Craftsman 1/4" Ratchet Set

[Roberts210]

I bought this metal case at Andy Andersen's used tool store in Santa Monica in the 1990's. It was just a bare case with no tools in it. But I had a Craftsman 1/4" ratchet set that I kept in a cardboard box, and it was a perfect fit. I use it all the time.

I've added a few things over the years--a 10 mm socket and a small wrench. It all fits perfectly.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I got a set just like that, but the red insert was missing, But all the tools looked to be old new stock. It also has the bar to put into the breaker bar handle.
Mine has a different ratchet.

 

[Roberts210]

Yeah, I have that bar somewhere. Haven't seen it in awhile.
That insert is cracked badly. I may replace it with something--not sure what yet.

 

[Richard Cranium]

When you figure that out, Pm. me with the detail so I can also.

 

[tym]

My dad has the identical set. It also has a T-bar in there.

 

[Richard Cranium]

You don't find many of the T-bars, most got threw away

 

[bdk1976]

Just picked up one just like it at an estate sale yesterday. No ratchet but breaker bar extension and sockets....of course my insert is cracked too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tym]

You don't find many of the T-bars, most got threw away

Throwing away a perfectly good tool? Gah!

 

[four.cycle]

^ About a month back I watched that exact same box (with a good red insert) get bid up to $42.00 + shipping on Ebay.

you can find sets with the insert intact, and sometimes just the boxes, but they usually get bid way up.

try some "Seal-All" on the back side - that should work just dandy to effect a repair.

this stuff: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Seal-All...gclid=CLmP4tKS0csCFVBbfgodFM4GdA&gclsrc=aw.ds

about $5 at Ace Hardware.

 

[Roberts210]

That's a good idea four-cycle. I hadn't thought of reinforcing the back side.

 

[boomer12831]

I have the same set also. Mine must be a little newer cause it has the plastic box instead of the nice metal one. I got it around 1976 or so. I have the little extension that is like a spring to work as a flex. I love that style ratchet. I have it in 3/8 and 1/2 inch also. Some of the first tools that I got as a teenager. Do you guys know what style they call it ? Thanks, Ed

 

[theoldwizard1]

My Dad had the metal box one, but I don't ever recall the insert.

When I bought mine in the 70s, it had the plastic blow mold case. After 30 some years it fell apart. Luckily, somewhere I picked up a second case !

It is actually big enough to hold all of my 1/4" metric sockets, a 3" and 6" extension and a universal.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Ok, so tell me what the metal bar is for that fits into the breaker bar.
Here is my set.
They look old new stock.

 

[four.cycle]

It's a "Tee" bar. (aka "cross bar")
Used with the breaker bar: slips into the hole in the end of the handle so you can affix a socket to the end of the breaker and use it like a "Tee" socket wrench.

Really OLD "socket wrenches" (made by Walden-Worcester, Lane, Ray, and others) were "Tee" socket wrenches - with non-removable socket ends.

My best guess would be that the "Tee" bar included in later sockets sets is a carry-over from the original "Tee" socket wrenches:



You have to credit the old timers - they must have had hands of steel to secure head bolts and manifold bolts with something like that!

 

[Richard Cranium]

thanks four cycle.

 

[lbgradwell]

Here is my set.
They look old new stock.

That's a sweet set. Odd that the insert is missing from so pristine a set...

Is the case really the powder blue it appears to be in the photo?