[masraum]

I was curious how old my dad's craftsman ratchet were, so I found the type study for the "tear drop" ratchets

Craftsman Tear Drop type study
https://papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=23826.30

His 1/2" has =V=, the A in Craftsman is pointed on top, and there's a single patent date which means this is a '65-67. His 3/8" has the -V- mark, the A in Craftsman is pointed on top, and there are 2 patent dates (US and Canada) which means that it's a '67-68. I believe they were purchased together so to me that means that they were purchased in '67 around the switchover. All are "quick release" (button on the back that releases the ball bearing).

I've still got the ratchets that were my 16th birthday present which are RHFT (round head fine tooth) ratchets, so those are all 1986.

I have another 1/4" tear drop that I bought, probably 20-30 years ago, but I want to find an old, 1/4" tear drop to go with my dad's that was made about the same time as those.