This ratchet has me stumped.

[3baygarage]

And it’s kind of stumpy too.

You guys know when it comes to identifying ratchets it’s usually not a problem for me. Most of the ancient ones can be easily identified in a quick online search, but I have to use the phone a friend here.

The drive plug looks familiar with the groove on one corner, though I’m drawing a blank.

It’s 1/2” drive. The only marking is the word “ON”. Total length 6-3/8”. 20 tooth and it’s crisp!

 

[3baygarage]

Next to a None Better 1/2” for scale.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I think that is a user-made tool. And the O N is initials.
Or maybe it says "NO".

 

[Private Lugnutz]

"ON" is very commonly found on early non-reversible ratchets, literally meaning "on", as in, tighten, or turn to the right, as opposed to "off". And sometimes there is an "OFF" on the other side (if it has a push through drive plug like that).

3bay,
No clue, but I want one! Can't believe how small it is for a standard drive size. Not only the length, but the profile around the head. Also unusual in my experience to find that many teeth on an early non-reversible open-gear ratchet.

 

[3baygarage]

Before I handled it I thought it could be user made as well DTL. Mainly due to the off center ON stamp and how the two halves of the head aren’t even with one another at the bottom. They don’t have a clean line at the bottom edge nor are they perfectly shaped to the sides of the handle.

The ON does seem to represent the direction. The handle has an old forged look, the action is really good, the rivets holding the head are nice and clean.

There are no detents inside the square.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks like a custom job

 

[ganymede]

If I had to guess I would say it came with something that was meant to be assembled by the consumer.

 

[twertsy]

Sure looks like (construction wise, not shape but it could be a different year) the ratchet on page 27 of the MTF catalog I just posted here. Pic shows a hex drive version but notice they also sell a square drive.

 

[mad-ass]

custom altered tool for special use occasions maybe?

 

[3baygarage]

Twertsy I was just looking through that catalog, and thinking the same thing! Thanks for posting that. I had been wondering about MTF, simply because the obscurity of some of their stuff. I won’t know for sure though until another example, preferably marked, turns up.

That would make this more of a square ratcheting wrench than a “ratchet”. The plug has me thinking too. I swear I’ve seen some with the corner like that.

As far as that catalog, I got to the back cover and learned an interesting factoid about what could be the old former name of a street, at an intersection that I know quite well. Interesting all around!

 

[3baygarage]

Lugz, where did your post go? It just disappeared. I think you’re onto something.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Idk. In this case, the shape is the same, but the construction (riveted) is not. It's in the AA mystery tools section... http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p2.html#mystery...DTM scroll down. That one is female and marked though

There are actually a few early ratchets similar to this. The simple open gear ratchet in the Bethlehem Quickway "C" sets look similar and have never been ID'd either. (Although they had some kind of folding implement in the handle, maybe a detent release, but BSP sox had no detent, so maybe s seater/un-seater. off topic, sorry.)

 

[3baygarage]

Both have 4 rivets holding the head. It’s close, but the edges are more refined.

What do you suppose DTM is? Saw this socket on the bay. Looks like a Wright aircraft tool, also stamped DTM in an octagon. Socket looks like Bonney perhaps.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-WW2-USA-DTM-Wright-84458-Spark-Plug-Wrench-Wright-Cylone-Free-UK-Post/273794972164?item=273794972164&pageci=411a3cb7-ba04-416d-86e5-1b2ed2a998b1&redirect=mobile

I saw this same type “ratchet” from AA in an old auction listing the other day but can’t find it now.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Both have 4 rivets holding the head. It’s close, but the edges are more refined.

What do you suppose DTM is? Saw this socket on the bay. Looks like a Wright aircraft tool, also stamped DTM in an octagon. Socket looks like Bonney perhaps.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-WW2-USA-DTM-Wright-84458-Spark-Plug-Wrench-Wright-Cylone-Free-UK-Post/273794972164?item=273794972164&pageci=411a3cb7-ba04-416d-86e5-1b2ed2a998b1&redirect=mobile

I saw this same type “ratchet” from AA in an old auction listing the other day but can’t find it now.

could DTM be for Daimler tools?

google:

"daimler jack ratchet" or "vintage jack ratchet"

or best: "vintage european jack ratchet handle"

the pictures all sure look similar. Is yours big enough to be a jack ratchet?

 

[3baygarage]

I don’t think it’s a jack handle like those. Probably just a ratcheting wrench of some sort.

 

[3baygarage]

A 1/2” hex version to match the 1/2” square ratchet.

Came with a plug that goes from 1/2” hex to 3/8” square (locking). That may not be original.

The part number is SR16.

Based on Twertsy’s catalog above, and other ratchets with these numbers, I would bet these are MTF ratchets.


* Note the overstrike ON over NO

 

[3baygarage]

sides:

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Forged handle riveted head, like early MTf, but open gear. Could certainly have been made by them. They would make stuff for anyone.

 

[isb cornbinder]

This was my Father's first set. I am guessing about 1938

 

[3baygarage]

Forged handle riveted head, like early MTf, but open gear. Could certainly have been made by them. They would make stuff for anyone.

If you take a look through the catalog Twertsy linked, particularly the ratchet part numbers, it is a match. It doesn’t match the shape though. Maybe these were earlier but Idk.
Also, the ratchets in the MTF thread.

This was my Father's first set. I am guessing about 1938

Very nice. That logo is a new one to me. Looks like a Duro set, but the made in Canada part is interesting. Thanks for sharing that.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I see what you mean. Could certainly be an early version. Wow that is a rare bird.

 

[Rileysan]

Interesting ratchet, 3bay!

I may have missed it if someone stated the same thing, so forgive me if I'm repeating anything.

In response to the "homemade" comments. Many early mechanic's hand tools were hand forged. One can own 10 of the same hand-forged wrench, and everyone will be (slightly) different in length, shape, and quality. Your ratchet definitely fits the bill as being hand-forged - at least the body of it is.

There's no doubt in my mind that it was made by a tool manufacturer. I hope you're able to definitively identify it!

Brian

 

[Private Lugnutz]

A 1/2” hex version to match the 1/2” square ratchet.

Haha. Figure the odds! One stumper turns into two early MTF. Nice find.

 

[outofbounds]

Very cool looking set, Mr. Cornbinder!

 

[isb cornbinder]

I think so, outofbounds
The set is 81 years old and all of the pieces are still in the original box.
there are a few unusual pieces in the set. One is an adjustable drive for lapping valves.
The set includes a set of 8 point sockets for square nuts.
Dad was not the kind of person who would approve keeping a bunch of his stuff unless someone had a use for the stuff.
I donated a bunch of Dad's tools to HABIT so other can give them value by using them.
My Dad used to like going to auction sales and buy anything. I asked him to watch for a sheetmetal brake. He agreed and without telling me, Dad built a brake for me. I used the brake for 30 plus year then sold it to someone who really wanted and needed it. I replaced Dad-built brake with a PEXTO box and pan brake.