Last time Craftsman Ratchet Oil Port

[stchman]

I recently got a 1/4" Craftsman ratchet that has an oil port. It looks like a ball bearing that you can put oil through.

My question is, when did Craftsman last do that? I cannot find any information on this ratchet. I believe it is from the 60s.

Thanks

 

[AutoMechanic]

I believe 1960s possibly earlier but I think it was gone by the end of the 1960s.

 

[dishdude]

How were you supposed to get oil in there?

 

[stchman]

The ratchet still works perfectly. Ironically, there was almost no lube inside the ratchet when I took it apart. Lots of nasty grease. Teeth on the ratchet and pawl were still in great shape. I lubed the ratchet after cleaning and put it in my toolbox.

 

[stchman]

How were you supposed to get oil in there?

With a needle nozzle.

 

[Lubener]

That style was available in the 60's through the 70's into early 80"s. I bought mine sometime around 1979.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

How were you supposed to get oil in there?

You use the oil can tip to push the ball down and add the oil. I have a few of these in my gang box. My dad gave them to me.

 

[demarpaint]

I have one or two of them. I use a little 3 in 1 oil, the tip goes in if you keep your thumb nail under it. IIRC I bought them in the mid 1970's.

 

[Trav]

Up to the mid 80's. Made by Moore Drop Forge/Easco, one of the best Craftsman tools.

 

[wpod]

How were you supposed to get oil in there?

You have to be smarter than the ratchet.

 

[dishdude]

You have to be smarter than the ratchet.

Hey now! LOL

 

[AITG]

I have a 1/2 drive ratchet with the oiler ball that I bought 1967. I oiled it every two or three years and it still works as good as new. It's nearly bulletproof.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

I remember going to SEARS and buying the guts to R&R Craftsman ratchets.
That's a thing of the past now.

 

[Jake_J]

According to alloy artifacts the quick release code V ratchets were first offered in 1965.

 

[Trav]

According to alloy artifacts the quick release code V ratchets were first offered in 1965.

The guy that invented the QR was from this area, sears stole it and had to pay quite a bit of money.

Roberts v. Sears, Roebuck and Co., 471 F. Supp. 372 (N.D. Ill. 1979)

Roberts v. Sears, Roebuck and Co., 471 F. Supp. 372 (N.D. Ill. 1979) case opinion from the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

law.justia.com