Unmarked Thumbwheel Ratchet

[tooljunkie4]

Another whatsit item. The selector knob reminds me of a New Britain design, but I'm not sure who made it.

Details: 45 Tooth, 1/4"-Drive.





My questions:

Who made it?
Which brand name was it sold under?
What is the function of the flats on the top surface?
and
What is the function of the ball that's built into the side?

 

[organ]

Only guesses... ball is to oil it? And the flats allow you to turn it with an open end wrench...

 

[tooljunkie4]

Only guesses... ball is to oil it? And the flats allow you to turn it with an open end wrench...

It appears to have two such balls - one on either end. I've wonder if those might be detent balls, and whether the ratchet was intended to fit into a recess within a larger assembly with those as its retaining mechanism.

 

[3baygarage]

Interesting find. The selector and snap ring would suggest NB made. Never seen a finger ratchet by them. I'd try a parts swapout. As far as two oil holes that's just odd. You found something cool for sure.

 

[notlob]

I think its designed to snap into the head of a ratchet handle with an oblong cutout. The detent balls are to hold it in place in the handle.

 

[tooljunkie4]

I think its designed to snap into the head of a ratchet handle with an oblong cutout. The detent balls are to hold it in place in the handle.

Have you seen one of these in the wild?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Would the interesting to open that thing up and see if there is a Luther Kilness patent mechanism (New Britain Machine Co.) inside. I'd be willing to bet that there is.

I would bet since they selector is exactly the same as my husky cb 45 which was made by new britian.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I also vote New Britain made, but I have never seen another like that.

 

[KnurledNut]

That is the removeable thumbwheel ratchet that goes to the Litton Pocket Socket Wrench.

 

[tooljunkie4]

That is the removeable thumbwheel ratchet that goes to the Litton Pocket Socket Wrench.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Litton-8-...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

It certainly appears to be. KnurledNut seems to have taken the taco.

 

[KnurledNut]

New Britain Machine was acquired by the Litton Tool Company on December 22, 1972.

 

[Evilelroy]

That's a sweet set up.

 

[notlob]

I knew I'd seen that before - my dad gave me one of those sometime in the late 70's or so.