Ratchet Versatool Garage sale find...

[amecks]

I snagged this at a garage sale for 50 cents. I took it home and cleaned it up. It works perfectly now and the two screwdriver blades are in good shape (I put a point on the awl). The tool says Ratchet Versatool and has a patent no. The little spring loaded lever on the side reverses a pawl that drops into six slots, or in the center position locks the tool in place. Bubble Up was of course a soda pop like Seven Up. What is the story behind this gadget? Was it a service tool for soda delivery men? Thanks. Al.

[bonneyman]

Yep, the Shelton ratchet tool! The Multi-tool Museum has a good picture.

They were a common little tool back in the day. And I've been told they made alot of promotional items for various companies. Pocket tools with a company logo on it to be given away at seminars and open houses and such. I had one that said Caterpillar on it.
And I took another one and converted it to a 1/4" socket driver.

Here's some history on it:
http://www.wkfinetools.com/hUS-joinerTools/0-planes/Shelton/history/Shelton-history-1.asp

[amecks]

Thanks for the reply b-man. Interesting read. The awl blade in mine may have been a phillips but it didn't show any signs of it. Just a dull awl point. I like your 1/4" drive conversion. Al.

[bonneyman]

If you want it, you can have it. I've no use for it, and scrounged the adapter into another tool. But I could put it together for you and send it your way. Get it off my workbench, please!

[mikeswrenches]

I don't think I've ever seen one with an awl.  Mine all have a Phillips screwdriver.  Most of them seem to have some type of advertising on them, although none of mine have it on the plastic.  Rather it is incised on the metal.


Mike