Old Cornwell 1/4 Ratchet - Odd Socket Retaining Pin

[pwjp2011]

My first post and I have been lurking here for years

I bought this old ratchet off of the Bay for $15. Upon receiving it I notice it has an odd cylindrical pin on the square shift where you put the socket. Typically there is a round ball bearing. I have never seen this. With that being said I can't use it as none of my sockets fit on because of the pin. I am kind of annoyed about it and should have noticed it.

The ratchet is unmarked beyond the Cornwell USA name and is unchromed so I figure its pretty old.

With that being said I can't use it as none of my sockets fit on this. I am kind of annoyed about it.

Anyone ever seen anything like this?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

My bet is that it was used in an assembly line or specialized field that one required only one size and the pin was used so that sockets would not fall off or get lost.
Edit: grammar.

 

[woody 73]

Funny thing speaking of the devil, I just bought a cornwell tool box combo set from 1985 and I need two locks any of you guys know where a guy can find those old toolbox locks???

Ok where was I in train of thought...oh yes the cornwell pin set on your ratchet in question was more common in all three drive sizes from back in the day and I mean way back in the day. Old timers back in the day had to take a cheese cloth or any cloth patch and lay it over the drive end and then put the socket on, thus making it harder for the socket to fall off.

I sent my 1/2 drive in for a ball bearing drive end and Cornwall fixed my ratchet and sent it back to me. Must have been an idea that never caught on so Cornwell decided the ball bearing worked better type deal.

 

[Jason280]

I like it....let me know if you want to trade it for a 1/4" ratchet with standard detent.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I think I have seen others like that also.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

That is rather odd, but I bet it would work well with Cornwell drive tools because they have a hole in the drive end as the detent.


FWIW that ratchet appears to be in very nice condition for a plain steel ratchet, I have nearly identical (regular retention ball) that is plain steel and it looks like hell, but works great.

 

[Outlawmws]

My bet is that it was used in a assembly line or specialized that one required only one size and used the pin so that they would not fall off or get lost.

This^^^ or for use by aircraft/aerospace mechanics, as losing a socket in the wrong place could get someone killed...

Impacts use those a lot to keep things from flying off, but that's generally not an issue with ratchets unless you have the above situations.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Impact sockets use the pin type to keep sockets on. Use that ratchet with an impact socket and extensions and you will never have one fall apart.

 

[dutchgray]

Much of my 3/4" drive stuff is like that, push the pin in to get sockets on, which have a hole to get to the pin when its on, not detents. Some sockets have a built in plug in the hole to push the pin with to remove.

 

[Murphy4570]

Yeah that ratchet was probably used in a FOD sensitive industry. Pin style is for use with impact sockets, they'll never come off. You need a piece of wire or whatever to push the pin in to remove the socket.

Like others have said, that style is common on 1/2 and some 3/4" drive impact wrenches.

 

[pwjp2011]

Thanks guys for the input & Merry Christmas to those that celebrate it!

I have a bunch of sockets from different companies and I checked them, none have a hole for that pin. I contacted the seller, even he didnt realize about the pin.

Going to either trade it or get a refund. If anyone is interested, let me know.

Thanks again.

 

[popparoach]

just file it down into a ball shape.it works well and you get to keep it.or try and order a rebuild kit.here is the current version:

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/TR3-%2d-1{47}4”-Ratchet-Chrome.html#
and here is a palm version: http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/TRP3-%2d-1{47}4”-Drive-Palm-Ratchet.html

they are made for "tools at height" to keep sockets from falling.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . you didn't say Where in country you bought that from ??

If from area that had lots of aircraft production, a 1/4" ratchet with that pin is more likely (ie never want to lose a socket).

I'd say work a trade with Jason280 who has shown interest.

Have a good holiday. Update GJ Profile with a Location.

 

[pwjp2011]

just file it down into a ball shape.it works well and you get to keep it.or try and order a rebuild kit.here is the current version:

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/TR3-%2d-1{47}4”-Ratchet-Chrome.html#
and here is a palm version: http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/TRP3-%2d-1{47}4”-Drive-Palm-Ratchet.html

they are made for "tools at height" to keep sockets from falling.

Thanks for the info about the current one. I found rebuild kits for their other ratchets at $30 which is 2x what I paid for it. That won't be happening .

Its good to know its still made. Worse comes to worse, I put it back on Ebay.

 

[pwjp2011]

OP . . . you didn't say Where in country you bought that from ??

If from area that had lots of aircraft production, a 1/4" ratchet with that pin is more likely (ie never want to lose a socket).

I'd say work a trade with Jason280 who has shown interest.

Have a good holiday. Update GJ Profile with a Location.

I am in the US in New Jersey.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

 

[Jason280]

Haven't forgotten about you, it's just the Christmas festivities have shut down any chance to get in the shop....but will soon!

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Thanks guys for the input & Merry Christmas to those that celebrate it!

I have a bunch of sockets from different companies and I checked them, none have a hole for that pin.

Thanks again.

Those are not particularly common, I think some of my war production plomb and at least one older proto socket have those.

 

[shockwave]

This appears to be quite old and maybe industrial finish origanlly you can see it has a brushed finish but no chrome

I would call Cornwell and get some history and I have swapped my tr3 ratchet to 3/8 drive too quite nice for size

 

[pwjp2011]

This appears to be quite old and maybe industrial finish origanlly you can see it has a brushed finish but no chrome

I would call Cornwell and get some history and I have swapped my tr3 ratchet to 3/8 drive too quite nice for size

Thats a good idea bout calling Cornwell and trying to get an idea of how old it is. Based on what I have seen on the web its probably from WW2.

 

[pwjp2011]

Haven't forgotten about you, it's just the Christmas festivities have shut down any chance to get in the shop....but will soon!

I hear you about the Christmas festivities! A little to much food and drink for me!

Thanks again guys.