I think.
Buck is still committed to manufacturing a minimum of 75% of all their knives at their factory in Post Falls Idaho.
Their classic lockbacks from the little 505 all the way up to the iconic 110 folding hunter, and the entire 100 series hunting knives from the 102 woodsman up to the 124 frontiersman.
Even a number if Automatic " switchblade " knives in the past few years, and of course a whole slew of modern thumb stud pocket clip type knives.
Any specific Buck model you can think of, if still available it's probably American made.
At most Walmart's these days you may only find the 110, the 110 lightweight, 119 special, and maybe one modern pocket clip type folder that are American made with the rest being Chinese made box store specials, but that is not a representation of Buck knives as a whole.
They are still family owned and operated making a majority of their knive's here in the USA.
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LOL, I recall the first Proto ratchet I ever saw, then bought at a flea market at about twenty years old. Keep in mind this was pre internet around 1981-82. Info is so available now, not so much then.
So, I find a 3/8" pear head ratchet that was way beyond well used, it was used up! No plating remained, but it worked. Sloppy as heck, the drive gear had half worn through the back cover! I grabbed and bought it, immediately thinking it looked like an old style possibly no longer made, that while well worn, I was not going to pass up.
I don't know what I paid for it, certainly not much, I was a poor college kid at the time so it couldn't have been much. Whatever I paid was certainly more than it was worth given its condition. LOL
Imagine my surprise when I found the model still in production and my mistaken idea it was old and no longer in production!
Later, Proto warranties a gut kit and back cover for it, but to my dismay, it was still sloppy feeling and remains so to this day! LOL 🤣
While virtually shot, I have used it in the decades since first acquiring it and it remains in my box, though seldom used in several decades. It remains a fond memory of youthful ignorance every time my eyes land on it.
Live and learn eh, it will always have a place in my box.
I would have already known about the brand and style had there been an internet then. LOL
Their ratchets never really impressed me.
Tiger Tools?
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Quote from: Muddy on Mar 11, 2025, 05:58 PMTheir ratchets never really impressed me.
You speaking of Proto brand?
Quote from: Muddy on Mar 11, 2025, 06:03 PMTiger Tools?
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The ratchet looks familiar, but I don't recall whether I've heard of tiger tools before or not.
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Mar 12, 2025, 08:37 AMQuote from: Muddy on Mar 11, 2025, 06:03 PMTiger Tools?
(https://i.postimg.cc/L8zBrynL/unnamed-4.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The ratchet looks familiar, but I don't recall whether I've heard of tiger tools before or not.
Reminds me of SK
Quote from: Muddy on Mar 12, 2025, 06:44 PMQuote from: Hickory n Steel on Mar 12, 2025, 08:37 AMQuote from: Muddy on Mar 11, 2025, 06:03 PMTiger Tools?
(https://i.postimg.cc/L8zBrynL/unnamed-4.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The ratchet looks familiar, but I don't recall whether I've heard of tiger tools before or not.
Reminds me of SK
I didn't even notice the round head there, that one is clearly an early SK. I don't think I've seen but one of them but have seen a few of those early SK's rebranded for Gambles ARTISAN.
Tiger was a sub-brand sold by Montgomery Ward. It was their version of the Dunlap sub brand that was offered by Sears. They were cheaper than the flagship brands such as Powr-Kraft or Craftsman.
That said, I don't know who the OEM was for that Wards Tiger brand.
War time Snap-on
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Quote from: Muddy on Apr 09, 2025, 06:32 PM(https://i.postimg.cc/c4b2y4DG/a-1950s-advert-for-a-mole-wrench-the-advert-appeared-in-a-magazine-published-in-the-uk-in-may-1953-i.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mpBpZkW)
Another brand I never heard of. I have shared my love for oddball tools in the past. This ad made me think of an oddball tool I only became aware of 6 months or so ago. I found Craftsman brand straight jaw locking pliers in a 12" length. That was a new one on me and definitely qualified as an oddball. Like many tools sold by Sears through the years I believe the 12" offering was short lived. I also found it offered in their tool catalog. I don't recall what year the catalog was. I found and bought two of these on eBay. I rarely use any vise grip type pliers though I have a good selection of them. So ya, .ore tools I probably don't need and may never use. That's OK though, I have no regret for buying and adding a set of those.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/6Q6FfB2G/il-fullxfull-698310217-jmtv.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZM6zcRz)keyboard check software (https://keyboardtester.co/)
$40 a day, how times have changed.
I recall several gents in my parents' neighborhood who operated a sideline business; with Belsaw being one of them. Others included Electronics and small engine repair. All were tied to those Popular Mechanics Magazine ads.
At one time even Southbend advertised their small lathes as a way to start a small repair and manufacturing business.
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I think that SO Master Set was the "Standard" in the industry during my years as a mechanic. I only saw this set in person one time in my life. It was being delivered to a nearby shop by the SO tool truck and the driver made sure to open up the back loading area at every stop to show it off before he actually delivered it to its owner. It was glorious! As a young mechanic I was in awe of all that chrome and the diversity of tools. I could have stared at it all day.
MAC had something similar at that time but nowhere near as complete, nor was it as well polished and finished. That said, I was a MAC customer in those days because the MAC sales rep was a great honest guy. Unlike the SO rep who was a real jerk.
I used to lust over those master sets when I was a kid. Never did get one.
Don't know about the big sets but in general Snap on sets are priced at full list for every piece including the metal box, pouch, etc. I guess I got spoiled with Sears Craftsman sets being heavily discounted.
Some dumb reason I thought iced coffee was a more modern thing.
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Quote from: j.a.f.e. on May 28, 2025, 04:30 PMI used to lust over those master sets when I was a kid. Never did get one.
Don't know about the big sets but in general Snap on sets are priced at full list for every piece including the metal box, pouch, etc. I guess I got spoiled with Sears Craftsman sets being heavily discounted.
Yeah, Snap-On are like lawyers. They itemize everything and charge you for it. If they send you a letter, they charge for the paper, envelope, stamp and the ink to print it. Not to mention the time it took to lick the flap.
When I was a kid of about 12 or 13, my dad worked as a senior facilities engineer for Rockwell International Atomics International division in the SFV in So Cal.
One day, he brought home a Snap-On Tools catalog. That thing became my favorite bathroom reader, LOL. I pored over the tool boxes and the tool sets, astounded at the included price list. And this was in the mid-1970s.
I had no idea at the time I would soon accumulate a stack of Snap-On receipts all my own.
Quote from: wilbilt on Jun 04, 2025, 01:30 PMWhen I was a kid of about 12 or 13, my dad worked as a senior facilities engineer for Rockwell International Atomics International division in the SFV in So Cal.
One day, he brought home a Snap-On Tools catalog. That thing became my favorite bathroom reader, LOL. I pored over the tool boxes and the tool sets, astounded at the included price list. And this was in the mid-1970s.
I had no idea at the time I would soon accumulate a stack of Snap-On receipts all my own.
I did the same thing - looked at the pix and price lists for hours at a time. Some of the stuff I had no idea was new to me so I got an education in specialty tools along the way.
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Anyone ever installed an Allstate?
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Mickey Mantle... The Weller spokesman.
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I have an personal archive of some of the old Sears Craftsman catalogs and I am constantly amazed at the offerings that were available back in Sears' peak glory days -- the 1960s and 1970s. The sheer amount of equipment and tooling was truly a marvel of the time because everything was sold and delivered through catalogs, B&M stores and USPS/UPS delivery.
Glad I lived through those days; great memories and a great time to be a gearhead.
BTW -does anyone have any copies of the old J.C Whitney (aka Warshawsky Co.) catalogs in their stash? If so, a few copies pages of the old catalogs would be a great remembrance of that wonderful business.
I don't know if this is allowed or not, but my favorite vintage ad and political spoof/satire, that their was a lawsuit and supposed to be a published retraction (never saw the retraction, but it could have been the same ad, worded differently).
(https://www.volksfolks.org/forums/general-discussion/ted-kennedy-vw-ad/?action=dlattach;attach=2520;image;PHPSESSID=6eo3v4bi3e9vd3iujuqblblfb4)
Nowdays, the same picture would have commentary about fishing for plastic in the ocean, etc.
LOL --now that's a very impactful ad. I remember National Lampoon getting eviscerated from all the outraged MSM and the Beltway crowd.
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Quote from: goodfellow on Jul 31, 2025, 12:42 PMLOL --now that's a very impactful ad. I remember National Lampoon getting eviscerated from all the outraged MSM and the Beltway crowd.
I recall the same it was a satire ad in NL IIRC. But it's true. VW had a real ad where they showed a car floating.
It was kinda in bad taste but so were the circumstances leading to the death of the young woman.
Quote from: Muddy on Jul 31, 2025, 05:37 PM(https://i.postimg.cc/66F3gsr6/ih.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3cgRG4n)
Cabinet and box look like Remline?
Quote from: goodfellow on Aug 01, 2025, 12:06 PMQuote from: Muddy on Jul 31, 2025, 05:37 PM(https://i.postimg.cc/66F3gsr6/ih.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3cgRG4n)
Cabinet and box look like Remline?
Agreed,I tend to forget how hinky the casters were on most of the old school roll cabs.
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That's a very nice toolset, and $190 was quite a chunk of change back in the 1960s. Add in the cart and we're probably close to $300. We forget how much more expensive things were (relatively speaking) back in the day. Quality stuff for sure, but adjusted for inflation that $300 price tag would be about $3100 today.
These days, for $1000 a junior technician can outfit themselves with very good tools and get more capability than what's offered here. For $3000 he could get a quality master mechanics set (Taiwanese/Chinese for sure, but quality none-the-less)
We've come a long way --
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Heck, I get asked to "take my wife, PLEASE", all the time. You can't sell them.
Would love to see a "Dude" pickup
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Westcoast- A great name out of the past. Western Auto was a retail juggernaut all the way into the early 1980s. Advance Auto finally wound up owning the company and then killed the brand.
Quote from: goodfellow on Nov 01, 2025, 12:27 PMWestcoast- A great name out of the past. Western Auto was a retail juggernaut all the way into the early 1980s. Advance Auto finally wound up owning the company and then killed the brand.
The local Exxon growing up was a western auto. Still had the signs. Still privately owned thankfully.
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