EASCO Ratchet

[MAD]

Goodfellow, sorry to bring back an old thread, but I was wondering if the KD repair kit ended up fitting your Easco ratchet? If it did, can you please tell me what model number your ratchet is, so I can keep an eye out for one. I saw an old Easco flex-head at a pawn shop the other day and I remembered this thread about yours. Thanks

64merc -- The EASCO part number is 721412, and due to some fine detective work from MAD and Merkava_4, I was able to get a rebuild kit directly from Danaher -- no charge


As fellow member "hholmberg" and others had speculated, the rebuild kit is exactly the same as for the Danaher/Craftsman fine tooth flex-head. Just to be absolutely sure, I switched the mechanisms from my EASCO and and an older fine tooth Craftsman - they are interchangeable.

For the flex head 3/8" drive like goodfellow posted. The part numbers are the same for the Easco the KD branded ratchets:

721412 - Non quick release (I believe all of the available rebuild kits are only quick release and will convert this ratchet to a quick release model)

721413 - Quick release (still available new as KD 721413C)

The Craftsman version is 42794 (available online again for 23.99)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942794000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Ratchets&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman

The rebuild kit #s are

KD 11908 (still available, new part#)

KD 721103 (obsolete old part #)

Craftsman- 43436

 

[64merc]

Thanks for the info guys - I appreciate it

 

[64merc]

Update: Ok, so I went to the pawn shop at lunch and that Easco ratchet I had seen was the 721412 so I bought it. It was in a small box of junk tools along with a Wright 4400 1/2 drive ratchet. The bad news - it skips like crazy, but I like challenges so I bought it anyway.

So....I called Danaher and of course they told me it was obsolete, etc. and that there was nothing they could do for me. The lady said that there was no other kit that could fit my ratchet and that she wasn't aware of any kind of interchange. I was polite but persistent so then she put me on hold. She said she spoke to someone and that there was nothing they could do for me, blah blah blah. I decided to bring out the big guns so I told her that I asked around and was told that #11908 rebuild kit would fit. Faced with this she reluctantly agreed to send me this kit, but told me it would basically be case closed if it didn't fit.

Thanks again guys. If it weren't for your research this ratchet would be dead for good.

 

[goodfellow]

Good deal -- another win for us little guys. Without all the info most folks would just take the "no" answer, but since our friends on this board provided part numbers they can't deny a warranty claim.

 

[MAD]

I am happy I was able to help.

 

[le6920]

Is this the Easco model you are talking about? The top one is an older Master Mechanic that is identical to the Easco ones.

 

[64merc]

Well, the one we last discussed is basically the same design except that it's longer and it's a flex head. How did you manage to get your hands on three of them? Did you buy them new back in the day?

Hey, while we're back on the subject, I noticed that the ratchet I just bought has a lot of play in it. The ratcheting mechanism moved up and down in the head enough to cause it to skip. After cleaning and lubing it this continues to be a problem. I am waiting on a rebuild kit to come in but I was wondering if this was normal. My thinking is that it is not normal for this ratchet type, and is probably caused by a lack of tension being put on the teeth by the pawls. I'm really hoping the fresh rebuild will solve this problem.

 

[le6920]

I have four or five of the Easco version and the Master Mechanic version pictured above. I've had them since they came out, sometime in the 70s-80s. I don't know exactly. They are the smoothest 3/8 drive I think. I use the heck out of them.

FYI, my ratchets have no play in them at all, i think the rebuild kit will solve your problem. I am happy to hear that there is still a rebuild kit out there as Easco was bought out in the 80s I think.

 

[lbgradwell]

I am happy to hear that there is still a rebuild kit out there as Easco was bought out in the 80s I think.

Yep. 1989!

 

[Fedwrench]

I picked up one of those Easco 3/8 drive quick release ratchets model 72 1109 at a car swap meet yesterday for the amazing price of 50 cents. It even works and the finish is good for a 20 year old or so ratchet. I gave up rifling through old boxes of tools at car swap meets long ago mostly because I have way too much **** of my own, and the people usually wanted way too much for their ****. Anyway this board got me in the mood for scounging yesterday so, I came up with the ratchet and few broken Craftsman screwdrivers for pocket change.

 

[64merc]

Wow, 50 cents!! That beats my best deals for sure. You ****!

 

[jim m]

I picked up one of those Easco 3/8 drive quick release ratchets model 72 1109 at a car swap meet yesterday for the amazing price of 50 cents. It even works and the finish is good for a 20 year old or so ratchet. I gave up rifling through old boxes of tools at car swap meets long ago mostly because I have way too much **** of my own, and the people usually wanted way too much for their ****. Anyway this board got me in the mood for scounging yesterday so, I came up with the ratchet and few broken Craftsman screwdrivers for pocket change.

hell thats how I get all most all my tools

Jim

 

[eschoendorff]

hell thats how I get all most all my tools

Jim

And it's a lot of fun too.

 

[64merc]

Well then, I guess I'm not alone. I love digging in "junk" tool bins at pawn shops and flea markets. My wife and family memebers think I'm a little strange but I tell them that at least it keeps me out of trouble. I bought all of my wrenches this way and enjoy finding old broken ratchets to rebuild. I really get a smile on my face when I find old broken Cman tools and get them exchanged. I guess I'm in good company.

 

[eschoendorff]

Well then, I guess I'm not alone. I love digging in "junk" tool bins at pawn shops and flea markets. My wife and family memebers think I'm a little strange but I tell them that at least it keeps me out of trouble. I bought all of my wrenches this way and enjoy finding old broken ratchets to rebuild. I really get a smile on my face when I find old broken Cman tools and get them exchanged. I guess I'm in good company.

Yup.

 

[ImportTuner]

My Easco ratchet is still brand new ....

 

[eschoendorff]

My Easco ratchet is still brand new ....

Looks almost as new as Merkava's tools!

 

[lbgradwell]

My Easco ratchet is still brand new ....

Just so I'm sure, is this the Easco ratchet that everyone raves about? Is it model 721109? And this is the same as a Craftsman 43781?

I'll get the Craftsman if I have to, but I'm going to look around for an Easco model first (just because I don't have anything by Easco)!

 

[eschoendorff]

Just so I'm sure, is this the Easco ratchet that everyone raves about? Is it model 721109? And this is the same as a Craftsman 43781?

I'll get the Craftsman if I have to, but I'm going to look around for an Easco model first (just because I don't have anything by Easco)!

That be the one.

 

[ImportTuner]

Looks almost as new as Merkava's tools!

And I don't even remember buying it ... but with 40+ ratchets, I don't get around to using them all ... just the one's that are my favorite ...

 

[64merc]

I just had them order me the 1/4 version of the craftsman. I got an upgrade when I exchanged an old pear head with a broken quick realease mechanism. It took a little bit of persuasion but I got it done. In 7-10 days it's mine

 

[Uncle Buck]

Heck, the Cmans may be NOS Easco's from back in the day. Think about it, most folks blow right by them in the catalog in search of the nice shiney professional line! Most forget before the full polish stuff that used to be Sears best ratchet line for many moons!

 

[lbgradwell]

Just so I'm sure, is this the Easco ratchet that everyone raves about? Is it model 721109? And this is the same as a Craftsman 43781?

I'll get the Craftsman if I have to, but I'm going to look around for an Easco model first (just because I don't have anything by Easco)!

BUMP!

I need some more info here...

I want both an Easco 721109 and its Craftsman twin 43781. Has the Craftsman always been the 9-43781 or was there an earlier V-43781 (or any other prefix/number). I'm only interested in the oldest version.

Also, does anyone remember when this model was introduced?

I'm going to post "WANTED"'s for both these ratchets in the Classifieds too, but if any of you have one you want to sell, drop me a PM!

 

[64merc]

BUMP!

I need some more info here...

I want both an Easco 721109 and its Craftsman twin 43781. Has the Craftsman always been the 9-43781 or was there an earlier V-43781 (or any other prefix/number). I'm only interested in the oldest version.

Also, does anyone remember when this model was introduced?

I'm going to post "WANTED"'s for both these ratchets in the Classifieds too, but if any of you have one you want to sell, drop me a PM!

I'm sorry, but I lost track of all the different models. Which one is the 721109? Is it the 3/8" non-flex head version?

 

[MAD]

BUMP!

I need some more info here...

I want both an Easco 721109 and its Craftsman twin 43781. Has the Craftsman always been the 9-43781 or was there an earlier V-43781 (or any other prefix/number). I'm only interested in the oldest version.

Also, does anyone remember when this model was introduced?

I'm going to post "WANTED"'s for both these ratchets in the Classifieds too, but if any of you have one you want to sell, drop me a PM!

The older Craftsman round head fine tooth double paw ratchets that I have seen have had a -V- prefix code. I do not think the newer ones have a 9 on them. I think that is just a Sears department code that does not appear on the tool. I recently picked up some new ones. One is a VVW 42794 flex head and the other is a -KW-43781. I remember seeing these ratchets in the early 1980s. I would not have noticed them before then.

btw: The new ones that I got are nice but not as buttery smooth as the old ones I have used. They may just need to break in a little.

 

[wrenchr]

I will keep a eye out for yuh!! I will only charge what I pay!!

 

[Uncle Buck]

I do not know for sure, but I got my first Craftsman ratchets of that design around 1977 or 78. I think the round head fine tooth had been around a number of years before that, perhaps even going back into the 60's! That is all I know.

 

[lbgradwell]

I'm sorry, but I lost track of all the different models. Which one is the 721109? Is it the 3/8" non-flex head version?

That is my understanding from earlier in this thread, Rolando. A 3/8" non-flex is what I'm after, at any rate!

The older Craftsman round head fine tooth double paw ratchets that I have seen have had a -V- prefix code. I do not think the newer ones have a 9 on them. I think that is just a Sears department code that does not appear on the tool. I recently picked up some new ones. One is a VVW 42794 flex head and the other is a -KW-43781. I remember seeing these ratchets in the early 1980s. I would not have noticed them before then.

btw: The new ones that I got are nice but not as buttery smooth as the old ones I have used. They may just need to break in a little.

OK, good to know...

Then I want a buttery-smooth V-43781. And if it has "Pat." or better yet, "Pat. Pending", so much the better!

I will keep a eye out for yuh!! I will only charge what I pay!!

You're the best, Jason! Add it to the pile...

I figure you US guys probably trip over these things every weekend in those fantastic flea markets you all seem to find. Much rarer up here...

I do not know for sure, but I got my first Craftsman ratchets of that design around 1977 or 78. I think the round head fine tooth had been around a number of years before that, perhaps even going back into the 60's! That is all I know.

Thanks Buck. So does anyone else remember these things from earlier than 1977?

 

[billymade]

"9" is the code for the "hardware" dept at Sears!

 

[wrenchr]

That is my understanding from earlier in this thread, Rolando. A 3/8" non-flex is what I'm after, at any rate!



OK, good to know...

Then I want a buttery-smooth V-43781. And if it has "Pat." or better yet, "Pat. Pending", so much the better!



You're the best, Jason! Add it to the pile...

I figure you US guys probably trip over these things every weekend in those fantastic flea markets you all seem to find. Much rarer up here...



Thanks Buck. So does anyone else remember these things from earlier than 1977?

I know I can get my hands on a easco regular 3/8 round head if you are interested.

 

[wrenchr]

That is my understanding from earlier in this thread, Rolando. A 3/8" non-flex is what I'm after, at any rate!



OK, good to know...

Then I want a buttery-smooth V-43781. And if it has "Pat." or better yet, "Pat. Pending", so much the better!



You're the best, Jason! Add it to the pile...

I figure you US guys probably trip over these things every weekend in those fantastic flea markets you all seem to find. Much rarer up here...



Thanks Buck. So does anyone else remember these things from earlier than 1977?

Nope I can't remember the year, I was born in 77!!

 

[lbgradwell]

I know I can get my hands on a easco regular 3/8 round head if you are interested.

Thanks, but Rolando thinks he's got me covered on that Easco... Still looking for the Craftsman version, though!

 

[Uncle Buck]

Thanks, but Rolando thinks he's got me covered on that Easco... Still looking for the Craftsman version, though!

So order one from Sears catalog, or their messed up web site!

 

[lbgradwell]

So order one from Sears catalog, or their messed up web site!

No good, Buck. I want a vintage "buttery-smooth V-43781"!

 

[Uncle Buck]

No good, Buck. I want a vintage "buttery-smooth V-43781"!

Great idea, order one new and just see how it is, if it is not up to your expectations simply return it for a full refund. I bet you keep it though as nothing in the design etc of that ratchet has changed in at least 30yrs!

 

[billymade]

Here are all the versions that are currently shipping now: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_1...keyword=craftsman+fine+tooth+ratchet&sLevel=0

 

[lbgradwell]

Even if I wanted a new one Sears won't ship to Canada... I'd have to have it delivered to a friend in MI (who I see half-regularly) & have him forward it. Expensive & makes returns less-than-practical if not outright impossible.

Besides, MAD says the newer ones aren't as smooth as those oldies; maybe something in the design has changed! That doesn't really matter to me since I'm more interested in the historical progression of the Craftsman line rather than actually using the thing much!

No, no; it has to be a V-series and preferably a "Patent Pending" model...

 

[PowderKeg]

Hey LG,

I've got all 5 of the early "Pat. Pend" fine-tooth quick release ratchets. My favorite ratchets that stripped many a parts car in their earlier years. And when I say stripped, I mean STRIPPED - not a bolted-on part left. The 1/4" is the only one I had a problem with (locked up) - took it to a Sears many years ago to warranty it and they tried to pawn off one of those fat-headed Stanley-style POS ratchets as a replacement. I told em no @#!%*% way and walked out the door. Tried another Sears - said they couldn't directly replace it either (catalog only), but they gave me a rebuild kit for it instead.

Reading the comments about smooth 'n buttery vs not for the current crop has me thinking about ordering one to see first-hand....

If you don't mind swimming with fleas, go jump in the 'bay - they show up fairly regularly on there - a handful currently, at least one 3/8" drive with some sockets and extensions. You'll have to ask the sellers about your "Pat. Pend" requirement though.

 

[lbgradwell]

Did you buy yours new when they were first introduced? Inherited? Or did you just buy 'em when you saw 'em with the same requirement as me?

You'll have to let us know the results of your old v. new research!

No, I don't mind eBay at all. In fact, I have been looking there for these models for several months with very limited hits; it was only last night that it even occurred to me to post on this forum...

I guess my search string has been too restrictive. I didn't want to have to wade through hundreds of hits with "Craftsman ratchet", so I have been using "Craftsman (44983, 44977, 42794, 43781, 43187, "fine tooth") ratchet". Don't know why it's not working...

I know I missed this one the other night as I was busy somewhere, but they have been few & far between!

And my Easco search has been even worse. "Easco (721109, "fine-tooth") ratchet" has returned exactly ZERO hits in over 2 months!

Currently I can see a 1/4" and a 1/2", but no 3/8". Can you provide me with the link?

 

[billymade]

If you are trying to get one of the craftsman rebuilt (they may not have a kit for it) and they won't help you; tell them to order you one from the craftsman tool catalog. It will be sent to your house free of charge; they will take your old one and a new one will be shipped out to you in 7-10 business days. It depends on who you talk to but they will have to call the order in on the phone; I do this for people when I need to. Your milage may vary; if you don't get help ask for the hardware manager or call sears customer service.
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