Mystery Ratchets??

[AntiqueBen]

That's a neat selector on that one d42Jeep!

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks. Here is another one. Indestro Super.

-Don

 

[four.cycle]

@AntiqueBen - I just looked at the datamp.org page for patent 2686582 and you are correct: they show the manufacturer as "unknown".
I am 100% confident that was simply an oversight on Stan's part. That ratchet was stamped out in a plant at 2649 North Kildare Avenue in Chicago. Duro/Indestro made those for a number of companies.
That particular unit is the "middle" version - tri-wing selector, 52-tooth mechanism. Earlier versions had a four-pronged selector. Later versions had a 60-tooth mechanism.
Even two units with the same part number stamped on them might feel a bit different in use due to wear on the teeth on the pawls (or the ratchet head itself, which is what happened to my 1/4" model) or the type of lubricant being used.
Guy Wheaton, the Indestro factory representative, insisted that ONLY "oil" should be used - NOT grease. Some guys gum 'em all up putting a lubricant into them that's too heavy for the mechanism.
Be careful removing that clip ring - they are capable of long-distance flight at mach speeds.

 

[four.cycle]

@d42jeep - that's the first time I've seen a five pronged selector on one of those!

 

[AntiqueBen]

That's in perfect condition. AA said it came either like mine or like yours with a knurled handle. Does it have the same patent number?

 

[d42jeep]

@d42jeep - that's the first time I've seen a five pronged selector on one of those!

You’re right. This one has a six pronged control.
-Don

 

[AntiqueBen]

Very nice Don. I've never seen that one before.

 

[four.cycle]

^ that's the 2775A - later version that was introduced in the early 1980s - 60-tooth mechanism.

 

[PowderKeg]

3, 5, and 6 pt shifter cap round head ratchets made by Duro/Indestro can be found relatively easily, haven't seen a 6 pt branded Wizard yet, but the 3 & 5 pt versions are all over. Less seen ones (so far) are PowrKraft 100, Wardmast'r, and Westcraft. Wouldn't be surprised to see other cap variations of these along with maybe a Westline too. Crappy cell phone pics attached...

 

[AntiqueBen]

Any thoughts about post #116 & 117?

 

[AntiqueBen]

I ordered a Craftsman 1/2" RHFT ratchet today that has me puzzled. Gearwolf with the Craftsman Ratchet Project says the RHFT came out in 1970. The ratchet I ordered has pointed A's in the Craftsman name on the handle. I thought the pointed A's stopped with the beginning of the quick release in 1967 (according to Gearwolf). This ratchet has no product number & patent pending on the handle. It also has the older =V= stamp instead of the -V- stamp. It also looks like the handle on the side has a groove down the middle. Is it possible Craftsman made RHFT in the late 60's?? I've never seen a RHFT with pointed A's. Any thoughts on this ratchet??

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Hmmm, maybe someone added quick release head?

 

[AntiqueBen]

The quick release head (body) is different than the RHFT. I don't think that's possible?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Take it apart and see!

 

[AntiqueBen]

I'll receive it in about 3-4 days. Have you ever seen one with these markings? It's like this thing shouldn't exist. I'll take it apart when it gets here. I pulled a RHFT & a quick release from my toolbox. I don't see how they could be interchangeable? Different castings all together.

 

[Lesserstore]

The pointed A's stopped in 1968, the RHFT came out in 1968, so the very first ones had them. Here's the type study by user b.well:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/craftsman-rhft-ratchet-type-study-1968-2009.455802/

 

[AntiqueBen]

Wow, great thread! Thanks. I didn't realize RHFT came out in '68. Gearwolf was off on that one. Type 1's must be hard to come by. I haven't ever seen one in the wild. I think the RHFT is my favorite Craftsman rat.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Looks like the type 1 came out after the 2nd RHFT patent in May of '68. In late '68 the type 2 with the rounded A's was being produced, so it looks like the type 1 with pointed A's was only produced for a few months. I'm wandering as far as production of a particular type, is the type 1 the rarest of the RHFT types with the fewest produced...I'm assuming?