Ratchets (with pictures)

[kxxr]

Here's another oddball with no markings on it. I know that I have seen a few other brands/versions, but only in 1/2 inch. I don't know of a situation where I might need this thing, but if it ever arises, I probably won't remember that I have this ratchet. You turn the little tee handle and the drive plug turns. Half inch drive and about a 36 tooth count. Bullet proof construction. Clever, eh?

[Papaw]

I have one like that that a BIL gave me years ago. Came from Walmart, I think. I thought I would never use it, but I seem to reach for it often. Mine is 3/8" drive.

[kxxr]

I think if I see a 3/8 I'll pick it up. I find that I can get most of my piddling done in the 3/8 realm. No markings on yours either? I want to say that I have seen a Stanley but I wouldn't swear to it. I don't think the low tooth count is a detriment since if you can get the fastener snugged with the spinner handle, you only have the final cinch down left to go. It is bulky enough to use for self defense if nothing else. Can you pop up a picture sometime?

[Papaw]

Went out to the truck and grabbed mine for pictures.

[oldtools]

That looked familiar, checked my toolbox, found a 1/4"dr. Sidewinder Products Corporation.

[kxxr]

It's confirmed then, made in all sizes, except maybe 3/4. Thanks for the photos guys.

[bonneyman]

Here's a cutie little Wards Master 1/4"er with some other items I grabbed recently. If anyone has any info on who made this for Wards - and when - I'd appreciate it.

[rusty]

How odd...

The patent was assigned to Duro/Indestro, but it's really for an older ratchet design (the 3200 series)...It does have the non removable pressed in face plates tho...

Only bits and pieces of that ratchet match indestro ratchet designs, the reverse lever is like one ratchet (the super indestro ratchets), the flat handle like another (wizard), the hex swedge pin seems to be unique.....

Like they really didn't want anyone to figure out whose ratchet it was.....LOL

[kxxr]

Here's a half incher I posted a while back. I had always figured it was a Duro/Indestro product. Montgomery Wards didn't breathe it's final breath until 2000, when it closed the last of it's stores, but I figure this ratchet is from the 70s, which is just a guess since I don't have any real evidence to back it up. I don't think it can be newer than 1990 if it is Duro Indestro. The pressed flange does look Duro, and I have seen a flat handle on some Indestro round head ratchets. It is an odd one. The markings on mine aren't so good. The face of the head is pretty scuffed up, but I don't think it has any patent numbers on it. On the other side, where the hole is, it says "oil". Bottom line, I'm no help at all :(

[bonneyman]

Here's a half incher I posted a while back. I had always figured it was a Duro/Indestro product. Montgomery Wards didn't breathe it's final breath until 2000, when it closed the last of it's stores, but I figure this ratchet is from the 70s, which is just a guess since I don't have any real evidence to back it up. I don't think it can be newer than 1990 if it is Duro Indestro. The pressed flange does look Duro, and I have seen a flat handle on some Indestro round head ratchets. It is an odd one. The markings on mine aren't so good. The face of the head is pretty scuffed up, but I don't think it has any patent numbers on it. On the other side, where the hole is, it says "oil". Bottom line, I'm no help at all :(

You've been alot of help, bro! A picture of another ratchet with many of the features and logos. Pretty much seals the deal on Duro.
The chrome on mine is fair condition, and a 30 minute soak in JAFE juice has freed it up. I'll let it soak another 2 or 3 days, and then rinse and lube. Probably offer it up to a Duro collector. I don't need another 1/4" rat.

[kxxr]

Country of origin and related downside aside, this is a really nice ratchet for anyone on a budget. I don't know where this one came from but they are available from Amazon and probably lots of other places. I would pass if I saw it new because I like to use my buying power to support American efforts, but on the used market, I figure the damage is done. Anyway, it weighs 12 ounces, has 72 teeth and I like the little bit of offset to the handle. It feels well made and I just like it. The finish is advertised as a nickel coating but it looks to be something layered over chrome. I have a lot of ratchets and this one feels really great in an ergonomic sense. It kind of looks like Facom or Bahco in design. The red part of the handle is very hard plastic and the black is softer; not soft rubber like but you can dent it temporarily with your fingernail. It doesn't look like it has soaked up any oils or chemicals yet. It says ProSeries by KR Tools on the handle.

[kxxr]

I confess that I did buy this foriegn made ratchet brand new. I couldn't resist. It is gearless and so it engages as soon as you change directions; no 4.5 degree swing arc on this one. I think they are still available in the T&E Catalog. To change directions the drive plug pushes through. If you're working in a tight blind spot, like up under the dash, it's hard to beat. It is also pretty handy in the open also. It is well made and there is a rebuild kit, but I have no idea how you would dismantle it and I hope to never need to find out. The old Husky socket seems to fit just fine too.

[jimwrench]

 Heres pics of 3/4 rat disassembled and cleaned. Everything looks good except that homemade adjuster. The beaver they used to bore ID of body made have had some chipped teeth as he left some pretty deep grooves. Now to find one I can cannibalise adjuster from.

[mrchuck]

Adjuster?? What is an adjuster?
Lever to change direction maybe?
The teeth look perfect.
I agree the boring tool must have been defective causing that inside gouge.
It will now be a "passageway for lubricants".
Put it back together and use it on a project. It will love you for it!!!

[jimwrench]

 
poor choice of word on my part. selector might work better.