Inside a ratchet: How they work

[lauver]

Gang,

I found an interesting ratchet that is so unique it deserves a post in this thread.  Functionally, it is like a combination of a flex handle breaker bar and a ratchet.  Made by New Britain, the NB50 3/8 drive flex ratchet was first introduced in 1953 and ran until at least 1958, but could possibly have run into the mid 1960's.

Here's a photo of the assembled ratchet...


Here's a  top view photo of the disassembled ratchet...


Here's a lower angle photo of the disassembled ratchet...


Here's a closeup photo of the spring plunger that controls the reverse lever (in this case the ratchet handle)...


This ratchet can be completely disassembled by removing two pins, one that locks the turret shaped head on the handle, and one that  locks the pawl/spring/ball assembly togather.  It should be noted that the hardest part of reassembly is installing the pawl/spring/ball assembly as it requires more than two hands.  Everything else goes back together quite easily and logically.

I am unaware of anyone else that has run across one of these unique ratchets in the wild.  If any of you have seen one, let me know.

[rusty]

Very interesting, and odd. A variation on Allen's ratchet patent for a swivel head ratchet with a spherical gear. probably just about the time the original patent expired....
I was unaware anyone else had made a ratchet on that design....

[lauver]

rusty,

Do you have the patent no. for the Allan ratchet design?  I'd like to look at it and see if there are any noteworthy differences.

Thanks for any help.

[rusty]

1,261,092 from 1918

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1261092&typeCode=0

Datamp doesn't seem to have a photo of an actual one, I will have to photograph mine (current photos are junk)

[lauver]

1,261,092 from 1918

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1261092&typeCode=0

Datamp doesn't seem to have a photo of an actual one, I will have to photograph mine (current photos are junk)

rusty,

Thanks for digging up the patent no. for me.  The Allen ratchet does indeed have a ball gear.  Do you know how long tool patent coverage typically lasts? 

Also, if you search the same patent no. on Google Patents you'll find a nice illustration.   

[rusty]

>Do you know how long tool patent coverage typically lasts? 

Varies a bit depending on when, for 1918, with no special extensions, it would expire for a utility patent in 17 years.

[lauver]

rusty,

Since the Allen patent ratchet is early and unique, would you mind posting a photo of it?  I can add the patent drawing so folks can see how it is constructed and how it works. 

Also, are there any clues as to who might have manufactured it?

[bonneyman]

Thanks for posting pics of your NB ratchet, Gary. It truly is an amazing mechanism.

[rusty]

It turns out Alloy Artifacts has a photo, but I will try to remember to take pics of mine.

It is Highly likely, but not provable, that Billings & Spencer made them, as B&S made later ratchet/socket sets for Allen Tool...

[lauver]

Thanks rusty,

I borrowed the Alloy Artifacts photo and will post it here for those who are interested.  I will add the patent illustrations later that shows the inner workings:

Allen Universal Wrench, patent pending, ca. 1914-1918

[bonneyman]

I uncovered this gem while digging thru a deep box of grimy stuff. Just jumped out at me.
Can't imagine why someone sold it to a pawn shop. Thing just needed some love.
After a deep solvent cleaning slapped her back together and put her on my shop pegboard so she can get back to work.
Double see-saw pawls (very stout), yet fine action and thin external head profile. She goes perfectly with the 1/2"er I've had for some time.

[bonneyman]

Found this 1/4" Frankenstein ratchet today, and, although there are already internal pics elsewhere in the sticky, it's so cool I figured you all wouldn't mind a few pics.
The guy I bought it from said that, until I came in there and bought two such ratchets, neither he nor his boss had ever heard of a frankenstein ratchet.
This design is attributed to Wright tools, and that's borne out by patent info: https://patents.google.com/patent/US2701977

[bonneyman]

In honor of almost 10,000 views, I'm posting the latest ratchet to find its way past my desk.
A Herbrand 1/4" M-5. 24 teeth, tic-toc pawls.
The sliding selector had a spring-loaded ball in the end, which engages a slight "dimple" on the front cover to hold it to the right or left. If the front cover isn't on tight, there's no engagement of this dimple, and the selector won't stay put - hence, the gear "locks" up, and won't turn either way. Makes it seem like the ratchet is toast, so, one can get it cheaply. As I did this one. A good cleaning and lubing, and it works like new.

[humber2]

Sidchrome 14912 1/2" drive, no COO, who made it?

I can't see how to dismantle it, it needs a new detent spring for the switch.

[metaldad]

Thank you for this thread, gents. Wish I knew it was here, before I took apart my new K-D rhft ratchets for lubing. Took 1 apart, couldn't for the life of me get it together rite. Took the 2nd apart to note orietation, and promptly dropped it. (oops!).
Had to 'play' with the pin to catch the spring, and jiggle it when tightening.
KXXR's reply # 113 kinda explains it.
O'Rielly's is clearancing these out for a fraction of the price. They have been sitting on the shelf a long time, and the lube is non existent.
Haven't opened the 3/8's yet.