Thorsen and Crafty BE ratchets

[jimwrench]

 Got these three ratchets at auction couple of weeks ago. Have one question. Is the selector tab on the BE unusual or am I imagining things? Am also experimenting to see if I can resize and post photos correctly. Do not collect ratchets but know some of you have seen most if not all of them.

[lzenglish]

You are not imagining things Jim, as mine is the exact same as yours. I picked up these 3 BE's at the same estate sale a while back. Left to Right: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drives. Yours appears to be the 3/8" variety, as you already know, but for the benifit of other members.


Wayne

[bonneyman]

I had one like these, but sold it. The selector is not unusual.

[lzenglish]

I had one like these, but sold it. Not before I snagged some internal pics:

Nice! The innerds look  like a cross between a swiss watch and a sherman tank! I did not have the Guts to take mine apart! Lol !!!!!!!

Thanks,

Wayne

[m_fumich]

UNUSUAL is a relative term. The "curled ends" selector is the most common style on the 3/8 and 1/4 drive ratchet's made by New Britain at that time. They even made a hex drive version.

[jimwrench]

 Thanks for the info and pics. Saves me taking mine apart.

[m_fumich]

I had one like these, but sold it. Not before I snagged some internal pics:

You sold it to some hairy fat guy in Memphis.

[m_fumich]

Thanks for the info and pics. Saves me taking mine apart.

I'd suggest you still take it apart to clean it. The grease in those old ratchet's is often dried out. It's easy to put back together.

[bonneyman]

I had one like these, but sold it. Not before I snagged some internal pics:

You sold it to some hairy fat guy in Memphis.

I did sell it to some crazy truck driver in Tenn.
But I can't vouch for his metabolic and/or follicle challenges, 'cause I never met him! Ha.

[lzenglish]

I'd suggest you still take it apart to clean it. The grease in those old ratchet's is often dried out. It's easy to put back together.
[/quote]


When I buy a 50 or 60 year old ratchet, that is free and clicking in both directions, I see absolutly NO reason to take a chance of breaking off a screw, or any other part of it, to lube it up! These old trophy's are Not user ratchets as long as I have them in my possession, and if they work, I leave them alone. This is why I enjoy the Bonneyman ratchet pictorial so much, because I have had to make repairs on Non working ratchets that were purchased at near nothing in cost, and worth taking a chance on repairing.

Wayne

[m_fumich]

If it's in good shape externally, the screw's shouldn't be stuck. I have most of these ratchet's and have yet to come across one that have me any problem. Except for the ones I got from other forum members, the grease is the consistency of roofing tar. I'm not suggesting you crack it open no matter what. However, breaking one of those screw's with a hand held driver isn't likely. Ultimately, it's entirely up to you.

[lauver]

Jimwrench,

I understand your reluctance to take a very old working ratchet apart.  Here's a couple of methods that don't require any disassembly:

1) You could just put a drop or two of 3-in1 oil, or machine oil, or gun oil, where the selector enters the ratchet head without opening the ratchet.  Give the drive bit several spins, then shift directions and  spin the other way several times.  Done.  Or,

2) You could try the JAFE method.  Mix equal parts of acetone and power steering fluid in a jar and submerse the entire ratchet head in this mixture for 24 hours.  Then take the ratchet out and give the ratchet a spin in both directions and resubmerge the ratchet for another 24 hours.  After the second soak, spin the ratchet in both directions, and blow out the ratchet with compressed air the thru area where the selector enters the ratchet head.  Done.

Both methods are easy and work well.  And, you'll notice a big difference.  Your choice.

[johnsironsanctuary]

Power Steering fluid or ATF (depends which one I have that day) mixed about half and half with mineral spirits is my penetrating oil of choice. It seems to work as well as any of the name brands. Thanks for the JAFE tip, I should have a 3/8" circle H in the mail today and I'll use it.

JIS

[Branson]

When I buy a 50 or 60 year old ratchet, that is free and clicking in both directions, I see absolutly NO reason to take a chance of breaking off a screw, or any other part of it, to lube it up! These old trophy's are Not user ratchets as long as I have them in my possession, and if they work, I leave them alone. This is why I enjoy the Bonneyman ratchet pictorial so much, because I have had to make repairs on Non working ratchets that were purchased at near nothing in cost, and worth taking a chance on repairing.

Wayne

Hey Wayne, glad to see you here.  By the way, there's a 20's Stiletto catalog for sale out there.   And I just got a Sacramento California stamped 8" hacksaw from 1870.

[Tool Pants]

Have them in different flavors.  Not hard to take apart.