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Moose' latest eBay score

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Moose-LandTran

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http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SNAP-ON...temZ130214802454QQcategoryZ4122QQcmdZViewItem

1946 Snap-on F-70N ratchet.

Bought it to use, not as a conversation piece or collectible. that's going in the toolbox at work to be put to use daily. like all my tools, no matter how rare or how much they cost, i bought them to use and they're gonna get used.

looked around a bit for hints to the age of it, and seeing similar ones from the mid-40s i couldn't quite believe that this was that old, because of the condition. then i noticed the date stamp by the forward/reverse lever in one of the pics. damn good condition for a 62-year-old ratchet!

what do you guys think? i'm happy with it and can't wait for it to arrive!
 
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chad s

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Its a nice ratchet, I have the exact same one, with the almost complete Ferret set (missing only the 9" extension). Mine is rebuilt, so its working like new, and I dont care for it much. I tried using it, as its not a rare ratchet (I wouldnt use my rare ones, not worth it, they dont perform well, and cannot be rebuilt if the break), but it just doesnt work nearly as nicely as the more presicion made ratchets from just about any good tool company.

Now these really do differ greatly from unit to unit. The earlier ones have a more sloppy feel. I have held later F70 n/m (they made them from the late 30's into the 50's), that felt pretty decent, but none compare to a new snap on ratchet. A fine tooth stanley ratchet has a better feel. To a dual 80, it cannot compare.

They make better conversation pieces, in my opinion.

Here is my set:
1946_ferret.jpg
 
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Moose-LandTran

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Thanks!

i like the design of the handle, and it's in mint condition. wasn't one of the things where i'd pay whatever it costs because i want it (like some of my eBay purchases) but i was willing to pay $60 + shipping. glad i got it that cheap. looks like a steal to me!
 
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Moose-LandTran

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That's a very nice set Chad. i like how everything has its own place. very cool.

personally, when it comes to tools i don't collect them. whatever i buy, i buy to use. of course some i'm reluctant to use if i can't replace/rebuild it. but everything gets used one way or another. i don't buy anything because it's rare or valueable. i bought this ratchet because i like the look of it and i think it'll make a good ratchet to have in the box.
 
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Moose-LandTran

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i wanted the old handle specifically. to match the other stuff with the plastic handles, of which i has acquired a lot. i think i'll have to give in and buy a set of red/industrial instinct screwdrivers when i've paid off more on my account. unless eBay comes up with a set of black handles w/ industrial shanks.

i'm very picky about my tools.
 
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chad s

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Moose-LandTran said:
i wanted the old handle specifically. to match the other stuff with the plastic handles, of which i has acquired a lot. i think i'll have to give in and buy a set of red/industrial instinct screwdrivers when i've paid off more on my account. unless eBay comes up with a set of black handles w/ industrial shanks.

i'm very picky about my tools.
Click to expand...

You must be, thats quite pricey for that handle! But I guess I am no different, I have paid a lot for vintage tools I wont even use.
 
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chad s

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Moose, PM me your address, I'll send you a matching 1946 Ferret 6" extension, in near mint condition to go with that ratchet.
 
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billymade

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There is something attractive about the design of the handles on those older Snap-on models; I just like the way they feel in my hand and how they look. I guess you could have the best of both worlds by buying the current Williams ratchets; old style handle with the benefit of the modern Snap-On head design! I have an old style 3/8" ratchet like you have and a 1/4" drive midget; the only thing I don't like about the midget is the stamped steel selector, which could be easier to "select" if it wasn't so flat. I can't quite put my finger on the why I like the handle design but it seems to have a more ergonomically "organic" quality to its shape and the way it rests in my hand. Anyone else "feel" the same way?
Picture3.png
 
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Moose-LandTran

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billymade said:
I can't quite put my finger on the why I like the handle design but it seems to have a more ergonomically "organic" quality to its shape and the way it rests in my hand. Anyone else "feel" the same way?
Click to expand...


Partly why i bought this one, i liked the look of the handle. i really like the standard handles on my F936s and the plastic handles of my FH936Os, but this is another one that'll get used, so i went for it.
 
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krusty the clown

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billymade said:
There is something attractive about the design of the handles on those older Snap-on models; I just like the way they feel in my hand and how they look. I guess you could have the best of both worlds by buying the current Williams ratchets; old style handle with the benefit of the modern Snap-On head design! I have an old style 3/8" ratchet like you have and a 1/4" drive midget; the only thing I don't like about the midget is the stamped steel selector, which could be easier to "select" if it wasn't so flat. I can't quite put my finger on the why I like the handle design but it seems to have a more ergonomically "organic" quality to its shape and the way it rests in my hand. Anyone else "feel" the same way?
mn1_002776.jpg
Click to expand...


yes i do like the feel of the handle. i also have two 1/4 and a 9/32 in that style. i have large hands and the smaller "feel" of those handles are just right. they should put that handle on the f80's.....i'd buy them all.
 
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Uncle Buck

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chad s

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hholmberg said:
Has that tool become rare or something to justify that amont of money for it? I am curious since I have three of them, one like that and two short and stubbys. All three are 3/8" though.
Click to expand...

I wouldnt think its that rare. But then again people pay more than retail for lots of current, or equivalent to current, items on ebay every week.
 
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krusty the clown

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chad s said:
Moose, PM me your address, I'll send you a matching 1946 Ferret 6" extension, in near mint condition to go with that ratchet.
Click to expand...

thats generous chad.......my hats off to you. i still ahven't forgot about the headlight sockets, i just haven't made up my mind to part with them yet. but you do have some things i'm interested in.
 
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krusty the clown

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Merkava_4 said:
That spin handle is out of production along with the F50A that I have. I've got an F40B also, but it's still in production for a little while yet. In my highly controversial opinion, $96.00 is not too much money considering how extremely well it's made. ;)
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here we go again.......i'll make some popcorn :bounce:
 
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Merkava_4

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billymade said:
I can't quite put my finger on the why I like the handle design but it seems to have a more ergonomically "organic" quality to its shape and the way it rests in my hand. Anyone else "feel" the same way?
Click to expand...

You sure have a beautiful way with words billymade. :beer:
 
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Uncle Buck

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Merkava_4 said:
That spin handle is out of production along with the F50A that I have. I've got an F40B also, but it's still in production for a little while yet. In my highly controversial opinion, $96.00 is not too much money considering how extremely well it's made. ;)
Click to expand...

Merk, what are these? (in bold) :headscrat
 
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dxdexter

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Moose-LandTran said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SNAP-ON...temZ130214802454QQcategoryZ4122QQcmdZViewItem

1946 Snap-on F-70N ratchet.

Bought it to use, not as a conversation piece or collectible. that's going in the toolbox at work to be put to use daily. like all my tools, no matter how rare or how much they cost, i bought them to use and they're gonna get used.

looked around a bit for hints to the age of it, and seeing similar ones from the mid-40s i couldn't quite believe that this was that old, because of the condition. then i noticed the date stamp by the forward/reverse lever in one of the pics. damn good condition for a 62-year-old ratchet!

what do you guys think? i'm happy with it and can't wait for it to arrive!
Click to expand...

Congrats, I have two of them one from 1944 and one from 1946. I use them frequently and prefer them over my F936. Mainly because they are well broken in.
 
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Moose-LandTran

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jay50 said:
paid too much
Click to expand...

well, that's a matter of opinion. when you consider the echange rate, it's very cheap for me.

besides that, for the use it'll get and the reliability it will provide for me, it is a very low cost to pay.

i don't have a great deal of tools, and have spent a lot on what i do have. but it never lets me down. i've yet to encounter a job that i can't do because i don't have the right tool. because of this, i think that what i have paid is easily worthwile. apart from that, the satisfaction of having a nice set of tools means i don't regret what i've spent.

And Merkava, can you post pics of those drive handles please, i have the long and short shank 3/8" drivers, but would like a stubby too is one was ever made.

Thanks,
Moose.
 
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Uncle Buck

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I find the drive handles convenient, and I am glad that I have them however I never would have paid such a huge sum to get them!
 
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