d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Anyone have any idea why so few Craftsman RHFT ratchets have come for sale in the classifieds or on eBay? They can't all be broken or thrown away just yet!
Craftsman RHFT
- Thread starter d.mcfarland
- Start date
Fordman7795
Well-known member
Are you looking for 1/4" drive? I have a couple.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Hmmm, there's a ton of them on Ebay always.
OP
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I'm interested in any of them that aren't an arm and a leg for a beat up ratchet!
You're right, there are some on eBay. Asking price is outrageous though.
You're right, there are some on eBay. Asking price is outrageous though.
WWheeler
Well-known member
They've been fetching pretty high prices for a while now.
A year or so ago I gifted a 5-piece Craftsman RHFT set to my nephew, same as I had done to my son as had been done to me when I was a teen. He wasn't too excited about it at the time. I heard him ask my SIL later that day why I gave him some old ratchets. Then I guess my brother went and showed him some 'sold' ebay listings just to give him an idea of the value of what I gave him. He came up later and gave me a huge hug, saying just that 1/2" flex had been selling for $200! I had no idea any of them were ever going for that much but I just told him I hoped he wasn't planning on selling the one I'd just gave him. He swore he would 'never ever'.
Those were his first tools to call his own. It's been kinda cool since then to see him getting into learning how to work on brakes and stuff and his tool collection growing. He's not even old enough to drive yet. His friends are playing pokemon and video games and instead he's getting greasy.
I still have a full Cman RHFT set and several non-flex extras. I luv them. They're not my first go-tos these days but I do still use them regularly. I wouldn't part with any of them for any price.
A year or so ago I gifted a 5-piece Craftsman RHFT set to my nephew, same as I had done to my son as had been done to me when I was a teen. He wasn't too excited about it at the time. I heard him ask my SIL later that day why I gave him some old ratchets. Then I guess my brother went and showed him some 'sold' ebay listings just to give him an idea of the value of what I gave him. He came up later and gave me a huge hug, saying just that 1/2" flex had been selling for $200! I had no idea any of them were ever going for that much but I just told him I hoped he wasn't planning on selling the one I'd just gave him. He swore he would 'never ever'.
Those were his first tools to call his own. It's been kinda cool since then to see him getting into learning how to work on brakes and stuff and his tool collection growing. He's not even old enough to drive yet. His friends are playing pokemon and video games and instead he's getting greasy.
I still have a full Cman RHFT set and several non-flex extras. I luv them. They're not my first go-tos these days but I do still use them regularly. I wouldn't part with any of them for any price.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The flex heads are where the Ebay money is.
However, if you want a round head quick release fine tooth ratchet search Ebay for NAPA, KD, EASCO, or Allen round ratchets, several will pop up at decent prices. It's the same ratchet but with a better knurled handle
Don't forget to check Cripe distributing and other closeout places. Cripe was selling new old stock Allen 1/2 drive versions for $15 plus shipping.
Supply may be drying up though. I believe production ceased about 10 years ago. For a few years prior to that, it was a catalog order only item not stocked in stores.
However, if you want a round head quick release fine tooth ratchet search Ebay for NAPA, KD, EASCO, or Allen round ratchets, several will pop up at decent prices. It's the same ratchet but with a better knurled handle
Don't forget to check Cripe distributing and other closeout places. Cripe was selling new old stock Allen 1/2 drive versions for $15 plus shipping.
Supply may be drying up though. I believe production ceased about 10 years ago. For a few years prior to that, it was a catalog order only item not stocked in stores.
Sam'sAutoParts
Well-known member
I was going to suggest looking for the non-craftsman brands, but I see Fedwrench beat mt to it.
I agree. I check out Craftsman ratchets on eBay almost daily. It seems like there's a couple new RHFT listings every time I look.
Jim C.
byoungblood
Well-known member
I picked up an Easco 1/4" RHFT for $2 at a local pawn shop. Usually most sellers don't recognize the "off" brand names that made the tool for Craftsman so usually you can get them fairly cheap.
I've got a RHFT 3/8" rebuild kit, I just need to find something to put it in...
I've got a RHFT 3/8" rebuild kit, I just need to find something to put it in...
Ombibulous
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2015
- Messages
- 22
Think I'm going to assemble a set for my son who's graduating from high school this year. I've just learned about the awesome goodness of the RHFT ratchets and want to nail down the exact physical characteristics of these ratchets to make sure I don't overpay for the wrong tools.
1. Round head and fine thread (obviously)
2. If it's a Craftsman the handle will be the raised panel design.
3. Two opposing wing reverse mechanism with square quick release button.
4. Serrated thumbwheel on the socket side of the ratchet.
So...if I can see that it meets 2, 3, and 4, I can be certain I'm looking at the classic and highly desirable Cman RHFT, right? Are there any other lesser ratchets that also meet that criteria that I need to be aware of? Also, if the business end of the tool meets 3 and 4 visually, and the handle says NAPA, KD, EASCO, or Allen, can I be certain that it's got good ratching mechanism in it? Are there ratchets that are visually similar but don't have the FT mechanism?
1. Round head and fine thread (obviously)
2. If it's a Craftsman the handle will be the raised panel design.
3. Two opposing wing reverse mechanism with square quick release button.
4. Serrated thumbwheel on the socket side of the ratchet.
So...if I can see that it meets 2, 3, and 4, I can be certain I'm looking at the classic and highly desirable Cman RHFT, right? Are there any other lesser ratchets that also meet that criteria that I need to be aware of? Also, if the business end of the tool meets 3 and 4 visually, and the handle says NAPA, KD, EASCO, or Allen, can I be certain that it's got good ratching mechanism in it? Are there ratchets that are visually similar but don't have the FT mechanism?
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Personally, I prefer the other brand versions like KD/Allen/NAPA. Why you ask? Because there's less demand and crazy pricing plus, the 3/8 versions are about an inch longer, and then there's that nice knurled handle.
However, if it's Craftsman Round Head Fine Tooth quick release ratchets you're after please keep these model numbers in mind:
1/4 inch drive:43187, 3/8 drive:43781, 1/2 drive:44977
3/8 flex head: 42794, 1/2 drive flex 44983.
Now real early models from the 1960's may not have a part number on them. there might be a blurb about US patent pending, foreign patents applied for, etc.
One last word on the flex heads. no flex head ratchet handle had a hole in the handle. If you see a 3/8 or 1/2 drive flex head ratchet with what looks like a hang hole towards the end of the handle, someone has probably taken the ratchet head off of a different ratchet and stuck it on a Craftsman Breaker bar handle to make some quick cash.
Lastly, although I feel that this series of ratchets is probably the best ratchet to have ever worn the Craftsman Brand, it isn't the end all of ratchet design. You can find newer designed ratchets that are much stronger, have crisper ratcheting action, and are better balanced/feel available today.
However, if it's Craftsman Round Head Fine Tooth quick release ratchets you're after please keep these model numbers in mind:
1/4 inch drive:43187, 3/8 drive:43781, 1/2 drive:44977
3/8 flex head: 42794, 1/2 drive flex 44983.
Now real early models from the 1960's may not have a part number on them. there might be a blurb about US patent pending, foreign patents applied for, etc.
One last word on the flex heads. no flex head ratchet handle had a hole in the handle. If you see a 3/8 or 1/2 drive flex head ratchet with what looks like a hang hole towards the end of the handle, someone has probably taken the ratchet head off of a different ratchet and stuck it on a Craftsman Breaker bar handle to make some quick cash.
Lastly, although I feel that this series of ratchets is probably the best ratchet to have ever worn the Craftsman Brand, it isn't the end all of ratchet design. You can find newer designed ratchets that are much stronger, have crisper ratcheting action, and are better balanced/feel available today.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
What is a fortune ? I see them for $8 ea most of the time around here.
four.cycle
Well-known member
D.Mcfarland said:
^ As is the case on almost all used, older Craftsman ratchets, sockets, and wrenches listed on Ebay, which is why I put "Craftsman" in the "exclude from search" box when I am looking through listings for ratchets.
The EASCO models lately have been listed at fairly reasonable prices (both on ratchets and wrenches.)
thesilverone
Well-known member
i'm waiting for a 1/2' drive flex head for under 100 bucks
keep an eye for other brands such as Master Mechanic, Easco, Napa, KD, Allen, Armstrong (rare), and Ridgid (rare)
keep an eye for other brands such as Master Mechanic, Easco, Napa, KD, Allen, Armstrong (rare), and Ridgid (rare)
Last edited:
These are my spares, I have probably 7-10 more that are my users.
I haven't come across any Craftsman RHFT flexes yet but do have a 3/8"D Easco flex handle.
I haven't come across any Craftsman RHFT flexes yet but do have a 3/8"D Easco flex handle.
Attachments
Apparently those numbers changed through out the years.
1/4 inch drive:43187 AND 43178, 3/8 drive:43781 AND 43788, 1/2 drive:44977 AND 44978
These numbers I added are from my 1973 Craftsman catalog, my 1981 catalog shows the numbers you stated.
3/8 flex head: 42794 AND 42792, 1/2 drive flex 44983 AND 44973.
These numbers I added came from ratchet repair kits, my 1973 catalog does not show RHFT flex handles.
thesilverone
Well-known member
a few examples
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hey, that master mechanic (4th from the bottom) has a round head, and is fine toothed but, it lacks the quick release.
Those long handled 1/2 drive ratchets at the top are sweet!!!
Those long handled 1/2 drive ratchets at the top are sweet!!!
Cruzan80
Well-known member
If you don't want/need QR, I have nothing but great things to say about the old JHWilliams Supperrachtets. M52, B52, S52 are all dual pawl, RHFT. Look for the old ones without an A at the end.
thesilverone
Well-known member
Hey, that master mechanic (4th from the bottom) has a round head, and is fine toothed but, it lacks the quick release.
Those long handled 1/2 drive ratchets at the top are sweet!!!
Yeah my other MM doesn't have the QR either. The top 3 are my go to 1/2 " dr ratchets.
thesilverone
Well-known member
Cruzan80
Well-known member
I keep trying to find an S53 for not a fortune, as well as a B-54 flex head. Did they ever make a B53 or S54 in the older style?
Ombibulous
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2015
- Messages
- 22
Cruzan80
Well-known member
Yeah, every so often, I see what they are going for. Passed on one for about $25, have a Thorson 3/8 extended flex for the odd job I need a flex for. The S53's are crazy money though (usually about 75+).
Teenager with old tools
Well-known member
Think I'm going to assemble a set for my son who's graduating from high school this year. I've just learned about the awesome goodness of the RHFT ratchets and want to nail down the exact physical characteristics of these ratchets to make sure I don't overpay for the wrong tools.
1. Round head and fine thread (obviously)
2. If it's a Craftsman the handle will be the raised panel design.
3. Two opposing wing reverse mechanism with square quick release button.
4. Serrated thumbwheel on the socket side of the ratchet.
So...if I can see that it meets 2, 3, and 4, I can be certain I'm looking at the classic and highly desirable Cman RHFT, right? Are there any other lesser ratchets that also meet that criteria that I need to be aware of? Also, if the business end of the tool meets 3 and 4 visually, and the handle says NAPA, KD, EASCO, or Allen, can I be certain that it's got good ratching mechanism in it? Are there ratchets that are visually similar but don't have the FT mechanism?
What state are you in? I believe I have a 3/8 with the thumbwheel I could send to you
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
davethorik
Well-known member
I've never seen a standard Ridgid rhft, nice. There was a 1/2 drive one with a 90° bent handle I saw on ebay, then not long after that I saw one in person but didn't have my phone with me. Cripe had a different Ridgid branded ratchet with a 90° bent handle, it looked like a 36t Craftsman pear head, so I assume this was part of a pipe threading setup.
StillTooManyHobbies
Well-known member
The Wilde marked version or the 1/4 RHFT is available on Ebay now starting at $17.99. I now have one and it is the same as the other Danaher RHFT ratchets.
Ombibulous
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2015
- Messages
- 22
PM sent!
Ombibulous
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2015
- Messages
- 22
a few examples
This picture is very helpful. Thanks. Those long-handled 1/2" jobbers would be useful, gonna be on the lookout for one.
DFB
Well-known member
I also have one those Craftsman 3/8 round head fine tooth with the early part #
the second from the left is an SK dates back early 80's.
The other two are just cheap imports but I use the black handle one the most..very smooth action.
The one all the way to the right has more sentimental value than anything. That ratchet (along a sparkplug socket that came with it in some old junk tool kit) has been in my motorcycle saddlebag and has traveled with me for 35 years now. Cleaned some rust off the handle with vinegar and pulled it apart and regreased just this morning
the second from the left is an SK dates back early 80's.
The other two are just cheap imports but I use the black handle one the most..very smooth action.
The one all the way to the right has more sentimental value than anything. That ratchet (along a sparkplug socket that came with it in some old junk tool kit) has been in my motorcycle saddlebag and has traveled with me for 35 years now. Cleaned some rust off the handle with vinegar and pulled it apart and regreased just this morning
Attachments
thesilverone
Well-known member
There was a discussion on here a while ago discussing if Wilde got "2nds" of those ratchets.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
The black handle is a knock off of a Facom, I have both the Facom and a Tawain copy and they are both smooth as silk after I cleaned the grease out of them and used some MM oil.I also have one those Craftsman 3/8 round head fine tooth with the early part #
the second from the left is an SK dates back early 80's.
The other two are just cheap imports but I use the black handle one the most..very smooth action.
The one all the way to the right has more sentimental value than anything. That ratchet (along a sparkplug socket that came with it in some old junk tool kit) has been in my motorcycle saddlebag and has traveled with me for 35 years now. Cleaned some rust off the handle with vinegar and pulled it apart and regreased just this morning
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
The S53's are some real workhorses,I have had 1 for over 20 years and it still works well. It has been such a good ratchet I pick up every S52,B52 I find.
Now the rare one to find I'd the B53or54 flex head with the Williams blue hard handle on it.
derosa
Well-known member
There's a couple pics posted that show the round handle version without the quick release, I've got a 1/2" version that is available. I also have a 3/8 just like the one above.Think I'm going to assemble a set for my son who's graduating from high school this year. I've just learned about the awesome goodness of the RHFT ratchets and want to nail down the exact physical characteristics of these ratchets to make sure I don't overpay for the wrong tools.
1. Round head and fine thread (obviously)
2. If it's a Craftsman the handle will be the raised panel design.
3. Two opposing wing reverse mechanism with square quick release button.
4. Serrated thumbwheel on the socket side of the ratchet.
So...if I can see that it meets 2, 3, and 4, I can be certain I'm looking at the classic and highly desirable Cman RHFT, right? Are there any other lesser ratchets that also meet that criteria that I need to be aware of? Also, if the business end of the tool meets 3 and 4 visually, and the handle says NAPA, KD, EASCO, or Allen, can I be certain that it's got good ratching mechanism in it? Are there ratchets that are visually similar but don't have the FT mechanism?
kythri
Well-known member
Figured I'd tease my RHFT stuff here.
The ratchets themselves are late-production Craftsman, but, I've not seen my torque wrenches show up here:
The torque wrenches are KD production:
Later models with the same part numbers have the standard (and much-lamented) 36-tooth head.
Haven't been able to find a RHFT 1/4" drive torque wrench yet, dunno if they ever produced such a beast.
The ratchets themselves are late-production Craftsman, but, I've not seen my torque wrenches show up here:
The torque wrenches are KD production:
Later models with the same part numbers have the standard (and much-lamented) 36-tooth head.
Haven't been able to find a RHFT 1/4" drive torque wrench yet, dunno if they ever produced such a beast.
thesilverone
Well-known member
that 1/2" drive flex 
jdoe213
Well-known member
A guy at work was using his the other day.(Craftsman) The sound stopped me in my tracks. It has patent pending on it. It is older than me and still going strong.