Ratchet repair...or replace it. Raised Panel 1/2"

[duneslider]

I have a 1/2" Craftsman raised panel ratchet that the selector switch has broken off. No idea how it happened but it was there and then a minute later it wasn't. I did an ebay search and it looks like repair kits still exist for about 25 bucks. I can buy a new ratchet of dubious craftsman quality for roughly the same price. I'm not a particular fan of the raised panel ratchet and it's pretty short for a 1/2" drive but it was part of my first tool set when I was young, probably got it in the early 90's.

I kind of would hate to just toss the ratchet but maybe that's the best way to "fix it". Is ebay the only place for repair kits, or can I find them cheaper someplace else.

I'm not a ratchet repair expert but is the 01066 the right repair kit?

Interestingly, way back in the late 90's the selector switch on my 3/8 drive broke and I just took it to sears and they gave me a repair kit. The only problems I have ever had with them have been the selector switch.

 

[rsanter]

Call the 1800 number and they will send a new ratchet

 

[finn]

The new ratchets are probably better than the old RP versions.

SBD , or even Lowe’s will replace it.

People say ACE is hit or miss.

 

[rust in the eye]

Its sentimental to the owner.
NO way for us to know the correct repair parts without model# or photos. Plenty of old Craftsman ratchets for sale to rob for parts.

 

[ecotec]

Its sentimental to the owner.
NO way for us to know the correct repair parts without model# or photos. Plenty of old Craftsman ratchets for sale to rob for parts.

I would find a garage/estate sale ratchet for a dollar or two as a donor, if I was really attached to it.

You could switch out the parts and then warranty the donor ratchet, if you are a cheap ***.

 

[duneslider]

I wasn't sure if Lowes would do that or not. There is some slight sentimental value there, I also have money to just buy a new ratchet, and this isn't the only ratchet I own. I don't use 1/2" ratchets very often to be honest and as I think about it I probably should get me a longer 1/2" anyway but I would like to fix the one I have to keep around. I do have a newer craftsman ratchet that works fine and is "nicer" than the RP but it is also very short. When I was younger I made the short ones work by just putting some more grunt into it, now I am less interested in less effort and want the longer handle.

I may have to just pony up the money for the rebuild kit, was hoping there was a secret place to buy them that was cheaper than ebay, or as suggested look for a cheap one like I have and use it for the rebuild and possibly even warranty it. I have been known to be a cheap ***...

 

[Toold_up]

I wonder how long before there is an aftermarket repair kit for these old ratchets. There is obviously a market, and the supply is shrinking.

 

[Callelle]

Other than collecting, I see no reason to bother repairing old Craftsman stuff. Just call or email and get it warrantied, they don't even make you send back the new one so you can still hold onto it for "nostalgia".

 

[duneslider]

Other than collecting, I see no reason to bother repairing old Craftsman stuff. Just call or email and get it warrantied, they don't even make you send back the new one so you can still hold onto it for "nostalgia".

I probably will look into reaching out about the warranty but I don't have much need to keep an old ratchet around that is broken. I also don't really have that much of an issue spending 25 to fix it, its not that much money.