I count myself pretty fortunate to have scored an example of Craftsman's first 1/2" reversible ratchet.
The springs work just right, and it's all lubed up and ready for another 80 years. It cost $1.98 back in the day. I paid three bucks today.
This fellow paid a little more last Sunday....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-BT-Ratchet-1-2-Drive-Vintage-Old-/291858540331?nma=true&si=frvXL3WkNDJfHpOAvnagq%252FZnhqY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Great buy. I am still waiting to find one the way you have. That's part of the fun.
Made by NEW BRITAIN. I have a whole 3/8 set including the box.
EvilDr235
Outstanding! Is yours the earlier one with the sliding reverse button--or the one with the lonnnnng reverse lever?
Either way, it is a stroke of good fortune--or a long-term project.
This Craftsman ratchet was made by Vlchek. I have a both a Craftsman and Vlchek version in my collection. They are identical except for the name. Really a smooth functioning ratchet. Pictures of both ratchets can be found on Alloy Artifacts.
Quote from: BRwrench on September 14, 2016, 07:31:05 PM
This Craftsman ratchet was made by Vlchek. I have a both a Craftsman and Vlchek version in my collection. They are identical except for the name. Really a smooth functioning ratchet. Pictures of both ratchets can be found on Alloy Artifacts.
Very good.
I find myself drawn to the old rats more and more. It is surprising how many can be revitalized with a good cleaning and some grease. Very satisfying.
Quote from: BRwrench on September 14, 2016, 07:31:05 PM
This Craftsman ratchet was made by Vlchek. I have a both a Craftsman and Vlchek version in my collection. They are identical except for the name. Really a smooth functioning ratchet. Pictures of both ratchets can be found on Alloy Artifacts.
I have them both as well, but don't believe for even a split second they were made by Vlchek. I
don't believe Vlchek had the equipment to produce sockets or drive tools during that period. To be clear, I've no proof..................yet.
So then who do you think made them?
Quote from: kwoswalt99 on September 16, 2016, 05:09:29 AM
So then who do you think made them?
Best candidate, for me, is NB. Again, I stress I have no proof but I'll bet there is a BT style rat out there with New Britain/None Better stamped on it.
Quote from: Twertsy on September 16, 2016, 05:12:05 AM
Quote from: kwoswalt99 on September 16, 2016, 05:09:29 AM
So then who do you think made them?
Best candidate, for me, is NB. Again, I stress I have no proof but I'll bet there is a BT style rat out there with New Britain/None Better stamped on it.
I have no proof either but I would agree with this idea.
If it's there, we will find it.
BTW, I picked up a Circle H in 3/8 the other day. Really nice.
Today, though, was a near dry hole.
Got a WF box ender and a no-name screwdriver with a really cool turned handle, though.