plvmb question

[Richard Cranium]

I picked up a plvmb 3/8 ratchet today, it has what I guess is a date code on it of R8, next to where it says made in usa. It is model number 5249. I tried to look this up and all the ones that I find has a flat handle and this one is round with knurling. Any help please. I am at work right now so no pic available. But if it would help I could post some tonight....Richie

 

[spongerich]

I know this isn't much help, but the round handle versions were definitely made in the early 40's. I have several that are marked 'War Finish' that dates them. I don't know how much earlier they started and how long afterwards they continued. They're excellent ratchets. Just as smooth as anything made today.

 

[Steven67fr]

Post up a pic, if it's as you describe it sounds like it would probably the standard 5249 from 1938. Would be suprising to see a Made In USA marking on a pre 1939 tool, but I've seen it happen before.

A pic will help all the Plomb experts here narrow down on exactly what you have.

The general style you're talking was made from I believe right around 1936 up until 1944/45 at which time they started making the flatter pebbled handle, then progressing to the rounded pebble handle.

 

[Plombob]

Post a pic and PM me. The meaning of the "R" is lost to history, the "8" is likely 1938. Pics will help sort it out.

 

[softailgarage]

I believe alloy-artifacts covers that ratchet, I think. http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/index.html

 

[Richard Cranium]

here is the pic.
Made in USA R8

 

[woody 73]

My best guess is this one: not sure about the R8 marking?

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-arti...omb_38dr_5249_ratchet_usa_f_cropped_inset.jpg

 

[Plombob]

That's a 1938 ratchet. Those are great rats!

 

[Richard Cranium]

Thanks, I looked this up on alloy-artifacts and it shows that they were made from 1939 till 1945, so if mine was made in 1938, was it like a proto-type for the 1939 start run? or did I mis-read it?
Any way I went back to re-store and they had a bunch more ratchets out, so I picked out 4 more of the plvmb ratchets including a long handle 1/2 drive...Richie

 

[notlob]

I wish I had a store nearby that sells Plomb ratchets.

This site:

http://plombtools.com/year-markings-2/

suggests that Plomb changed from "Los Angeles" to "Made in USA" stamping in late '39, although it also states there was some variation in changeover dates.

 

[Steven67fr]

Any way I went back to re-store and they had a bunch more ratchets out, so I picked out 4 more of the plvmb ratchets including a long handle 1/2 drive...Richie

Would LOVE LOVE to see the 1/2 long handle!!!

 

[johnnybentwrench]

The made in USA is not in a straight line that was right after PLVMB Los Angeles markings

 

[Richard Cranium]

Here is the pic. Better a little late then never....lol....Richie
The top 4 are plvmb Los Angeles mgr.USA
proto 5450 is the long handle
proto 5449
proto 5449
proto 5249
plvmb 5249
so I guess I was wrong, I thought that they were all plvmb...sorry for my confusing..Richie