WTB: Missing vintage Craftsman sockets...

lbgradwell · August 31, 2011, 02:14:07 PM

Gentlemen,

I would like to ask your assistance in keeping your eyes open for a few vintage Craftsman sockets I need to complete 3 sets.

Let's begin with this early 1/4"-drive BE set:

This set has been "assembled". That is, I'm not sure it was ever offered like this. Although all pieces are "BE"-series, I believe the sockets are earlier than the drive tools. One of the sockets (5/16") was missing, and I found a BE replacement, but as you can see from the following photo, the logo is different. (My OCD will not permit this to stand, and this is why the imposter is forced to live upside down in the case to hide its shame.)

So, what I am looking for is a "BE"-series, 1/4"-drive, 12-pt, 5/16" socket with the non-underlined-C lettering like the socket on the left. I believe this logo has a date range of 1927-1933. This might be hard to find.

Next is an early "=V="-series 1/4"-drive set:

The smallest socket may be missing from this set. If so, it is a 3/16".

Kindly note the distinctive shape of these cold-broached sockets that I believe date from 1945-1948.

In this case, I seek a "=V="-series 1/4"-drive, 6-pt, 3/16" socket as above. This may not exist!

Finally, I have 4 U-circle, 3/8"-drive sockets that came in some odd lot I once bought a few years back:

I have the 12pt sockets in: 3/8", 7/16", "5/8" and 11/16". Therefore I would like to find, at least, the U-circle, 3/8"-drive sockets in 1/2", 9/16" and 3/4". Any other sizes would be a bonus. These likely date from 1944-1948 and I expect this will be difficult; the chances of finding the missing pieces around here is damned close to zero.

Thanks in advance for keeping your eyes open!!

eddie hudson · August 31, 2011, 03:12:22 PM

I'll keep my eyes open. One question, where would the 3/16" =v= socket fit in the case?

I see the (U) on ebay every few weeks, but good luck finding the early BE.

lbgradwell · August 31, 2011, 03:19:59 PM

Quote from: eddie hudson on August 31, 2011, 03:12:22 PM
I'll keep my eyes open. One question, where would the 3/16" =v= socket fit in the case?

I see the (U) on ebay every few weeks, but good luck finding the early BE.

Many thanks, eddie.

The 3/16" =v= socket would fit on the far left in the space presently being filled by a (gasp) G-series 3/16" socket.

The horror...

rusty · August 31, 2011, 06:56:25 PM

Are you certain you don't want to start a nice 1/2" BE set in 8 Point ?

They are very pretty..

I could start you down the road to ruin very cheaply....

(Sorry, found no 3/16)

eddie hudson · August 31, 2011, 07:07:21 PM

Quote from: lbgradwell on August 31, 2011, 03:19:59 PM
Quote from: eddie hudson on August 31, 2011, 03:12:22 PM
The 3/16" =v= socket would fit on the far left in the space presently being filled by a (gasp) G-series 3/16" socket.

The horror...

You dare to put a "G" socket in a spot reserved for an unnumbered =v= socket? Wow, just don't ever tell anyone around here what you did. Especially the guy who lives in the mountains Bob W.

lbgradwell · August 31, 2011, 10:36:20 PM

Quote from: rusty on August 31, 2011, 06:56:25 PM

Are you certain you don't want to start a nice 1/2" BE set in 8 Point ?

They are very pretty..

I could start you down the road to ruin very cheaply....

(Sorry, found no 3/16)

I figure I'm about 3/4 down that road already, so I will pass... ;)

lbgradwell · August 31, 2011, 10:39:19 PM

QuoteYou dare to put a "G" socket in a spot reserved for an unnumbered =v= socket? Wow, just don't ever tell anyone around here what you did. Especially the guy who lives in the mountains Bob W.

I know, I know; it has cost me much sleep.

I am greatly ashamed, but I am at least trying to rectify the situation...

crankshaftdan II · September 01, 2011, 10:13:32 AM

I have these two circle U items if you have any interest? The speeder is 1/2" drive and 17 3/4" in length and the socket is 1/2" x 3/8" drive-both in very nice condition. Not trying to discourage you, but I have the other missing sockets in various partial sets. I haven't decided if I want to part them out?? I would sell the items(U) if you are interested-don't know what it is like to ship to the "BIG C"-never done that before!! I'm leaving this evening for a long week-end-so if you are interested PM me and I will get back to you next week...........Cranky

lbgradwell · September 01, 2011, 10:38:02 AM

Hey Cranky,

I'll pass on the speeder & 1/2"-drive socket, thanks just the same.

When you say "I have the other missing sockets" do you mean all the other missing sockets or just the U-circle, 3/8"-drive sockets in 1/2", 9/16" and 3/4"?

Shipping a small padded envelope to Canada will be very inexpensive, but packages will be a lot more...

crankshaftdan II · September 01, 2011, 08:34:20 PM

Probably did not really spell it out to you on the "Other" missing sockets, however I do have incomplete sets in V & U and the majority of all the older c-man-vintage sockets in 1/4-3/8 & 1/2 drive sizes. Just don't want to sell off any at this time! Sort of a Maybe I will find enough to complete the sets and than I will stop looking!! There were lots of those sockets sold that you were looking for-odds are very good that you will find them-maybe not the condition that you are looking for-but they are out there. Sorry that I cannot help you out-keep looking!!.......Cranky

kxxr · September 02, 2011, 06:56:47 AM

Quote from: lbgradwell on August 31, 2011, 10:39:19 PM
QuoteYou dare to put a "G" socket in a spot reserved for an unnumbered =v= socket? Wow, just don't ever tell anyone around here what you did. Especially the guy who lives in the mountains Bob W.

I know, I know; it has cost me much sleep.
I am greatly ashamed, but I am at least trying to rectify the situation...

As you noted yourself, the correct way to position the placeholder is upside down. Or, possibly a small pebble should go there. Better yet, I think if you whittled one it would bring you luck in a zen/karma sort of way. Haa! I feel your shame though. I had to laugh when you pointed out the 'upside down imposter'. I have many of those! One man's place holder is another man's holy grail in this game though.
I don't want to get your hopes up too high, but I will see if I can help you out. There is a chance. Those are some tough ones.

lbgradwell · September 02, 2011, 08:28:55 AM

Quote from: kxxr on September 02, 2011, 06:56:47 AM
I don't want to get your hopes up too high, but I will see if I can help you out. There is a chance. Those are some tough ones.

Many thanks; the more eyes looking, the better. Someone has these (or one or two of them) sitting in a dark corner somewhere...

And I will flip that G-series over. After all, if a BE-series has to live upside down, certainly no less can be required of a lowly G-series...

bonneyman · September 03, 2011, 03:28:05 PM

I think I have some well-patina'd vintage Craftsman sockets lying around somewhere.
Here's a pic:

I'd have to go digging thru the shop to get size, points, etc. for you. Though they are 3/8" drive.

kxxr · September 04, 2011, 01:38:27 AM

Well, I checked. I got lots of close, but no cigars. I do wonder if the 'bullet' shaped =v= 3/16 does exist. I have a few of the larger ones; doesn't help you though. I think that knurled Craftsman without the underline is, as you say, very early and may be even tougher to find than the =v=, and we already decided it may not exist! All the knurled ones I have are underline BE or circle H. You sure know how to pick 'em. I have a circle U but it's 1/4"
Sorry, no help here.

rusty · September 04, 2011, 11:38:48 AM

>The smallest socket may be missing from this set. If so, it is a 3/16".

Just to play devils advocate here, are you certain it is not supposed to be 7/32 ?

The older set (in the same box) on AA has a 7/32 with an 11/32, and no 3/16....

I'm just saying....

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/craftsman-be-hcircle-p3.html

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WTB: Missing vintage Craftsman sockets...