American made tools from the 50's & 60's.

[Royboy]

I've got 3 sets of sockets from the early 60's as well as open & boxed end wrenches from JC Penny's. Any value. Thanks

 

[JD Dave]

What is the manufacturer or is it marked JC PENNY? My guess is they're better quality than the cheap chinese junk made today.

 

[560Dennis]

As a user of hand tools my preference is to buy only USA tools offered for sales at many different sources ,such as tractor show flea markets ,garage sales, Craigslist ,and well any source that may arise that is available.
This my thoughts ,may not all . I have tool boxes with hands tools specifically for balers,plows tillage ,and these tools are subject to elements store with machines . So I’ve found that the quality of the foreign materials do not work as well , are use of tool ideal ., no by no means , but necessary to my operating method.

 

[Watthour]

What is the manufacturer or is it marked JC PENNY? My guess is they're better quality than the cheap chinese junk made today.

I don't know about value, but I do remember their attempt to compete with Sears in the hand tool (and some power tool) market. I worked with a guy who had a side job at a JC Penny Auto Center where they sold tires and batteries (with their own label), all the routine fluid service, as well as tune-up, alignment, and other more intricate work. He said they had provided a lot of their own branded tools for shop use and offered deep discounts for employees to purchase them. The ratchets I've seen screamed "SK Wayne" design all over them, but I have no idea who actually made them for Penny's.

 

[Watthour]

I remember they also sold "Penncraft" scroll saws, orbital sanders, drills, and smaller power tools like that.


EDIT: Going down the rabbit hole, here is a catalog page from 1971:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7awi2EZJc0xo_NyGKQnBtdAjvorNBB9svMSUk_F7wdo1Zoqvk7icywTMqaxERbrZaWtf3uxGDH1ECVk2oh7Pc7gKCque_dDIhv-Cw6CmgO37ufmNy999ACvr8ib_MJVnq4JRA6rxGWU/s1600/Penncraft+1970.jpg

 

[kencombs]

I've got 3 sets of sockets from the early 60's as well as open & boxed end wrenches from JC Penny's. Any value. Thanks

Best 1/2" ratchet I've ever owned was a Penncraft. Finally started slipping about 10 years ago, after over 50 years of use. And like another reply suspected, it was an SKWayne.

 

[Jaden]

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_tr...1&_trksid=p3542580.m47492.l71971&_ssn=t-93-sc To get an idea of what "vintage tools" sell for , here is a link to an Ebay account .

 

[Jim.ME]

To get an idea of what "vintage tools" sell for , here is a link to an Ebay account .

No Link

 

[MM-TX]

I've got 3 sets of sockets from the early 60's as well as open & boxed end wrenches from JC Penny's. Any value. Thanks

All USA made auto hand tools that old are quality and sought after by people who like old tools. Getting them in front of those people will take a little effort. If they are still shiny they will be worth more. Some of the other brands have a bigger following. I’d keep them before I’d give them away unless I just liked the person and thought they would appreciate them.

 

[Russ from MN]

One of my co-workers at the paper mill had Pencraft tools, they seemed to be very good. I bought a battery for my pickup at Pennys in 76, it lasted the 5 years till I traded it in and started the truck one night when it was -42F!