OldSchoolSS
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2008
- Messages
- 204
ratchet ****
- Thread starter caper
- Start date
billymade
Well-known member
Tell Elroy: every time I see his "custom bent" Craftsman swivel head ratchet; it makes me smile! 
Tell Elroy: every time I see his "custom bent" Craftsman swivel head ratchet; it makes me smile!
I'll do that. I'm sure he'd appreciate the kind words.
J.A.F.E.
Well-known member
Elroy~
What is that beautiful little 1/4 drive ratchet at the bottom of the image - it's the black oxide finish with knurled handle above the 2 SO 1/4's?
Looks like a real gem.
~Steve
What is that beautiful little 1/4 drive ratchet at the bottom of the image - it's the black oxide finish with knurled handle above the 2 SO 1/4's?
Looks like a real gem.
~Steve
J.A.F.E.
Well-known member
I missed that post somehow, please thank Elroy for the response. An unusual finish perhaps but it makes sense for an industrial finish. Cool item.
~Steve
~Steve
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
14.161 views...............yee-haw...............the count goes on..................
7 more 1/2" drive new arrivals to add to the count................:
From left to right:
1) Gray # 603 (female drive, Made in Toronto, Ont., Canada)
2) Gray # 5297 (Ultra Heavy Duty, looks like a Snap-On and Bonney Hybrid, Made In Canada, special thanks to wrenchr)
3) No Name (Thin female drive, looks to have been intended for machinery adjustment)
4) Indestro Super # 3277 (Not pretty, but sure functions well)
5) Armstrong # S-51 (looks to have been sourced from Williams??, functions, but missing the cover plate that evidently screws on to the ratchet housing, will have to go through the Williams ratchets)
6) Armstrong # 12-901 (looks to be a Proto/Plomb inspired ratchet head design)
7) Husky # H4725 (One of those New Britain looking doubles as a weapon things)
Up next,.............. we'll mix things up a bit.............and show off some of the 3/8" drive new arrivals..........................
The quest for 500 ratchets continues..........
('HOUND's running ratchet total, this thread: 3 1" Drives, 7 3/4" Drives, 243 1/2" Drives, 137 3/8" Drives, 1 9/32" Drive, 49 1/4" Drives, 440 Overall/All Sizes. Number needed to surpass overall/all sizes ratchet total of 500: 61.
7 more 1/2" drive new arrivals to add to the count................:
From left to right:
1) Gray # 603 (female drive, Made in Toronto, Ont., Canada)
2) Gray # 5297 (Ultra Heavy Duty, looks like a Snap-On and Bonney Hybrid, Made In Canada, special thanks to wrenchr)
3) No Name (Thin female drive, looks to have been intended for machinery adjustment)
4) Indestro Super # 3277 (Not pretty, but sure functions well)
5) Armstrong # S-51 (looks to have been sourced from Williams??, functions, but missing the cover plate that evidently screws on to the ratchet housing, will have to go through the Williams ratchets)
6) Armstrong # 12-901 (looks to be a Proto/Plomb inspired ratchet head design)
7) Husky # H4725 (One of those New Britain looking doubles as a weapon things)
Up next,.............. we'll mix things up a bit.............and show off some of the 3/8" drive new arrivals..........................
The quest for 500 ratchets continues..........
('HOUND's running ratchet total, this thread: 3 1" Drives, 7 3/4" Drives, 243 1/2" Drives, 137 3/8" Drives, 1 9/32" Drive, 49 1/4" Drives, 440 Overall/All Sizes. Number needed to surpass overall/all sizes ratchet total of 500: 61.
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Uncle Buck
Banned
Tell Elroy: every time I see his "custom bent" Craftsman swivel head ratchet; it makes me smile!
How did Elroy come up with that? I have never seen a bent handle Craftsman of the old original type? Did Elroy just get after it in a vise or what?
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
lauver
Well-known member
trying to get the tool box organized and assembled these into a single drawer.
Elroy,
Two questions:
How did you bend that handle on the Craftsman flex handle? Heat? BFH? Brute force? All the above? (I'm assuming it was deliberate)
Do you remember when you bought that Craftsman VT series ratchet? I've got that series code on my list but only one date observation and could use another date observation. Also, is it a decent ratchet? I think if I owned your Proto Big Dawgs I would never reach for the Craftsman, except in sacraficial situations.
EDIT: OK three questions--What's that little blue handled stuby?
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krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
elroy posted about that a while back. he heated it IIRC. i remember being surprised about the lack of bluing from the heat.
Why yes he did. Thank you for remembering. Elroy was unaware that folks actually listened to his dribble.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17800
You assume correctly. Why hell yes it was deliberate.
Look it's not that big of a deal and as a matter of fact it was fairly quick and easy to do. All ya have to do is clamp the handle in a vise and heat the bend spot with a torch. You don't have to get the thing white hot. As a matter of fact Elroy deliberately tried not to get it any hotter than necessary. Just heat it a little and try to bend it. If it won't move, heat it up just a little bit more. Had to put a little bit of *** behind it but then again Elroy doesn't have much ***, just gut.
So I guess you could say put your gut into it.
Can't really answer that question on the "VT" because Elroy actually found that one sitting in the middle of the road. That was about 6 or 7 years ago. The thing looked brand new, so call it year 2000. Only had a small road rash mark. Every time Elroy goes around that corner he hopes to see another sitting there.
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
The insanity continues!
14,453 views...............yah-hoo...............the view count and the ratchet count continues to grow..........and the insanity, as billymade would say........
7 more 3/8" drive new arrivals to add to the count................
From left to right:
1) J.H. Williams # B-51A (looks to be a refrigeration ratchet, reversible unlike most I've seen, it is 3/8" male drive on one side, and 1/4" female drive on the side shown. Can also be used as a female drive 1/4" breaker bar utilizing the opposite end of the handle.....special thanks to Rickster)
2) J.H. Williams # B-51A (same as ratchet #1, but is different in that "ON" and "OFF" are stamped into the ratchet head, versus being cast into the handle, lettering/script is also different on the handle......special thanks to Rickster)
3) Champion "Plug Master" # CT-405 (Flex head)
4) Artisan # 4570 (said to have been sold by Gambles stores, S-K manufactured, actively seeking to buy/trade for the Artisan, Mac, and S-K ratchets in any size in this configuration)
5) Champion "Plug Master" # CT-451 (Bent handle, flex head)
6) Husky # CB45 (has 2 Patent #'s on handle, ratchet head uses a snap ring, and handle factory stamped 30 also)
7) Husky # CB43 (twin to #6, but 1 Patent # & "Pat. Pending" on handle, ratchet head uses a spiral lock, and handle factory stamped 31 also)
Today, we bid fond farewell
to the rare Buick Snap-On 3/8" drive socket set pictured earlier in the thread............it has a happy new caretaker in a Buick freak residing in Illinois............(thus, the net change for the 3/8" drive ratchet count will be +6)Up next,.............. still more 3/8" drive new arrivals..........................
.........stay tuned GarageJournal.com fans!!!!!!!............................The quest for 500 ratchets continues..........
('HOUND's running ratchet total, this thread: 3 1" Drives, 7 3/4" Drives, 243 1/2" Drives, 143 3/8" Drives, 1 9/32" Drive, 49 1/4" Drives, 446 Overall/All Sizes. Number needed to surpass overall/all sizes ratchet total of 500: 55.
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zuspiel
Well-known member
Pic (also in use)? I'm curious about those...
WERA Zyklop is the coolest thing I ever handled. I will have my first sets in my garage in about 2 weeks, I can't wait!!!
http://www.wera.de/zyklop/EN/zyklop.html
http://www.wera.de/zyklop/EN/zyklop.html
gotmud13613
Well-known member
WERA zyklop is the coolest thing I ever put my hands on.
Anyone know where to get one of these
zuspiel
Well-known member
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
A snap on mystery rat. As far as I know these have never shown up in any cats, nor has any of these shown up with a date code. The pat. number is 1935, but this pat. number also shows up on some round heads with a 54 date code. This one has stumped all collectors, so if anyone has some info on this, it would be most appreciated.
Snapmom, the handle looks similar to a vintage 1/4" drive Williams, and the head looks similar to an older 1/2" drive Williams with a different reversing lever setup. Any chance this is one Snap-On outsourced?
billymade
Well-known member
FNFS2000, have you used the Wera Zyklop? What did you think of them? I wonder if they have rebuild kits fore them; also, did you get a full set with the case/sockets, extensions or just the ratchets? I really want one of those; when you get them, please! Give us a full review!
FNFS2000, have you used the Wera Zyklop? What did you think of them? I wonder if they have rebuild kits fore them; also, did you get a full set with the case/sockets, extensions or just the ratchets? I really want one of those; when you get them, please! Give us a full review!
I played with one at a tool show, they are truly revolutionary.
I preordered a complete set of 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 drive. Can't wait to get them, even the cases they come in are awesome! Last I heard I should be getting it late this month, they are backing up with demand. I'm glad I got in line early. Not sure about rebuild kits. The only other German ratchet I have(heyco) has been going for years and years with no problems yet.
billymade
Well-known member
What did you pay and where did you order it from; if you don't mind me asking.... did you get the case/sockets/attachments all together? I couldn't remember are you state side? Inquiring minds want to know!
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
The insanity continues!
15,081 views...............15,000 in the rear view mirror..............(LOL, sorry about the pun)...................hot dog & a root beer...............
7 more 3/8" drive new arrivals to add to the count................
From left to right:
1) Penncraft # 3681 (One of JCPenney's offerings, with the New Britain style ratchet head, I'm beginning to appreciate the New Britain head design more, special thanks to wrenchr)
2) Blackhawk # 34945B (Thumbwheel is nice, it is stamped "USA", but I have my doubts, head looks "globally sourced"?)
3) Proto Professional # 5252A (Great idea, poorly executed. Has the sought after features of quick release, fine teeth, and thumb wheel, but the ratchet mechanism is so stiff there is a bunch of "back swing" resistance, may as well use a wrench)
4) Challenger # 1260 (reminds me of a Thorsen, or Bonney type ratchet head)
5) Craftsman (Antique vintage, stamped "BE", no numbers on it)
6) Bon-E-Con # ZT700 (vintage, special thanks to wrenchr)
7) Duro # 2889 (cool female drive reversible ratchet, now if I could only find a drive "plug" for it, among others)
More 3/8" drive new arrivals.................on deck.........
.......The quest for 500 ratchets continues..........
('HOUND's running ratchet total, this thread: 3 1" Drives, 7 3/4" Drives, 243 1/2" Drives, 150 3/8" Drives, 1 9/32" Drive, 49 1/4" Drives, 453 Overall/All Sizes. Number needed to surpass overall/all sizes ratchet total of 500: 48.
hey Mopar - how many teeth does that 5252 have? I'm thinking it has 90, which is the most I've seen in any ratchet. I was thinking about getting one but maybe not now.
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
I counted 22 clicks at 1/4 turn, 44 clicks at 1/2 turn, and 88 clicks with 1 full turn of the ratchet mechanism.
The ratchet appears like new. Maybe I've got a bum steer?? I tried penetrating fluid, and then the Permatex Ultra-Slick stuff, and can't get improvement. It's like it has high tension springs inside, creating a lot of drag.
The ratchet appears like new. Maybe I've got a bum steer?? I tried penetrating fluid, and then the Permatex Ultra-Slick stuff, and can't get improvement. It's like it has high tension springs inside, creating a lot of drag.
I had the 1/2 drive flex head version of that ratchet. I bought it used but exchanged it for a new one because it flopped around too much. The older one felt awesome but the new one didn't work for me. It had a lot of teeth on it but I just didn't like it for some reason - I sold it. Maybe it just needed to be broken in a little.
What did you pay and where did you order it from; if you don't mind me asking.... did you get the case/sockets/attachments all together? I couldn't remember are you state side? Inquiring minds want to know!
I got full sets of metric and inch in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2. It was expensive, but I should be able to recover quite a bit when I sell my old stuff on ebay. I bought from www.chadstoolbox.com
If I can get a standard handle 3/8 for $20 shipped, do you guys think I should do it? Sounds like even for $20 it may not be worth it. I HATE that drag feeling.
You know, honestly I would pass. If you found a used one for like $10 that was broken in I bet it would be pretty sweet, but I'm just guessing.
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
The insanity continues!
15,700 views...............
7 more 3/8" drive new arrivals to add to the count................
From left to right:
1) Blackhawk # 34967 (ratchet adaptor, shown with a Plomb breaker bar that was handy. Already had the Mac 1/2" and 3/4" drive versions of this style of adaptor, for $6 and being new thought I would add it to the collection)
2) Owatonna Tool Company ( OTC ) # H 260 (way cool vintage 3/8" femael drive roto head ratchet with it's original male drive plug. No need to flip the ratchet to reverse, just rotate the head, marked "ON", and "OFF")
3) Owatonna Tool Company ( OTC ) # H 260 (Like #2, but need a male plug for it, anyone??)
4) Craftsman # 42793 (discontinued flex head model, has the "butterfly" reversing lever, and the detent ball mechanism to help hold the ratchet head steady, special thanks to justinmc)
5) JCPenney # 3531 (S-K manufactured, quality piece)
6) Plomb # 3249 (round handle, needed this example for the Plomb collection, same head as the pebble grain ratchets)
7) Proto # 5248S (nifty 3/8" drive ratchets in a 1/4" body, always wanted one of these, scored it in a ratchet lot)
Time to add a little variety to the thread................some 1/4" drive new arrivals.................coming up......... :
:.......(Another 3 ratchet lot of 1/2" drive ratchets has left the building via the Classifieds section, (last of the long handled Eascos being offered went with it), so the net ratchet increase this post is +4)
The quest for 500 ratchets continues..........
('HOUND's running ratchet total, this thread: 3 1" Drives, 7 3/4" Drives, 240 1/2" Drives, 157 3/8" Drives, 1 9/32" Drive, 49 1/4" Drives, 457 Overall/All Sizes. Number needed to surpass overall/all sizes ratchet total of 500: 44.
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
The insanity continues!
15,868 views..............................................
7 more 1/4" drives, new arrivals, to add to the count................:
:
From left to right:
1) Plomb # 4749 (Round handle, needed this example for the Plomb collection.)
2) Duro # 2888 (Way cool vintage 1/4" female drive ratchet with it's original male drive plug. First 1/4" female drive I'd come across.)
3) Craftsman # 43174 (Modern round head, polished handle-I was thinking the earlier versions of this model had a brushed/matte finish handle? Came in a lot with some other ratchets or I wouldn't own it.)
4) Mac # MRR7 (Extra long handle, fine tooth. The seller had 2, I bought this one, and another guy bought the broken one for 50 cents less. Buyer must have a Mac truck that stops by)
5) Mac # MR5MT ("Micro Tough". Debated listing this one, didn't realize at the time I received it, that it's made it Taiwan. Does have a fine ratcheting action to it, don't know if I'd trust for other than light duty work.)
6) Wright # ??? (No name or number stamped on it. IIRC, I've heard these referred to as a Wright made model. I think I have wrenchr to thank for this one.)
7) Blackhawk # GW-9945 (Quality ratchet with the New Britain head, GW9945)
More 1/4" drive new arrivals....................on deck....................
.......The quest for 500 ratchets continues...............................
('HOUND's running ratchet total, this thread: 3 1" Drives, 7 3/4" Drives, 240 1/2" Drives, 157 3/8" Drives, 1 9/32" Drive, 56 1/4" Drives, 464 Overall/All Sizes. Number needed to surpass overall/all sizes ratchet total of 500: 37.
Uncle Buck
Banned
So MOPAR, when you reach 500 ratchets, you have two directions you can go as I see it; you can either start a museum in your garage, or start selling them off for a profit!
5) Mac # MR5MT ("Micro Tough". Debated listing this one, didn't realize at the time I received it, that it's made it Taiwan. Does have a fine ratcheting action to it, don't know if I'd trust for other than light duty work.)
Mopar,I have that Mac micro tough and it is tough.I use it regularly,and when I say use it I mean I USE it.I don't baby my tools and after about two years of hard use its still working as good as new.I wish they made this head style in a short handle configuration,it would be an awesome design for close spaces because its so fine.
Mopar,I have that Mac micro tough and it is tough.I use it regularly,and when I say use it I mean I USE it.I don't baby my tools and after about two years of hard use its still working as good as new.I wish they made this head style in a short handle configuration,it would be an awesome design for close spaces because its so fine.
Those must be the earliest ROTO heads ever made!! What year are they?
2) Owatonna Tool Company ( OTC ) # H 260 (way cool vintage 3/8" femael drive roto head ratchet with it's original male drive plug. No need to flip the ratchet to reverse, just rotate the head, marked "ON", and "OFF")
3) Owatonna Tool Company ( OTC ) # H 260 (Like #2, but need a male plug for it, anyone??)
MOPARHOUND!
Well-known member
caper, thanks for the testimonial, I'll not be so hesitant to use it, and feel better the money wasn't ill spent.
bchee, not sure how old the roto-heads are. The transition from female drive to male drive occurred in the 1930's. S-K, IIRC, had a patent related to the design/trademark. Don't know if these have a patent number on them, I'll have to dig them out and check.
tpolley
Well-known member
i can understand collecting old ratchets. some of you guys with 2 or 3 drawers full of different modern ratchets, do you acually use all of them?? how do you decide on a particular day what ratchet you're going to use?