New Britain NB-54 ratchet saved

[Shelbylex]

In the beginning of November I bought this New Britain NB-54 ratchet for $2 on yard sale. It was a little dirty, but was not stuck and moved.
ForestT posted a video of Blackhawk ratchet made by New Britain which helped me a lot and showed what to expect.
I made some pictures from start to finish. One unexpected surprise was that even though the ratchet moved, I could not switch the direction. I took everything apart and cleaned it. It also sat in the ATF for multiple days which freed the mechanism. I use old medication bottle from one of the relatives to hold ATF for small jobs - works great. Remember to have a small magnet available to remove things out of the solution and bring them to the top of the bottle.
I put it back together tonight after lubrication with SuperLube. Everything moves easy and smooth as if it was just made.

Enjoy the pictures!

P.S. The restored/cleaned rusty KD pliers which I bought earlier this year finally found their first job!

 

[Shelbylex]

 

[JjKk40]

Nice job man!

 

[Modern Garage]

Nice work. I'd have spent the time on that too, I like long handle flex head ratchets.
Joe

 

[d42jeep]

Good save. I have one of those in my user toolbox. Nice working ratchet.
-Don

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, gentlemen!
Don, I noticed that your ratchet does not have snap ring. I wonder if mine is modified or they are from different period.

 

[d42jeep]

Mine seems to have a circlip rather than a snap ring. Perhaps it’s a little newer.
-Don

 

[bonneyman]

Very nice save! Personally I've never used a flex head ratchet (I have 3) but if you need one, a clean, slick turning one is a life saver.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, Bonneyman. I rarely use flex ratchets. But when you need one, it helps. I did smaller adjustment of hand brake twice on my car - the flex allows easier angulation and ratchet works a little faster than wrenches. Not a deal breaker, but it's always nice to use the tools you clean up and restore even when it's an excuse to restore more "just in case"...