Craftsman RHFT Ratchets On Way Out

[lauver]

The new catalog doesn't really list individual drive tools. Besides, it would only be a loss if they stopped making the round head fine tooth quick release ratchets. The regular Craftsman round head ratchet without quick release isn't that good. The new catalog refers you to sears.com/shoptools to shop for open stock items. I don't think the writing is on the wall yet for their demise. I think it's just the new stupid tool catalog not listing open stock or individual ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. The new catalog *****.

Fedwrench,

First, the RHFT ratchets I was refering to are the oldschool models with raised flat panel handles and quick release feature. The newer RHFT ratchets with round handles and no QR are pure **** and not worth discussing or fretting over.

I hope your are right and that I am wrong...I would hate to see these wonderful ratchets go the way of the dinosaur.

I did a little checking and found that there were three Power and Hand Tool catalogs that were dated 2008-2009. The earlier two catalogs listed and pictured five models of the RHFT ratchet. The last catalog did not list or picture any of the RHFT ratchets. I also checked sears.com today and found four of the original five models still available (the 3/8 flex version was missing), and each of these four ratchets were available for shipping. I also checked with a friend that works for Sears and he informed me that rebuild kits are still available for the RHFT ratchets. So, perhaps there is still hope.

 

[kythri]

3/8 Flex is still there:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ics+Tools&sName=Ratchets&keyword=flex+ratchet

 

[Tennesseepowerstroke]

Gang,

Has anybody else noticed the old school RHFT (Round Head Fine Tooth) ratchets are conspicuously missing from the new 2009-2010 Hand Tool catalog?

These ratchets are still listed on Sears.com, but there is zero inventory for some of the models. The low/no inventory situation has been like this since October or November of 2008.

Better get some now if you can; I think the "writings on the wall".

Such a pitty; these were arguably some of the best Craftsman ratchets ever made. For whatever reason, Sears failed to actively promote these fine ratchets from their introduction in the early 1970's.

Anybody got any theories on why Sears would adopt such a low profile marketing strategy for these ratchets? I can think of some, but they are not rational or logical.

EDIT: The RHFT ratchets I'm refering too are the old school ones with classic raised flat panel handles (not the newer style fully polished sorta round handled ones).

I bought an early model RHFT ratchet last week without a Sears model or part number. It only says Craftsman and Patent Pending. Would there be any added value or collectability as this should be one of the earliest ones made? I bought the ratchet, and 2 Craftsman ball pein hammers, 24 and 32oz for $10.

 

[sk farmer]

i have sk pro ratchets in almost every configuration . regular, long , stubby, compact and plastic handle . you can order a rebuild kit with a speed wheel in 3/8 or 1/2. i have a 3/8 in standard handle. i also have fine tooth, tuff one and a tear drop sk. the tear drop is the last one i ever use. i think internal parts on it are the same or close to cman. everone has their opinion but i like my sk ratchets i also have a no name import with internal parts nearly identical to a tuff one. an obvious copy. it looks alot like the toptul even though i have not had one in my hand. the best way to tell what you like is put one in your hand and use it and i like my sk ratchets over many others.

 

[lauver]

I bought an early model RHFT ratchet last week without a Sears model or part number. It only says Craftsman and Patent Pending. Would there be any added value or collectibility as this should be one of the earliest ones made? I bought the ratchet, and 2 Craftsman ball pein hammeers, 24 and 32oz for $10.

TPS,

Yes, that would be the earliest of these ratchets, definately collectable, and probably worth more than newer ones. How much? Who knows; but you can track sales of these ratchets on ebay and get some idea.

Of course, you could also clean it up, lube it, and use it.

Could you post a couple of photo's of your early RHFT ratchet? Perhaps a top side view, bottom side view, and close up view of the top of the ratchet head (with just enough resolution to be able to read any stampings or forge marks). Thanks.

 

[Tennesseepowerstroke]

TPS,

Yes, that would be the earliest of these ratchets, definately collectable, and probably worth more than newer ones. How much? Who knows; but you can track sales of these ratchets on ebay and get some idea.

Of course, you could also clean it up, lube it, and use it.

Could you post a couple of photo's of your early RHFT ratchet? Perhaps a top side view, bottom side view, and close up view of the top of the ratchet head (with just enough resolution to be able to read any stampings or forge marks). Thanks.

I will try this weekend. I am out of town for the week.

 

[loubapache]

With the double 10% off coupon for today, I bought the three ratchets in 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 (round head fine tooth, the raised panel type).

total: $58.97
Tax: $3.25
Shipping: $6.25
Coupon Discount: -11.21
Total Charges: $57.26

So basically it is free shipping and free tax.

 

[lauver]

Guys,

After months of research, I have the documented birthdate of the RHFT ratchet...1970.

Two guys were very instrumental in closing in on this difficult piece of information:

hholmberg--we've been trading PM's all week exchanging ratchet details and checking catalogs that each of us own. We had the birthdate narrowed down to 1970-1971. So close!

Tool Pants--on a lark, I saw a post by Tool Pants on another site (CC) and another topic where he mentioned the illusive 1970 catalog. I posted him about the catalog and RHFT ratchets. He sent me a scan of the 1970 catalog page introducing the RHFT "Sears Best" ratchets. Bingo! Also worthy of mention, Tool Pants noted that the original V-series teardrop ratchets (without quick release button) dissappeared in this same catalog, a fact that I never would have noticed had he not pointed it out. Good eyes!

And if that wasn't good enough, earlier this week, Tennesseepowerstroke posted (#43 & #46 above) about a RHFT ratchet he recently acquired; probably the earliest of the RHFT ratchets...no series code, no model number, just "patent pending". With luck, he'll post photo's of his recently acquired ratchet, now dated 1970.

As historical ratchet data goes, this is all quite a find. If you see these guys before I do, buy em a beer for me. They deserve it.

 

[davestlouis]

Extremely cool research guys! So, it's a 40 year old design, although Easco may have built them under their own brand prior to that...

 

[ImportTuner]

Guys,

After months of research, I have the documented birthdate of the RHFT ratchet...1970.

Two guys were very instrumental in closing in on this difficult piece of information:

hholmberg--we've been trading PM's all week exchanging ratchet details and checking catalogs that each of us own. We had the birthdate narrowed down to 1970-1971. So close!

Tool Pants--on a lark, I saw a post by Tool Pants on another site (CC) and another topic where he mentioned the illusive 1970 catalog. I posted him about the catalog and RHFT ratchets. He sent me a scan of the 1970 catalog page introducing the RHFT "Sears Best" ratchets. Bingo!

And if that wasn't good enough, earlier this week, Tennesseepowerstroke posted (#43 & #46 above) about a RHFT ratchet he recently acquired; probably the earliest of the RHFT ratchets...no series code, no model number, just "patent pending". With luck, he'll post photo's of his recently acquired ratchet, dated 1970.

As historical ratchet data goes, this is all quite a find. If you see these guys before I do, buy em a beer for me. They deserve it.

Good research; it was about 1971~1972 when I bought my first three RHFT ratchets that I still have ..

 

[MarkH]

Interesting. Then the 3 that I got in 1970 are fairly early. They are still being used routinely. I do remember the catalog talking about Sears Best and having to take them out of the bag at the catalog store so the owner could look at them.

Now as for the marketing of them. The schmuck doing the marketing most likely does not know a ratchet from a table saw. It is shiny, it is new, it will sell, we really do not know if it will work. Mine is do not give a damm if it shine, does it work.

Have used mainly two ratchet types since the 70's. Craftsman RHFT and Wrights. To quote an old Timex ad. They takes a licking and keeps ticking. Have others yes, but most farm purchases still go to these old standards.

 

[lauver]

Guys,

As far as I, or anybody else, can document...MDF never made the RHFT ratchets, in spite of the fact that the patent was issued in their name. By the time the RHFT ratchets were in production, Easco owned MDF and their patents.

I will of course, correct my statements, if anybody can provide evidence to the contrary.

 

[wyndycity]

Nice history lesson so far guys.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that's hungry for some pics on this thread so I'll contribute a bit....is this the ratchet everyone's talking about here?

View media item 595

View media item 596

I've had this for quite a few years. Picked it up at a garage sale for a couple bucks but I have no idea if it's old or new. It's pretty clean so I'm guessing it's newer. Anyone able to venture a guess?

Old or new, I love it and I recommend one. I'll never get those newer Craftsman ratchets with the black plastic like switches.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Yours should be considerably newer than 1978. My 1/2" the only one I bought new, and also the only one I know the year (16Th b day gift) I do not think yours is too very new though because of all the patent numbers still shown on the reverse side of your handle. The one thing I do notice that I suspect would not make it older than my 78 is the absence of a logo that looks like this = CRAFTSMAN = Notice the stacked lines before and after the Craftsman name, mine has those, and yours does not. Also actually has the year 1971 included in the info stamped on the reverse side of the handle. The really much newer ones have virtually all the patent info gone and replaced with something like USA or the like stamped on the reverse side of the handle, at least that is how my 3/8" is.

 

[wyndycity]

Thanks hholmberg.

I've had the feeling that my ratchet was probably from the 90's but it's nice to know that it's almost definitely not older than early late 70's/early 80's. Not nice in the sense that I don't have a precious oldie but nice in the sense that I'm glad to learn more about when my tools were made.

 

[Tool Pants]

For you round heads. The 1970 catalog with the NEW Sears Best. Only 3/8" and 1/2" are listed.

In the 1971 catalog the word NEW was dropped, and the 1/4" was added.

Says the 1/4" has 70 tooth action. 3/8" 80 tooth action. 1/2" 90 tooth action.

 

[lauver]

Tool Pants,

That's interesting information about the advertised tooth counts (70, 80, 90)of those early RHFT ratchets in the 1971 catalog.

I have two late model RHFT ratchets and the advertised tooth counts in the 2008 catalog is 45, for all three drive sizes.

A lot of folks have commented on the buttery smooth feel of the early RHFT ratchets. And some have commented that the newer models are not as smooth. If the early models had more teeth than the newer models, that would explain this perception and would also explain the preference for the earlier models.

 

[a390st]

They are no different in design now than they were then. It was all about marketing. With the double pawl design, they were doubling the number of teeth! The 3/8 has 41 teeth. The 1/2 has 45. Same as always. The same as Easco, KD, and Napa.

 

[jeffj78]

WTH!!!! When did the 2009-2010 catalog come out? I've been a Craftsman Club member for some time now and haven't received it. I checked the store too. Only one there is 2008-2009.

 

[davestlouis]

I wonder too if smoothness comes from age and use, so the new ones will smooth-out over time? My 1940s era Plombs are the smoothest ratchets I own, much silkier than my newer Protos, but they are of the same design. Just a thought.

 

[davestlouis]

Note about pricing...$9.99 for the 1/2 inch nearly 40 years ago, vs. $30ish today, in real dollars they have come down in price. They were also a lot more expensive than the standard C-Man ratchets in that 1970 catalog.

 

[ImportTuner]

For you round heads. The 1970 catalog with the NEW Sears Best. Only 3/8" and 1/2" are listed.

In the 1971 catalog the word NEW was dropped, and the 1/4" was added.

Says the 1/4" has 70 tooth action. 3/8" 80 tooth action. 1/2" 90 tooth action.

I also bought that speeder that is on the bottom of the page ...

 

[kythri]

They are no different in design now than they were then. It was all about marketing. With the double pawl design, they were doubling the number of teeth! The 3/8 has 41 teeth. The 1/2 has 45. Same as always. The same as Easco, KD, and Napa.

Hence "90 tooth action" rather than "90 tooth"...

 

[kythri]

WTH!!!! When did the 2009-2010 catalog come out? I've been a Craftsman Club member for some time now and haven't received it. I checked the store too. Only one there is 2008-2009.

I got my catalog in the mail 2 weeks, maybe 3 weeks ago?

When I was at my local Sears (Albany, OR) last week, they had the new catalog in a dispenser on the counter.

I don't believe the catalog is the result of being in the Craftsman Club - I've been a club member for about 3-4 years now, and don't recall ever receiving a catalog in the mail until after I purchased stuff on sears.com.

 

[jeffj78]

I don't believe it is a result of the club either but I joined a long long time ago and I always received stuff in the mail from Sears/Craftsman - catalogs is one thing but I also receive cool marketing things too. Over the years I've received calendars, measuring tapes, plush toys (kids stuff), coffee mugs, blah blah blah. Just surprised my local store didn't have it. Maybe mine is in Cliff Clavin's bathroom...

 

[loubapache]

I just received the RHFT ratchet set. In the shipping box, there is a 2009-2010 catalog.

These ratchets have no packaging (naked) with only a paper barcode sticks to the handle. I have not used any of the three on real nuts, but the feel of the Kobalt 72 teeth ROTO ratchet is much smoother and finer than these.

Maybe they are very durable, but the ratchet system feeling is not great, IMHO.

 

[billymade]

Probably, not a good comparision to a modern ratchet design; lauver is saying that it is a circa 40 year old design! I think with wear, they shoudl be smoother; take apart lube with red lube or a better grease...

 

[davestlouis]

billy, I tend to use lighter lube in these, lots of moving parts in the head.

 

[64merc]

I like the RHFT ratchets a lot, but only when they are "broken in". The feel of the new ones are ok, but nothing to write home about (at least compared to old ones).

 

[ImportTuner]

Pictures of the older Craftsman RHFT vs new Craftsman RHFT ..

 

[davestlouis]

Rolando, what do you think makes the newer ones feel different than the older production?

 

[MAD]

billy, I tend to use lighter lube in these, lots of moving parts in the head.

Wheel bearing grease works fine in mine, even in very cold weather. I just use a light coating, not packed.

 

[davestlouis]

I tend to use Hoppe's No.9 gun oil in these...drizzle it on one side until it runs out the opposite side, and work the action a little. These are so difficult for me to get back together that I try to avoid taking them apart in the first place.

 

[64merc]

Rolando, what do you think makes the newer ones feel different than the older production?

That's a good question. My guess is that the older production stuff felt more or less the same as the newer production when they were brand new. It's just that most of the older production stuff has already been broken it. I will say this though, I've noticed that the fit and finish isn't that great on the new ones. I've even seen the thumbwheel noticeably out of round.

In my experience, broken in RHFT ratchets always feel smoother than new ones. I think the gears get rounded off slightly and the little plungers and springs get softer inside the mechanism. The problem with this is that when they are broken in too much they get kind of loose, and start to skip. You don't see this problem as much with pear heads.

 

[davestlouis]

Most of the used ones I've bought needed a rebuilt kit, because the guts get really loose and wiggly. This is only noteworthy because this is the only style of ratchet I've bought used that routinely needed new guts.

 

[64merc]

Most of the used ones I've bought needed a rebuilt kit, because the guts get really loose and wiggly. This is only noteworthy because this is the only style of ratchet I've bought used that routinely needed new guts.

Exactly!! I think if I was buying a new one and planned to keep it for years, I would find a spare rebuild kit to keep on hand.

 

[davestlouis]

As long as we're on the subject of this ratchet design, I'm looking for the circlip that holds the guts in the 1/4in version. I got a ratchet shell with no guts, and when I got the rebuild kit, there was no circlip, and no more kits in stock in the whole US. So, if anyone has access to a spare circlip I'd sure like to buy it from you.

 

[davestlouis]

I have also toyed with keeping a stash of gut kits on hand...

 

[Uncle Buck]

I just received the RHFT ratchet set. In the shipping box, there is a 2009-2010 catalog.

These ratchets have no packaging (naked) with only a paper barcode sticks to the handle. I have not used any of the three on real nuts, but the feel of the Kobalt 72 teeth ROTO ratchet is much smoother and finer than these.

Maybe they are very durable, but the ratchet system feeling is not great, IMHO.

Probably, not a good comparision to a modern ratchet design; lauver is saying that it is a circa 40 year old design! I think with wear, they shoudl be smoother; take apart lube with red lube or a better grease...

billy, I tend to use lighter lube in these, lots of moving parts in the head.

I like the RHFT ratchets a lot, but only when they are "broken in". The feel of the new ones are ok, but nothing to write home about (at least compared to old ones).

Rolando, what do you think makes the newer ones feel different than the older production?

That's a good question. My guess is that the older production stuff felt more or less the same as the newer production when they were brand new. It's just that most of the older production stuff has already been broken it. I will say this though, I've noticed that the fit and finish isn't that great on the new ones. I've even seen the thumbwheel noticeably out of round.

In my experience, broken in RHFT ratchets always feel smoother than new ones. I think the gears get rounded off slightly and the little plungers and springs get softer inside the mechanism. The problem with this is that when they are broken in too much they get kind of loose, and start to skip. You don't see this problem as much with pear heads.

Most of the used ones I've bought needed a rebuilt kit, because the guts get really loose and wiggly. This is only noteworthy because this is the only style of ratchet I've bought used that routinely needed new guts.

Exactly!! I think if I was buying a new one and planned to keep it for years, I would find a spare rebuild kit to keep on hand.

I have three of these, two old, one over 30yrs that I have had since new, and one of more recent vintage. This means I have both old and new, and I can say that every one feels just as smooth as the others, and they have been smooth with no change of feel that I have ever been able to discern from day one. (in the case of the one I got new)

No offense to anyone, but I do not agree with any of the ideas of "broken in", or this ratchet design and durability having to take a back seat to any others. I have had this design of ratchet longer than any others I own decades later I would still rate them at the top of the heap. I often grab a Craftsman RHFT over my Snap-on, Proto, Armstrong, or Williams ratchets because they are just that bullet proof in reliability, feel, and design. In over thirty years of use I have never had a need to rebuild, relube, or exchange any one of my RHFT ratchets.

Simply use them, wipe the crud from them, and toss them back in the box, it is really just that easy! (Say no to breaking them in!)

 

[MAD]

The Easco ratchet that another member recently sent me felt really crappy even though it had a new kit in it. I took it apart several times and couldn't figure out the problem, until I noticed that it worked great when I just held the head together without the snap ring installed. I put in a snap ring from an SK kit I had, and it is very nice now.

So friction/binding of the retaining ring could be one factor that could effect the smooth operation of this type of ratchet.