Craftsman Date Code Chart(For All Code, A to Z)

How can you tell who made your Craftsman wrench, ratchet, or socket, and when it was made?

That’s where the Craftsman date code (or manufacturer code) comes in. These codes are small letters or symbols stamped on the tool, usually next to the Craftsman logo. Each code corresponds to a specific manufacturer and production era.

Craftsman Date Code Chart

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How to Read the Code on Your Tool

If you own Craftsman tools and want to learn more about them, here’s how to interpret their codes:

1. Find the Code

Look closely at your tool. The code may appear near the handle, drive end, or under the Craftsman logo. It might be a simple letter (like “V” or “S”) or a symbol inside a circle.

2. Match It to the Chart

Compare your code with the table above to identify its likely manufacturer and production era.

For example:

• A wrench stamped =V= likely dates to the mid-20th century when Moore Drop Forge made Craftsman hand tools.
• A socket with G2 was likely made in the 1990s by Danaher.

3. Estimate the Tool’s Age

Once you know the manufacturer, you can narrow down when the tool was made. For instance:

• Tools marked BE or AF are from the 1930s–1940s.
• Tools marked S (in circle) are usually from 1960 onward.
• F and G-series codes are from the later Danaher years (1990s–2000s).

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Modern Date Codes on Power Tools

While hand tools use letter codes, modern Craftsman power tools and batteries often include a numeric date code. This is typically a six-digit code printed on the label or engraved in the housing.

The first two digits often represent the year, and the next two represent the month of manufacture. For example, a code like 2105 could indicate May 2021.

Tips for Collectors and Enthusiasts

• Check condition and markings carefully. Older stamped tools (especially “=V=” or “BE” markings) are highly collectible.
• Cross-reference features. Patents, handle design, or logo style can help confirm a tool’s era.
• Don’t rely solely on one mark. Some codes were reused or overlapped between factories, especially during ownership changes like the Easco or Danaher periods.
• Keep records. Documenting your tools and their codes can add value if you ever sell or display your collection.

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Final words

The Craftsman date code chart provides an excellent starting point for identifying the age and origin of your tools. Whether you’re restoring vintage wrenches or verifying the history of a socket set, these small letters and symbols hold the key to Craftsman’s rich manufacturing legacy.

By matching your tool’s markings with the chart, you can trace its lineage, from the early days of New Britain and Moore Drop Forge to the modern Danaher era. Each stamp tells a story, connecting your toolbox to nearly a century of American craftsmanship.