tight ratchet sockets

[Bill Shenefelt]

I just got a nice slightly used snap-on 1/2 inch drive ratchet. I tried to remove a socket (craftsman) and I need to pry the socket off the ratchet with a screwdriver. I could do it with a deep socket but not a shallow socket due to the limited grasp. Real tight but no rusting of either the socket or the ratchet ball. Just a strong fit or ball spring in the ratchet. Is there some difference in sockets that a different brand would be a bit easier to remove? Is there a little pry bar like a bent point screwdriver that would make a good removal tool. This was dry, not greasy. I hate to think of doing it with grease on my hands or on the socket! I tried searches but got nowhere with that so I thought I would just start a post.

 

[gungatim]

I have always had to rap my snap-on ratchets to remove short sockets, my oldest is 20 yrs. old and still have to do it with a lot of sockets...thought this was normal but maybe not.

 

[6MocoA]

I own one SO ratchet that I use often and this is the case with me as well - Im usually using Gearwrench chrome or Sunex and Toptul impact sockets.

 

[bobcatdan]

Real mechanics carry a pocket screwed. Perfect for popping sockets off.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I don't have to pry any sockets off my snap on ratchets, So why should any one. 1/2 in should be 1/2.
Unless some one is beating on the socket to use it as a driver and misformed the female square.

 

[LB-1911]

I don't have to pry any sockets off my snap on ratchets, So why should any one. 1/2 in should be 1/2.
Unless some one is beating on the socket to use it as a driver and misformed the female square.

Not the 1st time the issue has been raised -

Tried my first SO F80, it's very difficult to get the socket off.
The other brand quick release ratchets are very good design

I had that problem when I used craftsman sockets. The newer craftsman have a retarded double indent that locked them onto the ratchet. That is what started me on snap-on sockets.

aha, the socket I used on Snap-on ratchet was a Craftaman 3/8''

 

[Adam.C]

Snap On drives are pretty tight in general. That's a good thing. But I have only ever had problems removing the smallest 1/4" drive sockets. A bit of oil on the square drive is a good idea. But even with that, an oily socket can be difficult to remove.

Craftsman sockets are notoriously sloppy. They fit bolts sloppily and their drives are all sloppy. Their ratchets are so sloppy they have a sort of built in wobble functionality. I used them for years and years and it doesn't really hurt anything but the strength of the tool (talking about drive slop, not bolt fit). I broke VERY few Craftsman tools. But I did round a bunch of fasteners with Craftsman sockets.

I think you will find Snap On sockets fit Snap On ratchets best. Other sockets may or may not fit the way Snap On intended. Obviously, Richard Cranium is joking. Pretty sure neither the drive nor the recess is 1/2" (.5000). Its pretty complicated to make a tight fitting interchangeable tool.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Normal

 

[gdocktor3]

I've never had a problem with 1/2", but 3/8" and 1/4" can sometimes be a problem. I'm currently searching around for a good deal on a quick release for those sizes. Proto and snappy make great qr ratchets and a lot of people have recommended Carlyle for qr ratchets also. They get a lot of good reviews.

 

[LXCam]

It's the price you pay for not getting a quick release ratchet. A couple of my ratchets hold like that and like was said, a pocket screwdriver is your buddy. Personally I'd rather pry the occasional socket off then have them fall off which happens with a couple combos I have.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I'm with LX, I prefer a tight fit on the ratchet.

I used to only use QR ratchets, but once I stated upgrading I found its better without it. One less thing to wear out, no dropping sockets cuz I hit the button by accident.

 

[Karl_B]

I only have one Snap-On ratchet, and I rarely use it, but I do have a few others that hold sockets tightly. It's only an issue with sockets with smooth, flat sides and that are very short.

I know people complain about trying to remove sockets with greasy hands, but I find having a ratchet for each socket you are using on a job saves a lot of time and you can remove them easier during clean up.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Karl B. Had not thought about a ratchet for each size socket you were using.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Karl B. Had not thought about a ratchet for each size socket you were using.

I'd need a LOT of ratchets for each size socket on a job... unless he means drive size, then who doesn't

 

[Bill Shenefelt]

I don't have to pry any sockets off my snap on ratchets, So why should any one. 1/2 in should be 1/2.
Unless some one is beating on the socket to use it as a driver and misformed the female square.

I think you misunderstood what my problem is. The square is not tight, the indent for the little ball bearing in the ratchet protrusion holds the socket on the ratchet is either made with too "straignt walls" on the indent that accepts the ball or the spring that pushes the ball on the ratchet is too strong.
I thought of maybe taking a dremmel and grinding a slope on each of the 4 ball accepting indents in each tight socket to give more of a "ramp" to push the ball into the ratchet and thus release the socket more easily. Other than something like that it would either be carry a pr of pliers or a screwdriver to pull off tight sockets. I just thought maybe snap on sockets worked better than my craftsman. The other thought is to maybe get a straignt piece of hardened tool steel cutting tool (1/4x1/4 by a couple of inches long and grind a section to provide an L shaped end. No way bending a screw driver cold would be successful. It would just snap off. Have not tried heating one with a torch and bending it into a lazy L though. Just thought that someone might have an easy solution.

 

[fras_auto]

real mechanics carry a pocket screwed. Perfect for popping sockets off.

+50000

 

[JBradley500]

one of the 100 uses for this trim tool.

 

[Greg85mcss]

That's why I went back to my old gearwrench sockets. There's nothing to grip on the side of a craftsman. I don't have problems with impact sockets either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bill Shenefelt]

one of the 100 uses for this trim tool.

I just jumped on amazon and bought a set of trim tools.
Neiko 20596B Auto Trim Panel Removal Tool Set with Soft Grip (5 Piece)

I hate removing the little pushbutton type rivets with side cutters and ruining them and using screwdrivers for door panels so this set for $30 will come in handy for all.
Thanks guys.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

one of the 100 uses for this trim tool.

use the exact same tool

 

[Wamsutta]

Is the socket one of those Craftsman sockets with the weird double stacked detents? Look inside and see. If so, that's your problem.

 

[Bill Shenefelt]

Yep. But it is even tough to get an older Snap on 1/2 inch 12pt off. Snap on only makes a couple of pushbutton release ratchets. My ancient 3/8 drive craftsman 12.5 inch long flex head got loose beyond usability so I bought a similar 13.5 inch long snap on locking flex head with the real fine drive gear. One thing led to another and I bought the 1/2 inch drive 16.5 long Snap on. The 3/8 drive flex head will probably be my primary so I will revert to the upholstery tool for the 1/2 ratchet, not buying new 1/2 drive sockets.