EASCO Ratchet

[Uncle Buck]

Did you buy yours new when they were first introduced? Inherited? Or did you just buy 'em when you saw 'em with the same requirement as me?

You'll have to let us know the results of your old v. new research!

No, I don't mind eBay at all. In fact, I have been looking there for these models for several months with very limited hits; it was only last night that it even occurred to me to post on this forum...

I guess my search string has been too restrictive. I didn't want to have to wade through hundreds of hits with "Craftsman ratchet", so I have been using "Craftsman (44983, 44977, 42794, 43781, 43187, "fine tooth") ratchet". Don't know why it's not working...

I know I missed this one the other night as I was busy somewhere, but they have been few & far between!

And my Easco search has been even worse. "Easco (721109, "fine-tooth") ratchet" has returned exactly ZERO hits in over 2 months!

Currently I can see a 1/4" and a 1/2", but no 3/8". Can you provide me with the link?

I could be wrong, but I think you might have better luck searching either Craftsman ratchet, or Craftsman fine tooth, round head ratchet.

 

[PowderKeg]

Bought em all new back then to replace the clunky pear head ratchets that came in my first socket/tool sets. Sears used to run some big sales a few times a year on individual hand tools - buy 10, get 15% off, buy 20, get 35% off, that kind of deal. I bought ALOT to fill out sets, add extensions, and such - that's how I got those 5 ratchets. I do believe they are the only ratchets I've ever bought new (besides the ratchets they replaced - gave them to my father, who's not picky).

No wait, I did buy a new stubby NAPA with a drive hole to put on a breaker bar new as well (and about the same time frame too). Now you want to talk "buttery smooth" - that little NAPA ratchet and another full-size one I picked up used are smoooooooth - they're the same Moore pear heads as the Craftsmans (the ones with either a butterfly,"V", or lever switch) without quick-release, but the ratchet action feels like it's from another world. Never have pulled those NAPA ratchets apart to see just why their soooo much smoother. Good thing the Craftsmans I got in the sets weren't that smooth, I'da never bought the fine-tooth ones.

Here's the link to the auction with the 3/8" drive. Too bad it's got a bunch of other stuff with it, gonna drive the bids up:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=260244026346&rd=1

Can't tell if it's an older or new one, no pic of the other side.

Craftsman, Mac, and Snap-On ratchet searches are a pain - restrict the search too much and you miss alot due to poor/incomplete descriptions or titles, search loosely and you gotta wade thru too much that aren't ratchets (like the latest craze for ratcheting box wrenches) or bunches of new clunkers from sellers parting out sets. I don't search by stock #'s or other descriptive types or sizes, just brands. I've got @ 9 saved searches covering, jeez, around 70 brand variants - generally keeps the results down to @ 1-3 pages per search, but still adds up to a bunch of results. At least most sellers have thumbs that show up in the searches, so scanning is easier that it used to be.

Yes, I am a hopeless addict...

 

[lbgradwell]

No wait, I did buy a new stubby NAPA with a drive hole to put on a breaker bar new as well (and about the same time frame too). Now you want to talk "buttery smooth" - that little NAPA ratchet and another full-size one I picked up used are smoooooooth - they're the same Moore pear heads as the Craftsmans (the ones with either a butterfly,"V", or lever switch) without quick-release, but the ratchet action feels like it's from another world.

I believe those Craftsman V-switch models date from 1960...

Here's the link to the auction with the 3/8" drive. Too bad it's got a bunch of other stuff with it, gonna drive the bids up:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=260244026346&rd=1

Can't tell if it's an older or new one, no pic of the other side.

OK, I did see that when I looked after your last post. I wouldn't want that one anyway since I hate initials, markings, etc. on the tools...

 

[lauver]

Guys,

I looked at this thread last week when there were only 4 posts and I thought this thread was about Easco branded ratchets. Interesting, but not what I was looking for.

I checked back today and this thread has morphed into a Easco-made Craftsman ratchet thread and there are 83 posts. Now I'm interested.

At any rate, I've gathered that Easco made ratchets for Sears for many years and some of them are still available either as NOS, or perhaps by way of Danaher. I've also gathered that there have been different series codes over the years (V, VV, VVW, KW, and some of the earliest ones had no series code, just a part number).

Do I have this (above) correct?

Are there other series codes for Easco-made ratchets?

Was there ever an E or EE series code for Easco-made ratchets?

What is the earliest known year for an Easco-made ratchet?

Is it possible that the Easco-made ratchets that are being sold now are not NOS, but are being supplied by Danaher from old Easco tooling?

Any thoughts on these questions are appreciated.

 

[PowderKeg]

All I can tell you is that my Craftsman round/fine ratchets are "V" series (at least they have a "V" on the handle that is separate from the stock/part #) that I bought new in the early 80's. I'm gonna take a wild unsubstansiated guess that these ratchets didn't hit the market until well after Easco's purchase of Moore. I've got a very vague recollection/thought that they were fairly new to the catalog when I ordered them, but I'm probably way off on that...

Easco acquired Moore Drop Forge @ 1968 I believe, with Moore having had the Craftsman contract - either in small part or near total - since @ 1938? What I'd like to know is Easco's history pre-Moore. I've only seen one Easco ratchet that wasn't a virtual dead ringer for a Craftsman - and that one looks to be a close sibling to a Matco. Did Easco exist as a tool manufacturer pre-Moore, or is their history like that of Danaher - got into the tool business by buying a tool manufacturer?

 

[lauver]

Powderkeg,

Google "Danaher Company History" and you'll find lots of info. Also, I posted a Danaher time line on the "Craftsman: series time frame" thread. The time line makes it easy to see Danahers progresssion from a real estate holding company to a diversified manufacturing company, with tools factoring in as a major part (currently about 21% of total revenue) of the company.

I tried a google search of "Easco Company History" and didn't find much; If you have better luck, let me know.

Back to the Easco series code(s) question. The series codes mentioned in this thread that are found on the current craftsman fine tooth ratchets (VV, VVW, & KW are thought/or known to be Danaher series codes. The V series code on your Easco-made Craftsman ratchets is presumed to be Moore Drop Forge. The only Craftsman tools that I own, and that I believe were made by by Easco, are impact sockets purchased in the early 90's, have a EE series code.

Perhaps other folks on this thread can help sort this out or piece it together. That's what I'm hoping for. There are a lot of guys here at GJ that have a lot more tool history knowledge than I do.

BTW-- I was at a Sears store yesterday playing with all the fine tooth ratchets, and from what I could tell they are nothing special. I was looking for this "smooth feel" that everyone is talking about and did not find it. I could tell that there were more teeth in the ratchet mechanism but they were no smoother than my late 60's Moore Drop Forge made standard ratchets.

 

[64merc]

The only Craftsman tools that I own, and that I believe were made by by Easco, are impact sockets purchased in the early 90's, have a EE series code.

BTW-- I was at a Sears store yesterday playing with all the fine tooth ratchets, and from what I could tell they are nothing special. I was looking for this "smooth feel" that everyone is talking about and did not find it. I could tell that there were more teeth in the ratchet mechanism but they were no smoother than my late 60's Moore Drop Forge made standard ratchets.

I have some C-man chrome sockets that also have a EE series code. You can spot them really easily if you have an eye for them because the chrome is a different color (more white, if that makes sense).

Are you sure that the ratchets you saw yesterday are the same ratchets in question? I was under the impression that they were catalog only ratchets.

 

[PowderKeg]

BTW-- I was at a Sears store yesterday playing with all the fine tooth ratchets, and from what I could tell they are nothing special. I was looking for this "smooth feel" that everyone is talking about and did not find it. I could tell that there were more teeth in the ratchet mechanism but they were no smoother than my late 60's Moore Drop Forge made standard ratchets.

That's because these ratchets have never been available in the stores - they've always been "catalog order only". That's also the one pain about them - go to warranty one (a need which appears to be somewhat rare with these, unlike many other newer Crapsman ratchets...), and the store will likely try and stick you with one of those inferior POS round head models, unless you're lucky and find a store that'll give you a rebuild kit instead. Took me awhile to find a store that would do that - and that was the only store that got more of my money for additional purchases....

 

[Uncle Buck]

That's because these ratchets have never been available in the stores - they've always been "catalog order only". That's also the one pain about them - go to warranty one (a need which appears to be somewhat rare with these, unlike many other newer Crapsman ratchets...), and the store will likely try and stick you with one of those inferior POS round head models, unless you're lucky and find a store that'll give you a rebuild kit instead. Took me awhile to find a store that would do that - and that was the only store that got more of my money for additional purchases....

Yup, very true, catalog only for more years than I would care to discuss!

 

[wrenchr]

Yup, very true, catalog only for more years than I would care to discuss!

Which makes no sense at all.

 

[billymade]

Again, if you need one warranted and they do not have a rebuild kit; have them order it for you from the catalog! If they don't help, ask for manager and get it ordered; typically 7-10 working days in the mail. Hope this helps!

 

[wrenchr]

It is worth the wait!!!!

 

[Uncle Buck]

I used my V series 3/8" Crafty fine round head just tonight changing the trans fluid & filter in the mrs car, still works like a charm after 25-30 yrs! Great stuff indeed!

 

[lauver]

hholmberg, PowderKeg, & other interested parties,

I'm not disputing that your V series round head fine tooth ratchets were made by Easco, but how do you know who made them?

On one hand, the general design is different than MDF pear head ratchets, the ratcheting mechanism is finer than the MDF pear head ratchets, and they were purchased/produced at a time when Easco was known to be supply tools for sears.

On the other hand, the round head fine tooth ratchets share the same series code as the MDF pear head ratchets (both V's).

Is there some characteristic or feature that is unique to Easco ratchets that would absolutely identify Easco as the manufacturer of the round head fine tooth ratchets? If so, what is it?

Also, I was on another tool website where there was some discussion of Craftsman EE series ratchets sold in the 1980's. They listed PN's 43772, 43582, and 43771. There was some discussion that these ratchets were made by National Tool Corp (owned by Stanley at that time). This is the first time I have seen anyone attribute the EE series to any company other than Easco. Do you guys have any ratchets with any of these PN's and/or EE series code? If so, could you post some photos (both sides, and close-ups showing any markings)?

 

[PowderKeg]

hholmberg, PowderKeg, & other interested parties,

I'm not disputing that your V series round head fine tooth ratchets were made by Easco, but how do you know who made them?

On one hand, the general design is different than MDF pear head ratchets, the ratcheting mechanism is finer than the MDF pear head ratchets, and they were purchased/produced at a time when Easco was known to be supply tools for sears.

On the other hand, the round head fine tooth ratchets share the same series code as the MDF pear head ratchets (both V's).

Is there some characteristic or feature that is unique to Easco ratchets that would absolutely identify Easco as the manufacturer of the round head fine tooth ratchets? If so, what is it?

Check out patent # US3532013, assigned to Moore Drop Forging in 1970, for a quick release mechanism for a fine tooth ratchet. Doesn't it look familiar? Since Easco acquired Moore about the same time as the patent was applied for (1968), I'd guess it's a reasonable jump to say that Easco produced the ratchets, with a Moore patented quick release mechanism. Haven't found any patent for the actual ratcheting mechanism yet - my head is still hurting the last search.

Don't have any EE ratchets from Craftsman, or those part #'s

You can search for patents on Free Patents Online - just have to sign-up.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/

 

[MAD]

hholmberg, PowderKeg, & other interested parties,

I'm not disputing that your V series round head fine tooth ratchets were made by Easco, but how do you know who made them?

On one hand, the general design is different than MDF pear head ratchets, the ratcheting mechanism is finer than the MDF pear head ratchets, and they were purchased/produced at a time when Easco was known to be supply tools for sears.

On the other hand, the round head fine tooth ratchets share the same series code as the MDF pear head ratchets (both V's).

Is there some characteristic or feature that is unique to Easco ratchets that would absolutely identify Easco as the manufacturer of the round head fine tooth ratchets? If so, what is it?

Also, I was on another tool website where there was some discussion of Craftsman EE series ratchets sold in the 1980's. They listed PN's 43772, 43582, and 43771. There was some discussion that these ratchets were made by National Tool Corp (owned by Stanley at that time). This is the first time I have seen anyone attribute the EE series to any company other than Easco. Do you guys have any ratchets with any of these PN's and/or EE series code? If so, could you post some photos (both sides, and close-ups showing any markings)?

Check out patent # US3532013, assigned to Moore Drop Forging in 1970, for a quick release mechanism for a fine tooth ratchet. Doesn't it look familiar? Since Easco acquired Moore about the same time as the patent was applied for (1968), I'd guess it's a reasonable jump to say that Easco produced the ratchets, with a Moore patented quick release mechanism. Haven't found any patent for the actual ratcheting mechanism yet - my head is still hurting the last search.

Don't have any EE ratchets from Craftsman, or those part #'s

You can search for patents on Free Patents Online - just have to sign-up.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/

PowderKeg is right. Easco owned the Moore Drop Forging plant in Springfield MA during the period the double paw fine tooth ratchets appeared. Easco also acquired KD tools in the early 1980s. You still buy the KD branded version of the same ratchet. Easco still exists as a division of Danaher but I have not seen new tools branded Easco for a while. I am not sure when it happened but the Easco line all shifted to being branded KD.

 

[PowderKeg]

Haven't found any patent for the actual ratcheting mechanism yet - my head is still hurting the last search.

Found it, right under my nose....

patent # 3467231, also to Moore Drop Forging in 1969

I've yet to see one of these ratchets without the quick release though.

 

[lauver]

PowderKeg & MADD,

Thanks for the info. As I said before, I'm not disputing you or the facts; it's just that I don't own any of these Easco made ratchets and have not even seen one. And until recently (this thread), there hasn't been much discussion on the Easco-Craftsman connection. This whole thing makes me want to find out more about "Easco the company and its tools".

MADD,

Did you see my comment/question in post #94 regarding 1980's EE series ratchets and the possible connection to National Tool Corp/Stanley?

Do you know anything about NTC, their acquisition by Stanley, or a possible link to the EE series code?

Do you have, or have you ever run across, any of the following EE ratchets (PN's 43772, 43582, & 43771)? Just asking because you seem to have a knack for the obscure.

 

[lauver]

I have some C-man chrome sockets that also have a EE series code. You can spot them really easily if you have an eye for them because the chrome is a different color (more white, if that makes sense).

Are you sure that the ratchets you saw yesterday are the same ratchets in question? I was under the impression that they were catalog only ratchets.

64merc,

Thanks for replying on the EE question. Do your EE chrome sockets say where they were made? I'm guessing USA, but I could be wrong.

Regarding the ratchets I saw in the store-- you're absolutely right, the Easco made ratchets are catalog-only. I completely forgot about that when I was in the store. So what I was looking at were similar but not the Easco made ones. That explains why I didn't experience the "smooth" that everyone uses to describe these ratchets.

 

[DaytonFan]

The c-man flexhead is a sparkplug ratchet, can you take a better pic of the easco ratchet I have a practically brand new 3/8" ratchet!!

 

[64merc]

64merc,

Thanks for replying on the EE question. Do your EE chrome sockets say where they were made? I'm guessing USA, but I could be wrong.

Regarding the ratchets I saw in the store-- you're absolutely right, the Easco made ratchets are catalog-only. I completely forgot about that when I was in the store. So what I was looking at were similar but not the Easco made ones. That explains why I didn't experience the "smooth" that everyone uses to describe these ratchets.

Yes, the EE sockets say made in the USA. Aside from the color of the chrome, they are not much different than the sockets before and after them.

 

[mmcss640]

All,
I found a repair kit at NAPA for these ratchets that I think will fit. The part number is NHT 11908 and costs about $10. I am the proud owner of an Easco 721412 flex-head ratchet that I am converting to quick-release. I have had this ratchet for over 20 years and wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[64merc]

All,
I found a repair kit at NAPA for these ratchets that I think will fit. The part number is NHT 11908 and costs about $10. I am the proud owner of an Easco 721412 flex-head ratchet that I am converting to quick-release. I have had this ratchet for over 20 years and wouldn't trade it for anything.

It's good to hear than another one of these Easco ratchets is being saved. I believe I have the same one you do.

BTW, if you call Danaher they should be able to get you a KD rebuild kit that fits (free). I don't know the part number off hand but I think it is buried in this thread somewhere.

 

[MAD]

It's good to hear than another one of these Easco ratchets is being saved. I believe I have the same one you do.

BTW, if you call Danaher they should be able to get you a KD rebuild kit that fits (free). I don't know the part number off hand but I think it is buried in this thread somewhere.

11908 is the KD kit # too.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

First, I have an Easco ratchet, part number 721107. It is a round head, non quick release, with the handle being sized and shaped like the new Craftsman thin pro line handles.

Secondly, I first found out about the Craftsman round head, by a friend who found a dead one (missing guts) on the side of the road. He didn't care what he got in its place, so I gave him one of the 1/4" pear head ones after finding it still in the catalog.

I took it to Sears, and the manager said to call corporate. They asked for the store number, the associate number, and the part number of the ratchet. Then he put it in the scrap bin, and they mailed me a new one.

The pear heads I have left, are very light duty stuff, or loaner ratchets. Heck, the import made Benchtop from Kmart, I bought when I was 17 is better. (I used to keep cheap tools in the car for emergency's. Now I would rather tow it.)

 

[rhandwor]

I think Napa sold Easco tools for a while with a Napa brand name. I would stop in and ask to look at their ratchet kits.

 

[phi2039]

BUMP!

I need some more info here...

I want both an Easco 721109 and its Craftsman twin 43781. Has the Craftsman always been the 9-43781 or was there an earlier V-43781 (or any other prefix/number). I'm only interested in the oldest version.

Also, does anyone remember when this model was introduced?

I'm going to post "WANTED"'s for both these ratchets in the Classifieds too, but if any of you have one you want to sell, drop me a PM!

The 721109 is still available. You should be able to pick one up for about $25-28.

 

[phi2039]

It's good to hear than another one of these Easco ratchets is being saved. I believe I have the same one you do.

BTW, if you call Danaher they should be able to get you a KD rebuild kit that fits (free). I don't know the part number off hand but I think it is buried in this thread somewhere.

Yup...the Easco-branded tools were split into KD and Allen when Danaher bought the company. The first place to look for 'Easco' tools is K-D, then try Allen.

 

[autoace]

goodfellow,

I just got off the phone with some woman named "Sally" at Danaher Tools customer service at (1-800-688-8949) and she said your ratchet EASCO 721412 has been discontinued since 1996 and that there are no rebuild kits available for it.

I then asked her if the kit for a KD 721413 would work for it.

She said that ratchet has been discontinued also.

I then asked her if I could get an Armstrong replacement for it.

She said no, it has to be the same brand name.

I then asked her why I couldn't have an Armstrong since Armstrong, KD, and EASCO are all brands owned by Danaher.

She said I can't have an Armstrong unless the ratchet being replaced says Armstrong on it.

Don't you just love that,,they discontinue it and won't give you another, how convienient. I have had the best luck with Snap-on and Sears gets an honorable mention.

What is wrong with the old one? unless you striped the teeth, It may be salvageable. I disassemble all my ratchets, clean,and lube"like Merkava" and have fixed many ratchets people gave me; because, they thought they were no good, turns out there was just a sliver of metal in the pawl most of the time.,Some clean up, rust removal, adj. of spring if equiped and lube,presto

 

[davestlouis]

phi2039, where can I get a new 72-1109? Is this something that NAPA can order?

 

[billymade]

If it is the same Craftsman design; get a kit from Sears?

 

[davestlouis]

I don't need the kit, I'd like to get my mitts on a brand-new 72-1109 ratchet, or something marked as KD, etc. I already have a Craftsman coming (1/4inch) but prefer the other brands, just to be different.

 

[davestlouis]

Well I'll be dipped, KD shows it as a catalog item. Now the trick is, are there any available?

 

[Tool Pants]

Getting confused with all the numbers.

Have an Easco 721413 with the quick release. Bought it about 20 years ago. From what I remember Sears had the same version of this ratchet, but I bought it for less money as an Easco.

Looks like the repair kit for a 721412 (non quick release) is a KD #11908. Anyone know if the same repair kit is also for my quick release?

Then I contact Danaher and pretend I have a KD ratchet. Too funny. Just in case, what KD ratchet do I say I have?

 

[davestlouis]

The 11908 is a quick release kit, I don't think they even build a non-QR kit anymore. That 11908 will fit a 72-1109, and I think 72-1107 was a non-QR variant with a different handle shape(flat like a paint brush). Don't take my information as law, but as far as I know it's correct.

 

[64merc]

Getting confused with all the numbers.

Have an Easco 721413 with the quick release. Bought it about 20 years ago. From what I remember Sears had the same version of this ratchet, but I bought it for less money as an Easco.

Looks like the repair kit for a 721412 (non quick release) is a KD #11908. Anyone know if the same repair kit is also for my quick release?

Then I contact Danaher and pretend I have a KD ratchet. Too funny. Just in case, what KD ratchet do I say I have?

Kit #11908 will be quick release. If they ask, tell them you have KD ratchet #721413C (MAD said that #721413 is obsolete).

 

[le6920]

Getting confused with all the numbers.

Have an Easco 721413 with the quick release. Bought it about 20 years ago. From what I remember Sears had the same version of this ratchet, but I bought it for less money as an Easco.

Looks like the repair kit for a 721412 (non quick release) is a KD #11908. Anyone know if the same repair kit is also for my quick release?

Then I contact Danaher and pretend I have a KD ratchet. Too funny. Just in case, what KD ratchet do I say I have?

I have both the Easco and C-Man fine tooth flex head ratchets. They C-Man kits work just fine in the Easco ratchet. I cannot tell them apart. There was also a non-quick release version you mention and that is dimensionally the same as well. I have swapped out a non-qucik release Easco with a quick-release C-Man repair kit as well. Hope that helps.

C-Man still has the fine tooth quick release as a catalog item, but not sure if they still sell a flex head fine tooth.

 

[davestlouis]

The flex head fine tooth is in the catalog, but online it shows out of stock. I looked last night. Wound up with a 1/4inch non-flex.

 

[davestlouis]

To complicate things, NAPA shows all 3 sizes:

NM-47 is 1/4in, NB-47 is the 3/8 and NS-47 is the 1/2 inch drive, per my 2006-07 catalog. NAPA doesn't show any flex heads.

 

[phi2039]

Well I'll be dipped, KD shows it as a catalog item. Now the trick is, are there any available?

They are in stock at the warehouse . In Lake St. Louis, your best bet may be to ask Fastenal (www.fastenal.com for locations) to order one for you. The official Danaher part number is EHT721109. If they are less than helpful, PM me and I can get you hooked up.