Found some more Fleet stuff including a ratchet.

[cmandp]

Found more Fleet pieces that seemed to be placed at random in my uncle's collection of tools. So far I have a nearly complete small 1/2" drive set : 1/2" ratchet, 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", and 15/16" shallow sockets. I suppose I need to find those pesky 5/8" and 11/16" sockets

The ratchet is well used but still works, but the gear has quite of bit of slop in the faceplates. There isn't perhaps a rebuild kit available for this ratchet, maybe from Proto? Otherwise I'll take it apart and clean it up with some lacquer thinner and relube.

 

[3dkustoms]

I found a ratchet like that a few weeks ago, The one i picked up had some slop to it also but overall not a bad ratchet. I like the feel of a heavy end ratchet like that. Good find yourself, clean them up and add to the collection.

 

[jwitt]

I picked this set up a few weeks ago, much of it looks unused.

These old Penens ratchets are pretty tough. A good clean and lube will more then likley fix yours up.

Jim

 

[Gort the giant robot]

Penens made those with the following names stamped on them including PENENS, FLEET, PROTO, CRAFTSMAN, WARDS, TRU-TEST, CHALLENGER and FIRESTONE. Maybe others that i have not come across.

Gort.

 

[SCscoutguy]

Penens made those with the following names stamped on them including PENENS, FLEET, PROTO, CRAFTSMAN, WARDS, TRU-TEST and FIRESTONE. Maybe others that i have not come across.

Gort.

Could you please post a picture of one badged as a Craftsman? I have seen all of the other brands in that style ratchet but never once seen one labeled as a Craftsman. Also cmandp I have a 11/16" socket and 4" 1/2 inch extension if you are interested.

 

[WWIIjeep]

The ratchet is well used but still works, but the gear has quite of bit of slop in the faceplates. There isn't perhaps a rebuild kit available for this ratchet, maybe from Proto? Otherwise I'll take it apart and clean it up with some lacquer thinner and relube.

The Proto 5449 drive wheel has larger hubs than the Fleet 1661 drive wheel, so the rebuild kits don't interchange. I tend to doubt Stanley-Proto will support any of the older now-discontinued brands Proto owned, but it doesn't hurt to try.

It could simply be that the cover screws are not tight, or that the cover is slightly bowed. Either of those can make the drive wheel a little sloppy.

Comparison photo of Fleet and Proto ratchets (and sockets):

Fleet brand tools were fairly decent. I've had a set of 3/8" and 1/2" drive Fleets (including the ratchet above) in one of my road boxes for almost 40 years.

 

[cmandp]

I got all the ratchet internals out and cleaned up along with the sockets. Took me awhile with the dremel to free the screws but I didn't damage anything in the process either. I'll have to look at the hardware store next chance I get for some new screws.

Also cmandp I have a 11/16" socket and 4" 1/2 inch extension if you are interested.

Thanks for the offer, I'm sure they're there somewhere though. My dad and I find more stuff every time we go to my aunt's. My uncle had stashed tons of stuff in the garage, we haven't scratched the surface. We still have lots of scrap metal, wood, garbage, and tools to go through.

The Proto 5449 drive wheel has larger hubs than the Fleet 1661 drive wheel, so the rebuild kits don't interchange. I tend to doubt Stanley-Proto will support any of the older now-discontinued brands Proto owned, but it doesn't hurt to try.

It could simply be that the cover screws are not tight, or that the cover is slightly bowed. Either of those can make the drive wheel a little sloppy.

Comparison photo of Fleet and Proto ratchets (and sockets):

*pic*

Fleet brand tools were fairly decent. I've had a set of 3/8" and 1/2" drive Fleets (including the ratchet above) in one of my road boxes for almost 40 years.

More good info, thank you. I'll get those screws and get the ratchet put back together then go from there.

Old Plomb and Proto ratchets are on my tools to look out for list.

 

[Gort the giant robot]

I no longer have the Craftsman style ratchets, but I will describe them as best as I can. The head on them looks just like yours and the bottom is a flat handle with a raised panel. The panel has the Craftsman name with two lines on each side of the name. I know many people on GJ owns them and maybe one of them will post a picture of some.

Gort.

 

[Gort the giant robot]

I picked up another ratchet in this style today at the flea market. This one is marked CHALLENGER. The bad news after taking it apart is it has two broken teeth on the drive wheel. It is in decent shape otherwise, so I need to keep my eye out for a parts ratchet. 1661 is the part number. That is the same on my FLEET ratchet.

Gort.

 

[cmandp]

Small update. I bought some stainless steel pan head screws, I believe 8-32 by 1" long were the size. I think 3/4" length would have worked, but I chose to just shorten these. Good news is that the screws make the ratchet look totally original and they'll outlast the ratchet I'm sure.

I picked up another ratchet in this style today at the flea market. This one is marked CHALLENGER. The bad news after taing it apart is it has two broken teeth on the drive wheel. It is in decent shape otherwise, so I need to keep my eye out for a parts ratchet. 1661 is the part number. That is the same on my FLEET ratchet.

Gort.

Very cool, could we by chance see some pictures, you're quite welcome to post them here. My Fleet also has the 1661 part number, guess there was no reason to change it among the different Proto brands . Also good luck on your search for parts.

 

[SCscoutguy]

Here is one of many threads with pictures of fleet ratchets in it.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133351

 

[Joeyr87]

I have one as well, it's my toughest ratchet, I've been using mine to bust lug nuts for 6 years hasn't failed me once and I hope it never does, has no slop in the gears and has amazing gear sounds I love this ratchet

 

[bonneyman]

Small update. I bought some stainless steel pan head screws, I believe 8-32 by 1" long were the size. I think 3/4" length would have worked, but I chose to just shorten these. Good news is that the screws make the ratchet look totally original and they'll outlast the ratchet I'm sure.



Very cool, could we by chance see some pictures, you're quite welcome to post them here. My Fleet also has the 1661 part number, guess there was no reason to change it among the different Proto brands . Also good luck on your search for parts.

Just in case you're interested, I've bought from these people before and they are great! Customer service is fantastic, shipping is fair, and there's no minimum on special screws. They'll ship one or two if that's all you want.

https://www.boltdepot.com/Catalog.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0J_Z3oyg4QIVhsBkCh1h2Ql2EAAYASAAEgJTEvD_BwE

 

[Robinson1]

I bought a complete set of 1/2 drive SAE Fleet in the red metal box a few years ago. Been my go to set of 1/2 drive SAE since buying it. Rides on my service truck everyday.

Top notch tools in my opinion