Three Vintage Craftsman USA Hand Tool Sets Still Worth Hunting Down

Introduction

Old made-in-America Craftsman tool sets have quietly become collector items. What used to be the default, when every Craftsman tool in the store was made in the USA, is now the exception, and that shift has pushed prices up on aftermarket sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. These small sets also show up surprisingly often, mostly because a lot of people owned them and simply never used them. Here are three worth keeping an eye out for.

Craftsman USA Ignition Wrench Set

These tiny wrenches were originally sold as ignition wrench sets, packaged in small plastic cases, and made in the USA. They range down to incredibly small sizes, with sets like this containing wrenches around 7/32 inch at the small end. Comparable Snap-on sets go even finer, down to sizes like 1/8 inch, but the Craftsman sets were far more common and widely distributed.

Because they were specialty tools that most owners rarely used, they survived in good condition, and that availability makes them a practical pickup today. The finish is not as refined as Snap-on’s, but that matters less than it seems: you simply cannot generate much leverage on such a small fastener, so you would likely break the fastener long before you broke the wrench. They are also considerably less expensive than the Snap-on equivalents.

On the used market, these made-in-USA sets now command a serious premium compared to what they cost new at a Sears store. If you want a set of very small wrenches without paying collector prices for top-tier brands, this is a sensible middle path.

Craftsman USA SAE Hex Key Set

The Craftsman hex key sets are easy to overlook because the made-in-USA marking sits in the fine print, often on the back of the case near the Sears branding. Both SAE and metric versions were made in the USA, and many surviving sets date back to purchases in the 1980s and 1990s. Each key is clearly marked with its size and the Craftsman name.

These have proven durable over decades of use, with some owners marking their most-used keys for quick identification and still getting reliable service from them. They were inexpensive when new, likely under ten dollars for a set, which makes today’s asking prices sting a bit more.

Despite the price increase, they remain well-regarded tools that have never let long-time owners down. If you come across one in decent shape, it is a genuinely useful set rather than just a display piece.

Craftsman USA Triangular Reversible Hex Bit Driver (Model 46158)

This compact triangular-handled reversible hex bit driver is a neat little tool that fits nicely in the hand. It accepts hex bits, and with a quarter-inch adapter it can run standard bits as a spinner. A flip lever controls the ratcheting direction, and the top of the tool can also be turned for extra control in tight spots.

The model number 46158 is visible on the tool, and it reportedly sold for around twenty dollars when new. It is unclear whether Craftsman still produces it, which adds to its appeal among fans of the USA-made era.

Buying Advice for Vintage Craftsman USA Sets

The common thread across all three is the same: made in the USA is no longer the default for these brands, and that has turned these old sets into appreciating items. Ignition wrench sets and hex key sets show up often precisely because so many people owned them without ever using them, so patience can pay off.

They may not be the best tools money can buy, but long-time owners report they have never failed in use. Check the fine print on the case for the made-in-USA marking before paying a premium, since later overseas versions look nearly identical.

Conclusion

Vintage Craftsman USA sets offer a rare combination: genuine usability, decades-proven durability, and collector appeal. Whether you want tiny wrenches for specialty fasteners, a dependable hex key set, or a compact reversible driver, these old plastic-cased sets are stellar tools that still earn their place on a workbench.