Cornwell Ratchet Question

[ForrestT]

Bought a Cornwell ratchet today at the flea market. It is clearly Cornwell but has no Cornwell markings on it other than USA and the number 39 stamped on it. What can you Cornwell collectors or fans tell me about it. 3/8” drive. Standard length. Thanks.

 

[lardy1]

I have that in 3/8" and 1/2" with an industrial finish. Coarse tooth but low backdrag. Quite smooth considering the size of the teeth. I really like them but they rarely get used because I have so many other options. I've never stressed them but they feel as solid as any ratchet I ever used.

 

[redwrench60]

It’s a Cornwell JR30 standard 3/8 ratchet. Probably Cornwells signature tool. Perhaps the smoothest 30 tooth ratchet ever made. Give it a clean and lube the mechanism then enjoy.

 

[vssjim]

It’s a Cornwell JR30 standard 3/8 ratchet. Probably Cornwells signature tool. Perhaps the smoothest 30 tooth ratchet ever made. Give it a clean and lube the mechanism then enjoy.

one thing about this ratchet is it shows it's age as the cover screws on and the later ones use a snap ring to hold on cover so this is probaly from fifties or early sixties as I don't remember when they changed design.

 

[3baygarage]

The little knurl and stamp around the handle went away eventually, though I can’t offer any help on the dates. Definitely old with that on there. I think the earliest contoured handles had a large flat lever selector, which transitioned over from their old timey handle ratchets.

 

[redwrench60]

It’s definitely old. Goes to show how little Cornwell changed over the decades.

 

[ForrestT]

Very excited about it. I’ve always wanted one and found this one for a great price. $5 with a couple other tools from one of my favorite flea market vendors.

 

[Ton ton]

You ****, ForrestT.

 

[bonneyman]

I don't think a Cornwell ratchet has ever came cross my workbench but from the pics and comments they seem like stout tools. For $5 you couldn't go wrong.