Tools from Tandy

[Xeranthe]

Hi,

I have some Craftool stamping tools that I picked up that have just numbers on them rather than the letter/number combination that is common now. I was wondering if anyone has any idea approximately when these stamping tools were made and if they are going to be of better quality than the current stamping tools that are available at Tandy?

Thanks,

Xeranthe

[King's X]

I think I remember reading something that stated that pre letter stamping would place those tools origination around the 50's to 60's? I could be wrong. I have some that are pre letter, and every 'Crafttool' business name that was used. Sorry I was not more help.

[Johanna]

Can you post a picture or two? Some eagle-eyed person here might be able to tell you more.

Johanna

[dustin29]

I also have a few of those pre lettered tools. I inherited mine from my grandfather, who has since passed. I too would like to know how old they are.

[Deno]

I would say they are probably from the late 40's to very early 60's if there is no letter code on them. And yes they will be of much better quality then what is made today. The early tools were machine made, meaning that they were turned and milled on machines. However, they were also hand ground to get the patterns on the tips. The new ones that are sold today are cast completely and not as good when it comes to the patterns on the tips. I was going to point this out on a thread about tool quality some time. I was very lucky when I was a kid when my father worked for Tandy, got to go through the manufacturing plant in the early 70's when they still made tools that way. My best.

[King's X]

Thanks Deno.

[Xeranthe]

Thank you for the info Deno. Much appreciated.