More Craftsman and Snap On British Standard Whitworth tools

Swan · Aug 25, 2013

I have been patiently searching for reasonably priced vintage British Standard Whitworth tools and have recently picked up a few sets from private sales and Craigslist. I restore and ride vintage BSA, Norton and Triumph motorcycles, actually use these tools and hate to pay collector prices. E-bay prices are insane for vintage BSW tools, particularly Snap On.

Here is what I bought:
1. Craftsman open end BSW wrench set (#4368) 1/8W x 3/16W, 1/4Wx 5/16W, 3/8W x 7/16W and 1/2W x 9/16W

2. Craftsman box end BSW wrench set (#4296) 1/8W x 3/16W, 1/4Wx 5/16W, 3/8W x 7/16W and 1/2W x 9/16W

$70 for both sets and goes well with my matching Craftsman 1/2" drive BSW socket set.

Image source: Rose Antique Tools 1960 Craftsman Tool catalogue

3. Dunlap (Sears) 21 piece British Standard socket set (#46276). I bought a nearly complete set from a regional seller on Craigslist for $40 but he lost the smallest 4BA (British Association) socket when he sent it to me. I found the missing Dunlap handle driver at an auction for $1 but I really wanted a complete set so picked up a second complete set for $8 on Craigslist. I plan to sell the second incomplete set and try to cut my loss. The case is dirty put the sockets are nearly new. Set includes 1/2 hex 3/16W to 5/8W sockets, 1/4 hex 4BA to 3/16W sockets, 2 el wrenches, handle driver, ratchet, two adapters, tray and pouch.

This set is in my BSA Gold Star's tool box and will come in handy for road side repairs.

4. Snap On open end 9 piece British Standard Wrench set (VSB 809) 3/16 through 7/8 BS. $200 Craigslist, I could not help myself for they are nearly new, chromed, complete and matching, old script, rare and go for much more on Ebay. I would love to find a complete set of vintage Snap On combination and short BSW wrenches at a reasonable price.

Image credit: Collecting Snap On 1970 Catalog

5. Two WOEX long series BSW combination wrenches WOEX-13 1/2BS and WOEX-12 7/16BS. $10 each in good shape, old script. I would love to find WOEX-11 3/8BS and WOEX-10 5/16BS, anyone?

I also have some misc Dowidat, Ko-Ken and Asian made whitworth tools that I am using at the moment while I patiently wait and find complete older sets to wrench my bikes. I am well aware of modern brands of BSW tools, but I simply prefer old tools for my old bikes. If you have any BSW tools you no longer use and would like to see them used to keep old British bikes on the road, please let me know. Thanks!

MikeF2316 · Aug 25, 2013

I want them and I don't know why.

I don't have anything where I'd need them, never have and probably never will.

trout · Aug 25, 2013

awesome

Swan · Aug 25, 2013

MikeF2316, I have a set of vintage Dunlap sockets for sale...

ndoran · Aug 25, 2013

i just got back from the U.K. where I visited a car boot sale. You could pick up Britool, Gordon and other quality brands of Whitworth and BSF sockets and wrenches for as little as twenty pence each. I could have sorted out complete sets from the sockets and wrench bins. Almost worth taking a vacation over there if you need these things

lbgradwell · Aug 25, 2013

Again, some great sets! :thumbup:

Swan · Aug 26, 2013

ndoran said:
i just got back from the U.K. where I visited a car boot sale. You could pick up Britool, Gordon and other quality brands of Whitworth and BSF sockets and wrenches for as little as twenty pence each. I could have sorted out complete sets from the sockets and wrench bins. Almost worth taking a vacation over there if you need these things

I know, but if I go to England I will probably never come back. I bought a set of nice vintage long Blue Point box wrenches from Ebay UK two years ago for a decent price, even with the shipping.

My extra Dunlap socket set sold last night to a GJ member. Three very nice BS Snap On wrench sets with pouches just came up on Ebay last night with a buy it now price of $250 each for the short 7 piece combination set and short box end set and $350 for the 9 piece open end set (the same set above I bought for $200). I may put in bids on the first two sets but will most likely lose. I can buy a really nice set of 10 King **** combination wrenches from the UK for $120 USD, half of what these sets cost.

pipehack · Aug 26, 2013

I've been looking for C-man whitworth wrenches for quite some time for my Triumph. Nice score.

Dave455 · Aug 26, 2013

There are plenty of sources for new BS/Whitworth wrenches and sockets!

I know the Snap On wrenches are expensive, but they are just about the best! Failing that, the King **** are fairly good, and a lot less money (in the U.K. at least)! They also offer a choice of Ring spanner, open ended spanner or combination (to use British terminology) which Snap On do not! If you prefer, you can also get wrenches from Gedore, Elora and others.

I reckon the best new socket wrenches are Ko Ken. Quality is superb, and you can choose between 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive, 6 or 12 point, and even deep sockets. Again, King **** also offer them, as do Gedore and Elora.

As ndoran said, there is no shortage if stuff second hand in the U.K. and if you keep a look out you can still pick up really good tools for a reasonable price on eBay, although the price of decent condition Britool sets is starting to creep up!

Swan · Aug 26, 2013

Pipehack, here are the same sets of BSW Craftsman wrenches as mine, but for $120 http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/3993899433.html

methomas70 · Aug 26, 2013

Very cool stuff Swan.
I too haven't seen much in the way of Craftsman Limey Brit stuff and I've been combing garage/yard/estate sales since spring.

The only thing I've found so far is a King **** 3/8BS 5/16W socket.

I've got a '71 BSA 650 Thunderbolt A65T

Mitch

Gmonkee · Aug 26, 2013

Cool complete sets.

All I find is a motley mix of really old wrenches in single and double open end. To date no sockets have shown up. The entire Brit/Whitworth collection is about 10 wrenches now after years of collecting.

MikeF2316 · Aug 26, 2013

Swan said:
MikeF2316, I have a set of vintage Dunlap sockets for sale...

No you don't.

Actually, it was the Craftsman wrenches I was drooling over.

snapmom · Aug 26, 2013

In the snap on long pattern, comb wrenches. there is also Woex 9, 14, 15. Blue Point made these long patterns too, in woex9-15.

PreUnit · Mar 17, 2016

I realize this is an old thread, but my bucket list includes upgrading my current set of Whitworth combination wrenches to bring them up the standard of my other tools.

I'm struggling to understand why Snap-on's only makes Whitworth wrenches in the 'stubby' short handle variety?

Do they think that is sufficient enough torque to work on old Brit Cars/Bikes or does it have something to do with their using existing equipment or is there maybe some sort of obscure piece of machinery out there still being used that requires Stubbys?

At one time I thought Snap-on made full length wrenches, combination or otherwise, in Whitworth. Does anyone know when that stopped? Thanks!

pi_guy · Mar 17, 2016

PreUnit said:
Do they think that is sufficient enough torque to work on old Brit Cars/Bikes or does it have something to do with their using existing equipment or is there maybe some sort of obscure piece of machinery out there still being used that requires Stubbys?

At one time I thought Snap-on made full length wrenches, combination or otherwise, in Whitworth. Does anyone know when that stopped? Thanks!

hey lets wake up the dead...

Pretty sure the reason Snap on dropped the majority of the BS line is lack of sales. Outside of some british motorcycles and some early Formula Fords using BS threads there is not much demand.

Think the wrench short size is right, if you had bigger wrenches you would just snap off the bolt :scared:

P51Boilermaker · Mar 17, 2016

I've been occasionally searching for BS wrenches and sockets. Old Merlin engines in P51's use BS, along with other British designed engines.

I agree that Snap On BS stuff on Ebay is crazy overpriced. For the low demand they should be more reasonable priced. I'm looking at Koken and King **** tools as an alternative.

Rossco · Mar 17, 2016

Right on. Haven't turned any WIT for an Aeon.

Good old boys wouldn't have the Wrench or Spanner rubbish. It's a KEY.

mhejl · Mar 17, 2016

This got me curious. What would be a reasonable price for a mid-80s vintage full set of Snap On 3/8 BA/BS sockets? 12 total still on SO rail, 4-0BA, 3/16-9/16BS, mint mostly unused condition but with owner markings (mine).

Jim C. · Aug 26, 2016

Picked up this Craftsman set a little while back. Not as nice as the OP's set, but I was still happy to have found them.

Jim C.

2oolhound · Aug 26, 2016

PreUnit said:
I'm struggling to understand why Snap-on's only makes Whitworth wrenches in the 'stubby' short handle variety?

Do they think that is sufficient enough torque to work on old Brit Cars/Bikes or does it have something to do with their using existing equipment or is there maybe some sort of obscure piece of machinery out there still being used that requires Stubbys?

At one time I thought Snap-on made full length wrenches, combination or otherwise, in Whitworth. Does anyone know when that stopped? Thanks!

Yes Snap-on did make long form whitworth wrenches. Here is a clipping from a 1955 S-O cat.:

As far as the reason why the long versions are scarce I'm not sure but I know I mostly use the short ones because there are often obstructions like frame rails or engine plates etc in the way with long wrenches.

mhejl said:
This got me curious. What would be a reasonable price for a mid-80s vintage full set of Snap On 3/8 BA/BS sockets? 12 total still on SO rail, 4-0BA, 3/16-9/16BS, mint mostly unused condition but with owner markings (mine).

I paid $180 for a mint set on the rail but I've seen them go for $225. With initials engraved in I think about $120 would be about average.

Here is some cool Williams eye candy in whitworth:

ttpete · Aug 26, 2016

KoKen has very nice WW sockets. I have sets in both 3/8 and 1/2. I have a complete set of SO 3/8 sockets, including the BA sizes. My combination and DBE are a mixture of SO, Hazet, Dowidat, Heyco, Proto, and King ****.

Found a lot of stuff at motorcycle swap meets.

4x4gearhead · Aug 26, 2016

I love those Williams tools. As an equipment mechanic its a real treat to find any old Williams tools especially oversized :thumbup:

I had found some bs wrenches in the past but always passed them up in pawn and consignment shops since I have no reason to really own them. Hate to take something when someone else would really like to have them to use.

bluebolt · Aug 26, 2016

I have a box full of Whitworth and motorcycle tools. Snap On, King ****, Super Slim, Britool and others. BSA and Triumph marked tools. Need to throw the lot on Ebay one of these days.

Gmonkee · Aug 26, 2016

Since last post I nearly completed a set of Fukung whit wrenches. Sooner or later the mixed bits get moved on here too. Got a bud with British cars that might need some.

2oolhound · Aug 27, 2016

I had my british bikes in storage for about 30 years and lost all my tools over that time. When I got my bikes back and got a work shop together I went nuts gathering whitworth. Then I started getting nitpicky with different brands so now I have more than I need but I'm still a sucker for a nice looking wrench or socket and end up paying more than I should to own them.

Ebay's global shipping program really *****. We never had to pay taxes on goods over 35 years old but now you pay up front on EVERYTHING when the seller uses global shipping. I recently forked out an extra $15 (GS) on a $125 purchase (plus $25 actual shipping). I'm sure this is a violation of a trade agreement but who has time to chase around all the time.

I figure after a few more years of use I'll establish some go to's then I'll sell off the others.

These British made 3/8" Williams sockets (different company) have a beautiful fit and finish with rich polished chrome. They are among my favourite sockets.

dutchgray · Aug 27, 2016

Nice set of Williams super slim sockets, don't see many of those compared to the other British brands. I don't mind the Global shipping program, its generally cheaper for imports here, but we pay taxes on everything that comes and if its processed our side there is a handling fee, generally £8 or more which ***** when the tax amount is only a few pounds.
GSP is useless for multiple items as they don't combine, then its better for the seller to post direct but the postage cost is usually more.

colin39 · Aug 27, 2016

I have only ever seen williams super slim in rusty (and boy were they rusty) or in pictures and they look fab, nice set

Jim C. · Aug 27, 2016

bluebolt said:
I have a box full of Whitworth and motorcycle tools. Snap On, King ****, Super Slim, Britool and others. BSA and Triumph marked tools. Need to throw the lot on Ebay one of these days.

Send me a PM if you have any old Craftsman whitworth =V= stuff to sell. I'm interested. Thanks.

Jim C.

bluebolt · Aug 27, 2016

Jim C. said:
Send me a PM if you have any old Craftsman whitworth =V= stuff to sell. I'm interested. Thanks.

Jim C.

Sorry, no Craftsman.

Jim C. · Aug 27, 2016

bluebolt said:
Sorry, no Craftsman.

Thanks anyway.....but while we're on the topic what snap on stuff do you have?

Dirty Diesels · Aug 27, 2016

Did Snap-on ever make any Par-X whitworth tools?

There is another 2 companies called Snail Brand and T Williams who made BSW wrenches in industrial black finish!

Scotland Offshore ABZ · Aug 28, 2016

Dirty Diesels said:
Did Snap-on ever make any Par-X whitworth tools?

There is another 2 companies called Snail Brand and T Williams who made BSW wrenches in industrial black finish!

I have some Par-X WW sockets so yes they did make them.

Dave455 · Aug 28, 2016

PreUnit said:
I realize this is an old thread, but my bucket list includes upgrading my current set of Whitworth combination wrenches to bring them up the standard of my other tools.

I'm struggling to understand why Snap-on's only makes Whitworth wrenches in the 'stubby' short handle variety?

Do they think that is sufficient enough torque to work on old Brit Cars/Bikes or does it have something to do with their using existing equipment or is there maybe some sort of obscure piece of machinery out there still being used that requires Stubbys?

At one time I thought Snap-on made full length wrenches, combination or otherwise, in Whitworth. Does anyone know when that stopped? Thanks!

The reason is that Whitworth bolts, as originally specified, had much larger hex heads than those of other standards. Or, to look at it another way, a bolt head of a certain (approximate) size was used on a much smaller bolt, so a shorter wrench was considered, by some, to be the norm!

The reality is, this distinction became less critical with the introduction of BSF threads that use a wrench size smaller, and disappeared totally when the smaller hex's became standard for everything, after the war!

Snap On obviously realise this, in part, as they correctly mark their wrenches with only the BS size. I suspect the reason for the short length has been lost in the mists of time!

Dirty Diesels · Aug 28, 2016

Scotland Offshore ABZ said:
I have some Par-X WW sockets so yes they did make them.

Cheers, I thought, they did, just haven't seen any myself, yet!

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