Alloy Artifacts

Exploring Ingenuity in Iron ...

Indestro Chromium-Vanadium Ratchet Adapter

The term "ratchet adapter" generally implies a device inserted in a drive line to provide a one-way ratchet action. Modern ratchet adapters behave pretty much like a ratchet handle, but the early devices of this type operated a little differently; typically the adapter had to be released manually in order to get the next "bite". The best known of these early devices is probably the Snap-On No. 6 tool, which was first produced around 1920. (See Snap-On No. 6 for more information on this tool.)

Somewhat later, Indestro produced a similar but more refined ratchet adapter, as part of their new "Chromium-Vanadium" line. Fig. 1 below shows an example of this very rare tool, marked with "1-2" bracketed by five-pointed stars, and with "Chromium Vanadium" on the reverse side. (Indestro used five-pointed stars to mark its early sockets as well.) The overall length is 3.2 inches when extended.

Fig. 1. Indestro Chromium-Vanadium Ratchet Adapter, with Inset Showing Marking, ca. 1931

The Indestro adapter consists of a barrel with a 1/2-drive female broach, a threaded cap, a geared 1/2 inch drive stud, and a spring. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the tool to demonstrate the mechanism.

In operation, the spring pushes the drive stud gear away from its matching part, allowing the two parts to rotate freely. When pressure is applied against the spring, the drive stud gear engages the matching gear in the barrel, and the two parts are locked together for rotation in either direction.

Fig. 2. Exploded View of Indestro Ratchet Adapter

The threaded barrel construction is very convenient, as it allows the tool to be easily cleaned and lubricated.

This particular tool was acquired as part of a complete Indestro Chromium-Vanadium socket set, which by fortuitous circumstance even included the original dated receipt from 1931. (The set included ten sockets, a speeder, T-handle, extensions, universal, and the adapter, and sold at a Western Auto store for $5.35.) See our article on Duro/Indestro tools for more information on the Indestro Chromium-Vanadium socket set.