Found a Screwdriver Set at a Yard Sale - Too Good to Be True?

So I stumbled upon a yard sale this morning and found a huge set of screwdrivers, all in a wooden case. Guy wanted $20 for the whole lot. They look like they might be from the 80s, made in USA, and they have that nice magnetic tip feel. I bought them, but now I'm wondering if they're any good or if I wasted my money. Anyone know anything about old Craftsman screwdrivers? They have the red handles and the 'Craftsman' logo. Should I keep them or try to resell? They're not the professional ones, just the regular ones. What do you all think?

Dan, you might have scored big. Those old Craftsman screwdrivers are built like tanks. I have a set from my dad, and they've seen more abuse than a Tijuana donkey. The handles get a bit slick when oily, but they're tough. If they're the ones with the red acetate handles, they're from the 70s-80s. Definitely keep them. Even if you don't use them, they're collectible. And for $20, you practically stole them. Check if they have a lifetime warranty - Craftsman will replace them no questions asked. I've done it with a rusty old flathead, got a new one in the mail. So, keep and enjoy, or sell for a profit on eBay. Win-win.

Nice find, but if they're the cheap ones, they might not hold a tip. I've seen some of those old Craftsman sets that were made in the USA but still had sloppy tolerances. You might want to check if the tips are centered and fit screws properly. If they're off, they'll cam out and strip things. But if they're the ones with the 'V' shaped handles, those were decent. Anyway, $20 for a set is a steal. Even if you just throw them in a drawer for when you need to give one to a neighbor, they're fine. I'd say keep them, but if you're into precision, maybe clean them up and see how they fit in a screw. Also, check if the handles are crack-free, because oil can rot the rubber ones.

Dan, I've been in the trade for 30 years. Those old Craftsman screwdrivers are the real deal. I still have my grandpa's set in my work truck. They might not have the fancy grip or the magnet, but they get the job done. And if you strip one, just take it to Sears (well, now it's online) and they'll swap it. I've done it many times. For $20, you'd be a fool to pass them up. I'd suggest you oil the wooden handle? No, they're not wood. Those red ones are fine. Just put a little oil on the metal to prevent rust. And use them, they're not collectibles, they're tools. That's what they're for. Good find, man.

Thanks for the input, everyone! I'll keep them for sure. I think they're the ones with the red acetate handles, which from what you're saying, are the good ones. I'll give them a good clean and oil them. Maybe I'll use them for my next project. I just hope they don't slip. I'll test them out on a few screws. Craftman Chris, you mentioned warranty - I'll check if they have that. Thanks again, all. I'll post a pic if I get a chance.