Craftsman H-Circle 1/2 drive early repair job.

[moparthug]

It seems someone really liked this 1/2 drive ratchet. When it started acting up they ground off the rivets, cleaned or repaired the internals, then used 2 copper rivets and a bolt to put it back together. The lower bolt didn't have a nut on it, instead the end of the bolt was heated up and peened down like a hot rivet. It works perfect now, of course.

Can I assume the 11-45 on the handle is the date code? From what I've read this New Britain made Craftsman ratchet design was used from 1931 to 1947, so I'm good with it being November 1945.

[Northwoods]

That is fine CRAFTSMAN ship.

[bonneyman]

Depression-era folks had to make things last. Repair or do without.