The Vintage New Britain and Associated Thread!

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Many of Fleet tools were re branded Proto/Penens. Penens did have a round head, but it was not made by new Britain. Challenger did have a ratchet that was made by New Britain.

I stand corrected

 

[t4runner]

What it looks like is a None Better 177 Hex set. Made in the teens to the 30's. Its similar to the set that is on the Alloy Artifacts New Britain page. I don't think the flat ratchet and adapter was part of the set. Early New Britain tools.

This is the set all packed up. I think the ratchet and adapter are part of the set although I can't find any images to confirm that.

 

[3baygarage]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]I will have to look, I don't know if I have a New Britain quick release. I know I have them in Blackhawk, Husky and Penncraft[/FONT]. I have got good at fixing the release mechanism. Seems to be a weak link on these ratchets.

I recently passed up a 1/2 Penncraft Q.R. at a sale that had almost exclusively Penny's drive tools. The ball was collapsed and the plastic button stuck down, any chance of reviving this one seemed slim. Kind of wish I tried though.Don't see so many Q.R..

 

[pauls_workshop]

Ok, so the quick release feature is desireable on the NB made rachets? What about the 60 tooth vs. the 40 tooth? The ones I have are all the 40 tooth, pretty course. Is there a reason not to want a 60 tooth? - Paul

 

[dieseldodge01]

I recently passed up a 1/2 Penncraft Q.R. at a sale that had almost exclusively Penny's drive tools. The ball was collapsed and the plastic button stuck down, any chance of reviving this one seemed slim. Kind of wish I tried though.Don't see so many Q.R..

The quick release can be a bear to repair. If they are stuck, usually the wedge is jammed and wore. They will go in sideways, locking the pin one way or the other. I have had to create a flat spot where the button is to keep it from moving. They are good ratchets, the quick release can be a little temperamental.

This is the set all packed up. I think the ratchet and adapter are part of the set although I can't find any images to confirm that.

I know that they had the flat ratchet and adapter, but usually it was on a wall hanging rack. Usually they are like the one in this ebay listing.

Ok, so the quick release feature is desireable on the NB made rachets? What about the 60 tooth vs. the 40 tooth? The ones I have are all the 40 tooth, pretty course. Is there a reason not to want a 60 tooth? - Paul

I like either one. The 60 tooth is the one I prefer. It is a little smoother than the 45 tooth. Using some kind of lube will really help smooth them out. I have used Permatex Assembly Lube and Super Lube Synthetic Grease. I don't think there is any reason not to want a 60 tooth. I had a tool catalog once that said more teeth would wear faster, but with the Kilness type that doesn't seem to be the case. It will be easier to find them in Husky. They seemed to make a ton of them.

 

[cruzer75]

Heres my New Britian ratchet...Unfortunately it skips, but I think it can be shimmed and would work. Picked it up at a yard sale for 15...along with a speed wrench, combo amd old skill saw.... I just liked that it was made in a town near me.

 

[pauls_workshop]

diesel, thanks. So which exact Husky model numbers/types should I look for for a 60 tooth one? Would that have quick release too? Or if in NB model, what exact model numbers to look for? thx- Paul

 

[dieseldodge01]

diesel, thanks. So which exact Husky model numbers/types should I look for for a 60 tooth one? Would that have quick release too? Or if in NB model, what exact model numbers to look for? thx- Paul

For Husky it would have the prefix of 43. For example CB43 would be a 3/8 60 tooth ratchet. A CM would be 1/4 and CS would be 1/2. New Britain made quick release would have a 46 and if it still has the spinner on it, 60 tooth spinner and the 45 is plastic. This logic can also be used on New Britain stamped ratchets just 44 as the 60 tooth ratchet instead of the 43.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Thanks! So 43 or 44 for either Husky or NB for the higher tooth count. Still not clear on the quick release vs high tooth count though. Can you get high tooth count *and* quick release or not? Was quick release in either low or high tooth count formats? thx! - Paul

 

[KZ1000J]

My post here has absolutely nothing to do with tools.

Let's talk about photography. Simply put, going forward, before anyone posts a photo of a tool, do not post the photo if it is out of focus, fuzzy, image not very discernible, lighting is bad making the image hard to see, etc, etc.

If you have a beautiful tool to show off, and your pic is all blurry, what's the point?

Come on folks!

KZ

 

[thickhead]

I used to go past the picket lines on my way to high school every morning. Here is what the place looks like now from Rte. 9 Northbound.

 

[thickhead]

This is the set all packed up. I think the ratchet and adapter are part of the set although I can't find any images to confirm that.

Wonder if the ratchet is an old Chapman Mfg. mini ratchet? Both made in CT about 20 miles from each other.

Chapman Mfg.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Ok checked what NB rachets I actually have. I have 2 of them: a 1/4 drive that is a NM44 and a 3/8 drive that is a NB45. 45 wasn't a number in your list above Diesel! What is that one? - Paul

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

My New Britain and Sparta tools that live in my box at work. The ratchet is a 3/8" NB-55, the extensions and the universal are 1/2" and the pliers are model # P-28. I also have a few random wrenches in my back-up metric combo set, one New Britain that I got on eBay and 2 Sparta that I got with my Dad's tools when I inherited them.

I hope my pictures are clear enough, I don't have a good photo taking area at work.

 

[3baygarage]

I used to go past the picket lines on my way to high school every morning. Here is what the place looks like now from Rte. 9 Northbound.

Some history there.
That had to be something. Were they still operating after that strike or is that about when the folded up?

 

[thickhead]

Some history there.
That had to be something. Were they still operating after that strike or is that about when the folded up?

Pretty sure that was the end of it or darn near it. Mid to late 80's for me.

 

[3baygarage]

Cool, thanks. We can't get this tool history many places.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I think it's pretty cool that some of the original buildings look like they are still standing, most of the old factories we hear about are strip malls or apartment buildings by now.

 

[KZ1000J]

My New Britain and Sparta tools that live in my box at work. The ratchet is a 3/8" NB-55, the extensions and the universal are 1/2" and the pliers are model # P-28. I also have a few random wrenches in my back-up metric combo set, one New Britain that I got on eBay and 2 Sparta that I got with my Dad's tools when I inherited them.

I hope my pictures are clear enough, I don't have a good photo taking area at work.

Sam's,

Some of the best tool photography I have ever seen and some very nice examples of New Britain as well.

Good job!

KZ

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Sam's,

Some of the best tool photography I have ever seen and some very nice examples of New Britain as well.

Good job!

KZ

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

 

[dieseldodge01]

Thanks! So 43 or 44 for either Husky or NB for the higher tooth count. Still not clear on the quick release vs high tooth count though. Can you get high tooth count *and* quick release or not? Was quick release in either low or high tooth count formats? thx! - Paul

They used the same number for the quick release. It usually luck of the draw with the tooth count. I am trying to upload pictures to show the difference but it might be later tonight.

Ok checked what NB rachets I actually have. I have 2 of them: a 1/4 drive that is a NM44 and a 3/8 drive that is a NB45. 45 wasn't a number in your list above Diesel! What is that one? - Paul

The 45 means 45 tooth ratchet. It is the same in Husky and New Britain.

 

[FJ 432]

Would anyone who collects New Britain be interested in these? A friend gave me these socket boxes that were used in a local High School that was closing their auto shop down.

I have a total of 15 of these which only 2 of them have the New Britain sticker. They measure approximately 15" long, 3 1/4" deep and 1 3/8 " tall. Single clasp in the middle and most of them have ASE or Metric written on the cover.

I would like these to go to a good home and just want to recover the shipping. Send me a PM.

EDIT 1/22/15 ALL GONE. SORRY!

 

[dieseldodge01]

Here are two Husky CB-46 quick release ratchet. The top ratchet has the plastic spinner and is a 45 tooth. The bottom one is a 60 tooth ratchet with metal spinner. That is the only way to tell the difference in tooth count as New Britain never made a different number designation for the quick release ratchet.

 

[thickhead]

Cool, thanks. We can't get this tool history many places.

If anyone needs more info or history, there is a great spot called the New Britain Industrial Museum. Link here.

 

[pendragon1998]

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think I have NOS 4.5 and 5.5 New Britian metric sockets. I'll have to confirm.

 

[Alchymist]

This is the set all packed up. I think the ratchet and adapter are part of the set although I can't find any images to confirm that.

Have a similar set, not sure who made it, will check tomorrow.
i know there are some NB tools in the garage, just don't remember what. I do have this 1/2" breaker bar:

 

[pauls_workshop]

Here are two Husky CB-46 quick release ratchet. The top ratchet has the plastic spinner and is a 45 tooth. The bottom one is a 60 tooth ratchet with metal spinner. That is the only way to tell the difference in tooth count as New Britain never made a different number designation for the quick release ratchet.

Diesel, super great information with photo examples! I would have never figured out these different Huskys any other way! - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

FJ need some of those socket boxes! PM sent! - Paul

 

[SCscoutguy]

Here are two Husky CB-46 quick release ratchet. The top ratchet has the plastic spinner and is a 45 tooth. The bottom one is a 60 tooth ratchet with metal spinner. That is the only way to tell the difference in tooth count as New Britain never made a different number designation for the quick release ratchet.

I have one of these marked New Britain somewhere and it has the metal spinner on it. It doesn't work however and just spins. I will have to find it and see if I can't take it apart to fix it with the info posted earlier.

 

[dieseldodge01]

I have one of these marked New Britain somewhere and it has the metal spinner on it. It doesn't work however and just spins. I will have to find it and see if I can't take it apart to fix it with the info posted earlier.

There might be a broken, stuck or loose spring that pushes the pawl against the head. When you take the mechanism out there should be a spring on top that has a round coil on one side and two prongs on the other. One of the prongs sits in a slot against the pawl the other in a hole on the other side of the mechanism.

 

[Pumpman1968]

My post here has absolutely nothing to do with tools.

Let's talk about photography. Simply put, going forward, before anyone posts a photo of a tool, do not post the photo if it is out of focus, fuzzy, image not very discernible, lighting is bad making the image hard to see, etc, etc.

If you have a beautiful tool to show off, and your pic is all blurry, what's the point?

Come on folks!

KZ

Blah, blah, blah....wah, wah, wah. Glad to see someone who is prefect finally joined GJ!

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

8"adjustable I just picked up for a few bucks, it's pretty beat but for the price I couldn't resist

 

[dieseldodge01]

So I figured I would post a small portion of my collection.

 

[pauls_workshop]

So I figured I would post a small portion of my collection.

Oooooooh, my NB envy is turning all your red boxes in your pictures GREEN instead as I look at this!! WoW! (And that is not because i also have a fondness for SK!)- Paul

 

[cowboy73]

No idea how old this is but I found a New Britian push drill a few years ago.

View media item 10681

 

[D350RDV]

My only current bit of New Britain:

I've bought and sold quite a few job lots of tools over the years to get items I've wanted - and this was one of the bonus items that just stuck to me. I'm guessing it's 1960's from the style/finish?

I've not seen much of it in the UK, but enough to believe there must have been an importer.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Set of New Britain Crows feet sockets I got off eBay, they are at work, so I only have the eBay listing picture at the moment.

 

[3baygarage]

^ Nice set.

Here's an old New Britain 3/4 drive push through drive plug ratchet.

stamped "Heavy Duty Ratchet"
NHD40

 

[beatcad]

last weekend weekend i picked up a husky 3/8 ratchet because it said USA and it looked like my older blackhawk ratchets.
i finally got a chance to compare them this morning.
just as i thought. they had the same pat #s.