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Craftsman hard-handle ratchets

G

gj67stang

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Jan 9, 2010
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897
Location
Sycamore, OH
(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!

CIMG6509.jpg


CIMG6508.jpg



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:

CIMG6533.jpg


Contact me for pricing if you'd like a set of these.
 
Last edited:
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Lomotil

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Wow... Excellent work!

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

gj67stang

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Messages
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idoitproject said:
What kind of lathe is that? Also what is a good entry lathe?
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...

PM inbound.
 
A

a390st

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Jun 9, 2008
Messages
920
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.
 
S

SticketsFTW

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Mar 14, 2011
Messages
84
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!
 
K

Keep

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Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
1,398
Location
Oshawa, Ontario
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!
 
J

Joe B.

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Jan 2, 2007
Messages
2,752
how do you get the handles off of the screwdrivers? (Or the screwdriver shafts out of the screwdriver handles?)
 
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Aklass

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Jan 15, 2011
Messages
308
I wish I could do this! then I can create myself a duralast flex with comfort grip..
 
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airdale

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

gj67stang

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Messages
897
Location
Sycamore, OH
JSBriggs said:
While cool, I'll bet your ratchet drawer now smells like vomit. :D

-Jeff
Click to expand...

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
Click to expand...

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?
Click to expand...

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

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??
Click to expand...

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?
Click to expand...

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?)
Click to expand...

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!
Click to expand...

bonneyman said:
:thumbup:I've got several rats I wouldn't mind "upgrading" this way!
Click to expand...

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:
 
M

mixxmstrmike

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Apr 15, 2010
Messages
330
Location
San Jose, CA
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
 
F

fordbroncodave

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Sep 15, 2009
Messages
4,555
submit that ratchet handle idea to the sears craftsman division and they might reward you for your ideas.
 
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G

gj67stang

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Messages
897
Location
Sycamore, OH
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!
 
Last edited:
G

Gtamazing

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Fort Erie On.
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!
Click to expand...

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.
 
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Kirbot

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New Jersey
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.
Click to expand...

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!
 
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G

gj67stang

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Messages
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Location
Sycamore, OH
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.
Click to expand...

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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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G

gj67stang

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Messages
897
Location
Sycamore, OH
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?).

CIMG6514.jpg



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

CIMG6523.jpg
 
Last edited:
J

Joe B.

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Messages
2,752
I was actually thinking that the handles on a Craftsman pry bars or scrapers would look nice on a ratchet.
00947406000-1
 
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Pro-Painter

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Location
Winston-Salem, NC
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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