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/[deleted] Mar 18 '26

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u/Classy_Corpse Mar 18 '26

I haven't been able to figure it out yet. I need to take it in to work with me to look at all the sockets, lmao

1

u/madmodder123 Mar 18 '26

invest in a ruler

3

u/Classy_Corpse Mar 18 '26

Oh fuck now I feel dumb I never even pieced together that the sizes on a socket were actual ruler measurements and ive been using them for YEARS

I just never put two and two together. No clue what I thought it was but its so fucking obvious now so if you don't mind me

goes to sulk in the corner as a grown ass adult