I have this 3/4" drive ratchet coming from Dimwittedmoose. He originally suspected it may be Thorsen, and sent it on the way to me.
It is NOT marked - anywhere with anything so far as I can tell.
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6165_zpsef41f2c1.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6165_zpsef41f2c1.jpg.html)
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6166_zps1f053c46.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6166_zps1f053c46.jpg.html)
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6167_zps95a5ff71.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6167_zps95a5ff71.jpg.html)
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6168_zpsa1d65509.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/CIMG6168_zpsa1d65509.jpg.html)
I could find nothing (other than knowing Thorsen once had "tootsie" handled ratchet) to confirm the tool as a Thorsen produced or branded tool. I had all but excused it as non-Thorsen and more likely Proto made (based on the head).......until today. I came across a Thorsen Model 16 break-over wrench (clearly marked Thorsen USA) which does seem to highly resemble the 3/4" drive handle.
A view of the model 16:
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/ThorsenModel16Breakover_zps614c3e70.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/Thorsen%20Tools%20Collection/ThorsenModel16Breakover_zps614c3e70.jpg.html)
I'm seeking other's input on the ratchet, who made it, and how it may have been branded (if it was).
Please do comment if you have any information, or insight, into the maker (or branding) of this ratchet. The handle smells like Thorsen, yet the head is so much like a Proto (and more importantly unlike any other Thorsen I've seen). I'm struggling with confirmation, and I have promised it back to Dimwitted should it happen to not be Thorsen.
The green handle looks like my SK one, but the head does not....hmm
Agree , the tootsie roll looks like SK , the ratchet head looks like Proto or Plomb
100% Frank Lee's answer.
It is most assuredly a Proto product. It was called a "Socketmaster" handle.
The green makes me think it is a Challenger.
1960:
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/Challenger1960Socketmaster1.jpg)
This one was mfg. by S-K!
Perhaps they forgot to patent it ;P
Thank you all!
Quote from: rusty on September 18, 2013, 07:34:15 PM
Perhaps they forgot to patent it ;P
I believe several tool companies tried the rubber handles and Wright made several! We also can figure that Snappy got in on the action Too!