Picked up an odd ratchet

[waybomb]

Was driving around in the convertible and stumbled upon an estate sale that was an old auto repair shop. Lots of old junk tools, but then saw this ratchet and picked it up for 5 bucks. I'll probably never use it, but had to have it.

 

[pixie]

Is there something under the red covers or is that a handle that makes the drive turn ?

 

[waybomb]

Yes it turns the ratchet so you don't have to move the handle.

 

[Reaper]

I have one of those in my storage house. Will dig it out tomorrow and take a photo of it. I bought it years ago but, cant remember where. Maybe Harbor Freight, Walmart, or some where else.

 

[Melensdad]

I don't own one, but I've seen those.

Seems like they were semi-common a couple decades ago?

 

[EastTexFrank]

I don't own one, but I've seen those.

Seems like they were semi-common a couple decades ago?

That's about when I got mine. It's out in the shop somewhere, but where?

 

[Reaper]

Found mine in the old storage house. The only marking I could find on it was lightly stenciled/laser etched and it is: "Popular Mechanics Taiwan". Years ago Walmart sold various hand tools with the Popular Mechanics "brand" on them so I can say mine was purchased from Walmart. I tried to photo the markings but they are just too light to get a legable pic of them. I also still have some Popular Mechanics black handled screwdrivers that I know I purchased from Walmart.

 

[waybomb]

Do you remember ever using it?

 

[Reaper]

Maybe a few times in tight/confined spaces where I could not swing the rachet arm very far one way or the other to loosen or tighten a bolt or nut. It has sat on bench more than it has been used for sure. I think I bought more for its oddity/look than for its use. It was more of a feeling of "I need that or could have a use for that" purchase.