Craftsman Tools - USA History: Stainless Steel & Lifetime Ratchets

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Those are nice historical ratchets to have, and stainless steel.

[@GearWolf]

Ha-ha! I completely agree! They are definitely a product of the 1980s!

[@s0nnyburnett]

Never knew stainless ratchets or wrenches existed. Have to keep my eyes peeled for them, they look pretty slick.

[@GearWolf]

+s0nnyburnett Ha-ha! I'd be reluctant to bring them into the fore of your tool arsenal. They were a little goofy as stated in the video! ^_^

[@s0nnyburnett]

TheseAreMyToys Ya gotta treat em like a lady.

[@bobmc1959]

Bought 1/4 Stainless in store. Helped out in tight locations where others didn't. Best ratchet ever. I should have bought the stainless set.

[@googleusergp]

The "BF" Japan made tools that are alluded to started in the 1960s and were in full swing by the 1980s. That's not the serial number, that's the catalog or model number, or more accurately the SKU number. In the same regard, the "Tri-Wings" can be "totaled out" if the teeth in the head go bad. Same with the RHFT (Round Head Fine Tooth). Even the "modern" kits recommend SAE30 oil.

[@noobamination]

I worked on these in the mid-late 80's as a Design Engineer with Easco/ K-D tools. I still have about 6 of each size. I believe the steel used in the ratchet body was 416 stainless

[@GearWolf]

I have received early examples of these which were made of a higher grade stainless steel and a lower grade steel. 416 would be very machinable over other steel variants. I have been in contact with people from the marketing end and the sales end of this specific family of ratchets, who gave me an interesting perspective about the myriad of problems these tools created. Pat I am curious. If you have experiences with making these tools, would you be up for talking with me directly about it? It would be even better if people could hear our conversation about these unique pieces of tool history. Let me know! ^_^

[@noobamination]

I worked in research and development when these were developed. Manufacturing took place in other Easco facilities in Springfield MA and Springdale AR

[@GearWolf]

@@noobamination Would you be up for talking with me one on one more about this? Perhaps I could send you the same questionnaire that I sent the other two individuals affiliated with the project you worked on?

[@noobamination]

Sure, I can dust off 32 years and see what I can recall

[@GearWolf]

@@noobamination Hi Pat. Any luck trying to send me a message? Also, should anyone else have questions about Craftsman ratchets, please feel free to reach out to me via the same avenue.

[@helmboy74]

I have a set of lifetime Ratchets I bought them in late 80's and they still work good.

[@Bobbyliscious]

Craftsman Stainless tools were heavily marketed to Marine mechanics also! That's where I got mine!

[@GearWolf]

Hi Robert! Thanks for reaching out! I can see how that would appeal to marine applications. ^_^ If you don't mind me asking, would you be able to elaborate a bit more on this specific marketing? Unfortunately, I don't have any advertisements related to these tools that go beyond the Sears Catalog or Craftsman brochures from that era. Was there a direct campaign in stores or marine related areas: Coast Guard, Navy, marine manufacturers/repair/distributers, or even local docks? I'm currently working on a "reboot" of this entire series. Any information you have that I don't certainly will be integrated into the new program! Thanks again!

[@abandonedsc4261]

Excellent video! Long or not I enjoyed the history And learned. I don't remember these as i was kind of young then. Great job! Looking forward to the future project videos.

[@BlackGoldKnights]

I used to work on Titan rockets with the 1/4-inch stainless ratchet. The problem that I had was accidentally hitting the selector lever while in use. I would have to stop, reset it, and continue. I eventually just used my Snap On TM75A 1/4-inch drive ratchet. I still have the Craftsman though.

[@sparks2429]

I just inhereted all of my grandpa's old tools and this was one of the ratchets he gave me. I really like how meaty the grip is. It's a lot more comfortable than my China made 1/2 craftsman ratchet.

[@GearWolf]

Indeed. These ratchets will continue to serve you for another 40 years, just as they served your Grandpa; whereas, cheap Chinese made pieces will fade into nothingness.

[@chrisdoles8443]

Great information!! What happened at Easco / Danaher Tool Group with the Stainless offering is that it was extremely cost prohibitive in forging i.e. here was NO die life around forging Stainless Steel. Each die needs to produce 40,000 ratchets per sink and the Stainless was WAY below that number

[@az-chris1136]

I have a set of the Lifetime ratchets that I purchased new back in the day at a Sears store in the mall. The stainless attribute was simply for corrosion resistance, and the plastic insert was for comfort in hot/cold environments where grabbing a fully metallic handle would be uncomfortable without gloves. I also appreciated the thin profile these ratchets provided relative to competitive offerings at the time. I still own them, use them and they work and feel as great as they did 30 years ago. BTW, the "serial" number you discuss is actually the part number for the entire ratchet.

[@GearWolf]

Correct, it is the part number. This is a misnomer I am rectifying in the "reboot" of the series I am working on.

[@johngibson3594]

I remember these ratchets and sockets, I never bought the sockets because they were so fat at the end that's why I only had the stainless 3/8 that thing never worked good sorry to say I threw it out, thanks for the great video I am really enjoying the history and I am sure I will learn and remember things from my past.

[@j_snap_f-71]

It is also very interesting that the body of the Craftsman "Stainless" ratchets are highly magnetic as well. But then again that's another story for another time, delving into the specific metallurgy process used to create these.

[@GearWolf]

Yes, a majority of examples are magnetic. The initial examples are not. That is a story for the "reboot". ^_^

[@joshmaier18]

Regarding the poor lubrication these have and no way to keep it in, I would recommend molybdenum disulfide grease. It’s expensive but it’ll help out a great deal because it sticks to everything

[@arlindjax]

I just bought a 3/8 stainless 1 today. Good shape minor use. for 9 dollars at the St. Augustine Fl flea market. I like the look of it. Of course I'll clean it up, but probably never use it! Thanks for the information!

[@GearWolf]

Good to hear! Thank you for the comment! ^_^

[@dougp3841]

Your historical reviews are quite good and I value the fact that you actually understand the chemical side of the metallurgical properties. Shields up! Be sure to chemically passivate your stainless steel components well after machining and/or welding for getting the longest MTBF :-). Contamination is "no bueno"! Thanks for putting these videos together. It certainly is a project of passion for folks like us because the amount of time it takes to stage, shoot and edit videos certainly isn't corollary with KZbin income for most technical based projects.

[@GearWolf]

I appreciate it! Doing this project and committing to the scanner/machine time was a losing position financially; however, given the level of uncertainty within the community as well as that from Sears themselves, I thought I'd set the record straight. It was fun to get back into the saddle and perform the analysis!

[@darvinpreece271]

I have a Craftsman 3/8 drive Stainless ratchet. I bought it in the Sears store in Barboursville WV sometime between 1980 and 1990. I just don't remember exactly when. I remember that I wanted it pretty bad, but didn't buy it Immediately. I kept thinking about it when I left and went back about 25 miles to get it. I seem to remember it was around $25. I'm not sure on the price. It could have been as low as $19, or as high as $26. They had them for a couple years and the price varied. I've used mine a lot. And I like it. It's pretty thin. I do like the look and feel of it. It works now as well as it did when it was new. It has seen some hard use, but never abuse. I have larger tools for abuse situations. I guess now that they are unavailable, I'll use my Snap-On, or Gearwrench ratchets. I do like my Gearwrench 120XP. It feels nice in my hand. It looks nice. And it has a reasonably small head. However, I always liked the look and feel of the Craftsman Stainless a lot.

[@GearWolf]

I've heard similar opinions Darvin. This seems to have been a "love it" or "hate it" ratchet within the Craftsman brand.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

What I have come across is a local hard ware store has been selling Craftsman small hand tools. I found out 75 % of them are USA made. The name is Spartan Hardware store ,but some how associated with Ace Hardware inc.

[@flame5891]

I don't mind the long videos. They're really interesting and do teach quite about the different offerings by Craftsman!

[@GearWolf]

+Tony Moreno I appreciate your comment. While my oratory skills may leave something to be desired, I tried to offer both broad spectrum and pinpoint information analysis, when appropriate. If my memory serves me right, I believe most of my original Craftsman ratchet videos were ~5 minutes a piece, whereas now they are 3-6 times that in length, depending on the topic. As I have uploaded the "new" versions of these videos, I have deleted the old ones. Compared to those videos that I originally created back over this last summer, I feel these are a significant upgrade and the time/effort that went into recreating the series is why there was a dead space for a good 6 months on the channel. ^_^ The goal as always been to educate first and entertain second; however, to don't want to drag the viewer through completely banal factoids, which is why I try to get those out of the way first and move onto the more intriguing pieces of info second.

[@flame5891]

They way you entertain with the all the facts relating to the tool is done very. You not only talk about the tool including it's design and use but you also talk about how it was sold and you bring up advertisements from the time it was sold which I really enjoy. I'm quite young and I bought my set of Craftsman tools in 2012 at the age of 21, it was a 3 drawer mechanics tool chest which was made in USA. It's nice see the stuff I missed as I can't really walk into a sears anymore and buy USA made tools, I mean there's still a few but not much from say 10 years ago.

[@GearWolf]

Yeah, unfortunately, what you find that is still USA is commonly referred to as NOS (New Old Stock). It is an end of an era. I think Sears himself is rolling in his grave over the current status of the company...

[@flame5891]

+TheseAreMyToys Most of it, I think some may still be made in USA, like screw drivers. I've been to a few sears and they all have only Made in USA screwdrivers, haven't seen in China ones.

[@GearWolf]

USA NOS (new old stock). They'll be here in due time. The same thing happened to Stanley Works a good ~30 years ago.

[@genekraaz-iz2kh]

I think some were made by snap on...i dont know which ones or when...

[@koenigturbo5907]

Hey Gear Wolf I have the stainless steel ratchet 43762 or 43765 do you know where I can get repair kit for this ratchet? The repair kit should be 44786, Mr. Wolf, is there an alternative kit that will work? The ratchet works but skips or slips, is it just a bad paul? Can I buy one from you???

[@GearWolf]

Hello! Unfortunately, I cannot sell you a kit as I need it for the upcoming "reboot" of the series I'm working on. They are pretty rare to boot, so, should you need parts, it may be more cost effective to find a donor ratchet. Your best bet will be eBay for a repair kit or donor ratchet. I'd recommend taking your ratchet apart. There may be debris embedded in your pawl, which could cause slippage.

[@kipallen2700]

I have a Stainless one my dad bought new it’s in great shape and working order I noticed you read the pat number it matched mine but this one has a & sign with another pat number following is it rare to have one with two pat numbers stamped on it ? And what is a estimated value of a good condition one in 1/2 inch ?

[@GearWolf]

The additional information won't increase its value. It is tough to say what your ratchet is worth without actually being able to see it. I'd check eBay, compare yours to what is out there, and price it accordingly.

[@e-curb]

Your half inch ratchet is worth about $35. That's what I paid for mine in excellent condition a few years ago on ebay.

[@gmp3699]

Excellent in-depth video! I have been buying Craftsman hand tools for 40+ years, not only for their warranty but for their endurance. People may argue that the China made Craftsman ratchets/sockets are just as good as the USA made tools but they are NOT. The levers are plastic, (how long will they hold up?) and the China ratchets and sockets are about 2/3 the weight of their USA counterparts. So I scrounge through garage sales looking for the old USA tools. Sad to say finding them has become a very rare occurrence.

[@GearWolf]

+GMP Lynbrook Well said! I couldn't agree with you more!

[@rhpositive2002]

I need a ratchet repair kit for a 1/4 drive craftsman stainless ratchet. Can you help me? Thanks

[@GearWolf]

Yes, I can; however, they are quite rare and not cheap. If you are not a collector, you may be better off buying a decent used piece versus looking for a new repair kit.

[@radimus323]

Great Video! I'm also a tool nut. I'm an Audi Technician going on 12 years now and I have seen quite a few guys come and go. This one guy had a 1/2 ratchet stamped Sears and Roebuck. It did not say Craftsman on it. Was this a early Craftsman or a simple store tool? It said something Illinois. Also I found a 1/2 extension that just had the Sears rectangle logo in the old Sears font in a car. It doesn't say Craftsman either but the really interesting thing is it say's "made in Italy" It kind of has an old impact finish but it it might be just really old steel. Any info on that?

[@GearWolf]

+radimus323 It is tough to say. Before the Craftsman brand Sears sold Fulton, Dunlap, and various branded tools in their catalogs. Before that, the tools sold in the catalog were made by groups of blacksmiths. Without seeing the tool it is difficult for me to say what your tool is or what era it is from. I'll look into it and get back to you in a few days!

[@andrewscott8892]

Buy Armstrong tools

[@j.csantos7325]

@@andrewscott8892 bit of a “out of nowhere"comment. Yes, Armstrong has great tools. Buy what works for you.

[@andrewscott8892]

@@j.csantos7325 not really out of nowhere, Armstrong tools are a great but because they were just recently closed down so there is a lot of new old stock at great prices and gearwrench/Apex still honors the warranty, yes your get a gearwrench took back but it's better then it not being honored at all

[@j.csantos7325]

@@andrewscott8892 ok…..my original comment was based on the origin of old Craftsman tools as far who made them and if possibly another country manufactured them.

[@donpierce6291]

The handle without the plastic handle is shaped like an ibeam with three holes in the recessed portion

[@GearWolf]

Yes, this is correct. I made a mistake while doing the presentation.

[@John-x9x2q]

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

[@bobray2381]

I have a set of these on Ebay right now if you're still in to buying them. I guy told me you collect them.

[@dyer2cycle]

..I never really got into these ratchets..they looked "gimmicky" to me when new, and still kind of do...the head seems big, and I was turned on by the "rubber" handle inserts, which, for me,turn to mush when in use(all the rubber overmold on cordless power tools is a point of frustration for me, but I won't get into that)...

[@GearWolf]

I actually had the chance to interview someone affiliated with the R&D related to these tools as well as someone affiliated with the marketing of them. Both had little positive to say about them. I will touch base on this aspect in the reboot. We'll end up confirming some of what people had always believe as well as adding some new things. ^_^

[@jfrmdabern]

It’s not the fact that the actual LENGTH of the video is too long. The problem is you kinda ramble too much. 20 min worth of content becomes 30 with the tangents, reiteration, and extended pausing while you collect your thoughts. But, all that said.. cool video bro. Just sthu a little lol. Keep up the good work. And yeah, long video, long response...

[@GearWolf]

Only using a very small outline, the video is otherwise ad hoc. Interestingly, I've had just as many people appreciate the format as I have had those complain about it. Remember that this series is available at no expense to the viewer after an appreciable amount of research and expense. Unfortunately, a "premium" viewing experience isn't going to be available for free. I did it as a passion project originally for collectors in a very small circle exclusively. Sure, there are pauses and asides; however, it is more organic than the ridiculous "jump cut" and fact slam styles portrayed by many others here. I appreciate the constructive feedback Jay. It is nice to read something intelligible that is actually beneficial over the many keyboard warriors I have received comments from. Thank you!

[@mrfats0]

I would think the low profile would be a selling point?

[@GearWolf]

It is obvious that they were attempting to incorporate multiple ideas together. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out.

[@e-curb]

When I bought my 3/8" Stainless ratchet at a Sears store back in the late 80s, the selling features were: fine tooth mechanism, push button release, low profile, thumbwheel, paddle for reversing, rubber inserts for grip, and of course, SS for preventing rust.

[@jessec.5727]

I know you are really into craftsman tools, I can see that you have great resources for information, well I was wondering if maybe you could someday do research and maybe a video on Wards Powr Kraft tools, I would love to learn more about those tools since I can't really find much info.. And it would be a different kind of video since very very few people in today's world have heard of those tools..

[@GearWolf]

+Jesse C. Ha-ha! This is a unique question and request! Sadly, I'm probably going to have to decline on this. My choice of career and family life already make it very difficult for me to find time to do the research, hunt for the best representations of corresponding ratchets, and record the videos for the Craftsman USA Ratchet History Project (CURHP). I make these videos for my own enjoyment, and only wanted to create videos on topics that either: 1) haven't been done before or 2) haven't, in my opinion, been adequately covered by anyone else on KZbin. Once the CURHP is over, I will likely only create videos/reviews on a handful of things that fit in either criteria, when I have the time or desire to do it. KZbin is flooded with "me too" reviewers and commentators. If I'm going to put in the effort to do something, I'd like it to be original or improve on what is already done. Also, I prefer this as being a hobby, since it keeps things as "grassroots" as possible. The CURHP is meant to appeal to those who have an interest in this topic. Despite the plethora of big name forums/websites of the big name tool brands, Craftsman, while very well known, doesn't share the same accolades, even though the brand was made by some of the biggest names in USA tools. I've certainly learned a lot, and I respect those very few people who have helped make this happen!

[@GearWolf]

+Jesse C. Jesse, I forgot to mention something. As the ancient Chinese proverb says: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." Perhaps you could be the trail blazer that brings your request to life on the tools you are seeking information on. When it came to the CURHP, I started knowing very little. Through science, research, interviewing tool companies, interviewing Sears, and building a format I made the CURHP happen. Perhaps you could do the same. While the production value of my videos will always be just "a video recording, a voice, and a topic", I personally value the content over high production value (specialized graphics, sound effects, etc.). I do appreciate those things, but I will leave those to the professionals!

[@josh2maier]

From what I know about stainless steel is it is very hard but inherently brittle. So I don't see this being a professionals choice for a strong pull the crap out of it. I agree with you these were the extreme grip/Mach series gimmick of their days

[@GearWolf]

How ductile or brittle a stainless steel is has mostly to do with its chromium content along with other metals/impurities within the alloy. The spectra I received back from the lab a year and a half ago suggests these ratchets are composed of what is called a "Martensitic" stainless steel. While it is a hard stainless steel, it will be more brittle versus other stainless steel alloys. Unfortunately, you often cannot have the best of everything when it comes to alloys. You usually have to sacrifice one attractive property to bolster another. The ratchet's magnetic properties were also a give away as well! ^_^

[@j_snap_f-71]

It's just another one of those things that was probably ordered by Sears, NOT TO INCLUDE THE ONE PIECE PAWL/LEVER with the repair kit. I really can't see that it would had cost them that much more to have include the pawl/lever with the repair kit. But as they were all about saving money when and wherever they could, plus those ratchets themselves weren't the most durable ratchets to begin with, probably had something to do with it as well.

[@GearWolf]

There is a lot more to the story not presented here that I've only been able to dredge up in the last 2 years. You'll have to wait for the "reboot" to learn more about the strange world of these pieces. I will say, without going too much into detail, that this ratchet family was pretty much doomed from the start.

[@j_snap_f-71]

@@GearWolf yea I'm sure that it was all about "warranty"...as you said, doomed from the start. Many of them probably already had been warrantied throughout the years. But it still stinks because they're nice collecting pieces.

[@j_snap_f-71]

And I don't remember repairing any of these particular ratchets at any of the three Sears Hardware stores I worked at. I did see some get warrantied throughout the years however. By that time (late 1990s) when I started Sears already had probably discontinued the repair kits for these ratchets long ago.

[@j_snap_f-71]

The super stiff heavy spring is the main issue for the harsh ratcheting action on these guys. If they would had used a spring more similar to the 44809's or 44985's, there would not had been an issue. I've actually compressed mine as much as I was able to so it reduced the amount of height the spring and bearing contacts the pawl. I've done this on several I've taken apart, it helps smooth the action alittle.👍

[@e-curb]

@@j_snap_f-71 That's a nice tip, JS. I find my 3/8" ratchet has a nice action, but the bigger 1/2" one isn't as smooth. I'm going to try your trick to it. Any recommendations for lube?

[@Jtels85]

I just picked up a "Lifetime" 3/8 set in the original package on eBay. I too was curious what the story was behind these. If you'd like a picture of the set, let me know and I'll get one to you.

[@GearWolf]

I would be interested in seeing a picture of the "Lifetime" in its original package. Thank you!

[@Jtels85]

+TheseAreMyToys Where can I send the pictures to? The sockets are in what look like little cups and the packaging has yellowed over the years. It was more of an impulse buy, but I honestly don't like it.

[@GearWolf]

I'll see what I can do to directly give you that information outside of the public forum. ^_^

[@GearWolf]

Click on my name "TheseAreMyToys", then find the "About" section on my main page, and finally send me a message. Please include an appropriate email address in which I can contact you. Thanks!

[@andrewscott8892]

Would be a part number not serial number

[@GearWolf]

Yep. This misnomer will be corrected in the reboot I'm working on.

[@gsh319]

7 mins in,....I give up, you hardly said anything at all, I appreciate your knowledge but you gotta pass some of it along to keep us interested

[@GearWolf]

Scott, theses videos are made for collectors, and each video is presented in the same format. Typically, basic information is first, history is second, and repair kits/patents are last. If you don't like a part, fast forward. Remember, I'm doing this for free...

[@starastronomer]

@@GearWolf You are doing a GREAT job on these...don't change! Thanks for your wealth of information.

[@howiem3883]

Yep, people are right. Fifteen minutes of info in a 30 minute video. That's why fast forward was invented.

[@GearWolf]

Howie, these videos were originally made for an audience of about 50 people back in the day. That is why the videos don't have a lot of production into them, I make side comments that are obscure to those not in the intended group, and other issues. Was I an amateur? Absolutely. Things have changed quite a lot since this channel was derelict for our other. You don't have anything on your channel. Upload something for me to watch. If it is good, I'll watch the whole thing. If not, you'll get the old fast forward too.

[@howiem3883]

@@GearWolf Thanks for the reply. I am very impressed that you would come back to comments made on your old stuff. That shows a level of commitment that I don't often see. I haven't watched any of your newer stuff. I was looking for information on a particular subject and I made a comment on that particular video. If you are much better at it today, then good for you. I am not interested in the production values of this, or anyone else's videos, nor whether you are an amateur or a professional. I was hunting for some info and your vid purported to be an informational video. On video or not, if you are doing anything where the mission is to disseminate information, the principle is to get on point and stay on point until the information is out there. After that, broaden out and wax eloquent if you want to, but get the core info out first. That way, the people looking for information (me 80% of the time) get it and can get on with their own mission, if they have one. It's like holding a time bomb. Defuse the bomb first and then talk about what the Packers did on Sunday, not the other way around. Those looking for entertainment can stick around after and have donuts and coffee. Everybody ends up happy. If , on the other hand, your videos are meant for entertainment and not information dissemination, please disregard.

[@GearWolf]

@@howiem3883 All of the comments made on this channel as well as our other projects elsewhere on KZbin arrive in the same email inbox. Again, originally these were not specifically made for the general public. KZbin was a means for me to disseminate the videos easily for those who had helped me acquire missing information and pieces. The specific individuals these were made for, believe it or not, didn't mind my "ramblings" and, hilariously, actually encouraged me to do so. Why? We knew one another. Only in the last few years have I considered to actually "reboot" this specific series. Why would I do this? Well, I think it is fairly obvious at this point that more than just my friend/associate network are interested in this topic. With that said, the "reboot" will be almost completely devoid of the very things you are complaining about and uploaded to the very same channel that it was originally started on. Not necessarily the best decision, but I consider this a passion project over one we are necessarily looking to make money on. Howie, you always have the option to dredge up the information yourself. This is being provided for free. Honestly, I would have much rather have been in your position and had someone else provide me with a free video, with all of its faults, to watch. I'm ready to see what you can come up with. ^_^