The Vintage New Britain and Associated Thread!

[Etchase]

Yes they are. The whole mechanisms can be moved between handles as well, so you can have 7 inch long 1/2 drives, or 10 inch long 3/8 drives. I find the latter the most useful. A 10 inch 60 tooth 3/8 drive is pretty modern.

 

[genog]

I rarely find New Britain tools
So, I was pleased to find this little NB stubby
....as if I need another screwdriver

 

[SynViks]

Anyone know if the pawl on a Kilness 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets are the same size? Not talking tooth count (I know there are 60 and 45 tooth variations), but rather the physical dimensions. Are they interchangeable?

To clarify for future readers: the 3/8 ratchet uses same tooth geometry, just that the pawl is not as tall as the 1/2". Additionally the 1/2 won't fit in 3/8 handle due to the OD being slightly bigger, and the 3/8 won't work in the 1/2 handle because the core is somewhat shorter.

Might be different with the 45 tooth cores; I was using 60 tooth.

 

[Etchase]

Steel finish Mustang 1/2 inch drive socket set.

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut

model 600 11-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set w/original box

the set contains:

C1 1/4" 12-point
C2 9/32" 12-point
C3 5/16" 12-point
C4 11/32" 12-point
C5 3/8" 12-point
C6 7/16" 12-point

C10 1/4" 8-point
C11 5/16" 8-point
C12 3/8" 8-point

C9 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
C8 5/32" x 3-inch cross bar (tommy bar)

 

[four.cycle]

Husky 2276 11-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set w/original box

Manufactured by New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut

This set contains:

H3600 1/4" 6-point
H3601 9/32" 6-point
H3602 5/16" 6-point
H3603 11/32" 6-point
H3604 3/8" 6-point
H3605 7/16" 6-point


H3606 1/4" 8-point
H3607 5/16" 8-point
H3608 3/8" 8-point


H4598 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
- 3/16" x 3-inch cross-bar (tommy bar)

* the box is actually a gold color but it appears to be more blue in different lighting.

 

[outofbounds]

I’m assuming this is a Sparta ratchet, although the others I’ve seen in searches have all featured a conventional knurled handle. I really like the feel of this one in a shorter ergonomic smooth design. Welcoming any input that might set me straight if I’m mistaken in my assumption

 

[d42jeep]

I agree that it is probably Sparta. Here is the patent info assigned to New Britain. My ratchet is knurled.

US Patent: 2,981,389 - Ratchet Mechanism

US patent 2,981,389 Ratchet Mechanism was issued to Luther E. Kilness of Bufflao Gap, Custer County, SD. It was granted on 04/25/1961. This patent number can be found on Husky ratchets.

www.datamp.org

-Don

 

[outofbounds]

I agree that it is probably Sparta. Here is the patent info assigned to New Britain.

US Patent: 2,981,389 - Ratchet Mechanism

US patent 2,981,389 Ratchet Mechanism was issued to Luther E. Kilness of Bufflao Gap, Custer County, SD. It was granted on 04/25/1961. This patent number can be found on Husky ratchets.

www.datamp.org

-Don

I was waiting for a complete set in mint box to accompany your post, Don! LOL. It's early.....let's see if OTG can show one!

 

[d42jeep]

We aim to please.
-Don

 

[Etchase]

I’m assuming this is a Sparta ratchet, although the others I’ve seen in searches have all featured a conventional knurled handle. I really like the feel of this one in a shorter ergonomic smooth design. Welcoming any input that might set me straight if I’m mistaken in my assumption

That’s a nice handle!

 

[outofbounds]

We aim to please.
-Don

And you never disappoint good Sir!

 

[3baygarage]

This 1/4 (missing plug, no #) turned up, and it matched the mysterious 3/8 I previously posted. Same exact body size.

I simply don’t know where these fit into New Britain history. Definitely on the old end of the spectrum. Guessing 30’s over 40’s. Haven’t seen any documentation yet.

Not matching anything in the ’38 NB or ‘39 Craftsman cats online, as the images show long head female models at that time.

 

[LNKMK8]

I bought a group of mixed sockets at an estate sale last month and manged to pick out a "set" of these None Better C-Series 1/2" Drive sockets. In doing some research, I see that Alloy Artifacts only has a single example of the Chrome Vanadium C-** sockets. Are these actually scarce or did they just not happen to have a set?

 

[thehorse13]

I bought a group of mixed sockets at an estate sale last month and manged to pick out a "set" of these None Better C-Series 1/2" Drive sockets. In doing some research, I see that Alloy Artifacts only has a single example of the Chrome Vanadium C-** sockets. Are these actually scarce or did they just not happen to have a set?

I found a set of these about 7 or 8 years ago at the local flea. They sure don't turn up often around here in the mid Atlantic. I have not seen another set since.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Are these actually scarce or did they just not happen to have a set?

They're fairly uncommon, but there are a few partial sets around. In addition to horse's, I have one, last posted here, and if you go one post right after, 3bay's coolass chest set. Mine is fairly complete with sockets, it's handles I need.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Rare, indeed. I think my only example is a 10” 3/8” drive extension.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Some sockets in a box no drive tools

 

[Oldtuleguy]

And this 1/4" set with its slightly taller craftsman buddies

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a pair of New Britain pliers, probably sourced from Crescent. The chrome was bad but I haven’t seen many New Britain branded.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

1969 Husky Tool advertisement

 

[ararat]

1969 Husky Tool advertisement

I have one. It's a nice ratchet.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Used my old blackhawk version today

 

[four.cycle]

1954 Hardware Age New Britain ad pp 225 "Tuff Test"

 

[ararat]

Some script New Britain screw starters SS-5 and SS-2

 

[four.cycle]

A member had expressed interest in some New Britain items.

see below...

 

[four.cycle]

for the benefit of @Etchase - a little New Britain -


New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut
13 piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set

This set contains:

NM607 7/32" 6-point
NM608 1/4" 6-point
NM609 9/32" 6-point
NM610 5/16" 6-point
NM611 11/32" 6-point
NM612 3/8" 6-point
NM614 3/8" 6-point

NM808 1/4" 8-point
NM810 5/16" 8-point
NM812 3/8" 8-point

NM31 3/16" x 4-1/2" cross bar
NM51 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
NM63 6-inch wood handled spinner

* all pieces are stamped "New Britain"
* the BOX is labeled "None Better".

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut -16-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set

This set contains:

NM606 3/16" 6-point
NM607 7/32" 6-point
NM608 1/4" 6-point
NM609 9/32" 6-point
NM610 5/16" 6-point
NM611 11/32" 6-point
NM612 3/8" 6-point
NM614 7/16" 6-point

NM808 1/4" 8-point
NM810 5/16" 8-point
NM812 3/8" 8-point

NM20 6-inch extension
NM31 3/16" x 4-1/2" cross bar
NM51 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
NM62 6-inch yellow plastic spinner handle
NM70 sliding "T" bar

* all pieces are stamped "New Britain"

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut - 8-piece incomplete 1/4" drive SAE socket set

This "set" contains:

NM606 3/16" 6-point
NM607 7/32" 6-point
NM608 1/4" 6-point
NM609 9/32" 6-point

NM611 11/32" 6-point

NM614 7/16" 6-point


NM810 5/16" 8-point
NM812 3/8" 8-point

NM51 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
NM62 6-inch yellow plastic spinner handle

* the set is INCOMPLETE and is in the WRONG BOX.
* all pieces show clear evidence of extensive use and improper storage.

 

[four.cycle]

Husky Hand Tools 17 piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set with original box

manufactured by New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut (division of Litton Industries)

This set contains:

CM606 3/16" 6-point
CM607 7/32" 6-point (2 each)
CM608 1/4" 6-point
CM609 9/32" 6-point
CM610 5/16" 6-point
CM611 11/32" 6-point
CM612 3/8" 6-point
CM614 7/16" 6-point

CM808 1/4" 8-point
CM810 5/16" 8-point

CM20 6-inch extension
CM32 2-inch extension

CM49 RHFT ratchet
CM50 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
CM64 6-inch yellow plastic spinner (with bolster in **** end)

* all pieces are marked "Husky" and "USA"
* the set includes an extra CM607 7/32" 6-point socket
* the CM612 3/8" socket appears to have not been stamped as deeply as the others, but I have no reason to believe it's not original to the set. (see the other drive pieces for comparison.)
* Litton Industries acquired New Britain Machine in 1972, and closed in 1990, so this set dates from that 18-year time period.

 

[four.cycle]

MUSTANG 16-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set in original box (with add-on RHFT ratchet)

manufactured by New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut

this set contains:

NM606 3/6" 6-point
NM607 7/32" 6-point (2 each)
NM608 1/4" 6-point
NM609 9/32" 6-point
NM610 5/16" 6-point
NM611 11/32" 6-point
NM612 3/8" 6-point
NM614 7/16" 6-point

NM808 1/4" 8-point
NM810 5/16" 8-point
NM812 3/8" 8-point

NM70 sliding "T" bar
NM50 6-inch flex handle (breaker bar)
- unmarked 5/32" x 3-inch cross bar

MM43 RHFT ratchet

* the set includes an extra 7/32" socket, which is chrome plated, unlike the other pieces in the set.
* the ratchet is NOT original to the set - it's an add-on, and it does NOT fit inside this box. it operates flawlessly.
* all the pieces are stamped "MUSTANG" and "USA".
* the sockets, and drive tools (other than the ratchet) are either cad or zinc plated, and as such show wear and oxidization commensurate with age.

 

[four.cycle]

miscellaneous 1/4" drive accessories, orphan sockets...

(sorry for the terrible photo on the u-joint)

 

[four.cycle]

Blackhawk GW9945R 1.4 dr ratchet repair kit

this will work with pretty much any of the later-production Kilness patent 1/4" drive models - pretty simple affair, really...

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain Ratchets

New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, Connecticut

 

[four.cycle]

more New Britain ratchets ...

the later model NM55 (seen upthread with new innards) unfortunately has suffered a bit of scuffing in the drawer...

 

[four.cycle]

Inexplicably, this lovely 1/4" drive flex-head model sports the same model as its namesake above.

New Britain NM55 1.4 dr flex-head ratchet

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain "None Better" 177 8 piece 1/4" hex drive SAE socket set (patent 1438900)

- the set contains the following 6-point sockets: 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2, and one small knurled "radio" socket.
- the sockets are most likely cad plated.
- this is the most basic example of Henry Chase's 1922 patent.

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain Machine Company "Handle Lock" No. 1A 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set

manufactured by the New Britain Machine Company, New Britain, Connecticut U.S.A.

this set contains:

1/2" 6-point socket
9/16" 6-point socket
5/8" 6-point socket
11/16" 6-point socket
3/4" 6-point socket
7/8" 6-point socket

7-3/4" 1/2" hex "ell" wrench
"Handle Lock" steel holder (H.H. Chase patent 1438900)

This is another early example of Henry Chase's ingenious use of automated bending machines to fabricate a means to contain the tools in which they could be transported, marketed, and then sold and used. Pure genius!

Barely discernable, stamped on the top of the "ell" handle, is: "Pat'd Handle Lock Socket Set Manufactured by The New Britain Machine Co Dec 12 22" (* the last photo image shows a clearer image from another like specimen.)

While the holder is in great condition, and the decal still mostly intact, the sockets have not fared so well over the years and show evidence of improper storage.

 

[four.cycle]

New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, CT - 8001 11 piece 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set

This set - the label on which I've yet to make sense of - is roughly the equivalent to the model 8001 shown in early hardware catalogs, with the exception of its having a straight hexagonal extension, as opposed to the usual "ell" wrench. (I have not been able to find any catalog listing showing a set with this configuration.)

the set contains the following 1/2" hex drive 6-point sockets: 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 7/8, and 13/16, a non-reversible ratchet, short drive adapter, long drive extension, and another cleverly-designed-by-Henry-Chase holder!

 

[four.cycle]

and here is a model 8001, as shown in the catalog illustration just above:


New Britain Machine Co., New Britain, CT - 8001 11 piece 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set

as with the set just above, this set contains the following 1/2" hex drive 6-point sockets: 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 7/8, and 13/16, a non-reversible ratchet, short drive adapter, "ell" handle, and steel holder.

{* I will get more photo images of this set posted later - BK)