Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: moparthug on July 25, 2019, 08:00:17 PM

Title: Western DRI-KURE Vulcanizer Mfg Co 1" drive ratchets
Post by: moparthug on July 25, 2019, 08:00:17 PM
Just picked up these two 1 inch drive ratchets, the "small" one is 15 inches long and 3-1/2 pounds. The Thor's Hammer ratchet is 17 inches long and 7 pounds! Both are marked DRI-KURE, the larger one of course is marked Heavy Duty. From what I can tell these tools were used to assemble, repair and adjust massive 1920's -1930's Vulcanizer tire machines, there is an awesome shop picture on-line from 1930 showing these machines in action.

Despite the rusty color both of these still work, they rotate just fine, in serious need of lubrication but still free. As I slowly clean them up I may find a forge or makers mark, these were made for DRI-KURE by someone else. Do these ratchet designs look familiar to others out there? Anyone else have these in their collection?

There will be times I won't post for months because there is just nothing to find in my area. Well the dry spell is over, it's just about raining old tools here in Southern Oregon.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Western DRI-KURE Vulcanizer Mfg Co 1" drive ratchets
Post by: amecks on July 25, 2019, 08:35:00 PM
Wow!  Post photos when cleaned up please.  I wonder how old they are and what kind of tires?  Auto, truck maybe aircraft tires.
Title: Re: Western DRI-KURE Vulcanizer Mfg Co 1" drive ratchets
Post by: mvwcnews on July 26, 2019, 01:27:22 PM
For the top one with the ratchet reversing lever, take  a look at Lowell Ratchet ( http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1798194&typeCode=0 ) using patent no. 1,798,194.
For the other one, take a look at Gordon K. Wright patent no. 1,089,737 ( http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1089737&typeCode=0 )
Title: Re: Western DRI-KURE Vulcanizer Mfg Co 1" drive ratchets
Post by: moparthug on July 26, 2019, 02:19:44 PM
Not sure if this pic will come through, I hope it does. You may have to cut and paste the link to see it.

https://www.shorpy.com/node/19061?size=_original