Craftsman RHFT 1/2" clone?

[j.c.whitney]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-Tools-73...341?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad687f2a5

This sure looks like an older Craftsman RHFT, stamped USA, sold by Cripe, is it NOS or something? Might have to buy one.

 

[cmorr]

I found an earlier thread

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92865

 

[bobcatdan]

There is an old master mechanic rhft floating around the shop somewhere. Remember craftsman doesn't make anything, they just rebadge.

 

[billymade]

KD is/was Danaher... now Apex Tool Group..

http://www.kd-tools.com/contact.html

 

[Bull]

That ratchet design appeared with several companies' names on it.

 

[John316]

I grabbed one of these and it's a nice 1/2" RHFT. The Mechanism is 100% the same as the Craftsman version. In fact, originally made by the same company.

I actually have much older versions of the same ratchet branded as Easco. These were also sold branded by NAPA and of course K-D. In the older models, the label was on a raised panel and as far as I know they were all made by Easco. I believe this is also the case for the Craftsman RHFT, but I am sure there are many others who have more info on this.

Here's and example of the older Easco version:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-1970s-...578?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae74be9c2

 

[j.c.whitney]

I learn something new every day on here. Not sure what to think of KD tools after reading that link. Is that Ratchet NOS or currently in production? Anyone have a p/n for the 3/8" or 1/4"?

 

[concealer404]

This might not be the right thread for it, but what's the advantage of these round head ratchet vs teardrop/pear?

 

[Fedwrench]

Not a clone, just a different branch of the family tree. As others have pointed out, the RHFT quick release ratchet was branded master mechanic, napa, allen, easco,and KD, to name a few. At any rate, it is NOS, although not really old as the KD is stamped into the handle instead of being on a rasied wedge. KD is still in business but, they don't make ratchets, wrenches, sockets, extensions, or screwdrivers (mechanics hand tools) any more. The mechanics hand tool division of KD was killed off at least three years ago to provide for Gearwrench's expansion. There are probably tons or at least several hundred pounds of KD hand tools being offered at various closeout places. Stock up while you can!! When they're gone, I'll miss them. It's a great ratchet.

 

[jrodc455]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012WN8L8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[j.c.whitney]

Received K-D 1/2" RHFT Ratchet from Cripe. Nice crisp, fine tooth action as described, bargain at $21 imo. Won't be needing another 1/2" Ratchet.

 

[Fordman7795]

There is an old master mechanic rhft floating around the shop somewhere. Remember craftsman doesn't make anything, they just rebadge.

I have a master mechanic as well. Usa made

 

[stratman977]

I bought one of those ratchets from Cripe as well. Haven't taken it apart but its not as crisp as the 30 year old craftsman one I have.

I hope you realize that Cripe buys seconds and closeouts so those ratchets may have been rejects that they slapped together at the factory and sold off cheap. I bought a Armstrong socket set from Cripe and half of the number stampings were crooked. They do the job but Cripe isn't always forthcoming about their tools being seconds or maybe the dont even know half the time. Not trying to flame Cripe cause they have great deals and I buy stuff from them all the time, it just is what it is.

On a side note the kits for these ratchets are NLA at NAPA. I tried to get a 1/4" drive kit last week and it says at the warehouse on their website but when they tried to get it it came up in their system as NLA.