Help needed with Craftsman ratchet research!

[Gear Wolf]

Hello all,

I'm working on a "Craftsman Ratchet History" videography project and I could use some help. My goal is to start at the very last USA made Craftsman ratchet, and end with the first produced USA made Craftsman ratchet.

I am looking for biographical data (i.e. range of production, initial price/average price, related items within a product family (i.e. were there flex head ratchets that went with a set of 3), what forge the tools were produced in, material composition, and anything else relevant.

I'm curious to see if anyone knows, has access to information regarding, or could point me to pertinent data for Craftsman ratchets specifically. With Moore Drop Forge/Easco long absorbed into Danaher, I have given them a few phone calls asking for information, but I haven't had a lot of luck. I've found standard Sears catalog archives, but nothing tool related to scour myself. I'm attempting to tap into resources like those here on garagejournal to collate what data is available.

I'd appreciate any assistance offered. Heck, even I'm simply pointed in a right direction, I'd be happy.

Thanks!

 

[jakemac]

Talk to JimC, I think he's already done some of this with the teardrop ratchets. He has a thread about them either in this section, or the main tool discussion section.

When you're done. Twertsy has a website that he's building about tool history. Your info might be a good fit on his site.

 

[woody 73]

If you can figure out the first year the tool in question was made I assume (key word) that you can look up the price of said tool in the tool catalogs archive.

Take a look at #6 and check each catalog for Sears and look up their prices.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=288009

 

[woody 73]

The 1949 catalog lists the 1/4 ratchet 9c 4495 at $1.95
The 3/8 ratchet 9c 4429 at $2.98
The 1/2 ratchet 9c 4419 at $4.35

Sounds cheap today but expensive back then.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Woody do you have archives of old Sear or Craftsman catalogs? If so, are they digital?

 

[Bricago]

Contact AdamO on the Craftsman Club forums. I think he used to work at Sears, and he knows a lot about ratchet history.

 

[woody 73]

Dr. Doom I sent you a pm with some more information hope it helps you out.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Thanks Woody! I got it!

 

[Gear Wolf]

Contact AdamO on the Craftsman Club forums. I think he used to work at Sears, and he knows a lot about ratchet history.

I've attempted to contact him; however, the Craftsman Club's interface is a bit weak. You can't PM anyone at least from what I've seen. I did attempt to comment on one of his posts...

 

[Gear Wolf]

Yes. Do a search on ebay. You can buy the two dvd set for about $50 that has all the catalogs from the begining.

I'm up for committing to buying the set to get the data. Can you shoot me a link on eBay or send me a PM with the specific auction item name!

I really appreciate the help!

 

[Gear Wolf]

I'm going to organize the specific information I am seeking along with pictures to help pin-point what I am asking about this weekend.

I'm excited to give this a whirl!

 

[Jim C.]

Talk to JimC, I think he's already done some of this with the teardrop ratchets. He has a thread about them either in this section, or the main tool discussion section.

When you're done. Twertsy has a website that he's building about tool history. Your info might be a good fit on his site.

Yes, I can probably help you with the classic Craftsman teardrop ratchets produced between 1956 and 1993. I started a Type Study thread a little while back. I was really surprised to see all the variations in that time period. I have a couple alterations/updates to make regarding some of the information I previously posted. I'm actually waiting for a couple of ratchets to arrive in the mail so I can take a few photos and make a few changes to the thread. I should be able to update the things this weekend.

Jim C.

 

[jakemac]

I'm up for committing to buying the set to get the data. Can you shoot me a link on eBay or send me a PM with the specific auction item name!

I really appreciate the help!

He doesn't have any listings right now.
The seller's ebay name is firstclass4
http://www.ebay.com/sch/firstclass4/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

He is also a member here, but isn't very active (his last post was in may of this year).
His GJ user name is MrCraftsmanTools
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=116695

At one time he had said that he had serious health issues and was going to abandon selling the DVD's, but every now and then one will pop up on ebay. The last selling price was $49.95 I think.

 

[Gear Wolf]

He doesn't have any listings right now.
The seller's ebay name is firstclass4
http://www.ebay.com/sch/firstclass4/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

He is also a member here, but isn't very active (his last post was in may of this year).
His GJ user name is MrCraftsmanTools
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=116695

At one time he had said that he had serious health issues and was going to abandon selling the DVD's, but every now and then one will pop up on ebay. The last selling price was $49.95 I think.

I saw one of those DVD sets up about 2-3 weeks ago. I should have picked a set up. I'm regretting I didn't, and I really hope he relists!

 

[Gear Wolf]

He doesn't have any listings right now.
The seller's ebay name is firstclass4
http://www.ebay.com/sch/firstclass4/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

He is also a member here, but isn't very active (his last post was in may of this year).
His GJ user name is MrCraftsmanTools
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=116695

At one time he had said that he had serious health issues and was going to abandon selling the DVD's, but every now and then one will pop up on ebay. The last selling price was $49.95 I think.

I just sent him a message on eBay. With luck, I'll hear back!

I also have touched base with twersty Jake. He is on board to help. I'll collate what I want to do/need by Saturday and we'll all kick this off together!

 

[Gear Wolf]

Yes, I can probably help you with the classic Craftsman teardrop ratchets produced between 1956 and 1993. I started a Type Study thread a little while back. I was really surprised to see all the variations in that time period. I have a couple alterations/updates to make regarding some of the information I previously posted. I'm actually waiting for a couple of ratchets to arrive in the mail so I can take a few photos and make a few changes to the thread. I should be able to update the things this weekend.

Jim C.

Since we are on that subject Jim, what came first: Flying V ratchets or the "Baby Rattle" non-QR ratchets with the long selector lever? The "Baby Rattle" cosmetically looks very similar to the body of the Flying V, but there are small external differences in the machining.

The "Baby Rattle" ratchets seem like a good candidate to be the predecessor. My hint is within the pawl design. This ratchet has a rounded pawl versus the more bat-wing (like a Horten 229) found in the Flying V ratchets.

I find this interesting since the 1st raised panel ratchets (the ones with their selector riveted to the pawl) has a bat-wing pawl.

Ha-ha! Trying to describe all of this made me realize why I'm doing the videography ha-ha!

 

[Jim C.]

Since we are on that subject Jim, what came first: Flying V ratchets or the "Baby Rattle" non-QR ratchets with the long selector lever? The "Baby Rattle" cosmetically looks very similar to the body of the Flying V, but there are small external differences in the machining.

The "Baby Rattle" ratchets seem like a good candidate to be the predecessor. My hint is within the pawl design. This ratchet has a rounded pawl versus the more bat-wing (like a Horten 229) found in the Flying V ratchets.

I find this interesting since the 1st raised panel ratchets (the ones with their selector riveted to the pawl) has a bat-wing pawl.

Ha-ha! Trying to describe all of this made me realize why I'm doing the videography ha-ha!

Based on my research, the Type 1 Teardrop (1956 - 1959) ratchet with an oil hole (OH), long lever (LL), Non quick relaease (NonQR), pointed letter "A" (PA) in the word Craftsman, =v= manufacturer's code and no model number (Non#), came before the "flying V", which in my Study is the Type 2. The Type 1 and Type 2 both share the same basic external features except for the directional selector. The Type 2 with the "V" lever (VL) was available from approximately 1960 to 1966 (for the 1/2" and 3/8" versions). The 1/4" Type 2 version was around a little longer (1960 - 1968). I'm gonna try to update the Craftsman Teardrop Ratchet thread this weekend. I'm waiting for a couple ratchets to arrive in the mail so I can photograph them. As I was progressing through the Type Study, I found another Type smack dab in the middle of Type 8 and Type 9. As a result, I'll have to amend the info. I already presented in the thread starting from Type 8 and going forward to Type 13. Keep an eye on that thread and I'll get it all straightened out in the next few days.....I hope.

Jim C.

 

[bonneyman]

I've got a thread going on over at Papaws site with the internal guts of alot of rats pictured. A fair amount of Craftsman is represented.

 

[Jim C.]

Based on my research, the Type 1 Teardrop (1956 - 1959) ratchet with an oil hole (OH), long lever (LL), Non quick relaease (NonQR), pointed letter "A" (PA) in the word Craftsman, =v= manufacturer's code and no model number (Non#), came before the "flying V", which in my Study is the Type 2. The Type 1 and Type 2 both share the same basic external features except for the directional selector. The Type 2 with the "V" lever (VL) was available from approximately 1960 to 1966 (for the 1/2" and 3/8" versions). The 1/4" Type 2 version was around a little longer (1960 - 1968). I'm gonna try to update the Craftsman Teardrop Ratchet thread this weekend. I'm waiting for a couple ratchets to arrive in the mail so I can photograph them. As I was progressing through the Type Study, I found another Type smack dab in the middle of Type 8 and Type 9. As a result, I'll have to amend the info. I already presented in the thread starting from Type 8 and going forward to Type 13. Keep an eye on that thread and I'll get it all straightened out in the next few days.....I hope.

Jim C.

I just updated the Craftsman Teardrop Ratchet thread. I believe it's relatively accurate now. I still have a couple more ratchet Types to present and I'm hoping to get those posted in the very near future. Stay tuned.

Jim C.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

The questions that I seek knowledge on, regarding Craftsman Ratchets, are:

1) When was X ratchet 1st introduced & discontinued, if applicable?
2) What was the ratchet called by Sears? (i.e. special name/feature other than ratchet)
3) Does the tool have a nickname from the professional/DIY community?
4) How much did each ratchet size cost when it came out?
5) Did a particular ratchet set have all sizes known today? (1/4", 3/8", 1/2" [any or all?])
6) Where there variants vs the standard sizes? (i.e. special color/plating, flex heads, etc.)


If I had access to the entire Sear/Craftsman catalogs I would data mine this myself; however, I haven't found a complete or comprehensive resource online. I'm hoping that the collective knowledge of the groups I am tapping into will either have the exact data or at least a reasonable approximation.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Going off of what AA says, it seems like my 3/8" "Lever-Shift" ratchet as shown in this picture would fit in-between figures 21A and 21B, as mine has the rounded shift hole, but it still has the forging ridge.

Here is the AA link for what I am talking about: https://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/craftsman-be-hcircle-p3.html

 

[Gear Wolf]

I know this is a 3/8" ratchet that has the amber colored plastic handle from the "Super Socket Set," but I don't have the data from the 6 questions I asked earlier...

 

[Gear Wolf]

Is this the only 1/4" male Craftsman ratchet during the Pre-WW2 era?

 

[Gear Wolf]

One BE 1/2" just has a thumb selector on the top of the handle, whereas the other as a thumb bar the transverses the handle body. Any ideas on the 6 questions?

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Here I am missing the Lifetime ratchets and the 1/2" 6th gen RP metal selector & metal QR button:

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

Void

 

[Gear Wolf]

One thing to add would be that I have a collection of other tools but nothing this focused. I have the Easco, Snap On, and other analogues to some of these Craftsman ratchets. I intend on doing a DNA/origin style video eventually.

I have found it hilarious that some of the ratchets I already have or those I have picked up are surprisingly cheaper than the ones with the Craftsman name on it.

Easco 3/8" RHFT Flex $20 shipped. Craftsman 3/8 RHFT Flex $70-$100?! Huh? They are the same ****** thing. Besides not having the Craftsman RHFT Flex variants I have to ask myself both: why is the price so high? & how can I find one for cheap?

 

[jakemac]

1st Craftsman raised panel (named boxhead?? - no feature on handle neck)
1st Craftsman raised panel (named boxhead?? - with feature on handle neck)
2nd Craftsman raised panel (long lever (LL) non-Quick Release (QR))
3rd Craftsman raised panel (Flying V)
4th Craftsman raised panel Version 1 (Oil port LL-QR)



Am I missing anything guys, and is this order correct? Remember I am not including the Tri-Wing or other derivatives (i.e. Canadian Craftsman), since they are made in Taiwan.

The "Flying V" (also referred to as the Star Trek or V selector) was officially known by Craftsman as the "Butterfly" selector. The patent was applied for in 1959, and the Butterfly selector first appeared in the 1960 catalog. By the 1964 catalog, it was missing.

The Next selector, usually referred to as the "Long Lever" is in fact a little shorter than the LL and referred to as the "Lo-Profile" selector.

Another selector that is missing from your list is the "Hourglass" selector, used mostly on the flex-head teardrop ratchets in the 60's.

I've included a scan of the paperwork from a 60's ratchet repair kit that shows what I'm talking about.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Thanks for the scans Jake! They are great!

I do have the hour glass selector flex heads but not in the timeline. My thought would be to use the 3 standard ratchet sizes as the core "family" and flex heads or other variants would be offshoots of the core group.

My idea when I shoot the film of the particular set of ratchets that I would include the flex/variants together.

Unfortunately, at the time I uploaded what I called the QR Oil Port & QR Non-Oil Port video onto YouTube I didn't include those. Your advice of including them is correct.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Is it just me Jake or are most of the LL non-QRs and Butterfly selector ratchets out there beat up? I've had a heck of a time finding ones that aren't pretty damaged. Change in metallurgy?

 

[jakemac]

Is it just me Jim or are most of the LL non-QRs and Butterfly selector ratchets out there beat up? I've had a heck of a time finding ones that aren't pretty damaged. Change in metallurgy?

They've had more years on them to be used as hammers than most of the QR versions. The non-QR version has a wider flat spot for banging than the QR's.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Ha-ha! Good point!