Armstrong ratchet repair, 36 tooth.

[plinker]

Well I had a pawl explode into four pieces last fall (dont ask), the correct repair kit is a 12-990, not to be found anywhere. Another thread I had about making a 1/2 in 3/8 body ratchet one member put one of those kits in a 11-972, no issues.

That got me thinking, so I dug out my brothers Gearwrench torque wrench (US made 36 tooth #85054) Took it apart and the pawl & gear are an identical fit except that the Armstrong has a slight bevel since it has a different selector lever that gets peened in place like older Snap-on ratchets.

So I picked up a repair kit for a Matco TRC250 (Same torque wrench as the Gearwrench) from my dealer today and all parts fit fine and it functions fine by hand. The issue is the selector lever, I reshaped the peened part and it fit back in, it may need some Loctite 609 retaining compound to keep it there though.

Overall this seems to work fine as long as you dont need a selector lever. It would be nice if kits were available, last one I saw was 35$ (which is what the ratchet Apex would send for a replacement costs), cant find any now.


Pic 1, selector differences
pic 2, exploded pawl
pic 3, a 12-972 compared to the 85054

 

[plinker]

pic 1, 12-973 new pawl compared to a 12-972 peened selector

pic 2, 12-973 with new pawl (installed backwards) compared to the torque wrench

pic 3, better pic of the selectors, top one is the original, the other is the Matco.

 

[jsmeece]

Why not just purchase a new or used 12-972 ratchet off Ebay, likely less than $35 dollars.
Check out this listing on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ratchets-1-2-dr-Armstrong-chrome-finish-12-972-MIUSA/183144926938

He has New 12-972 ratchets for $30 shipped, I bought one last week. Since, he listed them as salesman examples, I wanted to make sure they were complete and usable before I ordered another. Got it last week, was a complete ratchet with guts so I ordered another one tonight.

I do not think there is much interest in Armstrong ratchets theses days. You might be able to get the last 2 for $55 shipped if you e-mail him beforehand, he seems willing to deal.

 

[mikebaker1129]

PM sent !
I had the same issue with finding a kit,my issue was the selector was broken on 2 ratchets.

 

[davethorik]

I do not think there is much interest in Armstrong ratchets theses days. You might be able to get the last 2 for $55 shipped if you e-mail him beforehand, he seems willing to deal.

I think the 60/88t definitely overshadowed those 36t. I had a long 1/2 for a while but never got around to liking it. Thought maybe it was a coarse tooth thing at first, bc I like Armstrong handles...but after getting 20something tooth Snap-on and 30t Cornwell later, realized it wasn't that. Too bad, as it was a sharp looking ratchet, and I like long 1/2.

Op, good to know. Knowledge like this is the biggest thing of what makes this place great.

 

[jsmeece]

I think the 60/88t definitely overshadowed those 36t. I had a long 1/2 for a while but never got around to liking it. Thought maybe it was a coarse tooth thing at first, bc I like Armstrong handles...but after getting 20something tooth Snap-on and 30t Cornwell later, realized it wasn't that. Too bad, as it was a sharp looking ratchet, and I like long 1/2.

I am not a professional mechanic, so really do not want to spend a fortune on a ratchet. I REALLY like their handles, and for my purposes, they serve my needs and are comfortable in my hand. These things are built like a tank too, well in my opinion. If I need a fine too ratchet, I can always reach for my Carlyles, Gearwrenchs or the old and trusty Craftsman RHFTs.