I’ve been keeping an eye out for Craftsman Round Head Fine Tooth (RHFT) ratchets for the last couple years. They’re pretty good ratchets. I used David Maher's Craftsman DVD set to compile a little information about them. From what I can tell, the 3/8” drive and ½” drive models appeared in the Sears product line at some point around 1970. The 1/4” model joined the line up in 1971. It appears that all three ratchets were offered through 2008. The ¼”, 3/8” and ½” models had 70, 82, and 90 teeth respectively from 1970 through 1977. In 1978 the tooth count was essentially cut in half to 35, 41 and 45 respectively.
Looking at a few different 3/8” versions of the RHFT ratchet, I noticed that the earliest =V= stamped model has no part number, much like many other Craftsman tools with the same manufacturer’s mark. The first model number to appear on a 3/8” version was 43788, and the manufacturer’s mark changed from =V= to -V-. At some point around 1980, the model number changed to 43781. Paying attention to those model numbers, or a lack thereof, can give you a rough estimate as to the age of your RHFT ratchet.
Still looking at the 3/8" models below, one thing that I found interesting is the reversal of the stampings on the handle of the earliest version with the =V= mark. Most of the time, the word “CRAFTSMAN” usually appears on the selector side of the handle, while the model number, manufacturer’s mark, and patent information appear on the socket side of the handle. On the ratchet depicted below, those stampings are switched. Of further interest is the fact that the earliest ratchet still retains its advertising decal, announcing the ratchet as being new to the Craftsman tool line.
Jim C.