Ball detent on Snapon Ratchets

[bob08]

Howdy folks,

Long time reader of the forum, first time poster. To start, I'd like to thank everybody who has posted here for all the great tool information; it's all been very useful in helping me select tools, etc.

I recently purchased two Snap-on ratchets, a T72 & F80, and I noticed that the ball detents on both ratchets are pressed slightly off center. This doesn't seem to affect the function of either ratchet, but I'm curious if anyone else has seen this on their Snap-on ratchets; comparatively, the ball detents on my other ratchets/breaker bars (Proto) are perfectly centered.

I don't want to make a federal case over this, I'd just like to know if others have seen this on their ratchets and determine whether I got some from a bad batch. These are my first Snap-on ratchets, and given the price and the company's stellar reputation, I'd expect more attention to detail and better quality control. Nonetheless, I'm sure Snap-on would make it right if I called them after the weekend, etc. In the meantime, I'd appreciate any replies from y'all regarding this.

Please see attached photos (1st two photos are the Snap-ons, 2nd two are Proto).

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[jhelrey]

Look the same to me...

 

[ChrisF250]

I'm missing something

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I also have few like that. Even Matco ratchet.

 

[tcsalvage]

after you rebuild it a couple of times all you will wish for is that the ball holds the socket on.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Then that's where warranty kicks in.

 

[bob08]

I'm missing something

I was under the impression that the pressed area around the detent ball should be uniform in size, that is, centered in relation to the actual ball; up until I received my two new snap-on ratchets (the ones in the first 2 photos; the 3rd and 4th photos are of protos for comparison) I'd never seen a ratchet where the pressed area was off-centered. Again, not sure this presents any problem, just curious if other people have seen this on their ratchets, and/or if this is indicative of the type of product and quality control one can expect from Snap-On.

Does this help clarify things?

 

[bob08]

Then that's where warranty kicks in.

No doubt about that. I'm sure that Snap-On would address it even if the flaw was just cosmetic. As long as it works (which they do), I'm happy, but there's that nagging little voice that tells me the tool should be perfect. I don't think perfect is too much to ask for given the prices Snap-On charges. Part of me wonders about QC and attention to detail in their manufacture, since I'm considering other tools from them in the future.

Thanks also for your reply about the matcos, as they are the other tool company I've thought about buying ratchets from (I need a 1/2" ...some day).

 

[ChrisF250]

yeah I see it now, just checked and my matcos are centered uniformly. Weird.

 

[Skin]

your ratchets are fine....stop inspecting them with a magnifying glass and go use them

 

[bob08]

Like I said, I'm sure Snap-On would make it right. If I just had one ratchet like this, I wouldn't be as curious, but since both ratchets I ordered are like this...

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Its a ******** ratchet, stop worring about it!!!

 

[snapmom]

Here is another off center snap on.

 

[bob08]

your ratchets are fine....stop inspecting them with a magnifying glass and go use them

Functionally, I like them, they're very smooth, the chrome is pretty and shiny and all, I gave them the kibble that makes its own gravy, took them for a walk, played fetch with them, and I think I've decided they'll stay

 

[Sterff]

your ratchets are fine....stop inspecting them with a magnifying glass and go use them

X2

It's a tool which is meant to be used. Use them.

 

[woody 73]

My old eyes are having problems with seeing your pictures, but if you feel they are off center, snap on will send you new ones.

 

[mike13u]

This proves it! They have most certainly moved manufacturing offshore. First no 'USA' stamp, now this... Oh, please God no!

 

[franzdom]

QC doesn't mean perfect by the way, it means within tolerance. If tolerances are too tight the product will be too expensive.

 

[bob08]

This proves it! They have most certainly moved manufacturing offshore. First no 'USA' stamp, now this... Oh, please God no!

Not my intention to piss on one manufacturer or another, or debate country of origin, please, let's not go in that direction.

This was just something I noticed on 2 products I purchased from Snap-On, the first and only 2 products I've bought from them by the way. In light of the fact that I'm considering ordering other tools from them, I'm just looking for input from other users of their ratchets to see if this is something they've noticed.

 

[archirelic]

 

[bob08]

QC doesn't mean perfect by the way, it means within tolerance. If tolerances are too tight the product will be too expensive.

That's a fair statement. And again, these ratchets work just fine, they hold onto sockets, and do exactly what ratchets should do.

 

[bob08]

Christ, I know this is the internet and all, but every now and then honest people do ask honest questions on forums.

I do like Jackie Chan, however.

 

[bob08]

Anyone else want to weigh in?

My intentions in posting about this issue were two-fold.

1.) To determine whether or not anyone else with Snap-On ratchets experienced the same "flaws" (albeit, minor) I have in my two new ratchets.

2.) To determine whether or not the level of attention to detail in manufacturing on these two ratchets is indicative of the quality of Snap-On tools in general.

If you have any input related to either of these points, I'd greatly appreciate your input.

If you don't, please post elsewhere.

 

[chadster1]

I am not seeing the issue you are speaking about in your pics. Please take some measurements and post them so we can know what type of off centering you are talking about.

 

[canuckian]

I just checked a few of my ratchets and when I looked at the first one, I thought I saw the same issue you're speaking of but then i turned it and let the light hit it at another angle and it looked like the narrow spot had switched from side to side. I checked a dozen or so more (1/2, 3/8,1/4,flex, non flex, swivel) and they all did the same thing. I bet if you do the same with yours, you'll get the same result. It would be a bit of a fluke for both of the SO ratchets you own to have off center ball indents.

 

[bob08]

Thanks guys for the replies. I'm attaching a higher res. photo, which might better detail the issue.

 

[bob08]

I just checked a few of my ratchets and when I looked at the first one, I thought I saw the same issue you're speaking of but then i turned it and let the light hit it at another angle and it looked like the narrow spot had switched from side to side. I checked a dozen or so more (1/2, 3/8,1/4,flex, non flex, swivel) and they all did the same thing. I bet if you do the same with yours, you'll get the same result. It would be a bit of a fluke for both of the SO ratchets you own to have off center ball indents.

Thanks for the reply. I posted some better/higher-res photos; it's definitely not a matter of how the light hits it. You're absolutely right that it'd be a bit of a fluke if both of the ratchets I have had this issue. That's why I posted this thread; I've never encountered this with other ratchets I have (Proto and Craftsman), and I didn't expect it with tools from Snap-On, a company I understood to produce tools of impeccable quality, by which I mean as close to perfect as is possible. Perhaps my expectations are too high. Nonetheless, for the money, perfect would be nice.

 

[bob08]

I am not seeing the issue you are speaking about in your pics. Please take some measurements and post them so we can know what type of off centering you are talking about.

I don't have the capacity to take such measurements. Please see the recent higher-res photos I included a previous post. Hope this helps.

 

[canuckian]

I stand corrected. Yep, they're off center by the looks of it. All I can tell you is that none of mine that I checked had that issue so I wouldn't say it is an example of their quality control. Maybe a wild fluke after all?? I'd say use the he'll out of them and if it gives you an issue, bring it to your snappy driver (or send it to SO) and they'll rectify whatever problems may arise with it.

Oh....a bit late but.....welcome to the forum!!!

 

[chadster1]

I don't have the capacity to take such measurements. Please see the recent higher-res photos I included a previous post. Hope this helps.

I see what you are talking about now. A simple repair kit will replace that gear and solve that cosmetic defect. No need to scrap the entire ratchet.

 

[bob08]

I stand corrected. Yep, they're off center by the looks of it. All I can tell you is that none of mine that I checked had that issue so I wouldn't say it is an example of their quality control. Maybe a wild fluke after all?? I'd say use the he'll out of them and if it gives you an issue, bring it to your snappy driver (or send it to SO) and they'll rectify whatever problems may arise with it.

Oh....a bit late but.....welcome to the forum!!!

Fair enough; I haven't seen many other Snap-On tools in person, except for some older combination wrenches a family member has, and those wrenches are 20 years old, but they are still tip top. From what I've heard and read, Snap-On stuff is supposed to be the proverbial top-of-the-heap, and their customer service department has always been helpful when I've called them with questions, etc. prior to ordering my ratchets. I'll probably check with them next week and see if they'll send me a repair kit or just the part in question. I'm sure they'll make it right.

Also, thanks for the nice words of welcome. I appreciate it.

 

[bob08]

I see what you are talking about now. A simple repair kit will replace that gear and solve that cosmetic defect. No need to scrap the entire ratchet.

It's good to know it's a defect with the gear and is not typical. The rest of the ratchet is, as you say, just fine.

Thanks for the input. Take care.

 

[tcsalvage]

i would keep the repair kit parts that you don't use, plus the new off center parts in a drawer so that when you actually use them and wear them out you don't have to wait for replacement parts, you will have them on hand.

 

[jhelrey]

Much better pics! I see your issue now!

 

[Bart Simpson]

It does look like the stamp is slightly off but it is only there to close the hole a little bit to retain the ball.

Since the ratchets work perfectly fine there is no need to repair them, but if you asked, snappy would send you a kit that contains the new gear.


The operation of crimping the ball in place is done by a human so perhaps they were slightly off with the jig or placement of the gear.


See the " how it's made " video linked below to see this done , the crimping is at 3:22 in the video.

Should you need to rebuild your Dual 80 ratchet this video linked below shows you how.

This is a video about the general benefits of the Dual 80 ratchets.

 

[slowz32]

screw buying a repair kit. use that bish till it breaks and get it warrantied

 

[jamesemery728]

I have a new F80 that I just bought that looks exactly like yours. It is definately off center. Looks to be a different way of manufacture than some older snap on ratchets that I have. Looked at a new grear wrench that I also just bought that looks just like the snap on slightly off center.

 

[Flash21]

I would say that is a cosmetic defect and it is probably something that would also bother me. I would go for a ratchet kit exchange.

I have also often held Snap-On (and other premium brands) to a higher standard of quality, both in the performance of the tool and the cosmetic condition of the tool. I think the price of the tool justifies that level of scrutiny - Like they say, there is a difference. ( and it should show in superior quality ) There is always going to be range of opinions on a tool forum about something like this.

 

[bob08]

It does look like the stamp is slightly off but it is only there to close the hole a little bit to retain the ball.

Since the ratchets work perfectly fine there is no need to repair them, but if you asked, snappy would send you a kit that contains the new gear.


The operation of crimping the ball in place is done by a human so perhaps they were slightly off with the jig or placement of the gear.


See the " how it's made " video linked below to see this done , the crimping is at 3:22 in the video.

Should you need to rebuild your Dual 80 ratchet this video linked below shows you how.

This is a video about the general benefits of the Dual 80 ratchets.

Great video on how these ratchets are made. Thanks for posting the link!

 

[bob08]

I would say that is a cosmetic defect and it is probably something that would also bother me. I would go for a ratchet kit exchange.

I have also often held Snap-On (and other premium brands) to a higher standard of quality, both in the performance of the tool and the cosmetic condition of the tool. I think the price of the tool justifies that level of scrutiny - Like they say, there is a difference. ( and it should show in superior quality ) There is always going to be range of opinions on a tool forum about something like this.

Well said. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

Thanks for the reply.