Brought a vintage "butterfly" Craftsman ratchet back to life

[DIYJus]

With all the snow we had here over the past 2 days I have some time to get a side project done. A friend had given me an old "flying-v" or "butterfly" Craftsman ratchet that was completely locked up with the hopes I could get it back in shape. Spoiler alert: It's alive!

As an aside note; I used the Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner on some parts and was quite happy with it.

As always, I'm still learning and "new" to video production. I am open to suggestions and opinions. Thanks!

Link for Tapatalk users:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEa4L4P9yNY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[wrenchr]

Those are neat ratchets.

 

[4Kings]

I watched the video and for the life of me can't figure out why it was locked up. It didn't look bad inside at all, unless the bearing was scored of which you mentioned some wear.

Anyway... nice job on the video

 

[FJ 432]

Well, I watched it to the end because I have one that needs refreshing.

Having painfully watch a friend's RC videos I thought your camera angle was great and kept everything in focus. Sped up at all the right times and no annoying music. Good clear voice/microphone.

Great job on the video.

 

[Username already in use]

Nice video. Glad to see that it was in serviceable shape after being locked like that. I bet that ultrasonic cleaner is nice to have around!

I was fortunate to find an original rebuild kit compete with instructions at a second hand store early last year. Here are some pics.

 

[wrenchr]

That kit is cool.

 

[DIYJus]

I watched the video and for the life of me can't figure out why it was locked up. It didn't look bad inside at all, unless the bearing was scored of which you mentioned some wear. Anyway... nice job on the video

Thanks! Yes, I wondered the same thing?! I put the ratchet anvil in a vice and couldn't move the handle at all; it was that locked up. The ultrasonic cleaner's heat and vibration must have loosened up some old grease or something inside. A couple of taps with the hammer and it started moving again. Inside there was evidence of almost a solid wax-type coating and some unknown grit. I'm really happy with the results though. I'd love to be able to re-chrome the butterfly selector to make it perfect though!

 

[wrenchr]

Yup I like them.

 

[EOC_Jason]

The "old" WD40 will turn to varnish after it sits for a number of years. That's kind of what looked like on the back of the selector switch you could see the imprint of the pawl...

On a side note, I'm glad I know a guy with tons of rebuild kits... I've bought a lot of vintage ratchets but only needed one kit thus far. Usually they are just gunked up beyond belief and a good cleaning brings them back to like-new operation.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I worked at sears in the early 80's and rebuilt so many of those ratchets, most people wanted the v switch replace with the newer style, but came with the rebuilt bit. Too bad I didn't keep a bunch of the left over parts and kits.

 

[DIYJus]

Nice video. Glad to see that it was in serviceable shape after being locked like that. I bet that ultrasonic cleaner is nice to have around!

I was fortunate to find an original rebuild kit compete with instructions at a second hand store early last year. Here are some pics.

That rebuild kit is amazing. Now that I know what they look like, I'll keep an eye out at yard sales, etc...

Still haven't returned the ratchet yet with all the snow we've had earlier this week. Did have a member offer to send me another ratchet to do, so I'm looking forward to that one showing up now!

 

[M6erfan]

Another good vid Jus.

A couple of notes (If I may)....

I was taught to never grease a spring, only oil. Grease might impede the springs movement, especially very light springs. I have no idea if this is true, but it makes sense to me and that's the way I've always done it.

Also, IMO you probably could have used 1/2 the amount of grease and been fine.

The vid was great with good focus & clear audio. But no blooper at the end? (JK)

Good job

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Only lube I ever used on any ratchet was ATF. Most of the time I stripped out the Snappy flex head before they needed to be cleaned and lubed.

Capt. Chrysler

 

[mjoekingz28]

Thanks DIYJus.

The idea of depressing the ball to let in light oil or a penetrant is cool. I used to just wipe with what I had or put a drop on the ball, but I don't think I have ever depressed the ball to let some inside.


I will probably do this now to every ratchet and extension I own now.




I do wonder though, how the ball got inside the piece? How IS the ball inside?

 

[Username already in use]

I do wonder though, how the ball got inside the piece? How IS the ball inside?

A hole is drilled, spring is placed, ball is put on and then 'staked' into place. I haven't yet, but I've got a few detent balls to replace on some extensions. HERE is a good thread to read.

 

[DIYJus]

Another good vid Jus.

A couple of notes (If I may)....I was taught to never grease a spring, only oil. Grease might impede the springs movement, especially very light springs. I have no idea if this is true, but it makes sense to me and that's the way I've always done it. Also, IMO you probably could have used 1/2 the amount of grease and been fine. Good job

Thanks M6erfan. Yes, you may always give suggestions! I agree with not really greasing springs. (beyond a cursory anti-corrosion coating) Especially the very thin/light ones. In this one's defense though, it was amazingly strong. It surprised me actually.

Yes, I think I had a little more grease on there than I intended, but only noticed it in post-production. I need to work on keeping my work in frame and doing the job 100% right. The good news is that in this ratchet's case, it will work out just fine. I'd like to feel how it ran using just 3-in-1 oil. I suspect it would be even nicer. We'll see what the owner thinks. I have a 2nd ratchet that's locked-up from him. It's a 1964 SnapOn 3/8 drive. I've come down with a nasty cold, so nothing will be done on my end for a little while as I can barely remember where I am at the moment.

 

[DIYJus]

Returned the ratchet today! The owner was happy and surprised that it worked. I think he got a bigger kick out of how clean it is and that it's "famous" on YouTube. (like 174 views is much) LOL! More to come once I get back from working out of town for the rest of the week. Please keep any comments coming. Thanks!

 

[mjoekingz28]

I have been going through all of my extensions, ratchets, etc that have the ball detent to hold the socket in place and pushing them down and getting Kroil, PB blaster, WD40 Penetrant, Liquid Wrench in there, but I worry that the stuff is counter productive since on the top of my metal Kroil can where some drips down when I use it and now there is rust on the top of my Kroil can.

I just kind of thought the stuff would prevent rust instead of actually promoting it. Do you think a different kind of oil, one that is actually light enough to fit into the valve, would be better suit to keep it functioning correctly over the years?

 

[DIYJus]

...pushing them down and getting Kroil, PB blaster, WD40 Penetrant, Liquid Wrench in there, but I worry that the stuff is counter productive since on the top of my metal Kroil can where some drips down when I use it and now there is rust on the top of my Kroil can.

I just kind of thought the stuff would prevent rust instead of actually promoting it. Do you think a different kind of oil, one that is actually light enough to fit into the valve, would be better suit to keep it functioning correctly over the years?

Yes! It's counter-intuitive, but not all petroleum based products are good corrosion inhibitors. I won't pretend to be an expert, or an engineer and know "why" this is but I will tell you that I check the product's documentation and literature/reviews to see if it will protect well.

Kroil is an amazing penetrant, but has lower than average corrosion protection. In fact, some people believe it may accelerate corrosion on plated or otherwise coated metal. It can break down the coating, leaving exposed metal, or perhaps changing the PH in the process.

Stuff like WD-40 and PB Blaster work OK, but are so thin that they may dissipate too quickly for lasting protection. Really, standard 3-in-1 oil may be the easiest to find, cheapest choice that lubricates well, lasts well, and protects against corrosion.

Anyone else have an easy to come by solution?

 

[mbshop]

Very nice. The discussion of oil or grease will go on till time stops. My experiance before and during my stint as a mechanic and mac dealer has always been oil only. I have seen the results of grease with chipped teeth.

 

[disston]

Good video. I watched it all the way thru which is saying a lot.

I use Kroil oil for ratchets that are gritty and need rust removed. Then I follow with Sterrett instrument oil. it's a light oil. Small plastic squeeze bottle lasts a long time.

The ratchet was locked up because of the crud inside. If it had been oiled at all when it was younger it may never have been that bad but unfortunately we let these things slide. Since I've slowed down some with getting older I think I will oil my ratchets more often now instead of only when they need it.

I'd also would measure that ball so I could get another someday.

First time I've seen the Snap On tool. Thanks

 

[ptgarcia]

Yes! It's counter-intuitive, but not all petroleum based products are good corrosion inhibitors. I won't pretend to be an expert, or an engineer and know "why" this is but I will tell you that I check the product's documentation and literature/reviews to see if it will protect well.

Kroil is an amazing penetrant, but has lower than average corrosion protection. In fact, some people believe it may accelerate corrosion on plated or otherwise coated metal. It can break down the coating, leaving exposed metal, or perhaps changing the PH in the process.

Stuff like WD-40 and PB Blaster work OK, but are so thin that they may dissipate too quickly for lasting protection. Really, standard 3-in-1 oil may be the easiest to find, cheapest choice that lubricates well, lasts well, and protects against corrosion.

Anyone else have an easy to come by solution?

I think the next time I take a ratchet apart I'm going to lube it with gun oil.

Paul

 

[ALLFAST]

An interesting thread ! I was just using an old 3/8 drive wing ratchet earlier to remove my refrigerator's rear cover to vacuum it out. It was purchased new in the mid 60s as far as I know.

I néed to oil it. Has anyone tried this stuff? It is highly recommended by a few hard line old plumbers that I know. My local Ace carries it. Now I need to go find some vintage ratchet rebuild kits !!!

 

[ALLFAST]

The extender nozzle is very cool

 

[M6erfan]

Really, standard 3-in-1 oil may be the easiest to find, cheapest choice that lubricates well, lasts well, and protects against corrosion.

Anyone else have an easy to come by solution?

IMO, 3-in-1 is more than adequate for oiling ratchet springs etc. For all the reasons you sited above...

 

[bareass172]

My $.02 - I put a very small amount of grease directly on the detent ball. I then depress with a small screwdriver and run my finger across it several times, pushing down the ball as I rub across, and working the grease into and behind the ball. After a couple "runs" I can feel the grease working behind the ball and the ball beginning to rotate as I run my finger across. I use such a small amount I believe it's about equivalent to oil, but it works great for me.
I shy away from using spray lubes like WD-40 on stuff like this because WD will actually break up and displace any oil/grease you may have. The spray stuff feels great when you first spray it on, but it doesn't have the longevity of oil or grease.

 

[crackit]

I néed to oil it. Has anyone tried this stuff? It is highly recommended by a few hard line old plumbers that I know. My local Ace carries it. Now I need to go find some vintage ratchet rebuild kits !!!

I haven't tried Zoom oil for ratchets, but it works well for electric motors. It's rated for high temperatures.

 

[disston]

I haven't tried Zoom oil for ratchets, but it works well for electric motors. It's rated for high temperatures.

So would this be an example of over kill using something rated for High Temperature on something that doesn't get hot?

I've been around a long time. The new miracle oil Fad is always with us. They come and they go. Every once in awhile something new does provide some benefit.

 

[mjoekingz28]

I think the next time I take a ratchet apart I'm going to lube it with gun oil.

Paul

Gun oil is good stuff. There are plenty brands/types to choose from.

 

[ptgarcia]

Gun oil is good stuff. There are plenty brands/types to choose from.

Yes there is. I have a few at home to choose from.

 

[disston]

I have used gun oil and have several of those. I think Hoppe's #9 tho is not oil, is it? It dries out doesn't it? Provides protection but I don't think it's oily.

 

[DIYJus]

I've used "Remoil" with good results. (in fact, I keep meaning to feature it in one of the vids just for diversity)

 

[Renchi]

Nice video.

 

[ptgarcia]

I have used gun oil and have several of those. I think Hoppe's #9 tho is not oil, is it? It dries out doesn't it? Provides protection but I don't think it's oily.

Hoppes #9 is a line of products and has a Lubricating Oil as well as the Gun Bore Cleaner so many people have used over the decades.

 

[DIYJus]

Hoppes #9 is a line of products and has a Lubricating Oil as well as the Gun Bore Cleaner so many people have used over the decades.

I looked into this and was pleasantly surprised! I am used to just the #9 cleaner you use after a range day. Does anyone have experience using their elite oil on their tools or a ratchet? I'd like to see how it works.

 

[SuperCat]

Great video, thanks for taking the time and effort to post it.
There will always be a debate about grease vs. oil, what kind of each, etc.
I have always used high temp synthetic wheel bearing grease for traditional ratchet mechanisms like your Craftsman, up to 44 teeth. I have also had good luck with grease in the SK 45170 round head ratchet, but it has a different mechanism. After 44 teeth, oil only or they will slip/skip teeth, etc. Some ratchet brands function better with oil, period. YMMV, experiment and see what works best for you. Most of my ratchets are 24 to 72 teeth, but last year I was victimized by the hot deals thread and purchased the Gearwrench 120 XP ratchet set. Really nice, they are great in tight spots, but I like the sound and feel of the old Craftsman style ratchets. I'm not a pro wrench, just a shade tree DIYer.

 

[Corndoggeh]

Nice video. Glad to see that it was in serviceable shape after being locked like that. I bet that ultrasonic cleaner is nice to have around!

I was fortunate to find an original rebuild kit compete with instructions at a second hand store early last year. Here are some pics.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Awesome video and I know this will be hard to believe but our internet (att ) was out and these two were sitting on my desk just waiting to be taken apart and cleaned/serviced.
So, I tried to do something productive and ran across your video at the same time

​

 

[DIYJus]

Awesome video and I know this will be hard to believe but our internet (att ) was out and these two were sitting on my desk just waiting to be taken apart and cleaned/serviced.
So, I tried to do something productive and ran across your video at the same time

​

Thanks,

For the life of me, I can't think of a reason for that type of ratchet. I've seen that they are rare, but I'm confused! Do they sell a compatible item currently? How in the world do you end up with 2 of em? LOL!

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Thanks,
For the life of me, I can't think of a reason for that type of ratchet. I've seen that they are rare, but I'm confused!
Do they sell a compatible item currently?

How in the world do you end up with 2 of em? LOL!

• No craftsman does not make anything like this currently, AFAIK....
• I collect cool tools and got these for about half of what they are selling for on ebay...and if need be I can always sell them and get my $ back. Dont ask me how many wilton vises or craftsman block sanders I have