Old Ratchet

[SWS]

I have a Craftsman 3/8 Ratchet that I bought in 1972. Nothing special / well cared for / occasional use / sentimental value exceeds actual value. The internals are getting draggy / sticky on direction selection and it even drags a lot in the 'free' direction (either way). It appears I can take it apart by removing a C clamp, and my idea is to simply clean and lubricate it. Any suggestions on the task? And what to use for lube? I was thinking something light M1 0W-20, sparingly. Thanks for your thoughts! SWS

 

[EdwardC]

One common option, if you want to try the lazy way, just dunk the head in ATF and let it soak a while.

 

[SZR48207]

It's not uncommon to service a ratchet. I think the internals need grease, not oil, though. I would disassemble it over a bowl just in case parts fly out

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

Take it apart,clean with brake cleaner or mineral spirits and grease with a moly grease. I have three and service them about once every two years. Last forever if used for intended purpose. No cheater bars please.

 

[14Accent]

That's what I do with my fine tooth gearwrench brand ratchet. It's an extended handle, flex head that I abuse the snot out of. I take it apart and lube it every few months, and I've rebuilt it 3 or 4 times. I'll be sad when the flex joint finally let's go.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: SWS

I have a Craftsman 3/8 Ratchet that I bought in 1972. Nothing special / well cared for / occasional use / sentimental value exceeds actual value. The internals are getting draggy / sticky on direction selection and it even drags a lot in the 'free' direction (either way). It appears I can take it apart by removing a C clamp, and my idea is to simply clean and lubricate it. Any suggestions on the task? And what to use for lube? I was thinking something light M1 0W-20, sparingly. Thanks for your thoughts! SWS

Do you mean snap ring instead of a C clamp? As others have save take apart, clean and use grease to get it back in top shape.

 

[AVB]

Originally Posted By: EdwardC

One common option, if you want to try the lazy way, just dunk the head in ATF and let it soak a while.

Can use any oil really. My automotive instructor told us that he had a coworker one time that stored his ratchets in a ice cube tray filled with oil.

 

[Thax]

Take it down and clean it , relube with Super Lube. It works great on coarse tooth ratchets.

 

[spasm3]

Check the number on your wrench, but you may can use a rebuild/repair kit. https://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-3-8-DRIVE-TORQUE-RATCHET-REBUILD-KIT/332511727242?epid=1528232994&hash=item4d6b3e4e8a:g:IMoAAOSwC6dZrZRt

 

[das_peikko]

Originally Posted By: SWS

And what to use for lube?

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

I have 2 of those, both 3/8" and 1/2". Bought around 1962 I think. I had to do the 1/2". Take it apart, clean and dry it, the lube lightly with some chassis grease. I used a grease with moly in it. They both still work great.

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

dupe

 

[i_hate_autofraud]

When you take it apart watch out for tiny stiff springs that'll jump out, often they are behind ratchet balls inside, once you lose those, you'll have a hard time replacing them. Lube with grease, stays in place and won't run out like oil!

 

[Trav]

I just toss them in a can half full with ATF when I am done for the weekend. Been doing this since trade school 40 odd years ago and never had one apart to clean yet (had to rebuild a few for tooth damage or slop though, not related to cleaning or lube).

 

[Linctex]

Oil works fine for a (frequent) lube, but grease or STP lasts longer.

 

[Trav]

I would say 20+ years on ATF is a pretty good run. Too thick tends to make the jump teeth in use and wear out faster.