Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: oldtoolguy on July 15, 2012, 05:19:31 PM

Title: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: oldtoolguy on July 15, 2012, 05:19:31 PM

I just picked this set up because of the neat ratchet.  Not being a wrench collector myself, even though I do have some odd wrenches on the wall,  I'm wondering if this is valuable to a wrench collector because of the condition, or should I just hang it on the wall?
The ratchet is about 95% condition.  The sockets are just average, and the box is ratty.

Thanks,
Mel 

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: Papaw on July 15, 2012, 07:08:56 PM

That's a nice set- more info here- http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/frank-mossberg-company.html#sockets (http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/frank-mossberg-company.html#sockets)
Scroll down to Sockets and Drive tools.

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: Wrenchmensch on July 16, 2012, 09:07:18 AM

Very nice find!  The box looks salvageable; maybe start with Murphy's Oil Soap.

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: Plyerman on July 16, 2012, 10:38:17 PM

I've no idea how valuable it is, but that sure is a neat old ratchet!

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: gibsontool on July 17, 2012, 12:09:07 AM

I have a couple of mossberg sets but nothing with a ratchet like that. that's the first one I've ever seen. Very cool.

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: Branson on July 17, 2012, 09:29:38 AM

Quote from: Wrenchmensch on July 16, 2012, 09:07:18 AM

Very nice find!  The box looks salvageable; maybe start with Murphy's Oil Soap.

Start cleaning up the old oil from the wood with paint thinner before using the Murphy's.   That's an old museum practice for removing oily or greasy dirt from wooden objects.

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: oldtoolguy on July 17, 2012, 10:06:51 AM

Thanks for the input.  I worked as a mechanic, and am drawn to tools & things with interesting mechanical aspects.  The ratchet is neat (reversible) and in fine condition, almost like it was stored separately from the rest of the sockets which have some rust and the box is split & grimy. 
Most likely I will hang the ratchet on the wall where I will see it frequently and can demonstrate it to friends.  The rest, while it could be cleaned up, can just sit up on a shelf out of the way.

Does anybody know if there were other socket ratchets made before this one?

Thanks,
Mel

Title: Re: Mossberg Auto-Cle Ratchet
Post by: Wrenchmensch on July 17, 2012, 02:14:03 PM

Yes, possibly the Mossberg 355 ratchet was earlier, about 1915.  The picture shows the 355 ratchet in my No. 13 Mossberg Socket Wrench Set.