1/4 Drive Sets

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This is (as near as I can tell) kind of a mish-mash of old Duro Chrome and Indestro - all "D I" period stuff - inexplicably in a "None Better" box that's in really great condition. I love it when Ebay sellers have absolutely no clue what they have.

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Snappy and SK thumb ratchet sets. I like the SK ratchet better than the Snappy. Just has a lot smoother action.

I've got one of those S-K 49270 units around here somewhere. Never used it in the real world, but it did seem like it had a nice action.

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another (of probably far too many) Duro Chrome / Indestro 1/4" drive sets - this one's in an early Duro Chrome box, but unless I'm mistaken it's not a box for a 1/4" drive set. The sockets, like the set above are "D I" series.

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A Fleet 1/4" drive SAE set in a plastic box that unfortunately won't stay closed - warped because it was exposed to heat. I'm guessing that it might be missing a piece or two.

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JS Technology Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia - contract supplier for military/government. As with the KAL/Proamerica sets above, the NSN number calls this a "small arms repair kit". I do not believe that JS Technology actually manufactured any of these pieces, but I've never been able to figure out who the OE supplier was.
Some say S-K, but that Kilness-type clip ring on the drive side of the head certainly doesn't look like any S-K ratchets that I own.
Fit and finish on these is fabulous. I think I have three of these sets - all appear to be unused. Really nice action on the ratchet - similar feel to the 2426 Wright.

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Mustang 1/4" drive SAE set - made by New Britain Machine as a "price point" line. Cadmium plated. Note the wonky slide-top box. I did find a Mustang ratchet in a 1/4" drive, but the box is too small for the ratchet to fit in there. I'm guessing this was the low-end 1/4" drive set in their product line-up.

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Older New Britain 1/4" drive set with wooden-handled spinner. I am reasonably confident the box is original.

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A U.S. made Stanley 1/4" drive SAE set - all original (and as near as I can tell complete) - appears to have never been used.

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A U.S. made Truecraft 1/4" drive SAE set. The sockets are all 1/4" square drive. The bits are all 1/4" hex drive. The reversible ratcheting driver handle (with a storage compartment in the handle) and all the sockets are marked "U.S.A.". The bits have no markings other than their sizes.

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A Crescent "Give Wings to Work" 1/4" drive SAE set in the original box. Appears to be complete. The re-branded 2400 Wright ratchet is not original to the set - it was an add-on.

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A Firestone 1/4" drive SAE set. The exterior of the box is a little rough, but the tools are in fabulous condition. Everything is stamped "Firestone". Appears to be complete.

The sets I've posted this evening were those within easy reach on the top layer. I'm sure if I start digging I'll come up with more. No idea where the Indestro sets are, but I never did get out into the garage yet.

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I am continually on the search for a dark finish, knurled, 6 point 7/16” socket that I know exists but have been unable to locate.

Take a look at that second Walden set I posted on the previous page - post #428 - I noticed all the sockets in that set are 6-points, but they're not "knurled" like some other Walden pieces.

[d42jeep]

another (of probably far too many) Duro Chrome / Indestro 1/4" drive sets - this one's in an early Duro Chrome box, but unless I'm mistaken it's not a box for a 1/4" drive set. The sockets, like the set above are "D I" series.

Duro had two sizes of boxes that they used for the 1/4” drive sets. Both the large and small boxes are correct. Here a few sets with D-I sockets and Duro or Indestro drive tools.
-Don

[d42jeep]

I am continually on the search for a dark finish, knurled, 6 point 7/16” socket that I know exists but have been unable to locate.

Take a look at that second Walden set I posted on the previous page - post #428 - I noticed all the sockets in that set are 6-points, but they're not "knurled" like some other Walden pieces.

Thanks. I took a close look. Email on the way!
-Don

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RE: post 447 / small box at bottom:
I am assuming from the remnants of the decal that box is an original Duro Chrome box, correct?
I've got an early "D I" set somewhere here in a small box, but unless I'm mistaken the divider for the sockets is different than yours. (I might have my wires crossed there - it's been a while since I've seen it.)

RE: Walden 7/16" 6-point knurled socket: I emailed you the photo image - it's a crappy shot. I'll try to remember to dig that one out and reshoot it in the morning and send it down to you. They don't look knurled to me. More 'smooth wall" (like Oxwall.) Weird. I was pretty sure all my older Walden sets had that knurling about the perimeter. Go figure.

RE: Those two Duro / Indestro sets I posted above: I think they're both hodge-podge. I could be wrong. Both of them contain breakers clearly stamped " 2850 ".
I thought that was Indestro's part number. The 1940 Duro Chrome catalog shows the breaker as being a model 4550. Most of the sockets are stamped "D I".
A few are clearly stamped "Duro Chrome". Seems odd I'd have two sets that seem to be cobbled together. Maybe not.

I know there's more Walden here somewhere. I may well have that socket you're after. Probably just a matter of digging. All this stuff I posted today was just what was on the tops of the piles and easy to get at.

BK