Odd ratchet and a whatsis

[elidas]

Picked these up today along with a rack of mixed sockets and an American Forge for $5. Any ideas on the iron thing?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's not a ratchet, per se, elidas. It's a CAM-LOC ratcheting end wrench.

If you remove that drive plug, you'll find a series of spring-loaded rollers (cams) built into the interior aperture of the open end. You can use that particular wrench like a ratchet on any 1/2" hex fastener, 1/2" pipe, etc. They came in sizes from 3/8" to 1", usually in a roll-up. Patented in 1951, made originally by The Kramer Fabrication Company outside Detroit, and then made for or licensed to many others, including Snap-On (model numbers FW-12 through FW-32) in the 50's and 60's. Very popular in the US Army.

Here's a 7/8" model.

I've actually never seen that round drive plug adapter before. Very clever. It essentially turns a 1/2" ratcheting CAM-LOC end wrench into a 1/2" square drive ratchet.

Thanks for posting it.

 

[elidas]

Here is a better picture if the "plug". Its 3/8 drive.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks for the extra pic and the clarification. That makes more sense since the drive stud has to be smaller than the opening of the wrench and the diameter of the plug. The 1/2-inch drive adapter would have to be put in a 9/16" or 5/8" CAM-LOC.

Niftiest thing I saw all day.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I had never seen the insert before, I have one of the ratchets also..

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I had never seen the insert before...

I want one! And a 1/2-inch jobbie, too! I'm already thinking of how I can make one or just cannibalize and modify a universal joint.

I wonder if T.K.F. Co made them or a third party or if it's a shop tool.

 

[454ragtop]

They sell them for use with more common ratchet wrenches, I have one that fits a 1/2" or 9/16" I think.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, 454! I need to get my head out of the vintage world every once in awhile.

 

[crguy]

The piece in the second picture might be a lap anvil. If you turn it over is there a working surface there?

 

[elidas]

Yes! Whatsa lap anvil?

 

[LXCam]

Yes! Whatsa lap anvil?

Either your not married, or not long enough. But at some point you'll find it's easier to just grab a hammer and bust your own nuts instead of her doing it.

 

[elidas]

I'm was married 43 years. I know exactly what you mean! I googled "lap anvil'
That's what it is. Never heard of one. I'll bet I have the only one on the street.

 

[humber2]

Would the cam=loc with the adaptor be a no switch reversing rat?

 

[bluebolt]

Would the cam=loc with the adaptor be a no switch reversing rat?

Yes just put the adapter in the other side to reverse it.

 

[Roberts210]

Either your not married, or not long enough. But at some point you'll find it's easier to just grab a hammer and bust your own nuts instead of her doing it.

You are HILARIOUS!!!! Hahahahahaha. And sadly, also truthful.