Craftsman hard-handle ratchets

gj67stang · Mar 15, 2011

(Ordering/pricing information below and in post #30 of this thread. Also available for purchase in the "Classifieds" section)

Thought I'd share a recent modification I did to some Craftsman raised-panel ratchets.

The guts aren't great, but they are a lot more comfortable now!

Craftsman Hard Handle Ratchet - Pricing and Ordering

Due to the large amount of interest this ratchet modification has generated, I've put together some info so you can get some of these ratchets for yourself.

The ratchets pictured in the 1st post of this thread are the standard 1/4" raised-panel, 3/8" mid-length 44808 raised-panel, and 1/2" raised panel. The handles used, respecively, are from a P2 screwdriver, P3 driver, and a P4 driver.

For those of you interested in doing this to your ratchet(s), or something similar, here are the options available:

~ Purchase a complete, ready-made set from me

~ Purchase individual, ready-made ratchets

~ Send me your ratchets and screwdrivers, I'll machine and assemble everything

~ Send me ratchets with a desired handle diameter(s) to machine to and you assemble the ratchet upon return to you

Pricing:
(shipping NOT included in prices)

Complete set of 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 ratchets with blue/clear hard handles: $139.00

Pre-made 1/4": $32

Pre-made 3/8": $48

Pre-made 1/2": $64

Machining (you provide ratchet(s) & screwdriver(s)):

1/4" - $14

3/8" - $19

1/2" - $26

Machining (you provide dimension to machine to):

1/4" - $12

3/8" - $17

1/2" - $24

Other options are available; different ratchets (flex, stubbby, polished, premium, etc) and/or handles (Craftsman Pro, Snap-On, etc) can be utilized as well as different brands can be machine besides Craftsman. Contact me for details and pricing.

Contact me via PM with any questions or interest.

Here are some Craftsman thin-profile ratchets with Craftsman Professional handles:

Contact me for pricing if you'd like a set of these.

tonydanzah · Mar 15, 2011

those cman screwdriver handles really do make comfortable grips

Pro-Painter · Mar 15, 2011

wow thats great work. How much you charge me to mill down a ratchet handle like that? Just the metal work, not the hard handles.

DanCo · Mar 15, 2011

Here's my 3/8" CMan BE Hard Handle

Lomotil · Mar 15, 2011

Wow... Excellent work!

I'm all about making custom tools, but never thought of doing this... Nice job!

idoitproject · Mar 15, 2011

What kind of lathe is that? Also what is a good entry lathe?

gj67stang · Mar 15, 2011

idoitproject said:
What kind of lathe is that? Also what is a good entry lathe?

It's a Craftsman 101.07301 6"x18". Its an oldie from the '40s, but still works like a dream for me. I'd love a bigger machine, but with the space I have, this is all that will fit. If you don't have much experience with machining tools, I'd suggest starting small (4"-9" range). Keep your eyes open for used Atlas, Craftsman, Clausing, Sherline, Southbend machines.

Pro-Painter said:
wow thats great work. How much you charge me to mill down a ratchet handle like that? Just the metal work, not the hard handles.

PM inbound.

a390st · Mar 15, 2011

Now people can complain about their ratchet handles stinking.

I like the job you did. I'll bet those handles are comfortable on ratchets. That would be a cool offering from Sears.

SticketsFTW · Mar 15, 2011

I have to say I have never liked any ratchet handel mod thread on this forum

But....

Those are very well done and they look great!

Keep · Mar 15, 2011

Now just mod some RHFT models and call Sears!

Oh yeah, those look great

Travisnd · Mar 15, 2011

I don't have any handles but I'd be interested in sending you a ratchet and money to do this!

LincolnCont. · Mar 15, 2011

Was it difficult getting the ratchet centered on the lathe?

mrholeshot · Mar 15, 2011

Thats the coolest ratchet mod ever.

Keep · Mar 15, 2011

I can see the ebay listing already "ULTRA RARE Craftsman Hard handled ratchet" Own your own Ultra rare vintage (have to throw vintage in the title) Craftsman ratchets!

Bidding starts at the low low price of $150...get them while they last!

Joe B. · Mar 15, 2011

how do you get the handles off of the screwdrivers? (Or the screwdriver shafts out of the screwdriver handles?)

Gtamazing · Mar 15, 2011

How much interference did you put between the handle and the ratchet?

Kirbot · Mar 15, 2011

Looks great!
Really a great idea.

Could be interesting getting them warrantied though. :spit:

Aklass · Mar 15, 2011

I wish I could do this! then I can create myself a duralast flex with comfort grip..

muddyjoe15 · Mar 15, 2011

Great work! Wonder how one of the new premium ratchets would work out to do something like this??

bonneyman · Mar 15, 2011

Travisnd said:
I don't have any handles but I'd be interested in sending you a ratchet and money to do this!

I've got several rats I wouldn't mind "upgrading" this way!

bmxr4life87 · Mar 15, 2011

I'd like to know how you centered the ratchet in the lathe

leod · Mar 15, 2011

they seem longer too, i like this mod

airdale · Mar 15, 2011

You really should list them on ebay, might be some good hobby income. List them as custom.

JSBriggs · Mar 15, 2011

While cool, I'll bet your ratchet drawer now smells like vomit.

-Jeff

gj67stang · Mar 16, 2011

JSBriggs said:
While cool, I'll bet your ratchet drawer now smells like vomit.

-Jeff

These handles actually seem to have a fruity smell to them, at least for now! :lol_hitti

leod said:
they seem longer too, i like this mod

Yep, the overall length only increases by about an inch, but it allows you to put your hand much further back on the ratchet.

LincolnCont. said:
Was it difficult getting the ratchet centered on the lathe?

bmxr4life87 said:
I'd like to know how you centered the ratchet in the lathe

Not too hard:
4-jaw independant chuck + dial indicator and stand + a minute or two = decently centered ratchet

muddyjoe15 said:
Great work! Wonder how one of the new premium ratchets would work out to do something like this??

It could be done, I'm not sure about cutting up a $50 to $80 ratchet though! :lol_hitti

Gtamazing said:
How much interference did you put between the handle and the ratchet?

I tried to go for -0.005" but the handles have enough "give" in them that when they are bored out they "spring back" a couple thousandths more.

Joe B. said:
how do you get the handles off of the screwdrivers? (Or the screwdriver shafts out of the screwdriver handles?)

How I do it:
Clamp screwdriver shank in vise with handle up.
Slip flare-nut crowsfoot over shank under handle (prevents marring the handle)
Two prybars on opposing sides, pry against the vise onto the crowsfoot, "pushing" handle up.
Reposition shank further down in vise as handle comes off.

Travisnd said:
I don't have any handles but I'd be interested in sending you a ratchet and money to do this!

bonneyman said:
I've got several rats I wouldn't mind "upgrading" this way!

There have been several interested in having some ratchets modified in this manner. I'm currently working up some pricing and "order" info and will update the thread ASAP. :thumbup:

mixxmstrmike · Mar 16, 2011

That's a great mod, right there. I'm glad you shared it with the rest of us! Oh... and if Craftsman mysteriously starts doing this, we know who did it FIRST!

:bowdown:

-Mike

Theloniousmonk · Mar 16, 2011

This is greatness indeed! Good job!

I'm half tempted to donate my 3/8 premium for the mod... but I think a different handle would be needed (pro possibly?)...

Good stuff!

W650Mike · Mar 16, 2011

Cool look!

Aligning the Craftsman name shows craftsmanship beyond the common hack job. Nice touch.

fordbroncodave · Mar 16, 2011

submit that ratchet handle idea to the sears craftsman division and they might reward you for your ideas.

gj67stang · Mar 16, 2011

Craftsman Hard Handle Ratchet - Pricing and Ordering

Due to the large amount of interest this ratchet modification has generated, I've put together some info so you can get some of these ratchets for yourself.

The ratchets pictured in the 1st post of this thread are the standard 1/4" raised-panel, 3/8" mid-length 44808 raised-panel, and 1/2" raised panel. The handles used, respecively, are from a P2 screwdriver, P3 driver, and a P4 driver.

For those of you interested in doing this to your ratchet(s), or something similar, here are the options available:

~ Purchase a complete, ready-made set from me

~ Purchase individual, ready-made ratchets

~ Send me your ratchets and screwdrivers, I'll machine and assemble everything

~ Send me ratchets with a desired handle diameter(s) to machine to and you assemble the ratchet upon return to you

Pricing:
(shipping NOT included in prices)

Complete set of 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 ratchets with blue/clear hard handles: $139.00

Pre-made 1/4": $32

Pre-made 3/8": $48

Pre-made 1/2": $64

Machining (you provide ratchet(s) & screwdriver(s)):

1/4" - $14

3/8" - $19

1/2" - $26

Machining (you provide dimension to machine to):

1/4" - $12

3/8" - $17

1/2" - $24

Other options are available; different ratchets (flex, stubbby, polished, premium, etc) and/or handles (Cman Pro, Snap-On, etc.) can be utilized as well as different brands can be machine besides Craftsman. Contact me for details and pricing.

Contact me via PM with any questions or interest.

Thanks!

Gtamazing · Mar 16, 2011

gj67stang said:
Craftsman Hard Handle Ratchet - Pricing and Ordering

Due to the large amount of interest this ratchet modification has generated, I've put together some info so you can get some of these ratchets for yourself.

The ratchets pictured in the 1st post of this thread are the standard 1/4" raised-panel, 3/8" mid-length 44808 raised-panel, and 1/2" raised panel. The handles used, respecively, are from a P2 screwdriver, P3 driver, and a P4 driver.

For those of you interested in doing this to your ratchet(s), or something similar, here are the options available:

~ Purchase a complete, ready-made set from me

~ Purchase individual, ready-made ratchets

~ Send me your ratchets and screwdrivers, I'll machine and assemble everything

~ Send me ratchets with a desired handle diameter(s) to machine to and you assemble the ratchet upon return to you

Pricing:
(shipping NOT included in prices)

Complete set of 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 ratchets with blue/clear hard handles: $139.00

Pre-made 1/4": $32

Pre-made 3/8": $48

Pre-made 1/2": $64

Machining (you provide ratchet(s) & screwdriver(s)):

1/4" - $14

3/8" - $19

1/2" - $26

Machining (you provide dimension to machine to):

1/4" - $12

3/8" - $17

1/2" - $24

Other options are available; different ratchets (flex, stubbby, polished, premium, etc) and/or handles (Cman Pro, Snap-On, etc.) can be utilized as well as different brands can be machine besides Craftsman. Contact me for details and pricing.

Contact me via PM with any questions or interest.

Thanks!

Your prices for machining are down right cheap. I did a New Britain/Xcelite a few weeks ago and I only had to bore the handle.Maybe I'm greedy or lazy but I wouldn't do any size for less than $30.

treasureseeker · Mar 16, 2011

Will the ratchet rust where it meets the handle. I assume it is bare metal at that point

Kirbot · Mar 16, 2011

Gtamazing said:
Your prices for machining are down right cheap. I did a New Britain/Xcelite a few weeks ago and I only had to bore the handle.Maybe I'm greedy or lazy but I wouldn't do any size for less than $30.

Very cheap indeed!
Especially considering how long it must take to turn them down from that shape on such a small lathe.

Even on my 10" atlas, turning square/rectangular stock takes a bit of time.

If anybody want's one of these, nows your chance.
You'll never find a machine shop that will do it at those prices!

gj67stang · Mar 16, 2011

Gtamazing said:
Your prices for machining are down right cheap. I did a New Britain/Xcelite a few weeks ago and I only had to bore the handle.Maybe I'm greedy or lazy but I wouldn't do any size for less than $30.

I guess I must just be cheap! :lol_hitti

treasureseeker said:
Will the ratchet rust where it meets the handle. I assume it is bare metal at that point

The machined surfaces are bare metal (no chrome). I wiped the ratchets down with some WD40 before pressing on the handles to help lubricate slightly and to help provide some corrosion prevention under the handle. Unfortunately, I don't have the ability to re-plate the ratchet after machining it!

I assume that using the same care and maintenance you would use on any other tool, these ratchets can be prevented from rusting.

gj67stang · Mar 16, 2011

Here's something for those who don't like the Craftsman option: a 3/8" SK 45170 ratchet with an handle from an old SK file (same as their screwdriver handles?).

Or a cheap-o 1/4" Popular Mechanics ratchet with a Snap-On wannabe handle:

Joe B. · Mar 16, 2011

I was actually thinking that the handles on a Craftsman pry bars or scrapers would look nice on a ratchet.

gj67stang · Mar 18, 2011

How about a 3/8" Craftsman thin-profile ratchet with a Professional handle:

mrholeshot · Mar 18, 2011

I wouldn't mind getting a set of the three in the professional line.

gj67stang · Mar 19, 2011

Here's a complete set of Craftsman thin-profile ratchets with Craftsman Professional handles:

Pro-Painter · Mar 19, 2011

Wow that looks good. When I get the handles I want, I'm going to have you do a couple for me.

I want to make sure I can get the handles I want before I go and mill down my ratchets..

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