Show us Your Vintage ratchet before and after restoration!!
- Thread starter Faisal
- Start date
jakemac
Well-known member
The hard to find Craftsman Speeder Ratchet (model #4408) ! Congratulations ! 
Those were only sold between 1960 and 1963. They can sell anywhere between $50 - $150 on ebay. I've only seen one out in the wild (the one I restored). The other one I have was purchased for stooopid money in a fit of auction insanity. Most have a blue handle, only a few that I've seen in pictures on the internet have the black handle.
Those were only sold between 1960 and 1963. They can sell anywhere between $50 - $150 on ebay. I've only seen one out in the wild (the one I restored). The other one I have was purchased for stooopid money in a fit of auction insanity. Most have a blue handle, only a few that I've seen in pictures on the internet have the black handle.
The hard to find Craftsman Speeder Ratchet (model #4408) ! Congratulations !
Those were only sold between 1960 and 1963. They can sell anywhere between $50 - $150 on ebay. I've only seen one out in the wild (the one I restored). The other one I have was purchased for stooopid money in a fit of auction insanity. Most have a blue handle, only a few that I've seen in pictures on the internet have the black handle.
thanks jakemac
today i bought blue handle Craftsman Speeder Ratchet
,i was looking for it since long time and the price was cheaper than black handlejakemac
Well-known member
A couple posts :
First - Here's a tool I found that is perfect for opening up B-51 and S-51 style ratchets. You bicycle guys may already know about them, but since I tossed my bike the day I got my driver's license (more than 30yrs ago) I haven't paid attention to anything bicycle related since.
These are the Park model SPA-1 and SPA-2 pin spanners. I guess these are for working on sprocket hubs. I tried other adjustable pin spanners but either the pins were too large, or the handle got in the way and wouldn't work.
The SPA-1 has 2.9mm pins
The SPA-2 has 2.3mm pins
Which, to this ignorant American, means SMALL and SMALLER.
I got a 2-fer on ebay here :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191529029498?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
These were real life savers, as I'll point out in my next posts shortly.
First - Here's a tool I found that is perfect for opening up B-51 and S-51 style ratchets. You bicycle guys may already know about them, but since I tossed my bike the day I got my driver's license (more than 30yrs ago) I haven't paid attention to anything bicycle related since.
These are the Park model SPA-1 and SPA-2 pin spanners. I guess these are for working on sprocket hubs. I tried other adjustable pin spanners but either the pins were too large, or the handle got in the way and wouldn't work.
The SPA-1 has 2.9mm pins
The SPA-2 has 2.3mm pins
Which, to this ignorant American, means SMALL and SMALLER.
I got a 2-fer on ebay here :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191529029498?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
These were real life savers, as I'll point out in my next posts shortly.
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jakemac
Well-known member
Next - A success.
This is a Williams B-51 3/8dr ratchet with an action that was very gritty. It needed to be cleaned and lubed, but the collar wouldn't budge. I used pin punches and a visegrip, but I didn't have the torque I needed to free it up without damaging the holes.
Enter the Park SPA-2 pin spanner. It opened right up with no damage.
The clean-up was just a good soak in Simple Green and a light touch on a fine wire wheel, then a buff with a clean cloth before a light oiling.
Mission complete.
The first two pictures are before. The last two are after.
This is a Williams B-51 3/8dr ratchet with an action that was very gritty. It needed to be cleaned and lubed, but the collar wouldn't budge. I used pin punches and a visegrip, but I didn't have the torque I needed to free it up without damaging the holes.
Enter the Park SPA-2 pin spanner. It opened right up with no damage.
The clean-up was just a good soak in Simple Green and a light touch on a fine wire wheel, then a buff with a clean cloth before a light oiling.
Mission complete.
The first two pictures are before. The last two are after.
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jakemac
Well-known member
And now - The Failure. (dun-dun-dun)
I picked up this Williams S-51 1/2dr ratchet last October. The action on it was rough and skipped a little, so I figured that it needed a good cleaning. The holes on the collar were buggered and I couldn't get it to unscrew without making the damage worse. I even left it soaking in Marvel Mystery oil for a few months. When that didn't work I soaked it in PB Blaster for a few more months. Still no luck.
This week I was able to use the Park SPA-1 pin spanner on it. At first it kept slipping out of the holes, so I rigged up a clamp to keep it in place. I held the ratchet in a vise and slipped a large washer and nut over the anvil to hold the spanner. I held it all in place with a c-clamp. A few taps with a rubber mallet on the spanner and the collar was finally free. That's the last of the good news.
As I took the ratchet apart, I found that the pawl was broken. Fortunately, the way it broke, the pin holding it in would keep it usable so I kept going. However, upon inspecting the teeth on the anvil, I found severely worn teeth, and 3 broken ones. This ratchet has seen a harder life than it first appeared. It seems that this one is destined to be a donor.
I picked up this Williams S-51 1/2dr ratchet last October. The action on it was rough and skipped a little, so I figured that it needed a good cleaning. The holes on the collar were buggered and I couldn't get it to unscrew without making the damage worse. I even left it soaking in Marvel Mystery oil for a few months. When that didn't work I soaked it in PB Blaster for a few more months. Still no luck.
This week I was able to use the Park SPA-1 pin spanner on it. At first it kept slipping out of the holes, so I rigged up a clamp to keep it in place. I held the ratchet in a vise and slipped a large washer and nut over the anvil to hold the spanner. I held it all in place with a c-clamp. A few taps with a rubber mallet on the spanner and the collar was finally free. That's the last of the good news.
As I took the ratchet apart, I found that the pawl was broken. Fortunately, the way it broke, the pin holding it in would keep it usable so I kept going. However, upon inspecting the teeth on the anvil, I found severely worn teeth, and 3 broken ones. This ratchet has seen a harder life than it first appeared. It seems that this one is destined to be a donor.
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- May she rest in peace. And give herself new life as a part of the living. LOL
- Good job on the restorations.
- Thanks for the eBay link on SPA-1 andSPA-2.
And now - The Failure. (dun-dun-dun)
I picked up this Williams S-51 1/2dr ratchet last October. The action on it was rough and skipped a little, so I figured that it needed a good cleaning. The holes on the collar were buggered and I couldn't get it to unscrew without making the damage worse. I even left it soaking in Marvel Mystery oil for a few months. When that didn't work I soaked it in PB Blaster for a few more months. Still no luck.
This week I was able to use the Park SPA-1 pin spanner on it. At first it kept slipping out of the holes, so I rigged up a clamp to keep it in place. I held the ratchet in a vise and slipped a large washer and nut over the anvil to hold the spanner. I held it all in place with a c-clamp. A few taps with a rubber mallet on the spanner and the collar was finally free. That's the last of the good news.
As I took the ratchet apart, I found that the pawl was broken. Fortunately, the way it broke, the pin holding it in would keep it usable so I kept going. However, upon inspecting the teeth on the anvil, I found severely worn teeth, and 3 broken ones. This ratchet has seen a harder life than it first appeared. It seems that this one is destined to be a donor.
i am also suffering with same ratchet ,every thing was going smooth while i am cleaning it .i don't know what happened exactly with the selector switch ,I can not understand how the selector became reverse and still i am not able to return it back
,any idea 
jakemac
Well-known member
I found that sometimes the pin that holds it together sometimes catches in the groove, keeping the selector from spinning 360° when the anvil is removed, as it should. Try moving the pin back and forth until the selector spins around.
If that doesn't work - pull the pin, spin the selector 180° with the pawl in the same position, then put the pin back in.
EDIT - I just took another look at your pictures. The pawl and selector are fine, it's just that the spring/ball are holding the teeth on the pawl in such a way that it won't release and allow the pawl to spin. You're going to have to find a way to take it apart, or get the tension off the pawl so that the ball will release it.
Good luck, this may not be an easy puzzle to solve.
If that doesn't work - pull the pin, spin the selector 180° with the pawl in the same position, then put the pin back in.
EDIT - I just took another look at your pictures. The pawl and selector are fine, it's just that the spring/ball are holding the teeth on the pawl in such a way that it won't release and allow the pawl to spin. You're going to have to find a way to take it apart, or get the tension off the pawl so that the ball will release it.
Good luck, this may not be an easy puzzle to solve.
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r_olson_06
Well-known member
Re: Show us Your Vintage ratchet before and after restoration!!!!!
Need help with bonney ratchet disassembly. Using a flat screwdriver I can push the retaining ring but can't get it pulled apart any advise?
Need help with bonney ratchet disassembly. Using a flat screwdriver I can push the retaining ring but can't get it pulled apart any advise?
jakemac
Well-known member
You need to squeeze the ends of the clip together to pull it into the groove on the plate and out of the groove in the head. The problem is that sometimes grit gets into the groove and makes it difficult to disengage the groove in the head. In addition, the metal of the clip is brittle, so the ends can snap if you're not careful. I'm not aware of any sources for new clips, other than a donor ratchet, so take care with the work so that you don't ruin it.
It's a similar design as the teardrop Craftsman's that I've worked on. I've ruined too many clips due to stubborn ratchets that didn't want to co-operate. Good luck.
It's a similar design as the teardrop Craftsman's that I've worked on. I've ruined too many clips due to stubborn ratchets that didn't want to co-operate. Good luck.
jakemac
Well-known member
If you go back to post #168 picture #4, you will see the pawl with the pin under it. The pin goes through the pawl and selector from the side (aligned through the pawl in the same orientation).
To get it out of the head (after removing the anvil), turn the selector to 90°. You will see the end of the pin in the pawl (or the hole that it sits in). Poke the pin with a pick or toothpick to lightly push the pin in. Rotate the selector another 180° so that you see the other side of the pin. Pull it out with a pair of needle nose pliers. That should release everything. Be careful not to launch the ball and spring across the room when you pull the pawl out. BTDT.
To get it out of the head (after removing the anvil), turn the selector to 90°. You will see the end of the pin in the pawl (or the hole that it sits in). Poke the pin with a pick or toothpick to lightly push the pin in. Rotate the selector another 180° so that you see the other side of the pin. Pull it out with a pair of needle nose pliers. That should release everything. Be careful not to launch the ball and spring across the room when you pull the pawl out. BTDT.
jakemac
Well-known member
popsjohn
Active member
This is my first post. I have a Williams No S 51 ratchet that I discovered in a box of old tools that came from my father's home. I was able to clean it up and it looks nice but it is missing the ball bearing to hold on a socket. The spring was still inside the hole. Can the ball bearing be replaced? Where do I get one the proper size?
jakemac
Well-known member
Hi PJ,
Welcome to the forum.
Yes the ball bearing can be replaced. If you go to any (well stocked) hardware store with hardware assortment bins (Hillman or Mid-West Fastener) they should have a drawer with loose ball bearings of various sizes. It's just a matter of finding the one that fits the hole that the spring sits in. You want the ball to be tight, but loose enough so that it won't bind in the hole. Buy one or two extras in case you loose one trying to install it.
Use a good lube when you put the ratchet back together. I use SuperLube (available at Harbor Freight and many local hardware stores).
Good Luck.
Welcome to the forum.
Yes the ball bearing can be replaced. If you go to any (well stocked) hardware store with hardware assortment bins (Hillman or Mid-West Fastener) they should have a drawer with loose ball bearings of various sizes. It's just a matter of finding the one that fits the hole that the spring sits in. You want the ball to be tight, but loose enough so that it won't bind in the hole. Buy one or two extras in case you loose one trying to install it.
Use a good lube when you put the ratchet back together. I use SuperLube (available at Harbor Freight and many local hardware stores).
Good Luck.
r_olson_06
Well-known member
What do you use for a punch to seal the ball bearing back in the ratchet drive?
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jakemac
Well-known member
Ahhhh, I missed the part about it being the ball on the anvil, not in the pawl.
Try using a nailset that you don't care about damaging to reset the ball.
Try using a nailset that you don't care about damaging to reset the ball.
Re: Show us Your Vintage ratchet before and after restoration!!!!!
Yeah, I've got one. Sliding block pawl. Very stout, very tough. Circular snap ring comes out like the S-K roundheads.
Need help with bonney ratchet disassembly. Using a flat screwdriver I can push the retaining ring but can't get it pulled apart any advise?
Yeah, I've got one. Sliding block pawl. Very stout, very tough. Circular snap ring comes out like the S-K roundheads.
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r_olson_06
Well-known member
Re: Show us Your Vintage ratchet before and after restoration!!!!!
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I got it open and the guts are cracked on the one direction action. Sad to see guess it will be a parts ratchet.
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Cdstahlman
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2014
- Messages
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Re: Show us Your Vintage ratchet before and after restoration!!!!!
I just popped open a SK similar to this and everything appeared in order. I cleaned it, scraped the old greasy **** out and oiled it. However it still won't grab in one direction despite everything appear in functional.
Guess I'll have to take it down to Anderson brothers (a SK dealer) and snare a rebuild kit.
I just popped open a SK similar to this and everything appeared in order. I cleaned it, scraped the old greasy **** out and oiled it. However it still won't grab in one direction despite everything appear in functional.
Guess I'll have to take it down to Anderson brothers (a SK dealer) and snare a rebuild kit.
Most of the time one can "make" a suitable spring for a ratchet (if that's the only issue). I've fixed alot of ratchets with coil springs from discarded writing pens.
Worst comes to worst you can wind some thin steel wire around the appropriate sized finishing nail and make a spring decent enough to work an old ratchet.
hey thanks bonney! I was wondering about attempting to make one. This ratchet has one of those one-piece 'H' shaped springs(that wraps around both pawls), so we'll see, but i'll try it!
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Well, Ed, for your debut effort, you certainly couldn't have picked a much rarer or more iconic specimen than a V-selector Craftsman spinner to put back into service! Well-played.
Hey, how did you disassemble the F670? I cannot get the faceplate to budge
Gummi Bear
Well-known member
I’ve cleaned up several old ratchets, but never restored one to new condition.
I like going to estate sales and farm sales to buy them.
I’m really bad about taking pictures, need to get some.
here’s what I have pictures of on my phone:
This one has a Snap-On FV70 (I think that’s right), aTruTest and a Par-X ratchet. All cleaned up good, and I’ll put them in service.
the pink bucket has a Craftsman Flying V, and another.
The last one is a SK, which I had to order a rebuild kit for (I cannot say enough nice things about their customer service)
I like going to estate sales and farm sales to buy them.
I’m really bad about taking pictures, need to get some.
here’s what I have pictures of on my phone:
This one has a Snap-On FV70 (I think that’s right), aTruTest and a Par-X ratchet. All cleaned up good, and I’ll put them in service.
the pink bucket has a Craftsman Flying V, and another.
The last one is a SK, which I had to order a rebuild kit for (I cannot say enough nice things about their customer service)
