It being a rather cold and windy night in N. Texas, I thought I would post a couple of pics of one of my tool collecting obsessions. But I need to tell how I became afflicted first. Please bear with me. I have always enjoyed picking up good quality tools when given a chance. Usually this is Snap On’s, MAC, etc. But about 5 years ago or so, I was at the local flea market, and saw a ½ D ratchet I wanted. It was on a table with one lone other ratchet. Seller wanted $5. for both, I tried to get the one I wanted for $3. No luck. I had to buy both or nothing. Other one was worth it, but at the time I thought the other was junk. It spun like the gears were gone. When I got home, and had done a little research, I found out I had a good-working Blackhawk 9810 ratchet, and was the real bargain of the day. It is the second ratchet from the top in the photo below and started me down the road of Blackhawk addiction.
So now that I have told my story of how I came to this, let me tell you about the tools pictured. Starting from the top is a 9811 Ratchet with a 9802 square adapter, travelling down is the 9810 Free Wheeling ratchet with an 8502 universal behind it. Next is a set of thirteen 84XX series sockets, without push buttons, ranging from 7/16” to 31/32”. I do not have the 1” to 1 ¼” sockets of this style Blackhawk.
Below the sockets is a 9204 T/L handle, then a 9206 6” extension with knurled rotating grip. Below this-a 9209 straight handle, and lastly a 9210 10” extension, also with rotating grip. All the tools shown with the exception of the 9209 have Patent Pending identified on them. The 9209 has no patent statement. Per various references, I believe they were manufactured in the 1929-34 timeframe, and among the first of the Blackhawk Lock-on Tools.
Blackhawk was known for its innovations, like the Freewheeling ratchets, lock-on tools, 7/16 Drive, etc. The second photo shows some unique characteristics of these tools, at least for this time period. Other manufacturers may have them too, but I think they are neat. Today’s tools don’t compare to the versatility of these old ones.
Notice the 9209 straight handle adapts to the 9810 ratchet, giving more leverage. It fits inside the handle, not over it like a typical cheater bar. Coupled to it is also the 9206 extension and a socket. Also shown is a typical “T” handle configuration of the 9204, coupled to a 9210 extension with knurled handle. I occasionally will use this to spin lug nuts on and off when rotating my tires. Both extension will also accept the 9209 straight handle to create a T or L type wrench.
Is my obsession showing yet? I better sign off.
:-)
