Help with Craftsman Ratchet 43178 circa 1971

[GarageDan]

Hi guys!

I have one of my favorite ratchets that is broken. It is Craftsman Ratchet 43178 circa 1971 USA. The mechanism works fine, but it won't hold a socket. I guess I need a repair kit but I can't figure out what the right one is. Can someone help?

 

[GarageDan]

Is it kit 43426?

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

Can you lube and loosen the little ball? [emoji38]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[GarageDan]

Can you lube and loosen the little ball? [emoji38]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

I'll take it apart last night, clean it well, and see what happens. Just use light machine oil?

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

Yeah that little ball on the side of the square drive post/lug-whatever it’s called has a tiny spring behind it to push the ball against the detent in the socket. Tap on the ball gently with a brass punch or drift. Might fix it . Spray oil in it.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[d.mcfarland]

Is that rust or dirt all over the ratchet?

 

[cmandp]

I believe all of those were quick release. Just put some penetrating oil on the ball and around the quick release button. And work the mechanism by pressing the button repeatedly while trying to get the ball to move.

 

[thesilverone]

Is that rust or dirt all over the ratchet?

looks like rust to me

 

[WWheeler]

Still use all my RHFTs regularly. One of my favorite ratchets of all time. Take it apart, give it a thorough cleaning, and lube it up.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXTMEbvn4Gg" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[GarageDan]

Is that rust or dirt all over the ratchet?

light surface rust. These tools have been regularly used, carried in trucks, cars, tractors, etc. I wouldn't mind shining them up.

 

[GarageDan]

I believe all of those were quick release. Just put some penetrating oil on the ball and around the quick release button. And work the mechanism by pressing the button repeatedly while trying to get the ball to move.

Like PB Blaster?

 

[bonneyman]

If you can't get your gear to work right, several different brands offered the RHFT. And the kits interchange.
I prefer the EASCO version with round knurled handle.

 

[930dreamer]

Drop it in a jar of transmission fluid for a week, it might free up the detent ball.

 

[Bellaireroad]

https://www.ebay.com/p/Craftsman-Ra...426-Fine-Tooth-Quick-Release-43187/1354203198


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[thesilverone]

show that work horse some love!

 

[GarageDan]

https://www.ebay.com/p/Craftsman-Ra...426-Fine-Tooth-Quick-Release-43187/1354203198


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

That is exactly the kit I ordered! I'm going to try the transmission fluid or something before I use it.

 

[Rickster]

Yup, the trans fluid soak should give it a good shot at working again!

 

[bonneyman]

Marvel Mystery Oil works well too, if you have it laying around.

 

[GarageDan]

How about 3 in 1 oil?

 

[Fedwrench]

How about 3 in 1 oil?

Three in one oil would be better than nothing but, it doesn't have the properties of ATF, marvel mystery oil, or penetrating fluid.

The issue is that repair kits for those ratchet have pretty much dried up aside from some crazy eBay sellers. You want to use the least invasive technique to bring your ratchet back to life.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I've had success with 3-1 oil when parts aren't seized. If the detent ball is moving a little, it might work.

 

[GarageDan]

Thanks guys. Y'all are very helpful.