Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: OilyRascal on August 30, 2013, 04:44:57 PM

Title: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: OilyRascal on August 30, 2013, 04:44:57 PM

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).

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: OilyRascal on September 16, 2013, 09:51:32 PM

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.

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: rusty on September 17, 2013, 06:10:18 PM

The green handle looks like my SK one, but the head does not....hmm

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: Lostmind on September 18, 2013, 08:27:56 AM

Agree , the tootsie roll looks like SK , the ratchet head looks like Proto or Plomb

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: mrchuck on September 18, 2013, 04:20:44 PM

100% Frank Lee's answer.

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: lbgradwell on September 18, 2013, 04:50:07 PM

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)

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: crankshaftdan II on September 18, 2013, 07:23:09 PM

This one was mfg. by S-K!

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: rusty on September 18, 2013, 07:34:15 PM

Perhaps they forgot to patent it ;P

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: OilyRascal on September 18, 2013, 09:32:40 PM

Thank you all!

Title: Re: 3/4" drive "tootsie" handled ratchet - who made it
Post by: crankshaftdan II on September 18, 2013, 09:48:51 PM

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!