Sparta tools?

[Jason280]

Picked up an older set of Sparta 3/8" drive tools today, came with a Sparta CB-45 round head ratchet and a set of shallow and deep well standard sockets. Also included a short extension and universal joint, all in a small metal case.

I'll post a few pics later, but whats the general consensus on Sparta tools?

 

[TDLMOMOWERS]

I have a bunch of Sparta tools that I have had for over 40 years. They used to be NAPAs second line of hand tools behind New Britain. I worked as an industrial truck mechanic for over 30 years and never had any of my Sparta tools fail. Most NAPA stores will still honor the lifetime warranty on Sparta tools. The ratchets are getting hard to find repair kits for.

 

[SMKS]

Perform a search and you'll find more info.

I've had some and they were adequate old tools.

If memory serves, they were a value line that was sold at NAPA. All the ones I've personally seen were clearly made by New Britain. I suspect your ratchet is just a rebranded New Britain.

 

[Jason280]

It is, I'm pretty sure the inside of the case is marked "New Britain"...

 

[bonneyman]

I've had one or two Sparta pieces along the way. Decent tools.

 

[ken w.]

I would compare them to Craftsman tools.

 

[79silverado]

I have a 15mm deep socket pretty old but is a very good socket

sent from my HTC ONE using tapatalk

 

[SCscoutguy]

I would compare them to Craftsman tools.

Maybe the older Craftsman tools but they are way better than the Danaher made Craftsman tools. I have a bunch of Sparta tools and they are very good quality tools and like said above NAPA will still warranty them.

 

[bonneyman]

If you post a picture of your ratchet head, I'll look thru my picture files and see if I've had one torn apart for your reference uses. I know I have some NB rat pics hidden away somewhere.

 

[rusty65]

I have 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 drive mustang ratchets and the shallow sockets to go with them. The finish on the tools isn't as nice as the New Britain branded models but they are every bit as strong.

 

[Jason280]

Here are a few pics:

 

[Jason280]

 

[Jason280]

Ratchet disassembled:

 

[TDLMOMOWERS]

I have 3 of those CB45, Sparta ratchets. They have been used hard, and I have never had to replace the mechanisms. I wish I could still buy Sparta tools. I got all my Sparta tools when I worked for NAPA back in the early 70s. As an employee I got a heck of a price break, cost plus 10%.

 

[zcbauer89]

Where do you find this stuff?! You always find great vintage items.

 

[Jason280]

Where do you find this stuff?! You always find great vintage items.

I spend entirely too much time in pawn shops...

 

[chopper1]

I think Sparta tools, though not as popular as Craftsman, are a couple steps above them. I have quite a few New Britain made tools that I've used over the years, Mustang, Husky and Sparta and have had no complaints. Yes, I know that New Britain made Craftsman for a while.
I posted a pic of my 1/2" dr NOS Sparta set.

 

[Jason280]

I'm really impressed with the ratchet, has a really solid feel to it.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I picked up this set along with an extra ratchet and breaker bar the other day.

 

[bonneyman]

Here's the blown-apart view of the gear assembly for your rat.
The only "trick" for re-assembly is the bottom left position spring has one leg longer than the other. Watch when you take it out so you know which way the longer leg goes, cause the stupid spring can fit both ways!

 

[cuengineer]

I received one of the sets like in the red box when I turned 14, which was over 48 years ago and still have it including the "Lifetime Warranty" card. Mine also came with the 3/8" pull handle. I lost the 9/16" short socket somewhere along the line and cracked a couple of them. Sparta provided the cheaper line of tools at NAPA back then with New Britain being the premium line. NAPA did warranty them after I contacted the company. I had checked with two nearby NAPA stores and none of the countermen had even heard of Sparta so they didn't know what to do. It has had a lot of use, but I rarely use my Sparta ratchet anymore. Whenever I see it, it brings back memories of working with my dad on our '57 MGA and makes me smile. Amazing that old pieces of metal will do that.

 

[TDLMOMOWERS]

All the Napa countermen had to do was call their tool rep at their distribution center. Our Napa store is like a senior citizen center. Four of our countermen are all over 55 years old and have over 35 years with Napa. Our deliver drivers are all over 55 years old. I'm 59 and hope to be around the store for at least 10 more years. We all remember Sparta tools.