Need some info on a Craftsman and Matco ratchet

wyattstihl · Aug 16, 2018

Hi Fellas

So today I stopped at an old engines show that has a very large flea market, and there were just buckets of old tools. So 63 bucks lighter I am here’s what I got:

All Craftsman is Easco or Moore, a partial USA Kobalt set, a Cornwell extension, and a Barcalo set.

But I got an old Craftsman 1/2” ratchet and a Matco 3/8” ratchet for $30.

The Craftsman intrigued me, and the Matco puzzled me.

The Craftsman is old, heres some pics. There were others like it, and they said “Patent Pending”. That was interesting to me.

Is this any more desirable because of the fact that the patent is pending at the time of mfg?

Note: After a quick oiling this ratchet is like brand new, hell I dont think it saw much use in its life.

Now the Matco. Its like new, and is advertised as an 88 tooth on their website. This thing is no 88 tooth. In fact, the mechanism is very much similar to a cheap MasterForce one I have.

My question is: Why is this ones tooth count half what it is advertised? Is this some kind of kit it was replaced with?

Note: Before you think I’m complaining about a Matco ratchet for $20, Im very happy with it, just puzzled by it. Thanks.

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byoungblood · Aug 16, 2018

I think Matco was owned by Danaher at one time (or still is, whatever their tool division is called now) and actually has similar guts to Craftsman ratchets of the same era. Probably with a little more refinement than a Craftsman though.

I'm guessing that Matco just reused the model number for the 88t ratchet.

Al Borland · Aug 16, 2018

That Matco has essentially the same guts as the plastic lever Craftsman ratchet.
Usually the better clones have a metal selecter lever.

wyattstihl · Aug 16, 2018

Al Borland said:
That Matco has essentially the same guts as the plastic lever Craftsman ratchet.
Usually the better clones have a metal selecter lever.

The black finish wore off and you can tell its a metal selector.

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LNKMK8 · Aug 16, 2018

The Craftsman like that are very common and I've never seen the patent pending add any value to them. Still a solid USA ratchet!

Richard Cranium · Aug 16, 2018

no extra value, just a good old American made ratchet.

wyattstihl · Aug 16, 2018

Thanks for they info fellas

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woody 73 · Aug 16, 2018

Let me see #44985 I think that was Peter Roberts patent:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352603

I think his patent # was 3,208,318

Darn too many patents this week and my head is still spinning.

Snaparxon · Aug 16, 2018

The Matco 88 or even 60 tooth will have a F in the number I think, like BFR. The 88 tooth is also stamped 88 on top of the head. The selector and plate are different on the 88's too. The plate is shaped like a tear drop. Your's is a Danaher model and 36 tooth I think.

plinker · Aug 16, 2018

The Matco is 36 tooth Danaher ratchet, These ratchets proceeded the 60 tooth ratchets. Not junk by any means, just average.

FWIW, theory is the mechanism is better quality compared to the plastic selector Craftsman ratchets of the same style.

wyattstihl · Aug 16, 2018

plinker said:
The Matco is 36 tooth Danaher ratchet, These ratchets proceeded the 60 tooth ratchets. Not junk by any means, just average.

FWIW, theory is the mechanism is better quality compared to the plastic selector Craftsman ratchets of the same style.

I figured it was a 36 tooth. So if I needed it warrantied/needed a repair kit I would order a 60 tooth? or could I put in an 88?

For the record, im happy with it as it was 20 bucks, but had I payed full price I would be dissapointed. Its pretty stiff and clunky, and I had it slip on me while tightening a 13/16 lug nut on a small trailer.

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Fedwrench · Aug 16, 2018

wyattstihl said:
I figured it was a 36 tooth. So if I needed it warrantied/needed a repair kit I would order a 60 tooth? or could I put in an 88?

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Neither. Sorry, the 60 or 88 tooth repair kits don't fit a 36 tooth ratchet. I'm not sure if the 36 tooth ratchet is still supported by Matco. You could always contact Matco to make sure. :beer:

wyattstihl · Aug 16, 2018

Fedwrench said:
Neither. Sorry, the 60 or 88 tooth repair kits don't fit a 36 tooth ratchet. I'm not sure if the 36 tooth ratchet is still supported by Matco. You could always contact Matco to make sure.

Thats what I’ll do. Thanks for helping me out

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plinker · Aug 16, 2018

My Matco guy had a 36 tooth kit I needed for a 1/2 drive torque wrench back a few months, Not sure how long support will be available for these, likely until stock runs out. +1 for contacting Matco.

Vicegrips · Dec 10, 2018

I have a allen 11900 ratchet that needs to be repaired. I’ve cleaned it and packed with suspension grease and it has restored some of its function but probably not for long. I can find a non quick release repair kit but I’d like to have the QR if I can. It looks like the master force teardrop internals in the OP pictures. If anyone has any insight I’d be much appreciated!

Need some info on a Craftsman and Matco ratchet

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