Garage Gazette
TOOLS AND THE SHOP => ANTIQUE/COLLECTOR TOOLS/BOXES/HAND ONLY => Topic started by: J.A.F.E. on August 24, 2018, 11:35:18 PM
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I have a few that are different and am always interested in seeing more. Please post up what you've got. I'll kick things off with this Snap-on SKF-80. 1/2 drive stubby flex. Very handy on occasion.
Snap-on still sells this (but with the SKF-80A designation) but it is now a staggering $182.95 :-\ At the time list was much less and the dealer had it on the truck and was motivated to sell it.
https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-174-Technology-Chrome-1-2--1-2-Drive-80-Tooth-Stubby-Handle-Ratchet-P651019.aspx
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/30382725298_848c0ede97_c.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1900/44200988982_540e379b5e_c.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/43532191884_a845b28429_c.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/43343779245_cd0ba3cfd9_c.jpg)
2009 date code.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/42442083190_ee3d5b8458_c.jpg)
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An unusual Plomb WF-38-T.
It's listed on Vannetta Brothers WF list as 1/2" Drive Ratchet - WF-38-T Short,female fitting in handle.
http://www.vannattabros.com/plomb/plombtool.html
I would guess a torque adapter. Anyway I like it.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1795/42232587780_50a03b3b10_c.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/43322947824_03f86bcbb9_c.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1832/43135756015_d64b249ff2_c.jpg)
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Don't get me started. F710S
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/snapmom/003-3.jpg)
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/snapmom/002-3.jpg)
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/snapmom/1954-Industrial-Catalog-54I-p037_zpsk2ur9m41.jpg)
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Mac hollow ratchet with special sockets for front end alignment. Double flex, and attach an extension to the handle for lots of offset. Bought it for alignments then they hired a full time alignment guy, so now it collects dust.
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The weirdest ratchet I've ever had/worked on is the Crescent LT70 and it's odd U-spring double pawl. Not the most durable tool around but very different.
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The mechanism is a bit odd but kind of cool.
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The mechanism is a bit odd but kind of cool.
Found the patent. Interesting.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US2982161
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In the patent application the inventors state they are looking to minimize parts - looks like they accomplished that goal. If I ever see one I'll snag it just to see.
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The weirdest ratchet I've ever had/worked on is the Crescent LT70 and it's odd U-spring double pawl. Not the most durable tool around but very different.
Here's a side-by of a surprise I found in one Crescent when expecting the other - a rubber-y insert instead of the expected spring. I don't think it's an "aftermarket" upgrade, it looks too refined and finished to have been a replacement by necessity. The pics suck, but the edges are very smooth/finished, and the material is semi-spongy and returns to form immediately after getting compressed.
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Another unique gut set is this one from a Vi-Chrome. Have never seen another ratchet or brand with a gut set like it, or can I recall ever finding a patent.
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Snap on TM70B made in Canada. The handle has a larger I.D. than a USA TM70B.
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Snap on GM-70-M not that uncommon, but this one is made in Canada
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Unmarked Snap on 3/8" body 1/4" drive
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Wrench Force 3/8" drive ratchet made by Snap on
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Snap on A-59444 3/8 drive long handle
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Blue Point UR715 1/2" long handle
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This one is a common Snap on design and plentiful but all I could find on the internet FV71M. This one is FV71N
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I have never seen a long handle Par-X before. That is drool worthy. Quite a score on that one.
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Last couple for the night, Herbrand & Craftsman Speedratchets, and a modern Snappy speedratchet (with a beautiful Bonny flex head thrown in for good measure):
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I have never seen a long handle Par-X before. That is drool worthy. Quite a score on that one.
It is a Blue Point, I don't think Par-X offered a long handle
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Mac VR8XPA 1/2" drive 3/8" body
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The weirdest ratchet I've ever had/worked on is the Crescent LT70 and it's odd U-spring double pawl. Not the most durable tool around but very different.
Here's a side-by of a surprise I found in one Crescent when expecting the other - a rubber-y insert instead of the expected spring. I don't think it's an "aftermarket" upgrade, it looks too refined and finished to have been a replacement by necessity. The pics suck, but the edges are very smooth/finished, and the material is semi-spongy and returns to form immediately after getting compressed.
I’ve seen both versions too, the spring and the sponge. The sponge was working fine for an old part.
Nice stuff guys.
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8H8557 1/2DR.
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Carbon fiber 3/8 dr. no model number.
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F710DL LOANER made in Canada (restored)
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The weirdest ratchet I've ever had/worked on is the Crescent LT70 and it's odd U-spring double pawl. Not the most durable tool around but very different.
Here's a side-by of a surprise I found in one Crescent when expecting the other - a rubber-y insert instead of the expected spring. I don't think it's an "aftermarket" upgrade, it looks too refined and finished to have been a replacement by necessity. The pics suck, but the edges are very smooth/finished, and the material is semi-spongy and returns to form immediately after getting compressed.
Never saw the "sponge". This Crescent design seems to get wilder and wilder. 8)
What I found to be the fault with the design is the selector knob. It's quite weak - almost looks cast - and tends to break if dropped or banged because it's quite thin in places due to the groove on the inside. If one could be machined on a mill out of nice steel - and use a sponge spring - the ratchet would probably be fine.
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The weirdest ratchet I've ever had/worked on is the Crescent LT70 and it's odd U-spring double pawl. Not the most durable tool around but very different.
Here's a side-by of a surprise I found in one Crescent when expecting the other - a rubber-y insert instead of the expected spring. I don't think it's an "aftermarket" upgrade, it looks too refined and finished to have been a replacement by necessity. The pics suck, but the edges are very smooth/finished, and the material is semi-spongy and returns to form immediately after getting compressed.
That is cool!
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The weirdest ratchet I've ever had/worked on is the Crescent LT70 and it's odd U-spring double pawl. Not the most durable tool around but very different.
Here's a side-by of a surprise I found in one Crescent when expecting the other - a rubber-y insert instead of the expected spring. I don't think it's an "aftermarket" upgrade, it looks too refined and finished to have been a replacement by necessity. The pics suck, but the edges are very smooth/finished, and the material is semi-spongy and returns to form immediately after getting compressed.
I’ve seen both versions too, the spring and the sponge. The sponge was working fine for an old part.
Nice stuff guys.
Very cool!! Glad to finally get confirmed that mine isn't an oddball one-off fix. Wonder how many other "traditional" (meaning toothed gear) gut designs don't use some type of metal spring for ratcheting/reversing. Can't recall any others I've collected so far.
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Wrench Force 3/8" drive ratchet made by Snap on
That's a new one to me - is this sold off the truck as a replacement or companion brand for Blue Point, or via auto/industrial distributors (like Williams)? Is the "Wrench Force" name stamped on the ratchet, or are they going the Artist-Formerly-Known-As-Prince route with just a symbol, which bears a little resemblance to Armstrong?
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Carbon fiber 3/8 dr. no model number.
F710DL LOANER made in Canada (restored)
8H8557 1/2DR.
You have some really incredible stuff. I am always amazed at what you find.
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Wrench Force 3/8" drive ratchet made by Snap on
That's a new one to me - is this sold off the truck as a replacement or companion brand for Blue Point, or via auto/industrial distributors (like Williams)? Is the "Wrench Force" name stamped on the ratchet, or are they going the Artist-Formerly-Known-As-Prince route with just a symbol, which bears a little resemblance to Armstrong?
There is no stamping other than USA on the ratchet. The Wrench Force brand was for bicycles back in the 90's and 2000's I think. Not sure what brand of bicycle though.
I bought this from Wreckerologist way back when he liquidated his ratchet collection.
Here is a pic of a tag of the Wrench Force brand, not mine nor do I know the seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WRENCH-FORCE-TOOL-8MM-ALLEN-14MM-SOCKET-CRANK-TOOL-BRAND-NEW/292647075137?hash=item44231ffd41:g:7I8AAOSwrslabOOT
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Spinut DAV. Tool Co. Eldridge Iowa are the markings. 40 teeth and 3.8 drive. There is no ZIP code which makes me wonder about date. ZIP codes came in about 63 or 64 and things usualy include it bit not always. THis to me looks newer than 50 years old so I just don't know.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1852/44238996002_554b361ca4_z.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/44239002342_b32631fc66_z.jpg)
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(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/43381158765_b94ccb7374_z.jpg)
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Plomb 5451 long handle 1/2 drive ratchet with female square drive. I no longer have this beauty but I do miss it. The drive plug is original to the ratchet.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/43381124745_2f50953482_z.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/43381112975_92e1c53bdd_z.jpg)
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(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1867/29351427837_034a32008b_z.jpg)
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Snap on made for Caterpillar
8H8557 1/2" dr long handle
8H8557 1/2" dr standard handle
8H8572 3/8" dr standard handle
9S1723 1/4" dr standard handle
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Snap on made for military
SV70L 1/2" dr long handle
FV70 3/8" dr standard handle
MV70 1/4" dr standard handle
FV10 3/8 dr breaker bar
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crickit ratchet, davenport tool co. eldridge iowa pat.pend.
a squeeze type ratchet with a waterwheel style gear. the drive plug is contained and slides from side to side to reverse. 8 full squeezes or 16 half squeezes. 16 teeth. it actually works very well.
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Wow Harlan, that IS unusual. Never saw anything like that before. Does it work well?
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Wow Harlan, that IS unusual. Never saw anything like that before. Does it work well?
yes. it works well. the action or squeeze if you will is very smooth. the finish and workmanship is quite good as well.
here is a better pic of the logo. even that is nicely done and ornate.
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i would guess eldridge iowa is pretty small. if j.a.f.e's ratchet from above was made there as well, it more than likely came from the same shop.
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I just looked up Eldridge, Iowa. According to wikki 2012 census was a little over 6000 so it's pretty small and seems likely they both came from the same place.
I couldn't find anything for a DVA Co.
SK does the resistance change when something is tight or loose? Looks like it would be interesting to try.
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Me likey that squeeze ratchet! ;D
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it doesn't require much force to squeeze it and it will put out a mild amount of torque. when you can't squeeze it any more it will work like a normal ratchet but it only has 16 clicks.
when i bought it some years ago it was still in it's original packaging. a piece of cardboard and shrink wrap but no hangtag........
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I have a spinny handle ratchet that has become first in line and has proven durable. Same basic uses as the lever type but a bit thicker.
Anyone have the pull chain version?
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No hang tag? They're cutting corners.
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International Forge
1/4 and 3/8. Took me a long time to finally get some of these.
Some real beauties above fellas. Keep them coming.
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Walden.
3/8 dr.
This one is interesting. Deceiving because it looks like a ratcheting adapter on a breaker bar. Special order or limited production???. No part number, branded on head and handle. Only one of this kind I’ve seen by them.
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Here is an odd Proto.
I’ve seen a few of these over the years but not quite sure what the deal is. A member on the GJ posted the same ratchet with a different number stamp a while back, then this turned up. Not sure what the number signifies if not part number.
Proto 310
3/8 dr.
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Some real nice ones 3bay those are real winners. The International Forge looks a lot like the Moore Drop Forge made Craftsman.
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Some real nice ones 3bay those are real winners. The International Forge looks a lot like the Moore Drop Forge made Craftsman.
+ 1 !
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The sweetest ratchets I have are some paintbrush handles jobbies made by EASCO. I'm not much into ergo handles but these things are just so nice.
A friend was visiting from out of state, and said he liked EASCO tools. When I showed him one of these, he said, "Ohhh, never saw one like this before!" I ended up finding a 1/4" and 3/8" afterwards and mailed them to him.
Here's a triple play of them.
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Nice triple play! I have never seen one in the wild for some reason.
I have been waiting for SK to start his triple play thread again.
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Nice triple play! I have never seen one in the wild for some reason.
I have been waiting for SK to start his triple play thread again.
Yeah, me too! I didn't want to jump the gun on his grand idea!
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Here is an odd Proto.
I’ve seen a few of these over the years but not quite sure what the deal is. A member on the GJ posted the same ratchet with a different number stamp a while back, then this turned up. Not sure what the number signifies if not part number.
Proto 310
3/8 dr.
8) I want one
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Walden 4054 Starwheel ratchet 3/8 drive. Snagged this some time back and it seems to be pretty well made and has a nice action. The irony is I have four palm style ratchets and don't really care much for them. I guess I'm just not used to it.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4335/36544409511_3e48070497_z.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/36287095630_172dd310b5_z.jpg)
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4423/35847887784_7fb60659c3_z.jpg)
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Not really a user ratchet given its plastic cover. I suppose it was a demonstration tool or something like that.
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Bonneyman - I love those Easco ratchets. Do they work as good as they look?
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Haven't bought any used ratchets in a long time, but today at my favorite "Big Daddy's" week-end shopping sales area, I found a 3/8"drive Craftsman 44995 L-AF 84 tooth ratchet.
Used but not abused, but needed total cleaning and inside lubrication.
Taking it apart was easy but this new design was different from my others.
Just dry and dirty.
After cleaning out the fine dirt and lubing with machine oil, re-assembly was a little tricky due to tiny parts and first time working on one of these new designs.
Super fine teeth, and 80 year old fingers, it is all back together and works 100% perfect.
I have some NEW Matco and Snap-on ratchets that have this high count number of teeth, but first time
dis-assembling one.
I'm guessing that the max torque rating on this one is 35#.
The overall weight is HEAVY though. I'll use it soon on Lawn tractor maintenance.
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Hi Mt Chuck. Sounds like you got a great find and took care of business. So what are your impressions of this new fangle Cman ratchet?
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The weight will keep the socket on the bolt when facing down.
Using it when on your back and lifting the wrench may be a handicap.
It is super built sturdy.
I see that e-BAY HAS SOME FOR SALE.
This is NOT a ratchet to slide a "cheater" pipe onto.
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Thanks Mr Chuck. You are always a wealth of knowledge.
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Cool Proto demo ratchet Cruiser. Most have probably seen the Snappy versions. I want to say that I’ve seen an Armstrong demo kit with a clear cover ratchet as well.
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Here’s one you might like.
Proto Lite Aluminum 3/4” ratchet, with extended handle length and thick coating.
I have no proof that this is a Proto factory special mod but they have been known for some wild stuff. It’s well done if it isn’t. Everyone can decide for themselves whether Proto did it or a previous owner welded an aluminum bar on the end and dip coated it. You can see a little transition bulge area where the normal ratchet ends and the extra length begins.
31”+
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Pics
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I would strip that nasty coating off there. I’ve never heard of aluminum forging before, but I looked it up and it is pretty common, and maybe I am just an idiot.
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I kind of like the grip. It makes it more beastly and uglier. :))
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Now this one is a real unicorn.
It’s an unmarked Craftsman (or equivalent) 3/4” aluminum ratchet. I’ve seen Fatfillup’s aluminum Craftsman before. Never thought I’d find one similar. I believe this is a prototype.
There is marker writing down the side that looks like it reads “something? something? WEAR!”, with what could be a date 4-23-52. Who knows though, maybe that was the engineer’s locker combo,lol.
There is a bunch of rub wear to the body that could have happened in testing.
Shown here with the regular steel version.
Fatfillup, we need to see your ratchet again!
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Pics
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It’s an unmarked Craftsman (or equivalent) 3/4” aluminum ratchet.
Yeah, but I can't pick it up with a magnet if I drop it in a bad place! :))
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That Al Craftsman is pretty cool and so is the extended Proto.
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This is a little unusual it's a modified 1" drive ratchet making essentially a 1 1/4 8 point ratcheting box wrench.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/26594348932_dc6266fc34_z.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1505/26594342662_4d8ce383fe_z.jpg)
Comparison to a standard Snap-on 1" drive ratchet.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1484/26594329862_882c517c99_z.jpg)
L-73 is Snap-on number for a 1" ratchet so this is a modification. The bottom plate has the hole enlarged so a 1" drive gear will not fit unless I could find a bottom plate somewhere if I wanted to convert it.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1668/26594334452_315642df67_z.jpg)
1952 date code.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1709/26594330942_38366edc62_z.jpg)
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Hi Steve - what do you think that monster is used for? :-\
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Keep the nice ratchets coming guys 8)
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Hi Steve - what do you think that monster is used for? :-\
I am guessing it was a special but for what I have no idea. I can't think of many things that use square headed fastener that size.
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Snap on F711A 7 inch. All the F711A rats were 11". It could not be a misprint, there were no 7" flex rats like this that I know of. has a 77 code.
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Snap on Demo. SPP403
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Yeah, the aluminum ratchets are cool. The parts are steel Bman!
Great Snap On rats.
How about a 1/2” dr. 71-M factory special female ratchet, N-4763
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Too bad Snap-on never made a production version of that short F711 that is really cool.
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Always liked the handle shape on this era of Bonney. Flex head is a realy nice feature.
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That is a really nice one.
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While it's a "usual" 3/8" Fors patent ratchet, the brand puts in the unusual category, IMHO:
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Here's some pics of a Proto/Vogel Double Duty I used to have. 3/8" and 1/2"
It was in rough shape. Cleaned and sold it.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US2803980A/en?oq=2803980
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A Snap on R-7408 refrigeration ratchet I believe
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A Husky double-pivoting, 1/4" finger ratchet. Very comfortable to hold and use - real nice for those offset jobs. Plus paid only a buck! ;D
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SK 45170
Kraeuter 32071
Mac Sabina X3R
The Kraeuter is a weirdo. Others made like it, e.g. JC Penney. But 99.5% of Kraeuter rats have the I-beam shape. The Mac is the shortest standard 3/8 ratchet I have, and super thin.
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Not seen a raised panel Kraeuter before. At some point SK bought Kraeuter and I believe I have seen the beavertail at the top branded Kraeuter.
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That Mac rat looks like the old S-K Artisan's. How the heck did that happen?
And the Krauter with the raised panel does seem odd.
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I've seen the Mac beavertails before - they were made by SK. They turn up with a few different names.
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That Mac rat looks like the old S-K Artisan's. How the heck did that happen?
And the Krauter with the raised panel does seem odd.
There are a few different brands of the beavertail rat, in all 3 sizes. However the Mac version was only in 3/8 and 1/2. It is newer, from early 50s.
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Thanks for the info.
Never knew they were called "beavertails". But if fits.
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A Husky double-pivoting, 1/4" finger ratchet. Very comfortable to hold and use - real nice for those offset jobs. Plus paid only a buck! ;D
Cool idea for a ratchet. Question is, will you actually remember where to find it when that “offset job” comes along?
For me personally, this would probably turn into one of those special use or gadget type tools that never appear when I need it (or remember that I have it..... :() because it has gotten buried and lost in the back some rarely accessed tool drawer.... ::)
But.....I wouldn’t be too upset, if I only paid a buck..... O0
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A Husky double-pivoting, 1/4" finger ratchet. Very comfortable to hold and use - real nice for those offset jobs. Plus paid only a buck! ;D
Cool idea for a ratchet. Question is, will you actually remember where to find it when that “offset job” comes along?
For me personally, this would probably turn into one of those special use or gadget type tools that never appear when I need it (or remember that I have it..... :() because it has gotten buried and lost in the back some rarely accessed tool drawer.... ::)
But.....I wouldn’t be too upset, if I only paid a buck..... O0
I think a tool like this would be really handy like around and under dashboards and other "blind" jobs. Once you get the socket on the fastener a little wiggle won't dislodge it due to the flexing capability of the ratchet.
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If I'm not mistaken those gimbal palm ratchets are made by gearwrench.
I've seen identical ones branded gearwrench for only about $12.
They're also available under Craftsman.
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Heres my unusual Ratchet...
Sidewinder Corporation Ratchet.
Not sure where I got this, I bought it brand new about 20 years ago, I think at Wal Mart in the discount aisle, but I am not sure. the build quiality is pretty decent. I liked the idea of being able to turn the ratchet without having to move the arm. the "T" at the bottom will twist and turn the actual ratchet, and you can move the "T" on its pivot as well. Neat concept but due to the shaft going through the handle and the gears to allow you to turn the ratchet with the "T", the head on this thing is huge. so while it helps in situations that you can't move a handle back in forth, it is no good in situations where you don't have a lot of space between the bolt/nut and something else. I have used it a few times but most of the time if I don't have room to move the arm, I also don't have room for the huge head.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1868/29649556467_e8bbb0d4ca_k.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1886/43868941064_1cdddb3fe6_k.jpg)
Anson
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Here are a couple of mine. I’ve never been able to get any info on this early Facom Frankenstein ratchet. The Wilde is slightly less of a mystery.
-Don
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Those are quite unusual. I like!
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No kidding! That patent drawing displays one heck of an internal mechanism!
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Here are a couple of beaver tail S-K made ratchets. The S-K marked one is 3/8” drive, the Chrome Alloy one is 1/4” drive.
-Don
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I really like that facom Vanchrome ratchet.
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A recent addition to the collection.
Armstrong Special 3/8 drive in 1/4 drive NM-91 body.
I like that Facom too Hick.
Don, nice examples. I had a Wilde on Tool Archives. Those are unique.
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Wow that is great. I find Armstrong hard to find but never have seen a compact 1/2 like that. Excellent find.
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Here's a group I've been meaning to post for a while.
Top two on the keft are Gray. They may not be unusual in some places but around here they are most uncommon. U25 and 6V25. Hazet 836P, Armstring NM51(this one is very stiff not sure if it's just this one or typical of the model), Penens 1060, unmarked gearless, the Frankenstein is usually attributed to SK and it may be but I'm not certain who made it, Hinsdale H12M, Blue Point no model marked indexible, Snap-onT860MP indexable and Snap-on TSLF936 speeder.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1944/45369958422_8f7dcfb1c0_z.jpg)
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Snap-on F734. Interesting little ratchet. It can be used as a short ratchet or it can be used as a sort of crowsfoot or offset ratchet. The three broached holes accept a 3/8 drive lug so it can by attached to a breaker bar or extension or even both. A long extension can be used in the rear broach fro leverage or a breaker bar. An extension can be used in the top or bottom broach to make an offset ratchet. Not an everyday tool but very handy at times.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1918/31584467068_495306c7cf_z.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1972/43642506490_6f2da8a4e6_z.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/43642503280_bfc26e8051_z.jpg)
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That’s a great bunch of 1/4 inchers as well. The 1/4 Gray with the round switch is one I haven’t run into before. Looks just like the early Bonneys. The Frankenstein is likely GM Co..
Since you brought up the Snappy ratchet head, this is an interesting 1/2 inch ratchet head, possibly by Armstrong. It looks similar and the plug is Armstrong. I believe when I looked up the number it was listed as a Boeing tool.
Pictured with another WF-38-T by Plomb.
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Co-op Deluxe. A real oddball. 1/2” dr.
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3bay you have some seriously cool stuff. I really like that ratcheting crowsfoot. Looks pretty modern but the single pawl is not common anymore and the cone spring and pawl design are sort of Plomb but there are some differences.
That Co-op is pretty neat too.
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I am seriously jelly of the Armstrong! The vintage stuff is becoming one of my favorites. Don't mind the newer stuff either...
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Co-op Deluxe. A real oddball. 1/2” dr.
That looks like the Ward Master made by Truth that I traded to Twertsy early in the year. It had a captive plug.
-Don
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WOW some seriously cool ratchets being shared in this thread!
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I think you’re correct Don that the Ward Master is the same, though I don’t have a Wards or Truth example to compare side by side. The pic looks close enough to me.
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Me too. Here is another one that I let get away.
-Don
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Me too. Here is another one that I let get away.
-Don
I like that handle shape. Reminds me of the Duro rats I love so much and the old Cam-Loc wrenches.
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Is that Cornwell a gearless?
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I believe that it was.
-Don
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Here is an early 1/2” drive Walden ratchet I found at a sale in Tahoe last year.
-Don
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That is pretty unique. Have you opened it up yet?
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No. I’m not messing with those rivets. It works fine anyway.
-Don
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I don't blame you. I saw the screws and managed to overlook the rivets.
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Here is an early Hinsdale hex drive.
-Don
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Another hex drive ratchet. The brand is “Ray” which I had never heard of before I found it.
-Don
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I don't blame you. I saw the screws and managed to overlook the rivets.
I did the same thing, Steve.
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Here are some Indestro ratchets, two 3/8” and a very similar 1/4” version.
-Don
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d42jeep - ah yes... as if the 2888 - 2889 Indestro 1/4" Midget and 3/8" Cub ratchets - all using the same body - weren't confusing enough - I recently saw an Ebay listing for a 2889 that looked like a miniature 3201. go figure. I passed on it for some reason - I think it might have been engraved.
I don't think I have a lot to offer here, but this one may answer a question raised previously in this thread.
This is (as far as I can tell) a complete, intact, and original set made by G.M. Manufacturing Company of Long Island City, New York
( G.M Mfg. Co., 1308 43rd Ave., Long Island City, N.Y. / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2014/02/vanished-tool-makers-gm-co.html )
They were a primary manufacturer of low-end tools, and their 1/4" drive sets are somewhat ubiquitous. After looking at literally thousands of Ebay listings, making visual comparisons and sending inquiries to Ebay sellers to confirm details, I believe that it was G.M. Mfg. Co. who made this 1/4" drive "Frankenstein" ratchet with the one-piece handle. It should be noted that there also exists a similar Asian-made knock-off, but every example I've seen has a two piece handle on which the shank unscrews from the drive head.
(Since I have space here for four images, I'm also including an image of another example (not mine) from the original Ebay listing. It was this set that pretty much clinched it for me - I had the seller take a close look at that foam insert and his response was that by all appearances it was original and that ratchet fit into that molded depression perfectly.)
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J.E. Wakefield Wrench Co. model 24 1/2" hex drive non-reversible ratchet (patent 963895 issued 07/12/1910)
It is part of a model 8-R 11-pc set contained in a rather unusual holder (patent 1680578 issued 08/14/1928)
The patent drawing of the ratchet shows a rather unique mechanism using a spring steel rod that runs the length of the inside of the ratchet handle.
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Thorsen 89J 3/8" drive quick-release model using two pins to eject the socket from the drive end. (patent 3815451 issued June 11, 1974)
Kind of a whacky design, but it works. (sorry about the crappy photos - I have no idea where this unit is right now.)
It was inexplicably the model included in the promotional set in the blow-mold plastic case with an assortment of Thorsen's low-end "TAT" Taiwan and Korea made tools.
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Love the frankenstein ratchet!
Also love the patent info on the Wakefield ratchets. Great spring design and placement!
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I've always wondered about TAT tools. Thorsen Asian Tools? ;D
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Funny you posted the progress is fine link I was just reading it yesterday. So GM actually manufactured stuff? Seems you have resolved the mystery on the ratchet - thank you.
Just as an aside hard to believe someone would bother knocking off the design. It's an interesting example and something I'm glad to have but truth is there are a lot better ratchets out there and if I was knocking something off I'd want to copy something better - most of the ones I see at the swaps are broken.
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I've always wondered about TAT tools. Thorsen Asian Tools?
TAT = Thorsen Allied Tools
Thorsen's "price point" line. When we first put Thorsen in, it was all the premium U.S. made stuff, like that 89J ratchet and the sockets in that kit above. After a few months had passed, we started getting "fills" of "TAT" (Thorsen Allied Tools) which were (at that time) either made in Spain (pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches) or Taiwan (open end, combination wrenches.) It wasn't bad, but the price difference was negligible at retail point of sale. Customers balked, employees didn't want to sell it. I dropped the line and switched everything over to Wilmar (now "Performance Tool" found at O'Reilly's Auto Parts.)
Funny you posted the progress is fine link I was just reading it yesterday. So GM actually manufactured stuff? Seems you have resolved the mystery on the ratchet - thank you.
Just as an aside hard to believe someone would bother knocking off the design. It's an interesting example and something I'm glad to have but truth is there are a lot better ratchets out there and if I was knocking something off I'd want to copy something better - most of the ones I see at the swaps are broken.
I have every reason to believe that G.M Mfg. Co. was a primary manufacturer. No doubt they outsourced some items - everybody did.
The ratchet had a number of people on GarageJournal.com puzzled for quite a while, so I kept my eye on the Ebay listings of that style that came up. After watching the ads for over a year and sending countless inquiries to sellers, the only thing that made sense was that G.M. was indeed who made that little "Frankenstein" model.
It is, as you noted, not very reliable. I've seen many of them listed on Ebay with notations about "needs repair" or "works only in one direction".
As to why an Asian manufacturer would want to make a knock-off of a flakey design, I can only submit that there are Asian knock-offs of the Oxwall 1/4" drive laminated ratchet out there in abundance (photo below). It would seem, unfortunately, there are no depths low enough to which some tool maker in Taiwan or China can't stoop.
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A possible manufacturer for the Spanish TAT line is Irimo or Irega. Irimo is now owned by Snap-on through Williams and makes, among other things, adjustable wrenches but Irega still makes at least adjustable wrenches. Snap-on also owns, through Williams, Bahco who made adjustable wrenches and many other wrenches but now makes saws and some other stuff - usually edged as I understand it.
The GM as source makes all kinds of sense. Thank you for putting that togeher - I consider that the best answer yet.
I have one of those Oxwalls - it will be going to Mexico soon but I can safely say many may imitate Oxwall but no one could match the quality level they attained.
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Here's another copy of that Thorsen 89J 3/8" drive RHFT quick-release with thumbwheel model (patent 3815451 issued June 11, 1974) - this one was in a box I was digging through earlier. Note that unlike the example above, the patent number is stamped on the drive side of the shank, not on the selector knob on the back of the drive head.
(* scroll up to post #123 to see how the two pins eject the socket from the drive head *)
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I was looking for one of those Thorsen two pin eject ratchets and instead ended up with this one. It locks the ball much like a Craftsman ratchet and must be pushed to release the socket.
-Don
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^ That's one of their offshore models. I don't have any of those. I may have another 89J around here somewhere. Not sure. They come up on Ebay now and then - most of them are too high priced, though.
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Here is a Wards ratchet I haven’t seen before. I picked these up at an estate sale in San Leandro yesterday.
-Don
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I could not pass these two up as both are very unusual to me. The Armstrong looks to be a original older 1/2" dr. model with the flip side 3/8" dr. adapter of unknown reason/application?
Second unmarked 1/2" dr. was badly rusted so soaking in ATF to free up and see if the handle is a locking feature or used for reverse?
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More pictures from previous post
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Cranky, that first Armstrong one give me the itchy feeling it's some sort of refrigeration ratchet. Seems like alot of older valves and plugs were sized 1/2" - as evidenced by all those 1/2" opening engineers wrenches we see everywhere.
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That Armstrong is very cool. No idea the intended application but I like it.
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Here is an early S-K hex ratchet made as part of the #105 socket set.
-Don