Craftsman 3/8 ratchet

[YellowDB]

Hey every one not sure if it is a vintage ratchet not big into craftsman mainly into Mac tools(jokes from you guys are sure to follow) but the number on the tool is 43785 I would like to now some info on this before I bring it into sears and try to exchange it.

Thanks everyone!

 

[oak_park]

Other than likely having a metal directional selector, it's nothing special and expect a Chinese made ratchet if returned to sears.

 

[bonneyman]

Any pics? If it's an older USA-made example in decent shape I'd get a spare rebuild kit for it and keep it. Or sell to one of the C-man hounds.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Does it has the push button release?

 

[CNGsaves]

First off . . . . Welcome to GJ. You'll get great advice from GJer's . . . .
. . . . . . . IF . . . you provide as much info as possible, including PICTURES.

So with your first post, you've earned your first . . . .
. . . .

 

[Jim C.]

Lately I've been engaged in a Craftsman teardrop ratchet type study, focusing on those made between approximately 1956 and 1993. Based on my best research to date, the 3/8" drive bearing model #43785, came with at least two different manufacturer's codes (-V- and -VV-). The earliest #43785 also had two U.S. patent numbers, and one Canadian patent number on its handle with a -V- manufacturer's code. The second generation #43785 no longer had the patent info but retained the -V- code. My information at this point may or may not be completely accurate, but I believe the third generation #43795 was produced with a -VV- manufacturer's code. The age of your ratchet can be approximately determined by the stuff cast onto its handle. Generally speaking, I believe the #43785 was offered by Craftsman between 1967 and 1979. All three generations of the #43785 that I've observed have an oil/lubrication hole on the top of their heads, a metal long lever selector, the quick release feature, and "flat top" or barn style letter "A"s in the word Craftsman. It was also the first Craftsman 3/8" drive teardrop ratchet to have its model cast onto the handle. In terms of value, the #43785 is relatively inexpensive. Their average selling price on Ebay is about $10 - $15 give or take. As far as I can tell, the most commonly seen version of #43785 is the second one as described above, with the -V- code and no patent info.

So there you have it.... I'm not 100% sure about all the facts and figures stated above, but I feel like it's relatively accurate. If anyone reading this has any constructive suggestions, additional info, corrections, etc. I'd really appreciate hearing from you. I'm trying to fine tune my Craftsman teardrop ratchet type study. The more information I have the better the information I can spit back out in threads like this one.

Jim C.

 

[LB-1911]

Hey every one not sure if it is a vintage ratchet not big into craftsman mainly into Mac tools(jokes from you guys are sure to follow) but the number on the tool is 43785 I would like to now some info on this before I bring it into sears and try to exchange it.

Thanks everyone!

Grab your ratchet; -V- or -VV- Patent date on handle or not?

Bullets for ease of reading.

Lately I've been engaged in a Craftsman teardrop ratchet type study, focusing on those made between approximately 1956 and 1993.

Based on my best research to date, the 3/8" drive bearing model #43785, came with at least two different manufacturer's codes (-V- and -VV-).

The earliest #43785 also had two U.S. patent numbers, and one Canadian patent number on its handle with a -V- manufacturer's code.

The second generation #43785 no longer had the patent info but retained the -V- code.

My information at this point may or may not be completely accurate, but I believe the third generation #43795 was produced with a -VV- manufacturer's code.

The age of your ratchet can be approximately determined by the stuff cast onto its handle.

Generally speaking, I believe the #43785 was offered by Craftsman between 1967 and 1979.

All three generations of the #43785 that I've observed have an oil/lubrication hole on the top of their heads, a metal long lever selector, the quick release feature, and "flat top" or barn style letter "A"s in the word Craftsman.

It was also the first Craftsman 3/8" drive teardrop ratchet to have its model cast onto the handle.

In terms of value, the #43785 is relatively inexpensive.

Their average selling price on Ebay is about $10 - $15 give or take.

As far as I can tell, the most commonly seen version of #43785 is the second one as described above, with the -V- code and no patent info.

Jim C.

 

[Jim C.]

Hey every one not sure if it is a vintage ratchet not big into craftsman mainly into Mac tools(jokes from you guys are sure to follow) but the number on the tool is 43785 I would like to now some info on this before I bring it into sears and try to exchange it.

Thanks everyone!

I tried to answer your question as completely and accurately as possible. So, maybe you can tell me why you want to take your ratchet back to Sears for a replacement? In return for your 35+ year old, made in the USA ratchet, you'll only receive the current teardrop type ratchet that was most likely made in china. I'd stick with your #43785, particularly if it's in good working order. With a good cleaning of the internals, followed by a few strategically placed dollops of Super Lube, your #43785 should be up for any typical DIYer applications.

Jim C.

 

[Kaervak]

Lately I've been engaged in a Craftsman teardrop ratchet type study, focusing on those made between approximately 1956 and 1993. Based on my best research to date, the 3/8" drive bearing model #43785, came with at least two different manufacturer's codes (-V- and -VV-). The earliest #43785 also had two U.S. patent numbers, and one Canadian patent number on its handle with a -V- manufacturer's code. The second generation #43785 no longer had the patent info but retained the -V- code. My information at this point may or may not be completely accurate, but I believe the third generation #43795 was produced with a -VV- manufacturer's code. The age of your ratchet can be approximately determined by the stuff cast onto its handle. Generally speaking, I believe the #43785 was offered by Craftsman between 1967 and 1979. All three generations of the #43785 that I've observed have an oil/lubrication hole on the top of their heads, a metal long lever selector, the quick release feature, and "flat top" or barn style letter "A"s in the word Craftsman. It was also the first Craftsman 3/8" drive teardrop ratchet to have its model cast onto the handle. In terms of value, the #43785 is relatively inexpensive. Their average selling price on Ebay is about $10 - $15 give or take. As far as I can tell, the most commonly seen version of #43785 is the second one as described above, with the -V- code and no patent info.

So there you have it.... I'm not 100% sure about all the facts and figures stated above, but I feel like it's relatively accurate. If anyone reading this has any constructive suggestions, additional info, corrections, etc. I'd really appreciate hearing from you. I'm trying to fine tune my Craftsman teardrop ratchet type study. The more information I have the better the information I can spit back out in threads like this one.

Jim C.

I have two variants of this ratchet. One with the US and Canadian patent numbers and one without. If anyone wants pictures, just let me know.

 

[Jim C.]

I have two variants of this ratchet. One with the US and Canadian patent numbers and one without. If anyone wants pictures, just let me know.

Sure!!! Let's see what you have.

 

[YellowDB]

Haha sorry for no pictures on the first post I work second shift and was elbows deep in a krummy international engine. The ratchet has the -V- with no patents and the push button. The ratchet feel mushy in the selector switch I took it apart and saw no detent ball just a spring(not sure if this is how they are supposed to be) but here are some pictures of the ratchet.

 

[YellowDB]

I tried to answer your question as completely and accurately as possible. So, maybe you can tell me why you want to take your ratchet back to Sears for a replacement? In return for your 35+ year old, made in the USA ratchet, you'll only receive the current teardrop type ratchet that was most likely made in china. I'd stick with your #43785, particularly if it's in good working order. With a good cleaning of the internals, followed by a few strategically placed dollops of Super Lube, your #43785 should be up for any typical DIYer applications.

Jim C.

Yes you did help a lot thank you!

 

[Jim C.]

Haha sorry for no pictures on the first post I work second shift and was elbows deep in a krummy international engine. The ratchet has the -V- with no patents and the push button. The ratchet feel mushy in the selector switch I took it apart and saw no detent ball just a spring(not sure if this is how they are supposed to be) but here are some pictures of the ratchet.

Thanks for the photo. Based on what I see, you have the second version of the #43785 teardrop ratchet. It should definitely have a spring and detent ball inside just below the direction selector. Speaking of the selector, I'd have to say the selector on your ratchet appears to have been replaced with one that came from a Craftsman 3/8" drive flex head ratchet. I've never seen that selector on a standard length, non flex head Craftsman ratchet.

Jim C.

 

[Kaervak]

Sure!!! Let's see what you have.

http://imgur.com/a/ilZBm

Not the greatest, my long suffering 3GS tries though.

 

[Jim C.]

Yes you did help a lot thank you!

Okay, so why do you want to trade it in? Looks like it just needs a little ball bearing to operate correctly. Even with the flex head selector, it should still work fine once the detent ball is put back on the spring.

Jim C.

 

[YellowDB]

I was just juggling the idea of trading it in I might not trade it in. You have any places where I can get a rebuild kit I do not have the Detent ball, I got the ratchet as you see in the pictures.

 

[Jim C.]

http://imgur.com/a/ilZBm

Not the greatest, my long suffering 3GS tries though.

The pictures were fine. From what I can see, you do have the second version of the #43785 Craftsman teardrop ratchet. It's the one the on the left, and is clearly marked with "43785." The ratchet on the right in each of your photos is actually not a model #43785. The first #43785 had TWO U.S. patent numbers and one Canadian patent number. The handle also had the model number (43785) included on it. If you look closely at your ratchet, it only has ONE U.S. patent and one Canadian patent. Your ratchet also does not include the model number. In my type study, your ratchet was actually produced one type earlier than the appearance of the first #43785, and was the last one to appear without a model number stamped into its handle. Thanks for the photos.

Jim C.

 

[Jim C.]

I was just juggling the idea of trading it in I might not trade it in. You have any places where I can get a rebuild kit I do not have the Detent ball, I got the ratchet as you see in the pictures.

You might find a rebuild kit at your local Sears or online. Also, I've have had GREAT luck finding various hardware at my local Ace Hardware Store. They have one whole asile dedicated to fasteners, nuts, bolts, and other stuff to include various sized ball bearings. They also have various sized little springs. All you need is a ball bearing. I'd check Ace first.

Jim C.

 

[ganymede]

Don't have much to just want to be on record as someone who's interested in the teardrop type study.

 

[Jim C.]

Don't have much to just want to be on record as someone who's interested in the teardrop type study.

Thanks! It's still a work in progress.