Matco 88 Tooth Ratchet Repair Kit in Gearwrench 84T

[ThrifyGarage]

I've heard rumors that this modification can be performed. I picked up a GearWrench 81206F 3 Pc. Full Polish 84 Tooth Ratchet Set for $65 and 88 tooth rebuild kits from Matco for under $15/each. So far I have completed the 3/8" ratchet build. I am working on a YouTube video for the install. I will be sure to update on any issues I discover.

For those interested in doing similar mods the Matco part numbers are as follows:
1/4" Rebuild Kit: AFR8TKB
3/8" Rebuild Kit: BFR8TKB
1/2" Rebuild Kit: CFR8TKB

From what research I have performed this may not work for the new 120XP Gearwrench ratchets but should work on 60, 84 and 90 tooth ratchets.

Here is the completed 3/8" Gearwrench ratchet next to a 60 tooth Matco Flexhead.

Prior to dissasembly here is the Gearwrench next to a 36 tooth 3/8" ratchet.

Everything laid out with all the part numbers.

I removed the snap ring.

Removed the cover plate and the 84 tooth ring.

Next, I removed the pawl and the spring.

Last, I removed the drive selector.

The Ratchets didn't have this detent ball.

Here is a look at the parts laid out next to each other. Matco on the left, pretty much identical other than the drive selector and the number "2" on the Matco contrasting the "84-3/8" on the Gearwrench pawl.

Next, was time for reassembly.

Boom! Done!

Here is a look next to the unmodified 1/2" Gearwrench.

I'll throw in the Matco for comparsion.

Out of curiosity I also installed the 84 tooth internals inside the 60 tooth Matco. No issues whatsoever.

I'll be sure to followup with an update in the coming weeks on the 1/4" and 1/2" ratchets.

 

[Flyordie]

Good write-up. The MATCO kits are pretty good. Glad MATCO was able to keep production in the USA on that.

 

[demarpaint]

What makes the MATCO parts better? Stronger metal? From the pictures they look nearly identical. Pawl color and selector lever look slightly different. Thanks.

 

[Fedwrench]

The gear cover on the new Gearwrench 90 tooth ratchets are shaped differently so, at least that part of the interchange won't work. The 90 tooth gears were updated but, look the same.

 

[thr3squared]

very nice write up! This may be a stupid question- I see the Super Lube packet is picture, but how/where exactly does it need to be applied before sealing up the mechanism again?

 

[ThrifyGarage]

Good write-up. The MATCO kits are pretty good. Glad MATCO was able to keep production in the USA on that.

I didn't even notice that. That is pretty cool. I wonder where the Gearwrench rebuild kits are made? I think they are all Taiwan and China.

What makes the MATCO parts better? Stronger metal? From the pictures they look nearly identical. Pawl color and selector lever look slightly different. Thanks.

What makes a Lexus better than Toyota, Acura-Honda, Lincoln-Ford?

I can't definitively say what makes the Matco better than the Gearwrench. Yes, visually they look identical aside from the selector lever's obvious differences. They could be identical with the exception of the stamp in the handle. Or they could have a different coating/materials, etc...

The gear cover on the new Gearwrench 90 tooth ratchets are shaped differently so, at least that part of the interchange won't work. The 90 tooth gears were updated but, look the same.

Sounds similar to the older 36 tooth Matco ratchets I have. I haven't seen the 90 tooth design. I've heard the 120XP is a 60 tooth drive with a dual paul mechanism.

That's interesting, I just looked them up. They are quite different. I wonder if it's due to the change in brands under Apex Tool group.

 

[ThrifyGarage]

very nice write up! This may be a stupid question- I see the Super Lube packet is picture, but how/where exactly does it need to be applied before sealing up the mechanism again?

There was a tube in each rebuild kit. Plenty in one tube to lubricate all three ratchets. I simply ripped off the end and squoze out a small amount on the moving parts.

I put on the cover plate an turned the ratchet a few revolutions and here is what the underside looks like.

 

[Flyordie]

I didn't even notice that. That is pretty cool. I wonder where the Gearwrench rebuild kits are made? I think they are all Taiwan and China.

MATCO uses AJ Manufacturing in Illinois to do theirs now. I have a few of the original 88T Armstrong rebuild kits for the 3/8" drive. I actually have ALOT of ratchet rebuild kits for various Apex/Armstrong ratchets.

In the picture- The bags in the left hand side of the drawer and the bags behind the blue Armstrong box and the bags front right drawer.. Armstrong 88 3/8" drive kits. As for why I have so many... ordered 2 36T kits for my torque wrenchs.. They sent 2 88 kits. Tried again.. 1 36T kit and 1 88T kit. lol. idk what happened.

The brown colored bags are the Craftsman USA Premium 84T kits. I have 1 for each drive size.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would have put the lube on the teeth and the selector mechanism, but that's just me and almost everyone else I guess.

The OP is correct that you don't need a whole lot for it to function properly.

 

[thr3squared]

I would have put the lube on the teeth and the selector mechanism, but that's just me and almost everyone else I guess.

The OP is correct that you don't need a whole lot for it to function properly.

So would it hurt to put a light coat on the teeth and selector PLUS the spot the OP mentioned?



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[thr3squared]

There was a tube in each rebuild kit. Plenty in one tube to lubricate all three ratchets. I simply ripped off the end and squoze out a small amount on the moving parts.

Thanks!


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[d.mcfarland]

So would it hurt to put a light coat on the teeth and selector PLUS the spot the OP mentioned?



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Absolutely not.

 

[Spacey_G]

I've been running 84T Gearwrench kits in my Armstrong 10-994 and 11-994 locking flex heads. They're indistinguishable from the original 88T kits.

 

[chappys4life]

For those interested in doing similar mods the Matco part numbers are as follows:
1/4" Rebuild Kit: AFR8TKB
3/8" Rebuild Kit: BFR8TKB
1/2" Rebuild Kit: CFR8TKB

Are these available to order online? I have a few gearwrench 60 tooth ratchets that could use this upgrade

 

[lardy1]

I have a 1/2" drive 84 tooth that Gearwrench warranted because the selector switch moved under load and would lock up. I think I'll put one of these in it and see if it resolves the issue.

 

[Skin]

Are these available to order online? I have a few gearwrench 60 tooth ratchets that could use this upgrade

The 1/4 and 1/2 are. You have to call for the 3/8 or 3/8 compact. If you're trying to fix a ratchet they mail them for free otherwise they're ~$13 + shipping unless you hit the free shipping threshold which varies between $50, $75, and $99.

 

[chappys4life]

On the 3/8 ratchet kits. I see you list 3/8" rebuild Kit: BFR8TKB but should it be BFR8TKA?
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR8TKA/3-8-DRIVE-88-TOOTH-RATCHET-REPAIR-KIT/

I was looking at the rebuild kits for 88 tooth ratchets and all of them list BFR8TKA? Or maybe it has been changed?