Need help with ratchet info
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cruiser808
Well-known member
Very interesting indeed. A Craftsman-like body with a head mechanism which looks like that of an old Wright ratchet. 
caper
Well-known member
I have one somewhat similar:
lauver
Well-known member
Where are those ratchets made?
caper
Well-known member
Mine's a Benchmark brand,made in Japan.Nice working ratchet,I use it quite often.
Tool Pants
Well-known member
My feet are in that picture. At the flea market. I saw what looked like an Easco non quick release round head with a Craftsman handle. Seller yelled at me as I was getting ready to turn it over to take a picture of the reverse which said made in Japan.
That was months ago. I have since seen it with a different name, which I do not remember, but it was Japanese. Benchmark could be it.
I called it a Japanese clone. But since then I found a Japanese clone of a Craftsman V-selector which I consider more unique.
That was months ago. I have since seen it with a different name, which I do not remember, but it was Japanese. Benchmark could be it.
I called it a Japanese clone. But since then I found a Japanese clone of a Craftsman V-selector which I consider more unique.
If that is your picture, is that ratchet a RHFT? And does it have a speeder on the bottom? Looks like it could, in a non-quick release.
Tool Pants
Well-known member
Guy yelled at me before I could take a picture of the reverse, and I don't remember if it had a speeder. I will keep my eyes open for another one at the flea market this weekend.
caper
Well-known member
Mine has the speeder.
Can you post a pic of the ratchet you have and then I can update the RHFT list.
caper
Well-known member
It's at work right now,I'll see what I can do on tuesday when I get back.
Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
Well-known member
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
Since when is it a crime to take a picture of a ratchet at the flea market?!
the seller most likely is afraid it's a stolen ratchet and he was getting evidence.
lbgradwell
Well-known member
For the Americans & others...
Benchmark is the house brand for a Canadian national chain called Home Hardware.
Were you able to take a pic of your ratchet?
aczr2k
Well-known member
My dad has a one of those and socket set in the shop. I can take some pics for you this weekend if you would like. We've had them as I can remember.
That would be great if you could get some pics.
caper
Well-known member
Sorry its been a crazy week and I forgot all about it.I'llget some tomorrow.
caper
Well-known member
Took some pics of the ratchet today.
caper
Well-known member
PowderKeg
Well-known member
Hate to burst any bubbles, but that Benchmark isn't of Easco designed RHFT parentage. Yes it has an integral speeder on the drive side, but look at how the guts are retained in the head, or more specifically, how they aren't retained. Easco used an internal snap ring underneath the spinner - there's no snap ring present there on the pictured Benchmark. Looks like it's probably held together with a split ring on the reverse switch side. Not the same design, so not a true "RHFT" ratchet - "RHFT" used to refer only to the classic Easco round head dual pawl design.
caper
Well-known member
I didn't really think it was a round head fine tooth.I was more leaning towards how the handle design looks like the old craftsman raised panel style.It's not an overly fine mechanism.It's not coarse but not really fine.I've been using it for 15 yrs or so.I like it,despite it's Japanese heritage I consider it a decent tool.It's proven itself over the years,I don't baby it.I think I got it at a yard sale or flea market but it's been around so long I can't remember.
aczr2k
Well-known member
Here are the pictures I took this weekend, this set has been around as long as I can remember, and is probably the most used around the farm, just because it always resides on the bench.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Very interesting thread...
To those who are still interested, I want to contribute my recent findings on the OEM of these ratchets. Not only does it pertain to both Capers Benchmark brand and aczr2k's Hunter branded RH ratchets, but it also extends to TrueCraft branded ratchets as well (and quite possibly Sears/Craftsman's Japan-made ratchets that Tool Pants has documented).
The OEM for these ratchets is S.E.K (Suekage Tool Co.). They have been operating since 1952 and they're known for their roundhead ratchets, and AFAIK, they're the only ones still producing roundheads in Japan. Take a look at their current catalogue (1) Page pdf and I'm sure you'll be convinced that they're the OEM.
To those who are still interested, I want to contribute my recent findings on the OEM of these ratchets. Not only does it pertain to both Capers Benchmark brand and aczr2k's Hunter branded RH ratchets, but it also extends to TrueCraft branded ratchets as well (and quite possibly Sears/Craftsman's Japan-made ratchets that Tool Pants has documented).
The OEM for these ratchets is S.E.K (Suekage Tool Co.). They have been operating since 1952 and they're known for their roundhead ratchets, and AFAIK, they're the only ones still producing roundheads in Japan. Take a look at their current catalogue (1) Page pdf and I'm sure you'll be convinced that they're the OEM.
cruiser808
Well-known member
Even if there is no interchange, the ratchet is fine for what it is. It will give good service to its user.
lbgradwell
Well-known member
Cool, but Tool Pant's ratchet isn't a Craftsman; it just looks like one...
caper
Well-known member
Very interesting,the handles look very similar.Nice research superautobacs.
Mickey O
Well-known member
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
did you notice the 3/4 ratchet in the link? look's identical to the CMAN.
lauver
Well-known member
Tool Pants,
I ran across an Oxwall, made in Japan, 1/2" drive teardrop ratchet that is a dead ringer for a Craftsman RFP TD ratchet. Yet another shameless clone.