Armstrong FA50 non-reversible 3/8 ratchet

[Davethorik]

This came off ebay. It spoke to me, I don't really collect or have much Armstrong stuff, but I do like me some NOS/lightly used time capsule tools.

This rat looks unused, just getting the plug out and putting back in put noticeable wear on the chrome. Very tight. 24 teeth, works super smooth/low backdrag like pear head Proto rats.

The plug itself is interesting, it has writing on 3 sides that do not have the detent balls.
"ARMALOY"
"ARMSTRONG MADE IN USA"
"F-150" (guessing not the pickup truck  )

Also interesting, the 50 of the part number is stamped onto a little milled flat next to the forged-in FA, I'm guessing there are a few variants. All in all, a cool rat for the collection.

[bonneyman]

Schweeet!

[DeadNutz]

Time capsule is right as that is beautiful. I don't think those screws will loosen if those are star washers under the heads.

[snapmom]

refrigeration rat?  S/O made some ref. rats like this.

[Davethorik]

Most of the reefer ratchets I've seen have been 1/4 female. Also usually have other random sized hex/square openings on them too. Not ruling it out at this point.

Another weird thing- the forging clearly is for a ratchet with a selector. Intriguing they would backwards engineer a non-reversible design into a reversible ratchet. This might have to do with the star washers, too- perhaps this was for a specific application.

Also, I noticed last night it appears this ratchet was stamped with a different number originally. Which was then obliterated by milling the flat. You can still see a light 0 from this next to the stamped 50. This is entirely chrome plated, so factory error/revision/change. Cool!
Edit: or a mis-stamp lol

[Davethorik]

Close, but no cigar. According to AA, Armstrong sold the FA50 along side the reversible FA51. The 2 ratchets shared the same main forging, however it had the entire model # forged in. Forgings to be made into FA50s had the 51 milled off.

[oldnslo]

I've got a similar Williams version, tho it does have a reversing switch. When I picked it up, it came with 2 attachments that seemed like they were meant for metal barrel bung plugs. Imagine two protruding prongs.  I'll snap some pics when I get energetic.

[snapmom]

Some S/O ref rats with plugs.  Also some of the newer ref rats can be converted to 3/8 drive,  as one on these have

[Davethorik]

Just because, I decided to track down the reversible version, the FA-51.