Hey Marf,

Great write up!  At this time, I'm leaning toward calling your ratchet an anomaly.  However, if these start showing up more often, then I think including it in the Type Study is likely.

Jim C.

Jim C----I figure this is not the place to discuss these Craftsman wrenches, but since I didn't get your message in my messages section here goes!!  These were in a box lot and appear to be mistakes or someone just fooling around.  All three wrenches have not been plated, sizes are 3/8 and 7/16" on the two DOE's and the single combination is 7/16".  The DOE's are vv-44572 and the combination is vv-44694.  The size stamps on the DOE's are on different sides of the two wrenches and are not located in the proper location. Also, the Craftsman name is also offset and one is double stamped on the reverse.  The combination is even more of a mess, as the box end has not been punched out.  Again, the Craftsman name is offset and has been punched too hard as it is very deep, and the reverse is also the same.  Sorry, cannot do pictures as my phone is so messed up I will have to get a new one or send it back to the factory.  I have no desire to keep these wrenches, so if you want them they are yours.  Coolford

I went looking and found images of another potential 1/4" Type 10. This one appears to show the suggestions of a chromed-over plug like I mentioned.

Note: the 43175 pictured above has apparently had a "QR2" rebuild kit installed (no protruding post). (I've seen many ratchets with "incorrect" parts swapped into them. For example, I have a 43185 with the protruding post (small diameter) like the latest versions of the 43175. One can never be sure what parts are original, other than those that cannot be removed/replaced.)

Quote from: Marf on January 17, 2025, 11:59:47 PM
Note: the 43175 pictured above has apparently had a "QR2" rebuild kit installed (no protruding post). (I've seen many ratchets with "incorrect" parts swapped into them. For example, I have a 43185 with the protruding post (small diameter) like the latest versions of the 43175. One can never be sure what parts are original, other than those that cannot be removed/replaced.)

Marf,

That's for sure!  When I was trying to get this type study together, I looked at more ratchets than I could count.  I've seen plenty of them with incorrect parts, alterations, and anomalies.  Sears sold millions of them.  There's bound to be a few oddballs out there.

Jim C.

I've now found three 43175 ratchets without oil holes.