Alternatives to the "Red Lube of Love" for ratchets

[BirdMobile]

Greets!
I've used (in the past) wheel bearing grease and Lubriplate 12 engine re-assembly grease on ratchet internals. They were both OK... but I later learned about the Permatex Ultra-Slick engine reassembly lube (the "Red Lube of Love") that many members here swear by.

I like it, seems to work better than the wheel bearing grease or Lubriplate 12 I've used in the past.

However... the RLL is messy, weeps forever, and just generally ***** on the cleanliness front.

What alternatives have y'all come up with for a good slick ratchet lube that won't gum up or be too thick and cause tooth failure (due to lack of complete tooth engagement), and remain relatively clean?

Looking forward to suggestions!

 

[d.mcfarland]

Synthetic brake lube works good in some ratchets. Fine tooth is more particular than lower tooth count ratchets.

 

[Buster21]

I use Super Lube synthetic grease. Got a tube at Harbor Freight for around $5.00 with coupon.

 

[sonvolt]

I've used Superlube for years with great results

 

[OxJaw]

I use Super Lube synthetic grease. Got a tube at Harbor Freight for around $5.00 with coupon.

Same here, I use it in everything, from 36 tooth ratchets to dual 80's and armstrong 88's. Only ratchets I ever had a problem with it in were the GW 84 tooth ratchets, but those really don't like anything but thin oil.

 

[Fedwrench]

The preferred lube depends on ratchet tooth count and the user. Coarser teeth like 36 and less like thicker lubes, while finer toothed ratchets having 60 teeth and more like thinner lubes.

If the ratchet isn't a sealed model, whatever you put in it will find a way out.

Sometimes I think the ability for the lube to adhere to the metal is more important than its slickness. Because I have mostly fine tooth ratchets, I use air tool oil, marvel mystery oil, power steering fluid, Breakfree CLP, and 3 in one oil.

Brake lube is one of my favorites for coarse toothed ratchets.

 

[BirdMobile]

Almost all of my ratchets are 72 and 80 tooth... if that makes a difference.

 

[Ray-CA]

I use Break-Free CLP (http://www.break-free.com/products/products_breakfreeclp.asp?catalog=law) for all my ratchets and guns. It was the only cleaner we were allowed to use on our issued sidearms, rifles and shotguns. Figure if it is good enough for the CHP, it's good enough for me to keep using it.

Ray

 

[Buster21]

My Snap-On rebuild kit came with a small tube of Superlube in the kit.

 

[kjbenner]

I like marvel mystery oil, especially for my fine-toothed ratchets. I have a small Goldenrod oiler that's nice for dispensing small amounts and not making a mess.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Bacon grease, but you get hungry as hell while you work.

 

[sparky5982]

I use Vactra way oil on my fine tooth ratchets. It is relatively thin, but has tackifier, so it doesn't weep too badly and adheres to the moving parts. Perhaps most machine tool and way oils would be good.

I tried the super lube grease, but found it to be too thick - it caused my Wright ratchets to bind up. To be fair, "Oil Only" is stamped right on the tool.

 

[MaintenanceGuy]

I've been using Hyperlube for about 20 years. Works great for assembly lube, and for ratchets.

http://www.hyperlube.com/c3/Oil-Supplement-c6.html

 

[G_P]

Another vote here for superlube.

I also once had a small sample tube of lower unit lube for an outboard motor and that stuff was super thick for oil and worked great in ratchets. Unfortunately I lost it in a move and Cant remember what brand/type it was.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Whatever spray lube in a can is handy. Last time was garage door track lube. Sometimes ATF.

 

[bigcaddy]

I've used a small bottle of Lucas multi purpose lube. It was in the counter of the auto parts store so I gave it a shot. It runs out if you apply too much but works great in the tiniest amounts.

 

[gtermini]

Royal Purple assembly lube. I put that **** on everything.

Greyson

 

[1950mercury]

I use the traxxis remote controlled cars diff lube its 100% silicone and comes in different wts

 

[shocker998md]

Ive never greased a ratchet.just warranty them out.

 

[DennisH2014]

I would have to recommend Marvel Mystery Oil! Excellent product, would be great for the fine teeth; I use it myself and it works wonders.

 

[Wamsutta]

Royal Purple assembly lube. I put that **** on everything.

Greyson

+1 That's my go-to ratchet lube.

 

[BFHtime]

I use Lucas engine oil additive. It works great in dual 80s. It is sticky like honey. I use he regular one not the synthetic as the synthetic is not as viscous. After lubing with this I noticed much smoother action. Even a 100 tooth ratchet became noticeably smoother. I lube everything with this stuff.

 

[Chuck122]

I use superlube grease. It is the factory grease for my ratchets

 

[Ponchoguy]

Whatever oil my late father had in the "Goldenrod" can. The Sears Craftsman directions say to use oil, but they used to supply Swepco grease in the kits. I use oil, never had a problem.

 

[shaggymutt1]

I like marvel mystery oil, especially for my fine-toothed ratchets. I have a small Goldenrod oiler that's nice for dispensing small amounts and not making a mess.

I second that! marvel mystery oil!

 

[Wakefield]

I use Break-Free CLP (http://www.break-free.com/products/products_breakfreeclp.asp?catalog=law) for all my ratchets and guns. It was the only cleaner we were allowed to use on our issued sidearms, rifles and shotguns. Figure if it is good enough for the CHP, it's good enough for me to keep using it.
Fine tooth?
Ray

Whatever the Russians were using on their weapons in WW II must have been awfully good-especially in the subzero winter at Stalingrad.

 

[Farmall450]

Royal Purple assembly lube. I put that **** on everything.

Greyson

You sound like my dad w/ Permatex...if it fits it ships I suppose.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I use the "Red Lube of Love".... in all the ratchets I have, except the 84 tooth ones. Those I just use synthetic motor oil. Most of my ratchets are Craftsman, so........ In my Cman RHFT I just spray WD40 in them to keep them clean and lubed... Rarely take the RHFT ratchets apart.

The ooze of the red lube dies down, and the residual is ample for quite awhile. I think the 'ooze affect', keeps junk out. I usually just add more months later, and keep going, always clean inside when I take the cover off.

I have used other lubes, but came full circle back to the red assembly lube. 70 ish teeth and under..... I think it is best....

 

[thesilverone]

RLL 4 Lyfe

 

[Adam.C]

Whatever you use, be careful where you put it! You shouldn't grease the ratchet teeth to "quiet the ratchet" and produce a "smooth feel". These are rookie mistakes. The grease goes on the broad surfaces of the ratchet- where it contacts the body opposite the drive, and around the drive.

If the teeth were oily and could remain thus, that would help stave off corrosion. It might affect the feel somewhat. Any light oil would work fine for this. So the right thing to do is probably apply two separate products. A good soak in your favorite light oil (WD-40, Marvel's etc) followed by a strategic application of grease only on the broad surfaces of the ratchet, not the teeth.

 

[Paco Pena]

If they are not a sealed head I let them soak in ATF and drain well. Works well for gearwrench ratcheting wrenches as well.

Paco