Kraeuter Ratchet

[CheezyRiderAZ]

I was going thru my "extra" tools yesterday and found this Kraeuter 3/8" drive ratchet.
It turns smooth and free both forward and reverse and seems like it's about a 40 tooth mechanism.
It's marked Kraeuter 32070 on the top and says made in U.S.A. on the underside.
I found some Kraeuter tools on E-Bay and most are listed as vintage or NOS.
Can anyone tell me about the manufacturer?
I'm not planning on selling it but what's it worth?
Should I keep it and use it to replace one of my CM ratchets?
Should I keep it and not use it?

 

[reptilezs]

post a pic. most likely made by SK

 

[sk farmer]

post a pic. most likely made by SK

agreed. if it is an sk it is a good user. they have kind of a funky handle and head shape but a darn near bulletproof ratcheting mechanism that is tried and true. if it ever did need repair an sk kit would slip right in.

a pic is most definately needed.

 

[SMKS]

All the Kraeuter tools I've seen were clearly made by SK. The ratchets I've owned had the same mechanism as a regular SK ratchet.

 

[kburns]

This ratchet was definitely made by SK. As a matter of fact, the ratchet mechanism is still used today. Kraeuter was an old tool company started in the late 1800s. They were acquired by SK probably in the 1950s and the Kraeuter name disappeared. In the late 1960s Dresser Industries acquired SK and the Kraeuter name was revived for a while and used on a cheaper line of tools to compete with names like Craftsman. I don't know how long the Kraeuter line of tools survived, but it wasn't for long. Today, the Kraeuter tools are a bit of a collectors' item, though they don't go for prices nearly as high as Plomb.

 

[CheezyRiderAZ]

If Kraeuter was acquired by SK in the '50's, and my ratchet was definitely made by SK, why does it still say Kraeuter on it? Did SK continue with the Kraeuter name?

How old do you think this is?

If it's not from the Dresser era in the late '60's (cheaper line of tools to compete with names like Craftsman), I'll proly stick it in my toolbox and start usin' it...

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

made by SK. I have the same ratchet, handle is funny

 

[plinker]

I think Kraeuter was S-K's "Blue-point" for a while, Alloyartifacts.com should have more info on them.

 

[kburns]

If Kraeuter was acquired by SK in the '50's, and my ratchet was definitely made by SK, why does it still say Kraeuter on it? Did SK continue with the Kraeuter name?

How old do you think this is?

If it's not from the Dresser era in the late '60's (cheaper line of tools to compete with names like Craftsman), I'll proly stick it in my toolbox and start usin' it...

During the Dresser era, SK used the Kraeuter name for a while on their lower priced line of tools. This tool probably would be from the late 60s to early or mid 70s.

 

[sk farmer]

During the Dresser era, SK used the Kraeuter name for a while on their lower priced line of tools. This tool probably would be from the late 60s to early or mid 70s.

i believe that to be correct. in later years, say early 80's-90's sk had a cheaper line known as either the custom or peg pack line. it included the 3/8 and 1/2 drive frankenstein ratchets and a normal looking 1/4 drive rathet with a black cap. 1/4 spin handles were red and most of the items carried a simple finish and were marked with a diamond stamp and had the letters s k stamped inside of it.

 

[CheezyRiderAZ]

Wow! Thanks guys.....

 

[woody 73]

yes dresser made them back in the late 60's Dad bought a set back then for under $22.00 dollars.

 

[ganymede]

Here's one in 1/4" drive.
It's got a flat style handle which I like better than the V slot, more common type but still not as much as plain knurling as on SK versions .

 

[295th]

Just took a photo of mine to share.

I have a 13/16 Knurled SK 4082612 PT Deep socket as well

Happy New Year! 2014!!

 

[B17E1943]

Nice set, 295th.

I have one of the 3/8 rats with the funky handle.

 

[Sanctifiedsinner]

Wow! Thanks for that question and thanks for
All the info guys. Just found the same ratchet
In my collection, I think I'll save it until it's
Worth enough money to retire on.

 

[1950mercury]

That handle looks like it could hurt your hands

 

[redbarron57]

I have the same ratchet which I used at work yesterday. It did not bother me one bit.

 

[Ratchet.]

Just got one of these today,

Pretty nice ratchet, the finish is a bit rough in places, head is far from round for example, and the handle while looking pretty cool, like an I-beam or railway track isn't the most comfortable to use.

Overall a nice ratchet though, despite the lesser finish it has a decent solid feel to it, like SKs of the same era, is definitely well made and quite heavy, plus the chrome itself is good quality

The mech is super smooth too, well it is after i put some lube in it, as was totally dry when i got it (and appears its been that way since new, seems to have seen little if any real use)

 

[eurovw]

I wonder what the design rationale was for the groove in the handle.

 

[bonneyman]

Ah, just slide a round piece of rubber over the handle and you'd have a Tootsie Roll rat!