Help to date/identify old Craftsman ratchet?

[Formiga]

Curious if anyone can help date and/or identify these. All that was recovered from my old man's toolbox other than some **** allen keys and a couple of files, after everthing was taken (Long story that I won't go into.)

The 3/8 ratchet is used more than the marginal westward ratchet I have that's about the same size. The little 1/4" breaker bar gets used occasionally, I've honestly never had the need to use it, just seems right to do so occasionally.
As far as history, I remember sneaking into the box about 4 or 5 years old, to look for a pair of pliers to try and pull a loose tooth out, and his first Harley was in 1959 - so anywhere from 1960 to 1980.
I'd like enough information to get me started collecting a set for at home.

 

[Tool Pants]

The Crafty people call it a RHFT - round head fine tooth. It shows up in the 1970 Sears tool catalog as a new item and Sears Best. Only the 3/8" and 1/2" was in the 1970 catalog. The 1/4" was introduced in the 1971 catalog.

The patent was issued in 1969, and another patent in 1970 for the quick-release. Both assigned to Moore Drop Forging Company, which became Easco, and which is now Dahner.

 

[JohnFreeman]

Great ratchets by the way. Available in 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2", also in long handle versions (in the EASCO and Allen brand at least).

I've got several of each and really enjoy using them.... I hate trying to pull sockets off a rat with greasy hands...

 

[reptilezs]

one of the best ratchets around. spinner knob, qr, fine tooth action. i like the older style cman breaker bars too with the riveted head instead of the newer floating pin

 

[mrholeshot]

Great ratchets. I still have a 1/2 flex version of that ratchet.

 

[Gary S]

I have that same 1/2" ratchet in my tool box. I bought mine new in 1971. It is still my favorite ratchet.

 

[barney rubble]

I got the ratchet in 3/8" and love it.

 

[lbgradwell]

The breaker bar is older than the ratchet based on the absence of a model number...

 

[lauver]

The ratchet was likely sold sometime between 1975 and 1986. LG is correct about the breaker bar being earlier... probably sometime between the mid 1960's and 1974.

Hope this helps...

 

[Formiga]

Thanks everyone, this is helpful! Spoke to a friend of my old man, and he thought that it was all gotten as a set. 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" He also figured that Dad got it all shortly after he got his Cougar in '67 but coudn't say for sure. At least now I know what I'm collecting!

 

[frostys]

Late to the thread, as usual. This brings up a question that has been bugging me. The 43781 in the photo is essentially identical to the 43788, which was the one in the 1970 catalog (by the model number in the PDF Catalog I found surfing around). Does anyone know the difference? Or which came first, or when the model number changed?

 

[Stuart in MN]

The ratchet was likely sold sometime between 1975 and 1986.

I agree, it looks like one I bought in about 1980. It's a good tool.