Question for Snap-On Ratchet experts

[Chris Adams]

What would it take to convert an SL710 to push button socket disconnect?

I have seen modified ratchets sold on e-bay that had been ‘converted’ to button release, and I’ve seen non-modified non-sealed head Snap-On ratchets with button disconnect sold.

It is my belief that the SL710 should be able to accommodate the button/release gear drive from another ratchet, but which one?
I’m not familiar with the line enough to order a kit that would accomplish this.

Anyone know?

[Merkava_4]

I don't know why you would want a push button release; I can't stand the things myself. :headshake

[Chris Adams]

I don't know why you would want a push button release; I can't stand the things myself. :headshake

I will bet you are in good shape and can always work with both hands.

I walk with a cane, and often only have one hand available for socket changes.

Some ratchets I can change one handed even without the release, but Snap-On I can't.

So it's a matter of going and sitting down to change sockets, or leaning the cane against something, or, well, you get the idea.

I'm sure there have been plenty of people have had difficulty with buttons in close places or if in a real hurry, but I’ve just never had that problem in pushing 50 years with ratchets.

[Slim-Pickins']

I don't know why you would want a push button release; I can't stand the things myself. :headshake

you know what they say about opinions .... :bounce:

[Merkava_4]

Geez Louise. . . I had no idea. . . please ignore what I said earlier.

To try and answer your question, I would imagine it just involves drilling the right hole in top of the ratchet for the push button to go through.

[wrenchr]

the sl710 has the hole already, You need to know what gear will retrofit correct?

[wrenchr]

I will figure this out when I get off of work.

[Chris Adams]

the sl710 has the hole already, You need to know what gear will retrofit correct?

Yup that's the ticket.
I would like to modify my later SL710 to button release. My older SL710 which I have a kit coming for, is more for my buddy who likes to break tools to use when we work on things togother. But if I could get the later SL710 to button release I would use it myself.
Thanks.

[wrenchr]

I will figure it out.

[Chris Adams]

Geez Louise. . . I had no idea. . . please ignore what I said earlier.

To try and answer your question, I would imagine it just involves drilling the right hole in top of the ratchet for the push button to go through.

No sweat. With forums you don't know about the folks you talk to, makes it hard to guess.

I'm thinking that the kit has the 'hole' in the pop in cap that you put in the back of the ratchet, you know, the one that is dinged up. My best guess is that the rebuild kit from Snap-On would be all you needed to convert. We found that the 24 gear and 32 gear easily interchange, so I hope the button one would be just as easy.
Thing is, I don't even know the numbers of the ratchets that have the disconnect.

[Merkava_4]

I'm thinking that the kit has the 'hole' in the pop in cap that you put in the back of the ratchet, you know, the one that is dinged up.

Yes! That's what I call the "bottle cap." Why the hell didn't I think of that?!? :eyecrazy:

Anyway, I've got half of your answer! The ratchet that already had the quick release button is a S713A, but for some strange damn reason, they have a ---- under the heading of "Service Kit." :question:

If anyone knows the rebuild kit number for an S713A, then we'll have this case solved. :thumbup:

Edit: I'm guessing the kit number might be RKR713.

We need someone to confirm that though.

[wrenchr]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/parts/pro_det.asp?Item_id=3048&group_id=9149

[wrenchr]

What sucks is they do not have a service kit. The gear is $19.60....Ouch!!

[Chris Adams]

Yes, looking at that. I don't see the 'bottle cap' as Merkava_4 calls it. That would be much better than cutting a hole and making a grease seal.

I suspect that Snap-On does not want people to do this swap.

[wrenchr]

He was refering to the backside where the lever is at, not realizing it has a hole already. The bottle cap he is refering to is a piece of aluminum that plugs that hole..Not what you need,that is where your quick release will be.

[Merkava_4]

I made the mistake of using the term "bottle cap" in place of "dust cover plate" to the dealer one time and he acted like he was insulted; so be forewarned, don't say that! :eek2:

[Chris Adams]

He was refering to the backside where the lever is at, not realizing it has a hole already. The bottle cap he is refering to is a piece of aluminum that plugs that hole..Not what you need,that is where your quick release will be.

I knew what he meant, I figure the bottle cap on the back would also be different, the 713a one having a hole in the center. I don't think the button would be as big as the bottle cap, of course I havn't seen one in person, just poor pics.

[wrenchr]

It should pop right in there with no issue's. Make sure you keep your old gear incase you have to warranty this in the future.

[Merkava_4]

I took a couple of shots of the catalog page quick and dirty.

Please excuse the poor quality:

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n284/MACDRIVE/TOOLS/DSCN1408.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n284/MACDRIVE/TOOLS/DSCN1409.jpg

[Chris Adams]

Hi, just got back (repairing wind damage from last weekend)
That picture is pretty good.
So is the general consensus that the gear piece itself, the 20 buck part, a drop in? Or does it seem the hole in the back is a different size?
Thanks.

[wrenchr]

It should drop right in. There is a bushing in the ratchet head allready.

[Chris Adams]

Cool. So 20 bucks to convert a 710 to a 713a.
I think I may do that. Then I would get some use out of it. My buddy is telling me he thinks I should just keep it stock as a spare for when he breaks the other one... I wish he was kidding.:shocking:

[wrenchr]

Cool. So 20 bucks to convert a 710 to a 713a.
I think I may do that. Then I would get some use out of it. My buddy is telling me he thinks I should just keep it stock as a spare for when he breaks the other one... I wish he was kidding.:shocking:

You should end up with extra parts, from your rebuild kit and the extra gear. @ 20 bucks for a gear I would not let him use it either. My offer still stands if you would want a extra gear. :bubbrubb:

[wrenchr]

rfjniejfnjirnfejfn. I had to move my number of post to 667. I hate triple sixs.

[Chris Adams]

rfjniejfnjirnfejfn. I had to move my number of post to 667. I hate triple sixs.

Well, the guy helps me out a lot. We've been friends since he hung out at my gas station in 74. He was a heavy line mechanic, Cadillac. Now he does custom body work, which he is good at.

However, after years on the heavy line he is heck on wheels on tools. Almost every tool I ever had broken, he broke it. Not clumsy, just a "time is money", hard charger with tools.


Funny thing on the triple six, I lost a set of Husky tool box keys a couple months ago. NEVER lost a set of keys before.
The number on the lock?
Yep. Three sixes.

The nice lady at Stanley made me check it twice. She was sure it was three nines, but no, they shipped some with three sixes and I got one...
Then she shipped me the new ones, no charge.

[Merkava_4]

You might get some new screws while you're at it if you need them. An .032'' X 3/16'' flat blade fits them perfectly.