Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: mikeswrenches on October 13, 2014, 10:25:47 AM

Title: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 13, 2014, 10:25:47 AM: It's not a Ratchet when it's a REECHET.

I found this on the top of a bunch of tools at the local flea mkt. yesterday. Seller wanted to sell the whole box of mostly junk but finally agreed to sell this separately. I originally thought it was just a strange ratchet that I had never seen before. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that it wasn't really a ratchet.

What I would call it is a long 90° extension. As you can see from the last photo, there is a female 3/8 square drive in the end. Turning the end of the handle either by hand or with a ratchet in the drive, causes the male end to rotate.

The patent description also says you can use it as a regular ratchet by holding the drive end so it can't rotate. I put the male end in my vise to see how it would work and found that it sorta does, but your fastener better not be very tight. While the knurling helps you hold it, it also is hard on the hand when it begins to turn.

The patent no. is 2594669 and can be seen at Google patents by accessing the link below.

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/US2594669.pdf

Mike
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: turnnut on October 13, 2014, 02:27:55 PM: nice find.

it is in DATAMP.

in DATAMP, just enter the patent number and it will pop up.

unknown mfg.

maybe Stan can put in the picture of the one that you bought on Datamp.

Frank
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Nolatoolguy on October 13, 2014, 04:05:41 PM: Nice find

Never saw such thing.
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 13, 2014, 05:05:46 PM: It's the first one I've seen too. I can't think they were very common. Aside from being used as a light duty hammer, this one shows no signs of use.

Probably bought by a guy who thought it was neat, and had to have one and then left it in his toolbox...down in the very bottom.

Mike
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Bus on October 13, 2014, 10:54:13 PM: There is one on the Wrenching News Fall Auction (Lot 601-2)

http://wrenchingnews.com/2014-fall-auction/catalog.html (http://wrenchingnews.com/2014-fall-auction/catalog.html)

0601. Lot of two: Ratchet Wrenches
(1.) NONE BETTER - B50 / MADE IN USA - PAT PEND. - - 7" 3/8" drive ratcheting socket handle. The 3/8" drive plug can pivot 90 degrees. None Better was a New Britain Machine Co. (of New Britain, Conn.) brand. Patented May 31. 1955 by Roy C. Hopgood or Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Good++. PAT.

(2.) REECHET R375 - PAT. 2594669 - - 10" 3/8" drive ratchet extension that is operated by turning the handle. Patented April 29, 1952 by Calvert D. Marshall of Georgetown, Kent. Good with some corrosion and dings. PAT.
PiCs Lots 592 thru 601

(http://wrenchingnews.com/2014-fall-auction/photos/F14-0592-601.jpg)
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: bear_man on October 13, 2014, 11:52:01 PM: So would a ratchet not be a ratchet if it's a reechet? *he ducks just in case*
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: kxxr on October 14, 2014, 06:29:04 AM: This one is similar. No markings on it at all. Must be a knock off of the Reechet.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/3teerat.jpg)
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn48/kxxr/tools/2teerat.jpg)
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Papaw on October 14, 2014, 07:28:54 AM: Kxxr, I have one of those. Came from walmart, I think, and it gets used a lot for running down long bolts with the spinner.
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mvwcnews on October 14, 2014, 08:32:02 AM: Did a quick "google advanced book search" & came up with Reechet Tool Corp, Cleveland 15, Ohio (ads from late 1954 thru 1957 ) -- will update the DATAMP entry accordingly ;-)
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 14, 2014, 09:00:35 AM: Kxxr, With the REECHET ratchet, there is no shifter. Turning the handle at the end either CW or CCW, causes the 3/8 drive to change direction.

Stan, you're welcome to use the pictures if you want.

Mike
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Yadda on October 14, 2014, 01:05:32 PM: Cool tool!
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Charles Garrett on October 19, 2014, 12:16:56 PM: Nov 2014 issue of The Family Handyman P 100 is a new version called The Fastdriver 300 @
parts-express.com
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Bad 31 on March 20, 2017, 09:03:16 PM: I know I'm dredging up an old thread but I did a search and this was the only one that showed up on the site. I found this Reechet R-500-G today. This is a 1/2" version of the one that started this thread. Has the group determined that these are rare? I know rare doesn't always equal value but I must admit it's pretty unusual. (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t74/SKI1019/Tools/IMAG1651_zpshon7j5v5.jpg) (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/SKI1019/media/Tools/IMAG1651_zpshon7j5v5.jpg.html) (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t74/SKI1019/Tools/IMAG1652_zps3mfxkojt.jpg) (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/SKI1019/media/Tools/IMAG1652_zps3mfxkojt.jpg.html)
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Plyerman on March 20, 2017, 10:28:22 PM: No idea as to value, but it is a pretty nifty tool.

That being said, I'm trying to recall if there's ever been a time I actually could have used one....Hmmmm.
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Northwoods on March 21, 2017, 09:15:45 AM: Think of it as an obstruction ratchet. The obstruction, itself, would more or less hold it in place while an actual ratchet does the job.
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mikeswrenches on March 21, 2017, 09:28:34 AM: To me, rare is an over used term. I think in order to determine rarity that you need to have some idea of how many were made and /or how many may still exist. A couple for instances: the large John Deere cut-out wrench is rare. Only a handful are known of the 100(I think) that were made. The miniature Wilton bullet vise I posted is also rare, as only 7 were made.

The Reechet, on the other hand, was a manufactured item that probably had thousands made. How many survived is of course unknown. I would call it uncommon, but not rare. But that's just me, and probably not indicative of how others may feel.

The value of an item is determined by how many are available along with how many people want that item. To determine that value is the hard part.

Since I haven't had anyone "breaking down my door" trying to buy my Reechet for a ridiculous sum of money I would say that they aren't worth a whole lot nor are they rare.
For this kind of item I fall back on the idea "that it is worth whatever you and I agree on,at this particular time,on this particular day". That, of course, could change with a different seller, a different buyer, and a different day.

Just my ideas.

Mike
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Bad 31 on March 23, 2017, 10:14:41 PM: Thanks Mike, I agree with your assessment. I probably used rare as a generic term, when uncommon would have worked better. I seem to find more of my unusual items in misplaced locations. I found a Moore Drop Forge T-Model head bolt/ spark plug wrench today in a bin full of crow bars. How do I know it's the real deal? It has the Moore Forge casting mark, the T Model part number and the Ford logo on it. I've had several of the common style wrenches but this is my first with the T-model part number on it. It was probably with the crow bars because of the shape of it. Thanks for your opinion.
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: john k on March 24, 2017, 09:08:17 AM: Back in the 70s? A company came out with some very strange tools and ratchets patterned after those used by astronauts. Strange shaped and bulky so they could be wielded while wearing those thick gloves. Some of these tools remind me of those.
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Navaja on April 09, 2017, 01:55:05 PM: I hope this isn't too far off topic with it being a still available modern tool.

I have had a 1/4 drive rotary ratchet made by Proxxon for about the last 10 years, it doesn't get lots of use but when it does it's worth it's weight in gold!

http://www.proxxon.com/en/industrial/23082.php?list
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: EVILDR235 on April 09, 2017, 04:51:30 PM: kxxr the ratchet in your picture has been sold under a bunch of different names over the years. Mine is marked SKILLCRAFT with no country of origin. Mine seems to work ok. Most I have run across are non working. Probably a light duty tool.

EvilDr235
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Northwoods on April 12, 2017, 06:51:20 PM: Here is one from the bay with an added twist.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/King-Tool-Co-Antique-Hexagon-Offset-Rotary-Ratchet-90-Degree-Socket-Wrench-/262918136258?hash=item3d372461c2:g:90AAAOSwc49Y6Agt
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mikeswrenches on April 13, 2017, 05:27:19 AM: Quote from: Northwoods on April 12, 2017, 06:51:20 PM
Here is one from the bay with an added twist.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/King-Tool-Co-Antique-Hexagon-Offset-Rotary-Ratchet-90-Degree-Socket-Wrench-/262918136258?hash=item3d372461c2:g:90AAAOSwc49Y6Agt
. This would appear to be a rather expensive tool to manufactur, and older than I would have thought. Patent link below.

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/US1385214.pdf

Mike
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: crankshaftdan II on November 14, 2017, 09:52:57 AM: I thought that I would throw my Reechet in the fire as I know this is a very old thread--however I did remember that I picked up a newer version with the same type of system. The Reechet I have is marked with the AC in a circle emblem with the patent #--maybe AC Delco? Or it could mean something else?
The larger version was from the 70's and is marked popular mechanic's Taiwan-much larger version w/reverse lever like a real ratchet and a twist lever handle. Both will do a job as long as you have clearance. Just my two cents worth!
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: amecks on November 14, 2017, 12:21:33 PM: I need to find something like that. I occasionally have to loosen/tighten tracks on Toro Dingos - a walk-behind skid steer machine. The opening for track adjustment only allows about two clicks per pull on a standard ratchet. My back is still sore from the last track repair.
Al
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Northwoods on May 15, 2019, 11:15:47 AM: Now that I own one, it seems much more interesting!
Just got one at a garage sale and fine it heavily built, strong, and well made.
Mine is marked A C and the patent number.

If you just have to have one, some optimistic Coloradoan can fix you right up. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-AC-Gear-Operated-Ratchet-Wrench-Construction-Rotatable-Handle-3-8-Drive/183737758467?hash=item2ac79fb303:g:61sAAOSwFHZaofCk

I can make you just as happy for much less....
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: mikeswrenches on May 15, 2019, 04:45:15 PM: While I have no idea how rare these things are I know that I’ve never seen another.
My guess on the AC is that they were marketed by the AC Spark plug division. I can see where it could come in handy changing plugs in some of those real cramped engine bays.

Mike
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Northwoods on May 15, 2019, 05:06:17 PM: Good thought!
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: crankshaftdan II on May 15, 2019, 05:16:56 PM: Quote from: crankshaftdan II on November 14, 2017, 09:52:57 AM
I thought that I would throw my Reechet in the fire as I know this is a very old thread--however I did remember that I picked up a newer version with the same type of system. The Reechet I have is marked with the AC in a circle emblem with the patent #--maybe AC Delco? Or it could mean something else?
The larger version was from the 70's and is marked popular mechanic's Taiwan-much larger version w/reverse lever like a real ratchet and a twist lever handle. Both will do a job as long as you have clearance. Just my two cents worth!

Can't remember for sure if this was a AC Delco or possibly connected to Allis Chalmers for tractors? Maybe it was clarified on another forum??
Title: Re: When is a Ratchet not a Ratchet?
Post by: Twertsy on May 16, 2019, 08:30:30 AM: Since my site is still down, I may be thinking of a different "oddball" tool but I think I recall they actually started in Alton, IL?? Perhaps in the '30s.

EDIT: Nope, I was in fact thinking of a different tool called something like the "speediratch" or similar. Disregard.