Who Made This Ratchet? New Britain?
- Thread starter Bull
- Start date
Hey, cool man, I have one of those too. It was in a tool lot I bought I while back. It doesn't have a manufacturer mark, but I believe it says USA on it. Mine appears to be stripped though, and I don't know how to open it. I hope someone can shed some light on it.
I don't think it is NB made, but I could be wrong.
I don't think it is NB made, but I could be wrong.
dieseldodge01
Well-known member
It is interesting, has a slide directional lever, does that head twist, looks like the head is a separate part from the handle? As 64merc said I don't think its New Britain, but looks to be a style of ratchet that would be from the 50's to 60's. I was thinking I saw the style somewhere but just can't put my finger on it.
MAD
Well-known member
It was reported on another site that may be a Wright made ratchet. I would give you a link, but I doubt it would work from here. I bumped it to the top for you though.
See, this is how I feel, too. I thought I saw it on AA in the NB section, but it isn't there.
The head does not seem to twist, no.
Sorry it's not a NB for you
dieseldodge01
Well-known member
It is still a very neat ratchet, its the kinda ratchet you like have because its a conversation piece. The line between the head and the handle makes me think it would twist, must be there for some decoration. I have a New Britain catalog from '61 and don't see one like it in there, but doesn't mean that it might be an earlier ratchet. All and all sounds rare.
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MAD
Well-known member
You were just "hanging out" there a minute ago
Glad you enjoyed it...40 years is a long time to go without seeing a particular style of tool again. Maybe I sold it too cheaply. 
Do you recall if that red box it came in said anything on it?
Do you recall if that red box it came in said anything on it?
senlow
Well-known member
I have one of those ratchets. The handle does thread into the head. Mine had red loctite on the threads when I disassembled it. It has no markings on it. I'll post pics of the disassembled ratchet tomorrow.
Very interesting information...I was afraid to damage it, so I just used hand strength to see if it would unscrew.
I am excited for your pictures!
06wt
Well-known member
id like to see this as well, cool ratchet
Bull: Sorry, I can't remember much else about it, other than I believe it was a complete (althouth small) set; in that era many basic sets didn't have flex joint fittings, and some didn't event come w/ extensions.
R/
RM209
R/
RM209
Glad you enjoyed it...40 years is a long time to go without seeing a particular style of tool again. Maybe I sold it too cheaply.
Do you recall if that red box it came in said anything on it?
senlow
Well-known member
Here it is dissassembled:
The ring in the upper left corner is a light press fit over the round section of the gear/square drive component. This retains the square drive to the ratchet head. You may be able to see some residue of the loctite on the handle threads.
The ring in the upper left corner is a light press fit over the round section of the gear/square drive component. This retains the square drive to the ratchet head. You may be able to see some residue of the loctite on the handle threads.
Tool Pants
Well-known member
The only ratchet I remember seeing with a slide selector was, I think, an S-K.
Yep, the good old SK "Frankensteins." Nice ratchets. I had them in 1/2 and 3/8...not sure if they came in 1/4 as well?
OldToolMan
MEMBER EMERITUS
I believe it was lowell wrench co. Worcester mass.Larry
Larry, what makes you think this?
It seems that it is a Wright product, based on the info I have found.
OldToolMan
MEMBER EMERITUS
I have a1/2" drive ratchet that looks very much like it.except the direction control. is done by rotating the end of the handle
OldToolMan
MEMBER EMERITUS
sorry for the delay.it is posted on my web site.
selohssa
Well-known member
WOW! That is one cool site.
SCscoutguy
Well-known member
I picked up one of these this weekend from a man in his 80's. The ratchet was in a box and all of the other tools were Walden Worcester and he said that the ratchet was always with the other tools since he had it in the 50's so I am guessing maybe it was made by Walden? It is one really neat little ratchet I know that much.
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SCscoutguy
Well-known member
Yea it was a little bit old but I figured it would be better to put the info in this thread than to start an entirely new one.
Gort the giant robot
Well-known member
I have a Frankenstien style 1/2 drive ratchet made by Globemaster in India. Nothing like yours, but I thought I would mention it being that type is kida rare.
Gort.
Gort.
SilverSurfer2133
New member
I'm sure I'm going about this the totally wrong way but here goes nothing. I'm trying to reach whoever is in this thread that is looking to buy vintage Penncraft tools, ratchets and sockets. I think I might have some of what you're looking for. Got a super clean set of 1/2in drive breaker bar, 12point sockets, 6"extension, and a swivel adapter. All have been kept oiled and in the black plastic case and very well kept. I think who I'm looking for is 64merc but then again I'm a noob so who really knows? 