Vintage craftsman ratchet.

[BWright]

I came across this ratchet today and looking for some info. From the Craftsman time frame thread I've gathered it is a new britain from the year range 1931-1947. Date code circled H. 1/4 inch drive.

Is the pawl supposed to have a spring? It has a detent ball, but no obvious spring. Are you supposed to just press the pawl to the gear with your fingers?

 

[Tool Pants]

I have that one. What you are calling a ball is more like a pin and it is spring loaded. You rotate the pawl to change direction. The spring loaded pin keeps the pawl in contact with the drive gear.

 

[BWright]

Ok yea now I can see that. The spring must be either worn out or just gunked up because its not doing its job. Time for an ATF bath

 

[John_M]

Add me to the list - I have the same ratchet also!

Along with its two bigger brothers, the 3/8" & 1/2".

All have the circle-H code on them.

john

 

[A29]

I've got one too. Came with a metal box, breaker and a set of sockets all with the circle-H. These are in 1/4 drive.