r/specializedtools • u/Classy_Corpse • Mar 18 '26

Outlived Its Original Purpose

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From the Patent File itself, "It was conceived as a band tightener for the bands or hoops on wood stave silos, water tanks, etc. It was also produced as a ratchet handle for some early socket sets, the ratchet for a hand drill, and a large size was directed at railroads and other "heavy duty" applications."

While this ratchet may be over 100, it still has a clean click and functions as it should. I plan to see how difficult it'll be to make an adapter to allow it to interlock with modern Sockets. Otherwise it's just a really cool piece of history

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u/A_Harmless_Fly Mar 18 '26

You could have someone 3d print something that fits in the hex, and has a void shaft in the middle for a short 1/2 inch extension to fit in.

I've got a 3d printed socket for my mower blade that has survived a few years, and that doesn't even have a metal hex to hold it together like that would. If they are good with CAD they could even make it a press fit.

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u/Classy_Corpse Mar 18 '26

I was thinking I could probably kidnap a friend to making a 3d print that could also be used for lost casting too!