The Ratchet Collection Thread

[3baygarage]

Congrats on your first Blackhawk.

 

[Username already in use]

Congrats on your first Blackhawk.

excellent find!

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Thank you!

It’s currently soaking in ATF, it works but it still feels a little crusty.

 

[four.cycle]

About a week ago, I asked you guys about a New Britain 1/4" drive RHFT ratchet that wasn't working properly, and was wondering whether or not the Blackhawk brand repair kit I'd found on Ebay would work.

Here's an update:

I found the Blackhawk GW9945R repair kit on Ebay
(HERE: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PIECE-1-...266954?hash=item2cbdd2c18a:g:I20AAOSwRUhY980b )

It worked just fine in the New Britain NM55 RHFT ratchet:





I do not know whether or not that kit will fit other models of NB-made 1/4" drive RHFT ratchets, but it certainly worked fine in this one.
The seller also has a couple other Blackhawk-branded repair kits, one of which also appears to be for NB-made ratchets.

 

[Rileysan]

I took a family photo of the 3 styles of Plomb 5449 1/2" drive ratchets I own. I acquired the one in the middle today, and is the first of its kind I've come across in the wild.

Brian

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Calling all ratchet hunters! We need your help!

GJ member four.cycle has started a thread on Bethlehem Spark Plug Company "Quickway" branded socket sets from the 1920's. The thread can be found here.

In it, he, I, twertsy, 3baygarage and now torqueman2002 are discussing the various sets that BSP Co made, all hex drive, in various drive sizes.

Only two of the sets - Set D (1/2-inch hex) and Set C Special (very likely 7/16-inch hex) - had a ratchet. They are not the same ratchet.

The "Set D" ratchet - which is 1/2-inch hex, 14 teeth, and heavy forged steel - was made by Bonney, Herbrand and at least one other manufacturer. If you're interested, Twertsy and I have a separate line of inquiry and dialogue going about that ratchet on the Tool Archives, found here. They are not common, but they're not rare either, with several examples floating around.

The "Set C Special" ratchet is a completely different story. It has what appears to be only 9 teeth, open style, and is made from what appears to me to be pressed steel plates riveted or screwed together.

And - to the best of our knowledge - nobody has ever seen one! Or if they have, it hasn’t surfaced here, GG, TA, or AA.

Hence, this call for help!

View media item 76738
The ratchet appears in several ads from 1922 through 1927. In one of those ads, the contents include the phrase "one Husky ratchet handle," almost as if it is referring to the manufacturer, not as an adjective. But other ads for a larger set refer to a "husky "T" handle," used as an adjective, casting some doubt on that other reference being a manufacturer's reference.

I have a BSP Co "Set C" (note, no "special" designation on lid), which came in an 8-1/2" orange metal box, and contained only the eight (8) sockets, the extension bar, and an L-handle, as advertised for "Set C". As measured, (they never advertised the drive sizes of any of these sets in any catalog or newspaper ads), all the pieces in "Set C" are 7/16-inch hex drive. It stands to reason that the "Special Set C" is also 7/16-inch hex drive. It has all the same pieces as a regular "Set C", with the addition of a ratchet. But we haven’t verified that.

Oddly enough, it looks like there is some kind of sheath in the handle concealing something between the pressed steel plates in the most prevalent image of the ratchet. The curved recess in the handle there looks to me exactly like the recess in a pocket knife or any other tool with folded up implements, for grabbing the implement. And the second fastener head there is very likely a pivot pin. Any ideas for a logical folding attachment inside a ratchet handle?! I know that sounds crazy - but it was the early 1920's, and I can't think of any other reason for that recess, the flat thing concealed inside of it, or that second pin head!

The other ratchet on the bottom is slightly different. It has the same head and middle area, but it doesn’t have that recessed sheath or the second pivot pin head. Appears to be a variation made by the same manufacturer though.

If you have one or have seen one or you think you have any ideas or comments, please let us know!

 

[3baygarage]

Those definitely look like something I've seen. I'll be on the lookout for you guys.

 

[four.cycle]

that is hilarious, Lugnutz.

hey, I was just tryin' to help out there when you suggested a new thread be created for the Bethlehem stuff ... it seems to have grown a life of its own.

 

[Catfishdan]

Gathered up my vintage 1/4" drives while I was playing in my shed.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Yes, they are marked with a circleU stamp.

 

[thehorse13]

Those Quickway sets look familiar to me. I know that I've seen them in my travels to the local flea market.

Twertsy, if memory serves, there is a particular insane vendor at the HF flea that had had these at some point. You purchased a Wright tootsie roll ratchet from said vendor. I will have a look today if the junk pile shows up.

 

[RagTopTA]

About a week ago, I asked you guys about a New Britain 1/4" drive RHFT ratchet that wasn't working properly, and was wondering whether or not the Blackhawk brand repair kit I'd found on Ebay would work.

Here's an update:

I found the Blackhawk GW9945R repair kit on Ebay
(HERE: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PIECE-1-...266954?hash=item2cbdd2c18a:g:I20AAOSwRUhY980b )

It worked just fine in the New Britain NM55 RHFT ratchet:





I do not know whether or not that kit will fit other models of NB-made 1/4" drive RHFT ratchets, but it certainly worked fine in this one.
The seller also has a couple other Blackhawk-branded repair kits, one of which also appears to be for NB-made ratchets.

I found one that the guts are worn out last week end, ill look at break and see what the number on it is.. I hope its the same, sure looks it. I tore it down a couple days ago.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The Ebay seller's photos are terrible. I tried to get different angles on the kit above so you could see exactly what it was. Hopefully it will do the trick!

 

[RagTopTA]

^ The Ebay seller's photos are terrible. I tried to get different angles on the kit above so you could see exactly what it was. Hopefully it will do the trick!

Looks identical. When you put the lug assembly in does it matter how or just any clock position is fine?

 

[four.cycle]

I wasn't paying any attention to clock position when I re-assembled it. I just dropped it in until it felt right and put the clip ring in. Far easier than a lot of others I've worked on.

Be sure to let us know if it works and what part number ratchet you're working on there. I believe that Ebay seller has a whole mess of those kits. I know others here have asked about NB kits in the past - hopefully I stumbled onto something that will help fill a hole.

 

[jpickar]

Here are two of my ratchets. A 1/4" and 3/8" International. I grew up with IH pickups and travelalls. They were built to last a 100 years.

 

[davethorik]

Here are two of my ratchets. A 1/4" and 3/8" International. I grew up with IH pickups and travelalls. They were built to last a 100 years.

Unless there was salt on the roads, because their bodies rusted even in desert climates

Nice ratchets, though. Those were made by Wright Tool and command some big bucks to the right collectors.

 

[jpickar]

Unless there was salt on the roads, because their bodies rusted even in desert climates

Nice ratchets, though. Those were made by Wright Tool and command some big bucks to the right collectors.

I have to agree with you on the 70's scouts and some pickups. I don't think they did something right at the factory. But if you every see any 60's rigs, my favorite years, they are just fine, in unsalted areas. Salt eats everything.

 

[davethorik]

I have to agree with you on the 70's scouts and some pickups. I don't think they did something right at the factory. But if you every see any 60's rigs, my favorite years, they are just fine, in unsalted areas. Salt eats everything.

I do like the look of the 60s trucks. Here is one I spotted at the Cool Spring power museum in Cool Spring, PA.

 

[RagTopTA]

I wasn't paying any attention to clock position when I re-assembled it. I just dropped it in until it felt right and put the clip ring in. Far easier than a lot of others I've worked on.

Be sure to let us know if it works and what part number ratchet you're working on there. I believe that Ebay seller has a whole mess of those kits. I know others here have asked about NB kits in the past - hopefully I stumbled onto something that will help fill a hole.

Will do, ill look at the ratchet tonight and see. my pic is to far away to make out the number. But I'm thinking its the same. we shall see. Will be very excited to have it working again!

 

[RagTopTA]

I wasn't paying any attention to clock position when I re-assembled it. I just dropped it in until it felt right and put the clip ring in. Far easier than a lot of others I've worked on.

Be sure to let us know if it works and what part number ratchet you're working on there. I believe that Ebay seller has a whole mess of those kits. I know others here have asked about NB kits in the past - hopefully I stumbled onto something that will help fill a hole.

Mines an NM 45 looks identical pretty much..... I bet it would be the same... thoughts?

 

[don long]

I think that I have a couple of rare 1/4" ratchets

The first one is from my Blackhawk Nuggie set

And the 2nd one is one I just found the other day. A Brass or Beryllium ratchet

2017-11-07 15.36.25 by don long, on

Flickr
2017-11-07 15.35.28 by don long, on Flickr

 

[Catfishdan]

I think that I have a couple of rare 1/4" ratchets

The first one is from my Blackhawk Nuggie set

And the 2nd one is one I just found the other day. A Brass or Beryllium ratchet






2017-11-07 15.36.25 by don long, on

Flickr
2017-11-07 15.35.28 by don long, on Flickr

Wow. That brass ratchet is a beauty!

 

[four.cycle]

Mines an NM 45 looks identical pretty much..... I bet it would be the same... thoughts?

Well... I tried to show a couple angles of the repair kit above... did you open yours up to see if they look the same?

I'm not a New Britain expert, by any means.
To be honest, I just recently started picking up some NB stuff. I have an NM44 and and NM55 - both New Britain - and they both look alike on the outside.
I have at least a few more that are New Britain made - Mustang, Penncraft, and... (can't recall right now) - and they all look alike on the outside, but that NM55 is the only one I've opened up because all the rest of them work okay.
All I can say is see if they match visually and if they look alike, go for it. The kit was only $8 bucks and change, I figured if it didn't fit the NM55 it would have to fit some other NB made model.
I ordered a spare kit after I put that one back together, just in case I run into another one.

 

[RagTopTA]

Well... I tried to show a couple angles of the repair kit above... did you open yours up to see if they look the same?

I'm not a New Britain expert, by any means.
To be honest, I just recently started picking up some NB stuff. I have an NM44 and and NM55 - both New Britain - and they both look alike on the outside.
I have at least a few more that are New Britain made - Mustang, Penncraft, and... (can't recall right now) - and they all look alike on the outside, but that NM55 is the only one I've opened up because all the rest of them work okay.
All I can say is see if they match visually and if they look alike, go for it. The kit was only $8 bucks and change, I figured if it didn't fit the NM55 it would have to fit some other NB made model.
I ordered a spare kit after I put that one back together, just in case I run into another one.

Yes sir , the guts look identical, I'm going to order the same kit toady. Ill post here once its here and rebuilt how it goes.

 

[RagTopTA]

I think that I have a couple of rare 1/4" ratchets

The first one is from my Blackhawk Nuggie set

And the 2nd one is one I just found the other day. A Brass or Beryllium ratchet

2017-11-07 15.36.25 by don long, on

Flickr
2017-11-07 15.35.28 by don long, on Flickr

Those are awesome examples Don. I especially like the brass, or what ever those non sparking tools are made of! I found an adjustable wrench, DBE, and a 1/2 breaker bar , all AMPCO I believe, in one day at the big fleamarket in Dallas.

Anyone know if there is a thread for the non sparking tool finds? I'd be interested in that.

 

[BrettJ74]

I as well found my first Berylco tool this summer. They are made of Berrillium, and you don't want to ever breathe any kind of grinding from Berrillium. The lineman pliers I got have a warranty where Berylco will sharpen the cutting edges of their tools, to keep us from doing it.. BTW these tools are not cheap my lineman pliers new were like $150. But when the slightest spark could kill you I guess they end up being priceless..

 

[senlow]

I think that I have a couple of rare 1/4" ratchets

The first one is from my Blackhawk Nuggie set

And the 2nd one is one I just found the other day. A Brass or Beryllium ratchet

Wow! Those are both among the "Holy Grail" ratchets that I want for my collection. Thank you for posting photos.

 

[don long]

Anyone know if there is a thread for the non sparking tool finds? I'd be interested in that.

If we want a brass tool thread I have a couple of walls full of it that I could share. A hammer collection, cement tools collection, adjustable wrench and screw driver collections too

 

[jabberwoki]

Anyone know if there is a thread for the non sparking tool finds? I'd be interested in that.[/QUOTE]

You should start one up, I`ve got a few to show.

 

[RagTopTA]

NON Sparking tool thread up for those interested

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6829696#post6829696

 

[d42jeep]

Here is an unusual ratchet I picked up last weekend as part of a 1/2" drive set containing an equal mix of tools marked Truth and Ward (not Wards) Quality. The ratchet is interesting as it is non-reversing with a captive push through drive plug. With the exception of brand markings the sockets appear identical. I assume that the set was manufactured by Truth. Here is the ratchet followed by pictures of the set. The U-joint turned out to be early P&C. Has anybody run across anything similar?
-Don

 

[twertsy]

Here is an unusual ratchet I picked up last weekend as part of a 1/2" drive set containing an equal mix of tools marked Truth and Ward (not Wards) Quality. The ratchet is interesting as it is non-reversing with a captive push through drive plug. With the exception of brand markings the sockets appear identical. I assume that the set was manufactured by Truth. Here is the ratchet followed by pictures of the set. The U-joint turned out to be early P&C. Has anybody run across anything similar?
-Don

That is a really cool set Don. I grab anything Truth when I see it, which isn't often. Shoot me an email if you're interested in a trade.

 

[d42jeep]

Todd,
You will soon be the proud owner and that's the Truth!
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Those definitely look like something I've seen. I'll be on the lookout for you guys.

Thanks, 3eeb.

that is hilarious, Lugnutz.

Glad you enjoyed that.

By the way, I have a good lead on the ratchet and my best pack of hounds on the trail! I hope to be bringing that hombre to justice very soon!

 

[RagTopTA]

Heres a couple of newer finds I havent got around to posting. Both flea market finds.

Wright MN 60 45+ 3/8 $2 found in the bottom of an old toolbox full of junk tools.

Thinking a Willilams small 3/8 ratchet had a matching socket on it.

 

[don long]

A friend brought these ratchets over the other day to show me.
I've never have seen a flat handle snapon

2017-10-22 11.37.35 by don long, on Flickr

2017-10-22 11.37.27 by don long, on Flickr

And this one he said was very old

2017-10-22 11.38.37 by don long, on Flickr

2017-10-22 11.38.59 by don long, on Flickr

 

[twertsy]

A friend brought these ratchets over the other day to show me.
I've never have seen a flat handle snapon

2017-10-22 11.37.35 by don long, on Flickr

2017-10-22 11.37.27 by don long, on Flickr

And this one he said was very old

2017-10-22 11.38.37 by don long, on Flickr

2017-10-22 11.38.59 by don long, on Flickr

Any markings besides the owner's mark on that second example Don?

 

[four.cycle]

Any markings besides the owner's mark on that second example Don?

I am assuming you mean the one with the wooden handle, in which case we definitely need some more information.
Have never seen anything even remotely resembling it.
One off?
British?

 

[3baygarage]

Here's some patent info.

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?id=13721