SK ratchet mechanism loose

[drbimbu]

I recently took apart my old SK 3/8 ratchet, cleaned it all up, cleaned out the years of hardened gunk, and put it back together. But now the whole ratcheting mechanism has about 1/4" of play in it where it will slide back or forward in the handle. Do the snap rings wear thin or something? I just took it apart and cleaned it, but will probably need to get the rebuild kit I'm guessing.

 

[Rabid Badger]

If I had to guess I'd say you don't have the snap ring seated properly. Without a picture of the disassembled parts it's hard to tell whether you need a rebuild kit.

 

[DSLTRK]

Check the condition of the annular groove in the ratchet body. If that is excessively worn, it may be better to submit the entire ratchet to SK for replacement. Or buy a new one if the old one gave a long service.

 

[d.mcfarland]

A rebuild kit normally fixes this issue.

 

[ken w.]

SK will send you a rebuild kit for free if you request one on the website under customer service. If the rebuild kit doesn't help , then send the ratchet in.

 

[vssjim]

I have repaired or rebuilt a lot of SK ratchets some look like they had been left in a rusty and grease pit but I have never had one that loose. take it back apart and look every thing over. I have seen them loose from radial wear and the snap ring worn but nothing like a 1/4

 

[gatlibs]

I bought an old roto that is sloppy now that it was cleaned. I might try to swap ratcheting mechanisms in it to test how the slop changes. I don't think that it is fair for SK to warrant something that I bought used. I'd buy another new DT80 mechanism instead. Also, SK can't warrant the body any more.
If anybody thinks that SK ratchet in the particular issue of slop work best with a certain lubricant, then please list it.

 

[bpjr]

I have an SK that's loose too...not 1/4" but sloppy. The snap ring groove seems to be worn and it lets the mechanism **** enough to lock up under stress. Cleaning/lube doesn't make a difference. I bought it used so don't want to task SK for free stuff. Will probably buy a new one.

 

[DSLTRK]

I have an SK that's loose too...not 1/4" but sloppy. The snap ring groove seems to be worn and it lets the mechanism **** enough to lock up under stress. Cleaning/lube doesn't make a difference. I bought it used so don't want to task SK for free stuff. Will probably buy a new one.

I'd agree that 1/4" of axial anvil play is extreme for a 3/8" ratchet.

OP do you have pictures?

 

[lardy1]

That seems like a lot of slop. I have several SK ratchets in different drives and configurations. While they are my go to ratchet most of the time, nearly all of them are sloppy. It doesn't bother me.

 

[gatlibs]

I bought an old roto that is sloppy now that it was cleaned. I might try to swap ratcheting mechanisms in it to test how the slop changes. I don't think that it is fair for SK to warrant something that I bought used. I'd buy another new DT80 mechanism instead. Also, SK can't warrant the body any more.
If anybody thinks that SK ratchet in the particular issue of slop work best with a certain lubricant, then please list it.

My slop was the groove in the ratcheting mechanism where the clip rides. I won't even try to cheap SK for a new mechanism. I'll just buy a DT of the slop gets too much for me.

 

[mikebaker1129]

There is a small kit that comes with a new pawl,spring,detent, and clip .
You get everything but the selector and anvil .

They sell for around $1 or less.
Kit# 45170-9
I purchased a few of these from an online vendor, I have had success repairing the ratchets unless the ball in the anvil is stuck.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Here is the kit.