Vintage Craftsman Ratchet Restoration

[@Otis010707]

GORGEOUS! I have my father's Circle H set from 1954 he bought when they moved out of NYC to the suburbs of NJ. I will absolutely be doing this! Thank you!

[@brianrosenlof388]

I've been looking at a similar ratchet that we got from my wife's grandfather when he passed. It is a BE, which is apparently circa 1931 to 1947. He probably used it to wrench on his cars for most of his life. I've been using it to do all of my oil changes ever since I got it about fifteen years ago. I've been teaching my daughter how to change her own oil and general maintenance, and we use the ratchet all of the time. I think knowing this, makes these experiences all that more special. My son is getting to be old enough that I'll start teaching him too. It will be fun to tell him about the ratchet too.

[@willdennis2722]

My Dad was an experimental machinist for the government during the war, he took the engineers original drawing and made the first model. He loved all the tools that were provided and there wasn’t anything he could do. I have most of his hand tools and are in great shape. Your channel brings back great memories.keep it up!

[@ihrescue]

What a nice Craftsman wrench - nice work ScoutCrafter

[@benstill571]

Superior depth of understanding and transfer of skill. You are making the world a better place.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hey Ben, Thankyou very much... I really appreciate it... 😃👍

[@bigmikeh5827]

Been a collector over 30 years. Great job. I started a craftsman tool collector page on FB. didn’t realize that others from all over the world have our affliction. Lol.

[@snapringchronicles3020]

Wow that came out looking brand new 👍

[@davidleasure9138]

Thank you for the inspiration. I like it when you share the materials you use in the restorations, the liquids especially

[@scottconnolly6347]

Another awesome job. Love that you save old quality tools. Thank you for saving our history.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Scott! These old ratchets are built like Tanks!!!! They really feel substantial in the hand!!! Thanks very much!!!!!!!

[@AmericanCoinHunting]

Love the old Craftsman tools , and your restoration videos as well John .

[@ScoutCrafter]

AmericanCoinHunting Thanks Dave! Some of my best memories was playing with my fathers Craftsman tools! Hope all is well! 😃👍

[@tmgallday1]

Id really like say, I admire your craftsmanship and passion you find in restoring old tools. There is just something about taking a tool that was built with the same passion and craftsmanship and bringing it back to life. please keep the restoration videos comin'. love em. Iv learned alot from your videos, extremely knowledgeable. Thank you.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Kevin! Thankyou for the kind words! Obviously we share that same DNA strand that makes us look at a well made tool or machine and feel humbled. The best part is there are more people like us out there! Nothing beats using a tool you restored on something old like a tractor or farm implement. It's like going back in time. I'm really glad you like the videos and hopefully we can save some more cool things before they're all gone! Thanks again! 😃👍

[@tmgallday1]

ScoutCrafter you're very welcome. Its interesting for me, considering my age. Im nineteen years young, and have grown up in an era where craftsmanship isnt something seen as much as maybe when you were my age. I just really have a great appreciation for it, like yourself. Thanks for your reply.

[@jusb1066]

my tip for sealed ratchets, get some ziplock bags, put some paint thinner and the ratchet head in it, with a rubber band, overnight, let it soak, next day work the ratchet around inside the bag, it will flush out all the crud, probably go black as night, let it drain, put some oil in another bag and do the same, it will be a good job.

[@ScoutCrafter]

jusb- Great tip! Especially since you don't waste a lot of thinner or oil, just what you need! Thanks for stopping by and the tip! 😃👍

[@OldSneelock]

Another nice job John.

[@Guardian4080]

Love those old heavy socket wrenches. They feel like they do all the work for you.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Mr Pendleton! You are so right! People who never held one of these beauties have no idea what they are missing!!! Feels stronger then today's breaker bars! Lol. Thanks very much!!! 😃👍

[@highwaynhedgeseliyah362]

I appreciate the vids...I'm new to restoring tools...I really enjoy it. I'm learning as I go, but your Vids are showing me a lot. I'm using an old crafsman drill for the wireweel.. lol

[@steventrosiek2623]

Thanks for a great video. Perfect job of restoration. Fantastic ratchet.

[@TheSuperwrenchGarage]

I appreciate what you are doing for old tools thanks for making good videos !

[@ScoutCrafter]

Super-wrench Garage- Thanks very much! Tools are one of my real passions... 😃👍

[@Brad-OTRT-Webmaster]

You did a very fine job on that ratchet. I wish I had your set-up. I restore tools for a hobby but because of where I live, I have to use only files and sandpaper. Takes a lot longer, but I'm not in any hurry.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks Brad! Thru the years I have found the more heart and soul you put into a project the more rewarding it becomes... I have found a new appreciation for Sandpaper and files in my later years... There is nothing that clears my mind better then hand filing a project. I'm with you! 😃👍

[@OutlawEdge]

Brad Bahr that’s awesome that u do your restorations by hand. I love the old ways that things were done. I bet it takes u a while to restore a tool but u can say u did it by hand cause it really was done by hand. Take care and keep up the old school restorations! 👍😀

[@planejet42]

I picked up one of these ratchets a few weeks ago! They're great! Good job as always.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Nice job refurbishing that Craftsman ratchet, Thanks.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Rons Beers & Ales -Thanks very much for stopping by! 😃👍

[@guataco]

Lovely job. Beautiful tool. Regards.

[@danelogonzalez5543]

I have a craftsman 1/2 inch drive ratchet that has a loose ball and push button on the square. Any thoughts on how to repair?

[@britishbluetess]

Brilliant job! I’m a subscriber from England and it’s nice to see these tools getting restored by someone with skill and care 👍🏻

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Britishbluetess! Thank you so much! There are a few subscribers from the UK here and it seems like there is a real appreciation for tools on your side of the pond!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!!! =)

[@aguilayserpiente]

Good work. I wish I had those heavy duty low profile wrenches. That push though design is still used today.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello José! I never realized how low profile that ratchet is until you pointed it out! These things were really built! I love the older stuff! Lol. Thanks very much!!!! 😃👍

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thats an old Craftsman ratchet for sure, good video. cheers !

[@ScoutCrafter]

Rons beers - Thanks very much! 😃👍

[@alanr4263]

Great video

[@EVILDR235]

That ratchet was made by New Britain Machine Tool co. Nice job as always.

[@monkeybutler90]

This is first video I watched of yours a couple years ago, when I had bought a few of these ratchets. I still had to watch it until the end. Great video! I always appreciate how you include all details and don't just skips steps in the process, allowing for people to replicate what you've done. Definitely the best subscription I've had here on KZbin with the content and being an average Joe. I finally managed to come across a coupler that you have in the video with the flat head on one end. It's an Indestro or Duro Chrome (same thing) brand 3203.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Brett! Thanks so much! I really appreciate that!

[@carlosmunyo1344]

Gracias por los subtitulos, saludos desde Argentina lo felicito por el trabajo

[@wayneshanks9005]

The red looks really nice

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Wayne! Red is my favorite but some people are fans of that color... I'm trying to mix it up a little here and there... Thanks again!!!!!!!

[@wayneshanks9005]

ScoutCrafter i really like your video's i like doing the same thing makes me feel good about myself keep m coming buddy

[@beckyhacker4631]

I have a BE ratchet wrench that belonged to my father. It is missing one smaller screw and the spring loaded ball bearing to hold the socket. For sentimental reasons, I would like to replace the screw and learn how to replace the ball bearing. Are there any videos to explain how to replace the ball? Also, do you know what size ball bearing it needs? I enjoy your video.

[@NikosDIY]

Beautiful restoration! Thumbs up!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hey Nikos, Thanks very much! Appreciate that! 😃👍

[@OutlawEdge]

Great video once again brother. This turned out stunning! Thats a tool to show off and be proud of 👍😀

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Outlaw Edge ! Those ratchets were so well built and feel like it!!! Thanks so much!!! 😃👍

[@fabiandaroca]

What a GREAT Video!!!!!!!!

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Nice.

[@ScoutCrafter]

This was an early one but a strong ratchet!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[@ShaunMeighan]

Really awesome work pal!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks much Shaun, they really made some nice stuff back then, it's nice to bring it back to life. Enjoy the weekend! 😃👍

[@tomhollis2685]

Nice restoration, Scout. Can you explain the heating of the paint? I'd like to understand that process better. On most of your videos you don't show the painting process, you do such a great job with it' especially the lettering. It was good to see some of your techniques in this video. Thanks!

[@gsh319]

I've got a 4-43 BE and every so often I'll throw an old socket on and bring it into the game...… Always gets cheers from the crowd.. Strong as a "Bitch".. I say, "Old Iron is handheld fury"! Nice job my friend, real nice.

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL

[@mlacher100]

Nice!! I just did a video on one of these that was broken, that I fixed and got working. Want to do a video like your refurbishing it!

[@LarryDoolittle]

Cool job!

[@jamesguralski5156]

Wow. I think my grandpa had 1

[@monkeywrench5942]

Would love to find a coupler like that for mine

[@christopherlusk9385]

Thanks, I have a couple I can try your tricks on.

[@rawbacon]

Nice wrench but I think I would round & soften the heck out of that piece on the backside.

[@dainsmart6237]

Dear Sir if I may call you that title you've worked hard for that name so sir it is in my eyes every time you bring a classic tool back to the life (past*present *and possible future tools) - (do have a special place where you sit stand for hours thinking of how, why and will it'll practical will it happen to you or family) i have a place like this my bathroom best room in the house thank you dains house the room can be anywhere

[@elguapo9268]

what type/brand wire wheels do you use?.. the ones ive bought fly apart after 2 min

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Spiro, I've had good luck with the wire wheels from Harbor Freight! Inexpensive and last a long time! Believe me I know what you mean when after ten minutes in front of the wire wheel you look like you encountered a porcupine! 😃👍

[@santanusinha7086]

😆 I faced the same problem when I tried to introduce wire wheels at my work place.

[@badbiker666]

At first I was astonished that you would want to get rid of the wonderful patina that the ratchet originally had. It wasn't actually rusty and the color of the surface of the metal I thought was very attractive. However, once you were finished the tool still didn't shine like a new, modern, polished, piece and the metal actually seemed like it retained some of the old patina. That tool from 1944 would be right at home in any workshop doing it's job like an old workhorse. And that's the point of a restoration, right?

[@stevewilcox6375]

Are you sure that 11-44 is November 1944? More likely to be a catalogue number or do lots of American tools really have the month of manufacture on them as standard?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Steve! Excellent point! I have no idea! I know older tools used to have month/day/year on tools but with this one I don't know! My real expertise is in ignorance! Lol. Thanks very much!!!!

[@paulkiddell9211]

Mention that you should use safety glasses when dealing with pant strippers with hand brushes as well using the wire wheel.Thanks for listening to me. Cheers😀

[@madeinusareviews6234]

Have You Seen the New Craftsman Tool Boxes Made In USA?! They are really Nice and At Lowes! I am def going to buy one! They have a video on Lowes How They Are Made!

[@uktony1525]

Another ugly duckling made into a swan. Lovely restoration and the tool is good for another 75 years.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thankyou very much Tony! Good to hear from you my friend! 😃👍

[@dereks6636]

How dare you change the color of your own tool. lol jp. Great video!!!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Derek - You would be surprised how pissed off some people get whenever you change anything! It is funny! Thanks for watching and commenting! 😃👍

[@dereks6636]

:)

[@derschafer1012]

You do amazing work. Your videos have inspired me to try my first restoration on a 1936 Snap-On ratchet. I have already wire brushed it and removed cover plate and anvil. Unfortunately, my Snap-On dealer says there are no rebuild kits available (as I expected) so I just have to leave the pawl and lever in place, but with a soak in PB Blaster to clean up the spring and ball detent, a light cleaning and wire brushing of the teeth, the action feels pretty consistent and smooth. The only other problem I see is the pitting on the head means I will have to sand it down to the point that I will probably lose the "on" and "off" markings and more tragically, the date code. If my work comes out even half as good as yours, I will be a happy camper. Some guys suggested sanding it to a 1,000 grit, but it seems excessive to me. I'm planning on starting at 80 and working up to 400. How does the finish on this hold up? Do you think it's worth trying the DIY chrome kits? I've heard that it flakes off extremely easily and yellows after a month or two.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Der Schäfer! First of congratulations on starting a restoration on that nice ratchet! I always liked the older style ratchets! I will be doing a old Chicago set next week! The ratchet mechanism in those old ratchets only got better over time and was made to last, I think after a good cleaning and oiling you will be amazed at the feel! You have also reached the big dilemma of wether to live with the pitting or make it nice! This is where you have to decide... My thoughts are I like to keep the writing but only if I don't have to live with pitting! I would make it nice again! As for the finish! Many older tools came from the factory bare steel or polished. If you aren't keeping the tool outside in a unheated garage or back of a car most times you can get away with a good polishing followed by a good waxing! I have tools I did 15 years ago that still look great! I have never had any luck with home plating kits, they just don't put enough coating on the tool. There is a reason why chrome plating is so expensive when done right! It requires high voltage, dangerous chemicals, multi-dips and polishing! If not to much trouble I would love to see a before and after pic whenever you finish it! I love that stuff! Thanks so much!!!!! [e-mail]

[@derschafer1012]

ScoutCrafter Wow, thanks for the speedy and comprehensive reply. I see you are quite active in the community and with your viewers, it's always nice to see. I'm siding with you; I think having a nice looking ratchet it worth losing the engraving. And the ratchet is going to be kept in a small wooden box I've crafted, inside of a heated garage. My every-day tools are mostly new versions of SK, Snap-On and Matco, so I don't plan on getting much use out of it, especially with the puny selector lever which looks like it would snap very easily. From what I've read, that's the only weak point. As far as the mechanism goes - you are correct, it is quite beefy with only 20 teeth and high quality steel. Maybe a thicker grease will make it feel a bit smoother. I find that thicker grease works better with coarse teeth and very thin grease or even oil is better with newer fine tooth ones. I will send before and after pictures as soon as it's finished, including pictures of the mechanism. I also love your signature look of red paint in the grooves, so I'm probably going to apply paint in the channel on the handle. What paint would you recommend?

[@ScoutCrafter]

der Schäfer -I'm a big fan of Rustoleum (Regal Red) If the wrench is very smooth a great primer is Shellac! A heated garage is great! You are lucky! My Garage has a dirt floor! LOL Great stuff!

[@derschafer1012]

ScoutCrafter - Thanks a ton for the instructive videos and advice. I'll get some shellac and Rustoleum this weekend. You're doing a great service by teaching people how to restore old, reliable tools. Some of the newer stuff, especially the Chinese garbage are tools we should be ashamed to hand down to the next generation. They're more like sacrificial parts such as brake pads or anode rods. But these old tools, with a bit of TLC withstand the test of time and are worth passing on.

[@derschafer1012]

I just sent a before and after photo. I sanded it with a 400 grit belt sander and then buffed it, but it looked a bit uneven on the round parts, and the sanding marks were still visible. So I resanded it down to a 2000 grit by hand and buffed it again. I left the anvil alone because it holds sockets snugly and sanding it at all would leave a loose fitting, so I just cleaned it with a wire brush. And the lever is too thin and flimsy to sand at all, especially since it was bent when I got the ratchet in the mail and had to bend it back. Tomorrow I am going to paint the groove Royal Red. I've already started the process again on a hand-me-down set of Mac wrenches and a very old diamond logo S-K ratchet.

[@dumpsterfire6351]

Not restored...sand and polished Maybe refurbished?

[@elguapo9268]

outstanding work.. if it had a function issue, can it be repaired?

[@bigdog4173]

nice

[@MazdaSpeedBee]

But this wrench didn't look like this to begin with. This isn't a restoration...

[@toolinc.collection1521]

socout u are a craftman .is that ur profession or do u something else to make a living ?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Eliseo! I just retired a year ago! 32 years with the MTA! (Yikes!) LOL I just like playing around with tools!!!! You do too!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!

[@toolinc.collection1521]

Nice . Keep enjoying retirement life and tools .what's mta . Mta here is the bus company .

[@ScoutCrafter]

Eliseo- yes! Here too! I drove a bus for 16 years then went into the shop for another 16 years! Lol

[@danelogonzalez5543]

The ball does not hold the socket in place and the button does not work. It’s a made in the USA ratchet and would hate to trade it for chinesium. I’m sure the spring is stuck . Don’t know how to access for repair.

[@coolmusic1579]

you should have painted one side blue and the other side red so you don't get confused what direction the wrench is. 🤔

[@bobjoncas2814]

..nice, prob. didn't look that good when it was new..lol

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Bob! These older ratchets felt super strong! They were really built to last! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!

[@toolinc.collection1521]

Crafty that didn't have red originaly. Joking.

[@eshskis1]

During World War II 100% of Craftsman manufacturing was sent to the aircraft maintenance facilities and schools where they taught mechanics and Flight engineering and repair what you have there is a US. government contract Craftsman ratchet, whatever you do don't break it repair parts are probably nonexistent

[@ScoutCrafter]

My Dad loved Craftsman tools and I guess that's where I developed my taste for them. In the early days Craftsman was a very reputable brand that could do any job... Thanks!!!!!

[@eshskis1]

When Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman in 2017 they immediately broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Fort Worth Texas it is slated to be completed late this year, they will be manufacturing ratchets sockets, hand drivers and mechanic sets in this Fort Worth Texas facility and no longer be manufacturing Mechanics Tools in China Stanley Black & Decker stated they've invested enormous amount of money in restoring the Craftsmans reputation

[@ravinderjangra2072]

hi

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Ravinder... 😃

[@eshskis1]

Oh my God rule of thumb number one do not sand especially with a belt sander World War 2 artifacts that ratchet has zero value now to a real collector I didn't give you a thumbs down but I wanted to 29 people on your channel know exactly what I'm talking about

[@rawbacon]

I guarantee he could get more money for it now than when it was a grubby hunk of junk........"Real Collectors" can shove it.