Okay, if I'm beating a dead horse, just say so and I'll move on. Very recently I came across a really nice example of a Type 2 Craftsman Teardrop Ratchet, 1/2" drive. If you need a refresher on Type 2 ratchets, go back to Page 1, Reply 13, and read more than you probably wanted to know about the Type 2. Anyway, when I added the Type 2 information to the thread, I mentioned that I've seen them with chrome finished socket posts and black oxide finished socket posts. As I went back to see what I said, I didn't think I addressed the variation well enough. A few pictures may have helped to provide some clarity. Well, my recently acquired Type 2, 1/2" drive ratchet has a very nice, original, black oxide finished socket post. It was my opinion that earlier versions of the Type 2 ratchets followed the Type 1 ratchets, that is, both having chrome finished socket posts. At some point during Type 2 production (1960 - 1966), the chrome finished socket post was replaced by a socket post finished in black oxide, which was the standard going forward with all Type 3 through Type 14 ratchets. (It should also be noted that on Type 1 and early Type 2 ratchets, not only are the socket posts chrome finished, but so are their main gears.) Anyway, I thought a side-by-side comparison might be a good idea. As I was writing this post, I also noticed a difference in the raised panels on the handles of the Type 2 ratchets.
Take a look at the photos below. The first one depicts an earlier version of the Type 2 (on the top) and a later version Type 2 (on the bottom). The second photo shows a close up of the Type 2 raised panels on the handles. See the difference? See how the earlier Type 2 panel (top) has rounded ends (like the Type 1 ratchets), while the later Type 2 version (bottom) has squared off panels (like Type 3 through Type 14 ratchets)? Earth shaking, right? Take a look at the third photo. It depicts the Type 2 socket posts. The earlier Type 2 version is on the left, and has a chromed finished socket post like the Type 1 ratchets. The Type 2 later version is on the right, with the black oxide finished socket post, like all Type 3 through Type 14 ratchets.
The fourth and fifth photos depict four ratchets, with the Type 1 on top, followed by the early Type 2, the later Type 2 and the Type 3 on the bottom. Again notice the raised panel progression from rounded ends to square ends. Finally, look at the sixth photo, depicting four ratchet heads. The Type 1 is on the far left, followed by the early Type 2, the later Type 2, and the Type 3 on the far right. See how the socket posts change from chrome finished to black oxide, somewhere in the middle of the Type 2 production? Again, I know, mind-blowing information! This is exactly what happens when I get into this stuff. I start picking fly sh*t out of pepper and looking for every variation, change, error, minor detail, etc. It can become maddening! In my own defense, I guess this adds a little more accuracy to the Type Study. Specifically, when talking about Type 2 ratchets, it appears that earlier versions had a chrome finished socket post and rounded raised panels, while later version Type 2 ratchets were produced with a black oxide finished socket post and squared off raised panels. Glad we got that figured out.
Jim C.