For those of us with gasoline in our veins, the allure of vintage tools is undeniable. There’s a certain romance in the heft of aged steel, the patina of time, and the knowledge that these instruments once served the hands of craftsmen past. My own fascination has led me down a rabbit hole of collecting older Sears Craftsman tools, particularly those hailing from the golden era of the late 1950s to late 1960s. These are the tools marked by the distinct pointed “A” in the Craftsman logo, and often bearing the enigmatic =V= manufacturer’s mark – the very tools that shaped my early automotive experiences and still find their way into my hands for specific projects today.
My exploration often begins with a dip into the past, specifically the 1960 Craftsman Hand Tools Catalog. These catalogs are more than just lists of products; they are time capsules, offering a glimpse into the tool offerings of the era, the composition of various sets, and the timeline of Sears’ tool evolution. It was during one such catalog dive that I stumbled upon a fascinating revelation: Sears offered Whitworth sized tools, specifically designed for the maintenance of British-made vehicles. A spark of intrigue ignited, and the idea of assembling a complete Craftsman Whitworth tool set took root. Thus began my quest.
Before diving headfirst into the hunt, I consulted David Mahar’s comprehensive two-disc set of Craftsman catalogs. This resource proved invaluable in charting the timeline of Craftsman Whitworth tools. My research suggests that Craftsman-branded Whitworth sockets and wrenches were a relatively brief offering, primarily featured in the 1960 catalog. Intriguingly, the 1960 catalog also showcased a Craftsman branded Whitworth tap and die set. While the 1961 catalog seemed to lack any Craftsman Whitworth tools, the tap and die set reappeared in 1962. Beyond 1962, my catalog explorations haven’t revealed any further Craftsman branded Whitworth tools. It’s important to note that this observation is based on my catalog reviews, and the possibility of overlooked listings always exists.
Completing this set proved to be an engaging challenge. The four Double Open End (DOE) wrenches, four Double Box End (DBE) wrenches, and ten 1/2” drive sockets are clearly marked with a “W,” making identification straightforward. The real hurdle lies in locating them. eBay became an obvious hunting ground, and yielded some successes. However, my most fruitful discoveries occurred at an MG automobile and British motorcycle swap meet. This single event provided a treasure trove, including several sockets and all four DOE wrenches. Based on my anecdotal experiences, and without any concrete data to support it, my hunch is that DOE wrenches are somewhat more readily available than their DBE counterparts. Similarly, smaller socket sizes seem to surface more frequently than the larger ones. The elusive 3/4 W socket, in particular, felt like a years-long pursuit.
Don’t be deceived into thinking the rest of the set is a walk in the park. While all tools are 1/2” drive and appear conventional at first glance, some pieces require dedicated searching. The correct speed wrench is fairly common, as are the 10” and 6” extensions. The 15” breaker bar is also obtainable with reasonable effort, but the accompanying T-handle for the breaker bar is a different story. That small component can be surprisingly elusive and was among the last pieces I needed to secure. I owe a debt of gratitude to the site member “coolford” for his assistance in acquiring this key piece. The ratchet also deserves close attention. If you’re familiar with the Craftsman Teardrop Ratchet (1956 – 1993) Type Study, you’ll recognize that this set utilizes a Type 1 ratchet. While not impossible to find, securing one requires patience and vigilance. Finally, we arrive at the toolbox itself. This specific style occasionally surfaces on eBay, which is where I found the example shown, but their condition is often far from pristine. Finding one in good original condition is a genuine challenge. Believe me, acquiring the depicted toolbox involved a spirited bidding war.
Alt text: A complete vintage Craftsman Whitworth socket and wrench set laid out in its original red metal toolbox, showcasing tools with “W” markings for British cars.
Alt text: Close-up of vintage Craftsman Whitworth wrenches, highlighting the distinctive “W” stamp and pointed “A” Craftsman logo, essential tools for classic British vehicle maintenance.
Alt text: Selection of vintage Craftsman Whitworth sockets in various sizes, each marked with “W” indicating their Whitworth standard, crucial for working on older British automobiles.
Building this Craftsman Whitworth set is undoubtedly a demanding endeavor, but by no means an impossible one. The reward lies in possessing a tangible piece of automotive history, a toolset specifically designed for a unique era of vehicles. Now, all that remains is to find a 1950s MG in original condition to truly put these vintage Craftsman tools to their intended use.
Jim C.
