What would you use to line the gears up? Super line or oil?

I had the 3/8 model and accidentally left it in a pull your own part junkyard. I was pissed cause they stopped making them when I lost it.

I have the 44833 long handle version of this. Recently the ball detent of the quick release stopped engaging so my sockets fall off. Is there a fix for this?

One thing about the craftsman ratchet is that they’re fixable. The design is also not like others. I’ve only ever had one break when I was doing something I shouldn’t have. Using a cheater bar and a 3/8 socket when it should have been a 1/2 socket an ratchet. All I had as a kid was a 3/8 socket and it still broke the bolt on a rear bumper on an old F150. I have a few of the second models from 1953-56. They are my most favourite. I’ve used some of my tools since I got them as a teenager 15 years ago. PSA if you loose a screw on one of theses it’s #6x40 threads. I typically always look for =V= ones first and then -V- as I’ve noticed lack of quality on some of the later ones. If you’ve got a range of them you’ll see the difference. It’s a shame because so many people pick on Craftsman when they’re not even considered Top Tier tools, but can perform above their Mid-Tier pricing. I hope to pass the ones I have one to atleast someone who will take care of them like I do.

Thank you brother my wrench works mint now....I was trying to do this before I can't believe all I needed to do is lift the fricking thing out ....smh.

My old craft 3/8" USA ratchet will be returned and warranted. I just replaced it with the Overdrive 3/8" and I will never miss the older ratchet. For fun ha, ha. I took the stupid ratchet apart degreased and inspected all the teeth and used super lube. I fought it back together and wow it operates super smooth in one direction only. The other direction hangs up and barely ratchets with a ton of drag after many rotations in each direction. I'm finished with the old, outdated nearly antique junk. Most of my Tiawan lifetime exchange warranted ratchets outperform my old 40-year-old 3/8" craft ratchet.

I use a sacraficial feeler guage. I bend it to the curve of the pawl housing and use it to push down the bearing. I then just assemble the pawl on the selector switch then pull out the feeler guage. Nothing worse than shooting that little ball bearing across the shop floor

Thanks WOLF brother (GEAR HEADS) They are great ratchets

I only buy 🇺🇸 when possible. This is how I found your channel. I wish someone would do a YT channel just on 🇺🇸 made products. Sometimes it's very difficult to find 🇺🇸 made products. When Craftsman sold us all out, my toolbox immediately filled up with Snap On, Wright, Klein, Channellock, Mayhew and a few other companies. I absolutely refuse to buy a tool not made in the USA. When I can't find USA made, I look to our 31 Nato countries and other friends like Japan, South Korea, Israel and Australia. Hopefully you will review more 🇺🇸 made products.

what kind of lubricant did you use if you don't mind me asking?

I guess I'm weird, being these are my favorite Craftsman ratchets. I came here purely to find out if by chance the torx screw was righty loosie, before I broke it off, since that screw won't budge on either of my 1/4 in versions.

There is a guy on the Craftsman tool Collector's board with a Flying V torque wrench. His name is Brandon Combs

I was mistaken i thought these were 18k at least for what people want for them

Doors won’t close flush

Gee if someone really wants some of those ratchets.. I have some of the lock on style ones in 3/8" and 1/2" I would sell them as long as I get enough money to upgrade to something a bit better. I wanted to buy some of those Professional grade ratches, I only have them in 1/4" but don't see much of Craftsman anymore. I guess I could check with Lowes or Ace Hardware.

Heys! I know this is video is very very old, but let me just say, using an unused ‘fishing hook’ and straighten it out, cut off the sharp point bit, and instead of the paper clip, that also works

Thanks! Got mine fixed!

Does anyone collect monkey turds? I have a couple baboon turds from 1832 #mt438590 if intrested.

Video series like this make the internet worth all of the hassle it's brought to our lives. Thankyou for all of the effort you've put into this project, and especially for sharing it. Like many, I grew up in the 80's helping and learning from my dad, using craftsman tools. They were what I associated with qualtiy, it was instilled into me that if you take care of your tools, they will take care of you. I still have the same complete 241pc set (4th gen) that I was gifted as a teenager, which has only grown exponentially since. Unfortunately, thanks to you... I've now begun collecting these old Craftsman relics again. Just picked up a 3PC breaker bar set, and currently making my way through finding these RHFT ratchets. I sure hope to find the elusive 1/2 flex! Thanks again, can't wait to see more content!!!

Thanks for sharing! The product page on Home Depot has no video of it working, so this is very useful.

@GearWolf Do you know if all of the butterfly selector ratchets had oil ports?

You’re missing one

I've had the 3 piece set since 2010 I think. Some of the best craftsman ratchets ever. I keep them around but don't use them much.

Mine is made in USA 43397 1/4 inch version. Instead of a V it has a W or M stamped on it. I tried to take it apart to clean it but I'm having trouble getting it back together correctly.

you speculate alot . awesome video!

Very helpful review; thanks! I ordered a sample of Betsy Ross earlier today. I'm impressed with the Liberty company and the quality of their products. Thank you for promoting them. Remember, though, there are different levels of imported flatware and not all is made in China. Some is much better than what Walmart and Target sell. There are different price and quality levels of Oneida, for example. That said, I'd much rather buy a USA product.. Also, I watched a Modern Marvels episode, Chrome, that featured Sherrill Mfg. Flatware is not chrome plated; the chrome is in the stainless steel alloy.

Very helpful review; thanks! I'm impressed with Liberty and ordered two sample sets today including Betsy Ross. I wish they had a better selection of patterns, though. Their quality seems top notch. Their patterns are mostly very plain or all-over designs, and the few in between aren't very pretty imo. I'm looking forward to receiving my samples. From photos I'm leaning toward Betsy Ross but I prefer a lightly accented pattern.

I did not see the other side of the C-98 (has the 1/2: drive pin). Can you add one pic.

Glad I'm not the only Craftsman USA nerd. 🤓. Great series!

Who would've thought Craftsman would be total garbage in just a few years? Now there made in china. JUNK!

I have a 43784. It's in good shape except the chrome finish on the lever is peeling off and there's corrosion underneath. If this part is pressed and sintered from various metals, can it be blued? I was thinking about sanding off the chrome and applying gun bluing to the bare metal...

My brother has that tool

You guys remember KZbin's private messaging? LOL

The one you called rare at the beginning is a through body. If you look at the lower corner of the picture you see the letter H you needed that piece as well.

Idk how im just seeing this video. I got gifted some -v- stuff and was wondering. Thank u

God, I hate this design so much.

Craftsman tool are junk to hard to return

I have to know where that beautiful picture is.

I have a 3/8" ratchet with no part number, just a patent number, with oil port and =V= logo and the pointed As in the Craftsman logo. Is this an early model? It seems like the =V= and oil port indicate that it is.

So many different suggestions on how to make a tool to hold the detent ball down when reassembling, but here's mine - I use a blackhead remover! It's the perfect size and shape to push down on that pesky ball and hold it in place while you get the pawl in.

Mine only go's in the tight direction! wonder why?

I have a 3/8" long head BE ratchet with the reversing knob and fixed male drive. The odd thing about it is that it does NOT have the "BE" stamp on it. The front and back plates have the plain text circular "CRAFTSMAN" stamping but that's all. Is that unusual?

Old video, but I was curious about the different tiers. Seems the higher tiers might just be heavier duty. I presume they all use the same steel, and are all smashed into shape with a big press.

I have a 71 piece Limited Edition GearRatchet Socket System, with the hole through design...I no longer see them anywhere. I know it's not vintage, but how bizarre that they are no longer available.

No tear down, no turning it to hear the mechanism, nothing? Oh well, fugly ratchets anyway.

Ugly as sin. Uncomfortable in the hand. Too chunky monkey on top of all that. Wouldn't take these if I was paid to. 🤮

You're right, people keep them for life. My old man has one from the 70s, older than me. Never lubed, never repaired. He is not easy on tools either.

Wish somebody would do this for snap on

I just scored the 1/4 inch version at an estate sale for $1.00.....It is in very good condition and the teeth are nice as is the pawl....I knew the non-quick release Craftsmans were not that common so I just had to watch your video to get the back story.👍👍👍

I was here to flipped them over. It was a bummer that just showed him from one side should’ve slowly rotated