American Toolbox

Craftsman Vintage Slim Tape

Posted on June 22, 2014 Updated on July 13, 2014

2300 BLOCK OF NAUDAIN STREET, PHILADELPHIA:  In the wee hours of May 1st, 2014, a complaint of carbon monoxide went out to the Philadelphia Fire Department.  Within an hour, the block was evacuated.  Then came the explosion and 3-alarm fire.

No one died, but homes were completely destroyed.  Several people lost EVERYTHING except the clothes on their backs.  Pajamas & slippers, actually.  Within my news-vacuum, two weeks passed before I got the news:  Friends of long acquaintance had lost their home.  Photos, clothes, dishes, Christmas ornaments.  Mementos, furniture, computers, tools.

Wait, did I hear the word “Tools”?  Yep, it appears that, after an initial well-received gift of an old black-and-white photo, a jazz CD, a favorite cookbook, and a couple of crystal tumblers, there were still items of great import we could give to our friends.

For this couple starting over, I chose the canvas version of a tool pouch previewed earlier on American Toolbox, along with a mint-condition vintage Sears Craftsman Slim Tape – 8′. Perfect for checking the size of an armchair or bookcase, and slim enough to disappear in a pocket. 

Quality tools: the gift that keeps on giving.