New Britain NB56 3/8 Flex quick release ratchet

[350XinNY]

Picked this up on Ebay a couple years ago when I was looking to fix my flex ratchet my Uncle who lived in CT gave me. Anyhow, I have not seen another like this. Seems like the auction was from a CT seller. Anyone have info on this ratchet with a quick release button?

Bruce

PS, tried to upload pics from phone and got an error. Will upload pics from my computer later this weekend.

 

[mikebaker1129]

There is a proto repair kit on EBay at the moment that may fit.
What is the tooth count on yours?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Vintag...325515&hash=item1a639ffebd:g:C-MAAOSwhnlb2KGF

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have a Husky CB-46. It is a quick release and I bet it's the same mechanism as your NB. The tooth count is either 45 or 60. I want to say it's 60. I have never tried it but I think I can put my Husky CB-46 in my NB 44 (non quick release). If you ever needed a new mechanism, there are several brands that all used the same mechanism. Sparta, Husky, New Britain, Penncraft, some Napa and many more.

 

[350XinNY]

Mine is NOS looking. I just haven't seen a New Britain quick release before or after this one. Pretty rare?

 

[four.cycle]

photo?

here is a list of all of the brands that New Britain Machine made ratchets for:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6217172#post6217172

 

[350XinNY]

photo?

here is a list of all of the brands that New Britain Machine made ratchets for:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6217172#post6217172

Here's a pic...

Bruce

 

[Mgdoug3]

The mechanism looks just like my Husky. My uncle has a 3/8 NB54. It doesn't have the detent ball and the grip isn't as fancy but it's a great ratchet that has been used a lot.

 

[350XinNY]

Thanks all. MgDoughow/when did you get your Husky? Anyone have an idea to the age of this ratchet?

 

[Mgdoug3]

I bought the Husky off Craigslist with a bunch of other ratchets. I don't use it very often. I'm not an expert on NB. I'm not sure if the fancy knurled grip is older or younger than the plain knurling. Most of the patents for those NB are for 1951 and 1961. My guess that ratchet dates back to the 60s or 70s.

There is a New Britain thread in the vintage section. I would post the picture and question there. Those guys know much more than me and can point you in the right direction.

 

[350XinNY]

Thanks again!