Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: FrankLee on July 02, 2012, 06:57:17 AM

Title: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: FrankLee on July 02, 2012, 06:57:17 AM

What is the purpose of the unusual drive end on this Armstrong ratchet? It appears that the 3/8 square driver may be removeable, but I can't get the pin to move and I don't want to force it.

Obvious Plomb clone and really nice.

Anyone have a clue?

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: lbgradwell on July 02, 2012, 11:52:40 AM

I don't know, but my FA-51 has a normal drive...

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: Papaw on July 02, 2012, 11:59:26 AM

Is it a double reverse? What happens when you push the pin?

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: FrankLee on July 02, 2012, 12:19:23 PM

I tried pushing it, but it wouldn't budge. Maybe I'll try a LFH. 

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: rusty on July 02, 2012, 04:31:58 PM

Odd, not all FA-51's have that ring and pin, perhaps a special application, the ratchet is early war era for the most part...

(It is possible the pin isn't supposed to move, but locks into something attached to the ratchet (like the valve adjusting tools have a piece that turns and a piece that doesn't)

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: FrankLee on July 02, 2012, 05:51:21 PM

The LFH did nothing; not going to attempt a BFH. I suppose the pin could be there for something to lock on. The collar with the pin seems to be part of the gear, ie, it rotates with the gear/square drive. I dunno.?.? 

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: Lewill2 on July 02, 2012, 06:33:37 PM

Does the pin rotate? Can you pull the pin to release the drive lug?

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: FrankLee on July 02, 2012, 06:59:06 PM

Quote from: Lewill2 on July 02, 2012, 06:33:37 PM

Does the pin rotate? Can you pull the pin to release the drive lug?

The pin does not move relative to the collar. It does not appear to move from side to side. I tapped it with a small hammer and it did not move. I have not tried to tap it out from the flush end.

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: scottg on July 02, 2012, 11:45:51 PM

Never saw anything like this!
 I can't even see how the drive plug could disassemble from the backing plate.
 
 Something makes me suspect military though, maybe aviation?
Emergency hand driver for landing gear or something?
  yours Scott

Title: Re: Armstrong FA-51 Ratchet
Post by: J.A.F.E. on July 05, 2012, 10:32:21 PM

I can't help on the drive plug part but Plomb made the ratchet.