"SUPERRATCHET"

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4) 04/05/2020 at 13:43 • Filed to: None

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I was casually looking for a 1/2" round- head ratchet to compliment my tool set and e nded up buying this S-52 “SUPERRATCHET” by J.H. Williams this week .

First impressions - this ratchet seems really nice! I’m not sure the tooth-count, but it feels pretty fine. Overall i t feels quite substantial , and the longer handle may prove to be useful. The round, knurled handle feels comfortable in the hand, better than the 1/2" drive Channellock I have. We’ll see if the head is as compact as I was after - it is definitely less bulky than the Channellock, but is still as thick. Head thickness wasn’t the issue in the past though.

I’m looking forward to putting this ratchet to use!

The current collection: The Channelocks were part of socket sets, the old Craftsman was the first ratchet I purchased, and the newer Craftsman was a gift from a friend . The American Forge was found in a used toolbox I purchased.  

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 14:06

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That does look hefty 

lone_liberal > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 14:07

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Looks old school. Like something my dad would have had when I was a kid. That’s definitely not a bad thing. Most of mine date to the 90s when I bought some Craftsman sets, but I also have a Gearwrench pass through style that I use a lot.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 14:21

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I think it’s geniunely a beautiful object. I like it, and I like the proportions, the finish and the knurling is great. Cool find!

shop-teacher > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 14:32

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Oh, that is a nice piece! Good purchase!

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 14:46

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.H._Williams_Tool_Group

Boxer_4 > lone_liberal 04/05/2020 at 17:23

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The original design was from the early ‘50s.  This is definitely a later version as it says patented vs the early ones saying patent pending.  The reversing knob also changed design a bit.  I’d guess this is likely ‘60s or ‘70s, but I can’t be sure.  

Boxer_4 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 04/05/2020 at 17:26

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Alloy Artifacts has some good information, too.

lone_liberal > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 17:29

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Sounds right, my dad would have bought his in the 60s or early 70s. Not that his were of this quality but they were still going strong when I was using them in the late 70s and early 80s and  even later.

Boxer_4 > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' 04/05/2020 at 17:53

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It manages to have style while still being simple and maintaining function. I am a big fan of matte finishes on tools vs polished chrome. They seem to hide use better.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Boxer_4 04/05/2020 at 18:12

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Neato. Thanks for the reference.

Boxer_4 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 04/06/2020 at 10:32

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They are a wealth of information. I’ve used them a fair bit.