F H Ayer ratchet mechanism

[JohnJKroeger]

Do they have any value

 

[3baygarage]

Made me look that name up but I'm familiar with the tool.
Maybe if someone needs it for a set. A whole set with it that went for just 19.99.

Know a guy who just found one too, neat wrench.
Post up a pic.

 

[notlob]

F.H. Ayer on Alloy Artifacts site:

http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers.html#fh-ayer

 

[LesserSon]

As originally posted on the vintage Ratchet Collection thread, I came into possession of an Ayer’s 1916 patent ratchet, which led to a re-examination of a chestnut box of unbranded extruded sockets I picked up and posted on the 2016 Garage Sale thread.

Comparison to a half-dozen Ayer-branded sockets I posted on the 2018 GS thread suggests the unmarked sockets (and presumably, the box and universal) are also Ayer.

A web search has turned up little advertising, but I did learn that the company, founded in 1906, closed the Chicago Heights plant and apparently sold off its assets in Oct2020. Maybe that will qualify this thread for relocation to the Vintage Tool Discussion board?
The company website, as linked from the AA site, now seems likewise defunct.
I cleaned up and lubed the internals of the 12-tooth ratchet mechanism, and it works great.

 

[bonneyman]

Man, that is one weird looking ratchet. But if it works who am I to nitpic?

 

[LesserSon]

It looks weird with the handle folded into the storage position. In operating position, it’s much like a sliding Tee handle. The mechanism is more slender than most traditional 1/2dr ratchet adapters.

Sorry about the extension. I moved my stuff around a few weeks ago, and don’t know where I have a shorter 1/2sq drive stud right now.

Mine seems to be missing the spring that puts tension on the crossbar, covered by the 1916 patent. I guess it broke off, but I don!t really see where.

Socket inventory: (M=Mossberg, A=Ayer, R=Ray/Packer, d=damaged drive end)
4pt:
29/42(A), 25/32(A), 23/32(dA), 21/32(A), 19/32, 17/32(M), 15/32(A), 13/32(A), 13/32
6pt:
1-9/32, 1-5/32, 1-3/32, 1-1/32, 1, 31/32, 15/16, 29/32, 7/8, 27/32, 13/16, 25/32(d), 3/4(d), 23/32, 11/16(A), 21/32, 5/8, 19/32, 9/16, 17/32, 1/2, 15/32, 7/16, 13/32, 3/8, 11/32(R), 5/16