Craftsman 'BE' Series Vintage Slim Pear Head Ratchet Review

[@rightlanehog3151]

Mr Maximus, Thanks for another year tool of reviews. I hope you find plenty of American tools to discuss in 2025.

[@michaellindsay8934]

I'm glad you took it apart so we could see how it was designed. Thanks Catus

[@rogerice3826]

Interesting ratchets, for a time Craftsman made that series with both a push through anvil and a reverse lever, so that makes yours a second generation. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@CatusMaximus]

I didn't know that!

[@peterboorman8205]

Interesting ratchet. Best wishes to you and Tiny for the New Year.

[@CatusMaximus]

Happy new year!

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again, Catus Maximus and Tiny Thank you for another Great Video 👍 That was a very interesting tool. Thank you for sharing this with us. Happy New Year's to you and your family 🙏 Again thank you 👌

[@CatusMaximus]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@blackbird_actual]

Really cool old ratchet, Catus. Hope you and Tiny have a great New Year 👍

[@CatusMaximus]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@checkthistool]

Love those old ratchets. Always love your knowledge.

[@CatusMaximus]

Glad you like them!

[@bretcompton8518]

I think new Britain manufactured that craftsman ratchet as well

[@Donthetoolman]

You are correct craftsman was just a name brand they contracted many tool manufacturers to make their products

[@PelicanPoopof72]

✌️ I like that one Such a shame that the ball detent was a failure. Thanks for sharing 🐈 cat.

[@CatusMaximus]

It's a great vintage tool, but definitely has its flaws.

[@PelicanPoopof72]

@CatusMaximus , Happy New Year Bud.

[@moecrosby4089]

1930s-1946 Made by the New Britain Machine Company, New Britain, CT Its from what is called the "Long C" era.

[@luigigonzalez5062]

Find the last remaining sears and claim the warranty 😂😂😂

[@GTIFabric]

Nice ratchet. I am desperately seeking a rebuild for my old 3/8 round head thumbwheel craftsman ratchet.

[@scottjohnson136]

Liked the tear down. I have not seen inside of similar ratchet! Question, how did you stop and not clean it up and attempt a repair? Great challenge!

[@CatusMaximus]

Good question!

[@davidcoats1037]

I wonder if that spring is just too gunked up to work. I bet if you flooded it with WD-40 it would start working again. It’s worth a shot.

[@rogerice3826]

I agree, don't write it off until the detent ball is rattles around freely.

[@CatusMaximus]

That’s an interesting thought!

[@jebbamin4109]

Nice find Cat.. 👍Please don't drill other side of ball detend.. Try find others solutions..

[@ToolinAround2025]

I always look at the old owner markings scratched into the tools, and wonder about that guy’s story. Anyway this was a good ep. What a funky reverse mechanism! Would it be susceptible to self-reversing?

[@82lube]

almost sure this is made according to a pre WW2 patent by NEW BRITTON , i have the 3 piece set of NB which look identical but PROTO manufactured the "BE" modals for Craftsman.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thanks for the information!

[@michaelbown3229]

No, this is way older. Late 30s, early 40s. Pre-WW2. Cool old ratchet. I have several and they don't work very well. Wasn't a good design, very early. Usually it's the ball that holds he switch in place that fails - or rather the lever isn't strong enough to hold its own against the ball tension. They're probably all like that. All of mine are anyway. You need to hold the lever over with your finger, then it works.

[@CatusMaximus]

That’s a great point, I hadn’t noticed that before.