Williams 3/8" Super rachet B51 date?

[Doktor Schnell]

Can anyone tell me what dates these were produced? I'm trying to track down some family history here...

This is what I've got...pic below...

Thanks!

 

[lbgradwell]

I don't know when they when out of production (or even when they began), but yours is from after 1934...

 

[billymade]

This is a good place to start:
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/williams-supercompany-p4.html

 

[Doktor Schnell]

Thanks guys...
I did find that alloy artifacts page before posting, but only see a patent granted in 1934, so I only know it is newer than that! Looks like the S51 was 'in the catalog' around that time, so I'm figuring the B51 is from right around then too...
It's my favorite 3.8" ratchet--I can't think of anything else I have that is 75+ years old that still works the way this thing does...
I appreciate help!

 

[John McA]

Does anybody know of a rebuild kit? Or, how you restore this? Really. It's only 75 years old! Seriously, I have one of these and, it skips a little. Enough to ****** a knuckle so. I have inherited it, as a result of someone tossing it into the bottom of the box - love you dad..

John

 

[davethorik]

take it apart and look inside. I have that ratchet's smaller, simpler cousin the 1/4 drive M-51. Kind of overcomplicated, but you probably don't need a full rebuild...maybe a good cleaning, perhaps a new ball bearing or spring. Only one way to find out...

 

[Andylad]

I have just got one of those, mine is the slightly different B51A refrigeration ratchet. I am in U.K.and these things are super rare over here. I was wondering how to date it?

 

[oldwino]

I also have the B51A and find myself grabbing it as often as my newer F80 snappy. Inherited from my father-in-law who retired from the railroad in the late 50's. I"ll be following this thread to get idea of the date of birth

 

[Andylad]

Yeah i think its a great little ratchet. As i am in England these old American tools are hard to find. Think the B51 may have been produced from late 1930s onwards. Dont know when the the B51A started being produced?