Ratchet Rehab - Now I've really done it...

[diogenes]

I decided to disassemble my New Britain ratchet and clean it up. It was failing to lock up and slipping on me and I figured I would see what it looked like inside and see if it was salvageable.

Inside, I found dirt. Yes, dirt. At some point it must have sat in a mud puddle... The innards are not in bad shape and I cleaned it up and I am confident that it will be a smooth operator when I get it back together. Make that "if" I get it back together.

See, the problem is that in taking it apart, I broke the retaining spring clip. When I went to squeeze the ends together one of the ends broke off. I had to pry the other end up and work the ring out with pliers. So, I need to get a new snap ring for it. I have been to NAPA, ACE, Advance and Autozone with no success. None of them had the right style or size....

Anyone have any thoughts about where I can get a new snap ring for this ratchet?

 

[brockstar]

A well equipped hardware store will have the snap ring - there's nothing special about it.

 

[rhastings80]

I have even seen a limited supply of snap rings at HD and Lowes. You have to look in the screw and bolt aisle and they are usually in metal or plastic pull out drawers.

 

[diogenes]

A well equipped hardware store will have the snap ring - there's nothing special about it.

That is what I would have thought... But that's what I get for thinking.

All the places had snap rings, but not the kind (more like a piece of hardened wire) that I need. That's why I'm posing the question.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

Fastenal might have it.

 

[Randy_che]

Poke around on McMaster-Carr. Maybe they have what you are looking for.

 

[old salvage]

Is it possible to make one from music wire ?

 

[Tool Pants]

Does not sound like a snap ring, but what I call a lock ring or clip.

This is my Craftsman experience with an Easco ratchet. My ring was cut in half when I bought the ratchet, and then I made it worse when I broke the ears off trying to pull it out.

http://www.craftsmantooltalk.com/BBS/Craftsman_Tool_Collection/9158/9158/flat-page4.html

At least I can go to Sears and see if they will take the ring out of a traded in discontinued ratchet and give it to me.

 

[diogenes]

Does not sound like a snap ring, but what I call a lock ring or clip.

This is my Craftsman experience with an Easco ratchet. My ring was cut in half when I bought the ratchet, and then I made it worse when I broke the ears off trying to pull it out.

http://www.craftsmantooltalk.com/BBS/Craftsman_Tool_Collection/9158/9158/flat-page4.html

At least I can go to Sears and see if they will take the ring out of a traded in discontinued ratchet and give it to me.

Damn. That looks awful familiar. I assume you sourced the ring from Adam's collection of parts?

 

[woody 73]

Hi,

Call MSC at 1-800-645-7270 they will fix you up with the part.
or try fastenal.com

I am having a GJ member make me some New-Britain parts on his lathe so I understand about breaking parts of the ratchet!

 

[bushhawg73]

You may also want to look at SK brand ratchet repair kits. IIRC the snap ring / wire is around the same shape and size. Just a thought.

 

[dieseldodge01]

I don't know if this will help but the ring in mine a a number I-106 stamped in it, i think this is the sizing as all the NOS ratchets have that number, also if you need a kit, PM me I know where you might be able to get one.