1/4 Drive Sets

[Cruiser808]

Just throwing it out here, but judging by the logo, I believe this Proto LA set is the first of its kind as Plomb Tools transitioned to Proto. I’m guessing this set is from 1949 or 1950. Any thoughts?

[Cruiser808]

A better logo pic. Note that the flying lady is featured on the box.

[Cruiser808]

Here is my everyday user set. The box is Proto, but the tools are mostly Proto Challenger with some Proto and other brands mixed in. Mostly metric with the ignition wrenches being SAE. Most everything these days is metric, so I opted for putting together a vintage set for today’s use. It was cobbled together from stray tools in the garage, garage sales, swap meets, and eBay. Don’t know what the cost was to put it together as it evolved over a long timeframe, but it works for me and is all American made.

[slip knot]

Nice sets there Cruiser, you been holding out on us.   

[J.A.F.E.]

The hits just keep on coming. Wow some great stuff there. I really like that Fleet set.

[skfarmer]

i knew he was holding out on us. all of those cool proto family tools, peeing on wrenches and all. 

[Cruiser808]

  glad to be back Harlan!

[skfarmer]

glad to be back Harlan!

we'll take ya!

nice  not be having to look over your shoulder for the pc police isn't it?

[john k]

This is the Williams 1/4 inch set that I received in our secret Santa gift exchange about 3 years back.   Wrote down the sender and it is in my notebook.  Took this right after receiving,  got a little grease on it now.   I know Williams is owned by Snapon now

[Cruiser808]

glad to be back Harlan!

we'll take ya!

nice  not be having to look over your shoulder for the pc police isn't it?

You bet. I apologize for our Senator. 

[CRTDI]

Nice sets there Cruiser, you been holding out on us.

^^^Understatement of the year here. Anybody notice all of the sets stacked up behind those awesome Proto tool boards....

OMG...Cruiser! Lots to comment on here. The 60s style Fleet set is a new one for me, haven't seen that style logo before. The 70s style Fleet set with the plastic insert may have still been available in the early 80s. I'm no an expert on Snappy items, but I believe the sockets in that 9/32" set are known as a "Gripper" style and are early era. I think you're correct that the Proto L.A. set must be an early transition Plomb/Proto set. And finally, your "go-to" Proto set is sweeet!

Simply fantastic sets all around. Where in the hell is that bow down imojo when you need it. I submit to the king of Penens/Proto....

[CRTDI]

This is the Williams 1/4 inch set that I received in our secret Santa gift exchange about 3 years back.   Wrote down the sender and it is in my notebook.  Took this right after receiving,  got a little grease on it now.   I know Williams is owned by Snapon now

I haven't seen his style set before, looks super handy. I'm sure the gift giver would be happy to know that you're getting some use out of it.

[CRTDI]

Here's a little MAC box I've had for a while. I'm just picking up pieces to fill it as I find them. There's couple of non MAC ratchets in the mix here as well.



Matching wrenches seem to be hard to come by.











The Vi-Chrome ratchet is a recent acquisition. Never heard of Vi-Chrome, except for maybe a wrench or two. Never any socket sets.  Sure does look a lot like this little Bonney....







Not exactly sure of the timeline on this set. Maybe late '70s to early '80s ?

[CRTDI]

Armstrong, not really sure of the vintage. My guess...late '50s perhaps?









These older Armstrong ratchets seem to be really nice. Butter smooth action.








There is another later vintage ratchet in this set that has a rather strange spline type of socket and universal pinned to the drive lug. Surely this is designed for some very specific task.

[CRTDI]

A couple of different Wright sets.





My first Frankenstein ratchet....












I'm thinking that this little Bluegrass ratchet was Wright sourced.


Even has  the same model number.....LOL.