Walden 1151 1/2" roundhead

[hickory n Steel]

I just got it today.
It's kind of beat up, but it's definitely a beefy tank of a ratchet.


The mechanism is smooth enough, but it's coarse at 26 teeth and it's a stiff operator.
It's not the easiest selector to operate for sure.


It looks cool the grip isn't bad to hold onto and you're probably not going to break it, but beyond that I definitely wouldn't choose this over a raised pannel Craftsman.

[J.A.F.E.]

It's a nice ratchet. i'd probably grab it before the RP Cman.

[bonneyman]

Do a thorough cleaning with a toothbrush, inspect all of the moving parts for burrs or nicks, then lube it up with Superlube. that should loosen it up for ya. My 1930's Herbrands are low 20 something toothers, yet they are the smoothest ratchets I own!

[hickory n Steel]

It's a nice ratchet. i'd probably grab it before the RP Cman.

I like it enough overall, but I use 1/2 drive pretty rarely so It'll take some time to get used to it.
Admittedly I definitely have more experience with pearhead type ratchets over roundheads and that could be a factor.

[hickory n Steel]

Do a thorough cleaning with a toothbrush, inspect all of the moving parts for burrs or nicks, then lube it up with Superlube. that should loosen it up for ya. My 1930's Herbrands are low 20 something toothers, yet they are the smoothest ratchets I own!

I cleaned it out real well, and I lubed it up.
Now I don't have any superlube , so I've been using regular automotive grease cut with 10w30 which may not be the best thing ever I'm sure.

[hickory n Steel]

Oh hey, any idea on the era of this ratchet ?
Just says Walden 1151 U.S.A, no warchester or Stevens Walden...ect.