Craftsman rhft 1/2" drive flexheads expert ?

[thetool]

Howdy, I bought these 3 ratchets from a guy who hoarded new craftsman tools, does anyone know who made these ?, 1 is different it has a pin that goes thru the drive to release the sockets, the other 2 are solid, thanks

 

[thetool]

Pics

 

[thetool]

Actually all 3 are different, 1 is a 44983 vvt 1 is a 44983 v and the 1 with the pin is a 44973 v

 

[Fedwrench]

Your answer is written on the back of the handle. look for a 1-3 digit date code like V, VV, VVA, etc. There's a thread here somewhere about Craftsman date codes and manufacturers. The one with the pin type quick release will be the oldest. In fact on the back of that ratchet's handle may be a bunch of patents. In actuality they were probably made by Easco depending on age but, Easco was absorbed by KD tool and then Danaher.

Those ratchets have a cult following and usually command around $100 each on Ebay. :Beer:

 

[gdocktor3]

http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867.0
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84807

 

[thesilverone]

easco/danaher made. Nice finds!!!!

 

[Richard Cranium]

So did you get a deal on them?

 

[thetool]

So did you get a deal on them?

ya