Craftsman USA "VR" Low Back Drag Round Head Ratchet Review

This is one of those ratchets that use the block and pawl designs like the Allen USA ratchets that is very good but has to be kept clean and lubricated with light oil. I like the thin handle on this unit. probably one of the lowest back resistance ratchets that still uses a spring and moving toothed pawl.
Craftsman #43176

[@stephensellers2453]

Thank you I grieved mine and I can't get it to work and you just showed me how to fix it I really appreciate it

[@josephphillips865]

I almost left a 3/8 Craftsman like this behind since it wasn't working. The original grease was like syrup. Cleaned and used some Dumonde Tech bicycle chain lube I had laying around and better than new.

[@peterboorman8205]

I have a Kamasa ¼" flex-head that uses a version of that mechanism with a heart spring, which to me seems a slight improvement. It turned freely in both directions when I got it, but a clean and oil and just as you say, it works beautifully. A strong, and low back-drag, design 👍🏻

[@gideonclements420]

I watch lots of your videos. I recently purchased 2 Armstrong ratchets in 1/2 and 3/8 drive that are practically identical to the Allen. They were definitely made by the same company.

[@electricman5010]

Please do a review on silent or roller ratchets, enjoy your reviews. Thank you !

[@joe1212a]

I just picked up a 3/8 one of these. Still had the sticker on the handle. Excellent smooth ratchet when cleaned and freshly oiled. Lowest back drag ever.

[@CatusMaximus]

Very nice!

[@zubirhusein]

I have the 1/4" version of this ratchet, love using it so much! I got in the same state, was skipping and a simple cleaning fixed it right up. The low backlash and drag is really great for 1/4" usage

[@doctorevil7352]

Always nice to see another of your videos. Honest tool reviews of a variety of different companies products. Showing all that's good, bad, or crap. Really helps to see and hear from someone in the know.

[@CatusMaximus]

Glad you like them!

[@branned]

Just got all three sizes...👍👍

[@Richard1977]

I use Super Lube on all my ratchets without any problems. From my WWII Plomb WF-21 and WF-38 thru my Bahco's, round head/heart spring Stahlwille, Taiwanese and Chinese up to my Stanley Micro-Tough ratchets. All without problems...

[@ronprice1819]

My craftsman 1\2 version has a different spring. Mine isn't a half moon shape like yours or others I've seen on KZbin. Its a heart shape type. Not sure if that means it's a newer model. Or maybe had a rebuild kit. Or someone did their own modification at some point.

[@darrenporsch]

My dad has a quarter inch version of that ratchet. it's my favorite ratchet he ever gave me to use. I love the shape of the contour handle on my hand. I actually like the fact that the Chrome is kind of a satin finish instead of a real slick glossy Chrome.

[@donaldgay9501]

K-D tools made them ratchets for craftsman and other companies very nice ratchets K-D 711111 1/4 inch drive is a prime example and a strong ratchet

[@markadams7597]

Great vid. Ty. I've inherited several Craftsmans through the years (set them on the shelf, deferring to my PROTOs for work). Now you've inspired me to recover and clean them.

[@briankirton9636]

They used this same mechanism in their torque wrenches as well.

[@FAMOUSSLICKRICK]

I use to use Prolong Oil. Great stuff. I didn't know that they still made in. 😎

[@owenholder8792]

Man, I hate I don't have an "old tool guy" like you do.

[@Richard1977]

Same here...

[@danr1920]

I have a 1/2 Craftsman that is similar. From the '80's. Held up well. Fine tooth compared to the classic Craftsman ratchet.

[@ricoreyes6578]

I got a 3/8 set with that ratchet in 1990 at Sears, put it through hell and back still have it and still works great.I also purchased a 1/4 and 1/2 inch usa made on Ebay new old stock 7 years ago.. to add to my set..

[@madhatter9684]

Had them 20years ago love them wish I still had them

[@richarddietz6145]

One of my favorite ratchets I have a 1/4 an 3/8 love these ol craftsman ratchets

[@chriswebb3018]

I just bought a Wright tools compact 3/8" drive flex head ratchet from Ohio power tools. Not my first Wright tool, there Wright grip wrenches are as good as snap on as far as steel quality and function also USA made. Just curious if you're going to do any Wright tools ratchet reviews.

[@CatusMaximus]

in the future, but i did review a 1940's wright ratchet a few month ago.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I prefer the previous gen round head with the knurled wheel on top. I have a satin 3/8" drive ratchet like the one shown. It works good enough but when I use 3/8" drive I need a longer ratchet, preferably swivel headed.

[@CatusMaximus]

Fair enough!

[@LongIslandP8ntball]

I buy old craftsman usa tools off ebay..

[@LongIslandP8ntball]

@@joshm2243 not too much lol

[@LongIslandP8ntball]

@@joshm2243 i am not worried about getting anything warrentied lol..i have like 30 plus different types of rachets..all my years the only craftsman tool i broke was a 9/16 or 1/2 inch socket...i was changing a alternator on my 88 k5 blazer many years ago n it cracked on the side.

[@LongIslandP8ntball]

Also craftsman rachet rebuikd kits pop up time to time on ebay

[@tuffluveagle1516]

Howdy, I was just curious if you collect your big tools as a hobby or if you had a job involving them?

[@AutobahnDan]

Alright! That’s it! I influenced you to buy a Craftsman ratchet, so now you influenced me on making a video on my Craftsman ratchet! Haha! I dug up my old 3/8”!!! Video is up! Cool beans!

[@KM-os4be]

When I see a low profile tri style direction changer ratchet design like that all I think of is the worst design ever in a ratchet. With oily or coolant covered hands or with gloves on it is a struggle to change directions. It was the worst design for a ratchet ever in a working environment in my experience.

[@politicalpotato8383]

👍