Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Northwoods on June 02, 2020, 10:08:16 PM

Title: Strange unmarked ratchet
Post by: Northwoods on June 02, 2020, 10:08:16 PM

Who in the world made this thing?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-Tools-Wood-Handle-Ratchet-RARE-Vintage-Mechanics-Socket-Tool-USA/264747487442?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225085%26meid%3D65bf6f5e21ca47128da19cc78ac4eff2%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D353095040686%26itm%3D264747487442%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 

Title: Re: Strange unmarked ratchet
Post by: lptools on June 03, 2020, 04:22:58 AM

I'm going to take a wild guess that it is missing one handle, and would be used for square shank augers. Woodworking, not a mechanic's tool.

Title: Re: Strange unmarked ratchet
Post by: Northwoods on June 03, 2020, 11:50:20 AM

I think that is a very good wild guess.  I wondered about the symmetrical shape of the metal portion.  That would explain it.
Why would someone produce such a nice piece and not put their name on it?

Title: Re: Strange unmarked ratchet
Post by: p_toad on June 03, 2020, 12:17:13 PM

i have to agree about it being an auger handle.   I went on ebay and asked the seller where the other handle was and for a picture of the other end of the tools.   

Title: Re: Strange unmarked ratchet
Post by: mikeswrenches on June 03, 2020, 03:34:29 PM

This is much like the Millers Falls no. 4 ratcheting handle. If you haven’t seen one of those, they also have a reversible ratchet, and a removable handle, but in addition use a chuck like on a bit brace.

 Another interesting feature was the removable handle could be screwed in a hole on the top to stabilize the auger if/when boring in a corner. In addition the removable handle was made in 2 pcs. so it could rotate in your hand. It was a very well thought out tool.

Mike