Old Craftsman "V" series ratchet needs a part...

[Mark71GTX]

I have this old ratchet my grandfather had on the farm. I used it for many years, but a while back it froze up. I took it apart, but one of the feet on the retaining ring broke when I took it apart. I had to pull it apart by distorting the rest of the ring pulling it out from one side, rendering it useless... Where can I get a new ring, or they made out of unobtainium? It is no better than my other ratchets, but it looks cool, it is old, and it was my grandpa's so I would like to fix it. Any help will be appreciated!

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[jakemac]

Without a picture, it's hard to tell what model you have. However, I would guess that you have a teardrop shaped ratchet. The repair kits for most of those are no longer available through Sears, but show up on ebay still. Since you only need the retaining clip, one from almost any teardrop kit should work. It's the guts that might not fit.

You could try asking at your local Sears if they have a spare clip (some are helpful, others are not). Ask to speak to their PMT (preventive maintenance tech), and explain that you have an heirloom tool and are not interested in a rebuild or replacement. Bring the ratchet with you, but don't let it out of your sight if you can help it.

 

[Mark71GTX]

There is one on eBay right now just like it. I don't know how to post a link to it from my phone, but it is listed as vintage craftsman early v series ratchet with oil port 1/2drive usa

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[tweedlestan]

Make a new one out of piano wire.

 

[Westly]

The best thing might be to buy the one on ebay and use it for part(s). There are always tons of Craftsman ratchets on ebay.

If it's like the 3/8 with oil hole I'm thinking of they made it for years later without the hole and parts from it would work on later 3/8 too. Used 1/2 inchers are often cheaper than 3/8 to buy.

For getting guts unstuck I've taken to dousing them good with PB Blaster and then working them some. Sometimes that's all the lube they want, and others want to be really packed in grease.

If you put up a picture or maybe just give us the model number off the handle if there is one, somebody would probably give you the part in the mail, if this site is like some I know of.

 

[Mark71GTX]

There is no number on the handle. "V" is the only marking on the handle. I have considered buying another one just to get the clip, but if i can get a clip, why ruin another ratchet?

 

[ishiboo]

The ratchet retaining rings I've seen have not been special, can't you just measure roughly what it should be an order a new one from anywhere that sells internal retaining rings?

 

[Mark71GTX]

Possibly, but I have another ratchet that is built in a similar way with what looked like the same ring, but it had too wide of a spread and did not fit. I figured it can't be "that" special, but I have not found anything just like it yet. I figured someone has ran into this before and can tell me what to get and where.

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[Cdstahlman]

I have the same issue. I'm going to search a local hardware store or make one out of piano wire as suggested


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[Onedivinehammer]

I almost think a u-joint retaining ring would work too. They're cheap, and readily available. I've never tried it, but some are somewhat similar size wise.

 

[mr natural]

Sadly I couldn't find a new gear for my dad's 44985 .. He'd got a little wild with it at some point and broke some teeth.. Still works but.. Beware! Lol.. But I did discover that the ring around the gear housing is the EXACT same as an sk round head 42470 hope that helps somebody (I'm sure they'll be making those for.. A while) .. Course I'd love to find a gear for it as it's one of the best ratchets ever, and synonymous with my dad.. So if anyone has a lead, do chime in

 

[mikebaker1129]

Sadly I couldn't find a new gear for my dad's 44985 .. He'd got a little wild with it at some point and broke some teeth.. Still works but.. Beware! Lol.. But I did discover that the ring around the gear housing is the EXACT same as an sk round head 42470 hope that helps somebody (I'm sure they'll be making those for.. A while) .. Course I'd love to find a gear for it as it's one of the best ratchets ever, and synonymous with my dad.. So if anyone has a lead, do chime in

Try your local Sears ,ask if they gave any junk ratchets in the rebuild pile that someone else traded in that you might be able to remove the gear from?

Same thing for the OP,he just needs the clip.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

There is one on eBay right now just like it. I don't know how to post a link to it from my phone, but it is listed as vintage craftsman early v series ratchet with oil port 1/2drive usa

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All you had to do was post the ebay auction item number, by searching that exact term I got a full page of returns, so your ratchet is 1/2" drive? and it has the "V" selector like this one: eBay item number: 352592593066...I have a few replacement parts for some craftsman ratchets, please post here.


link https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-CRAFTS...FcT53~:sc:USPSPriority!39466!US!-1:rk:10:pf:0

 

[nutjob]

Sadly I couldn't find a new gear for my dad's 44985 .. He'd got a little wild with it at some point and broke some teeth.. Still works but.. Beware! Lol.. But I did discover that the ring around the gear housing is the EXACT same as an sk round head 42470 hope that helps somebody (I'm sure they'll be making those for.. A while) .. Course I'd love to find a gear for it as it's one of the best ratchets ever, and synonymous with my dad.. So if anyone has a lead, do chime in

I have a couple I bought awhile ago and when I searched the part number I found at least 4 on Ebay. Just search craftsman 43447 or craftsman 44985. The auctions have pics of the contents of the kits so you can make sure its the right parts

Kevin

 

[mr natural]

Thank you guys I did find a few of the china ones also.. guess that's better than no gear I was also pointing out for whoever might want to know, that the big gear clip is the exact same as in an sk round head.. never know, sk might sell you one .. meanwhile I got thinking how the ratchet was perfect for what it needs to be.. all except the big CRAFTSMAN name on it lol thought a knurled grip would round it out lol.. found and bought a herbrand s-7 for $20 shipping and all.. hopefully it's got the same simple to flip, does what it needs to do charm that the 44985 has I'm assuming a cornwell sr-50 does also, has the same stout looking ring.. without the knurl, plus the magic coke bottle I guess lol.. I'm a millwright and a lot of times just the ticket would be something to crank down anchor bolts/ flange bolts.. while at the same time not screaming "steal me!!"

 

[Jason280]

Any way you can post a pic of the ratchet itself? I think I know which piece you are referring to, just want to be sure...

If its the ratchet I am thinking of, it can be a beast to get the pawl/selector assembly back together without a detent tool!

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I might have a spare one, I'll look tomorrow. You may be able to find one at a parts store of i can't find one.

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[mr natural]

You know, the VW beetle of 1/2 drive ratchets! note the sk under it and the clip that's the same.. (if you can see it).. some of the teeth are broke off the (craftsman). I'd say chances are good that pop hadn't lubed 'er/ the spring was getting weak.. stomped on it maybe to break something loose and.. ZANG!! You and my dad might just jive JUNK-MAN lol he loves all the things you do and well.. kinda was the junk man as we used to scrap a lot of metal.. wound up with a lot of cool old trucks, cars, tools in the process we were like Sanford and son lol