Tool Find

[jeepcoma]

Was taking a walk through my neighborhood with my wife, when I stumbled upon a shiny object on the side of the road. I took a step past it then decided to go back for a closer look:



Any info on this tool? Age estimates? Worth trying to fix?



The adjuster moves side to side (with great difficulty) but the socket is frozen in place. It's pretty rusty, could just need a soaking in something to free it up. Is this a common problem? Can it be disassembled or can I take it to a truck for a trade in?

The socket by the way is an SK. I figure even if it never ratchets again, 1/2" sockets are always handy to have around, and it will have a great home in my old Kennedy toolbox with other misc assorted tools.

 

[jrherald420]

Soak it for a couple days and try it out. Id rather have that than a shiny new one.

 

[jeepcoma]

Answered most of my own questions here. A bit of elbow grease cleaned things right up. A toothbrush and some dishwashing liquid restored it to perfect working order.



Not the prettiest thing around but it fits nicely with my well used tools. I ran some brake fluid cleaner through it and it's soaking now in some WD-40 to get any last little bits out. Anything I should follow that up with? The mechanism feels like it's in good working condition, nice solid clicks and no slop.



Not a bad find, a pair of nice USA older tool. It's like I won the lottery!

 

[jrherald420]

Take it apart and put some fresh lube in it and use it for years to come!!

 

[Jarhead0408]

I wouldn't trade it in. It'll just get scrapped.

 

[JWC07]

They will only rebuild my dad's FV71 that he's had since he left the Marine Corps in 1966. Which is cool by me, it fits the hand nicely plus it's got a better history than any replacement would ever have.

 

[SCscoutguy]

Since it has a V in the part number it is a military contract ratchet and has no warranty. You can get a rebuild kit for it though.

 

[davesnothere]

I need to start walking around.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Found a 1/2in drive 16mm deepwell snap-on impact socket in the road once. My tiwan set was missiu a 16mm to. Also found an old pair of klien linsmans pliers on the same corner

 

[darkk]

You know you **** don't you? That ratchet is junk, let me PM you my address, send it to me and I'll dispose of it properly....Great find!

 

[thetreshon]

for the rust on the handle - soak just the handle (not sure about the head/ratcheting end) in a tub of vinegar for couple of days, then take the toothbrush to it again, rinse off, then soak in oil, then rub off the oil.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

If parts are needed, look for kit with the same designation minus the "V".
Ratchets with that handle configuration seem to also exist as industrial SO and in Blue Point label.
From what you say, it will do fine without parts. I would unscrew it and give it a good cleaning without disassembling the pawl and spring part...just flush that area to get out grit.
Acids tend to degrade surface a bit and WILL attack the small spring. Evaporust is ideal for cleaning something that is not completely apart, no effect on spring, no starting corrosion in crevices...it will also beautify the thing a bit without losing any chrome that is still attached.

 

[george4]

Excellent ratchets with a comfortable handle. I have them in 3 sizes. 3/8 has a relatively short handle. Low tooth count but plenty strong. Kits are available for purchase but I do not think they carry a warranty.

 

[JASTECH]

I have the 3/8" myself, it has been my go-2 ratchet for years until I aquired a FHLHandle in the 90's for better leverage and longer reach. That handle was real comfy.

 

[bobcatdan]

Those are nice ratchets, I have a 1/2" one. They are very coarse, only 20 tooth, but very strong.

 

[JoeyMitch]

That's the condition I found my Snap On in. Soaked it in 6-56 for an hour, beat the socket off with a hammer, and hit it with the wire wheel. Looks great