craftsman 43795 tri wing 1/4" ratchet.

[waterboy12]

Can anybody tell me about this ratchet? Picked it up off eBay for $9. Tooth count? Manufacture date? Anything? Thanks guys.

 

[SMKS]

Made by Stanley. The ones I've seen were not marked "USA" because I don't think they're made in the USA. Taiwan, I would guess.

 

[Lomotil]

Taiwan. 80's or so. Introduced as a cheaper alternative to their USA tools, didn't last too long. I like the thumb knurling that allows you to spin the gears without swinging the handle, but that's about it's only redeeming quality, IMO.

 

[transittech]

When they get older/well used they don't reverse directions very easily.

 

[nyrapscalion]

They get rusty quick. Then they don't turn. I had a guy I worked with in the past, had the jumbo stanley set...like $99 at costco. One by one, the ratchets died, either stripped out or rusted in place. The remains of the set went in the dumpster one day. That was the end of the stanley/taiwan ****.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I have a full set of all three, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives.
Bought early 1980's.

Not my go-to ratchtes, but they are capable tools.

Made in Taiwan. I did break two of the 3/8" 's over the years and got C'man chromed and polished "pear heads" as replacements.

They are far from collectors items but can get the job done.

 

[Hootbro]

Most people avoid those ratchets. The pawls used were a very cheesy metal injection molding process and tended to wear very quickly.

 

[waterboy12]

Thanks for the replys. I picked the set up for +- $25, I don't think it was a bad deal. I'll put them in the box and they'll be there if I ever need them. I do like the way they look. They'll look nice beside my set of RHFT's

 

[plinker]

I've got one in 3/8 drive. I think the spinner on top is a better design (easier to turn).

Not a bad tool but I dont use it much either. Not sure on tooth count, probably 45-50.