Info for craftsman stainless ratchet
- Thread starter 48fordnut
- Start date
I have taken a magnetic parts tray and put the head of the ratchet in it while taking things apart, usually the parts that fly out stick to the tray.
You may be able to just "wash" out the old grease and relube without taking apart though, soak it in degreaser and see if it frees up, then just lube with a light oil.
You may be able to just "wash" out the old grease and relube without taking apart though, soak it in degreaser and see if it frees up, then just lube with a light oil.
Gotta put that one away for future use.Thanks all. I don't know why I stopped using it. I dipped it in diesel fuel , for a few sec and started the ratchet action. After a few sec it loosened up and now seems to work. Dipped it in some 30 wt oil and letting it drain now. Much ado about nothing.
pendragon1998
Well-known member
I try and take apart stuff like that by placing it inside a plastic bag.
OP I have the proper and brand new repair kit for your 1/4" Stainless Steel Ratchet. Unfortunately, they are rare, but at least it will be cheaper than replacing the entire ratchet these days. Feel free to message me if you want/need it.
In fact, I even have the tear down and repair for that specific ratchet as a part of the Craftsman USA Ratchet History Project found here:
I hope this helps!
In fact, I even have the tear down and repair for that specific ratchet as a part of the Craftsman USA Ratchet History Project found here:
I hope this helps!
If you are up for learning about the "colorful" history of these ratchets feel free to check out this video:
Just a heads up OP. All of the specific ratchet part # and repair kit # info is built into the description below the video. The same can be said for every ratchet that actually had a part number or repair kits.
Just a heads up OP. All of the specific ratchet part # and repair kit # info is built into the description below the video. The same can be said for every ratchet that actually had a part number or repair kits.
Beerman
Well-known member
I would advise against using that particular ratchet. Just my .02
That is a highly collectable ratchet and rare-because it was poorly designed. The reason you NEVER see these at your local flea market or garage sale is that they were so poorly designed, they were quickly warrantied out of existence. On top of that, Sears only sold that ratchet for only 5-6 year or so, perhaps due to the poor design.
If it has some sentimental value, keep it. If it doesn't, you ought to be able to sell it for enough to buy a brand new ratchet of your choice, even from Snap On or Matco. That will work much better and last much longer.
But if you use it, you're going to quickly find out exactly how poor a design it was-when it breaks on you.
FWIW.
That is a highly collectable ratchet and rare-because it was poorly designed. The reason you NEVER see these at your local flea market or garage sale is that they were so poorly designed, they were quickly warrantied out of existence. On top of that, Sears only sold that ratchet for only 5-6 year or so, perhaps due to the poor design.
If it has some sentimental value, keep it. If it doesn't, you ought to be able to sell it for enough to buy a brand new ratchet of your choice, even from Snap On or Matco. That will work much better and last much longer.
But if you use it, you're going to quickly find out exactly how poor a design it was-when it breaks on you.
FWIW.
Having dissected many of these ratchets, I think the SS ratchets weakness is in the high profile 36 toothed gear and the two teeth per side pawl engagement. In my opinion, the way those two pieces mated was awkward. Couple that with being shipped with minimal to nil lubrication didn't help matters. Plus, repair kits were rare, even for the time they were released, and they didn't include the selector & pawl, which were 1 piece mated together. Any issues there meant Sears had to fully replace the ratchet.
You can get these things running more effectively with a good lubricant. From my experience Super Lube really helps with mechanism engagement and quiets them down considerably. However, due to the design, you'll have to keep an eye out on contaminants entering your mechanism system and the condition/quantity of lubricant remaining over time.
I'm not saying these are absolute garbage. I'm not saying everyone hated them either. You have to accept the issues when deciding to own or use them. In a way these remind me of Jaguars in the early 2000s and below. Some of them look great, but you have to accept you may have mechanical/electrical issues with your car. It is the quirk of the brand for the vintage.
With the myriad of issues, the high expense of the repair kits Sears had to absorb, and Easco being sued over patent infringement, things didn't look good for either the SS or Lifetime ratchets. In the video, I compared the SS/Lifetime ratchets to the Premium Grade Craftsman ratchets. Both were very expensive for their time, both had issues depending on the circumstances, had availability/warranty procurement issues, and repair kits were rare.
Whether DIY or professional, people vote with their dollars on what gives them the best perceived value. Unfortunately, the SS/Lifetime ratchets didn't make the cut.
You can get these things running more effectively with a good lubricant. From my experience Super Lube really helps with mechanism engagement and quiets them down considerably. However, due to the design, you'll have to keep an eye out on contaminants entering your mechanism system and the condition/quantity of lubricant remaining over time.
I'm not saying these are absolute garbage. I'm not saying everyone hated them either. You have to accept the issues when deciding to own or use them. In a way these remind me of Jaguars in the early 2000s and below. Some of them look great, but you have to accept you may have mechanical/electrical issues with your car. It is the quirk of the brand for the vintage.
With the myriad of issues, the high expense of the repair kits Sears had to absorb, and Easco being sued over patent infringement, things didn't look good for either the SS or Lifetime ratchets. In the video, I compared the SS/Lifetime ratchets to the Premium Grade Craftsman ratchets. Both were very expensive for their time, both had issues depending on the circumstances, had availability/warranty procurement issues, and repair kits were rare.
Whether DIY or professional, people vote with their dollars on what gives them the best perceived value. Unfortunately, the SS/Lifetime ratchets didn't make the cut.
Last edited:
hurstmuscle
New member
Thanks for all the info! I watched the video Dr Doom.
Born in 1987, my dad has had all 3 sizes in his toolbox ever since I can remember! He would never use them, and told me that they were rare/not any good.
He gave me that toolbox, and I'm debating whether to keep or sell.
Born in 1987, my dad has had all 3 sizes in his toolbox ever since I can remember! He would never use them, and told me that they were rare/not any good.
He gave me that toolbox, and I'm debating whether to keep or sell.
davethorik
Well-known member
At new job they have a Craftsman ss ratchet in 3/8 they bought brand new from Sears in 92 (so im told) they keep with one of the machining centers also bought that year. It is so worn you can't read the rubber grips, the head is bent slightly back which is actually a good thing for knuckle clearance. Lots of wear. Old timer says fine for running fasteners but will skip if you get rough on it. The head is very thin on these.
It is only one I've ever seen in person. Wish I would have grabbed a pic.
It is only one I've ever seen in person. Wish I would have grabbed a pic.
SevenBlocksofGranite
New member
I need a ratchet repair kit for a 1/4 drive craftsman stainless ratchet. Can you help me? Thank you