S-K Tool Junkies...

[oleblu]

Today I traded for a small batch of S-K tools. In the box was a black 3/8 drive ratchet, model 45170 with a Pat. # of 1981526. I was amazed that someone could peel ALL the chrome off without leaving a trace, but then thought it was maybe an industrial finish.
With a bit of research on the 'net I find that this was probably made in 1944 or 45 and no chrome finish was added due to rationing of materials during the war.
The internals have been replaced with a modern chrome kit, so I have a nice "two tone" ratchet. I'll disassemble it for cleaning, but it may never see a socket again.
How many others here have these dark S-K ratchets ( or sockets ) with no chrome?

 

[old salvage]

I have a 1/2 " drive that I always thought had no chrome because it was so worn. Tomorrow I'm going to go outside and have a good look at it. Maybe it never had any.

 

[oleblu]

old salvage, make a note of the Pat. # and report back.

 

[littletoes]

No way, tools were made to be used, the Spirit of the Tool wants to be used. If it breaks Mourn it, and if you respect it, replace it with something worthwhile.

 

[Even 11]

That is all!

-Dane

 

[SCscoutguy]

I have had a bunch of them over the years and they are good tools. They are pretty common on ebay and at flea markets.

 

[oleblu]

littletoes, this ratchet deserves a "retirement". It's 65 years old and has probably "worked" all it's life. LOL I have plenty of other ratchets to use.
If I could only get Social Security for this ratchet, I'd have it made.


I'll try to get some pictures soon.

 

[old salvage]

old salvage, make a note of the Pat. # and report back.

Patent number on model 42470 is 2232477. Even looking close I cant tell if it has or had chrome .

 

[oleblu]

oldsalvage, the Pat. date for your ratchet was issued Feb. 18, 1941, so it might be a ratchet with no chrome.

 

[plinker]

I picked up three S-K diamond logo ratchets about two years ago, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 along with two late 30's dated S-O sockets and some other misc sockets. The same person had owned all these, FWIW.

The 1/4 has some finish yet, the 1/2 has none, the 3/8 still has pretty good finish yet.

 

[old salvage]

oldsalvage, the Pat. date for your ratchet was issued Feb. 18, 1941, so it might be a ratchet with no chrome.

Yup. Also by the SK Wayne era they changed the body of the ratchet so that the neck was fatter. This one has the skinny neck/shaft.