m12 non-fuel 1/4 ratchet slipping / stripped(?) under load

My little Milwaukee ratchet has suddenly developed slippage. Free spinning it works fine but if I grab hold of the socket, the mechanism clicks but I can hold the socket from rotating. I'm debating the $30 rebuild kit or replacing the whole thing ($120 or $170 for the fuel). Obviously, $30 is better but I don't feel like I KNOW the kit is going to fix it.

I've got it apart and while the pawl teeth aren't sharp, they don't seem really rounded off to me. Same goes for the ring gear. I took pictures but doubt enough detail will come through - I may use an actual camera to get better shots than the phone can manage.

1st..anyone else run into this? It's got a fair bit of use but way less than I'd expect to need a rebuild.

2nd..anyone willing to lay odds rebuild kit fixes it?

3rd..any deals on the ratchets anyone knows of? I've been happy with the non-fuel ratchet and don't feel brushless adds a lot to the ratchet...unless that redesigned head is stronger than the non-fuel and will avoid a repeat of this scenario..

ahm

If it's under five years old you send it into Milwaukee and they will either fix or replace it. Why **** around with it yourself when the tool maker gives you a five year warranty? Let Milwaukee deal with it.

I'd had the same thing recently with my 3/8". I was in the same boat of a $30 kit or $99 tool since mine is hammered looking. Tore down the head and thought the teeth were kind of rounded until I saw photos of the rebuild kit teeth, and they were the same.

I did stumble on to reading that as grease and dirt get into the pressure plate springs they don't hold tension and the mechanism floats, or something along those lines. Cleaned everything out wellll, and it's been working fine again. We'll see for how long, but worth a shot.

dnschmidt said:

If it's under five years old you send it into Milwaukee and they will either fix or replace it. Why **** around with it yourself when the tool maker gives you a five year warranty? Let Milwaukee deal with it.

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If ihateminimumwage's suggestion doesn't work (give it a good cleaning and see how she runs) I'll do that...but my recollection is I should expect 6weeks minimum to get it returned. I'd consider buying one in the interim AND send this one back.

ahm

There a pin that likes to slip, its the one that locates the pawl. You need to push it in further, when it slips, the pawl *****. I ended up making a slightly longer pin.

ex-x-fire said:

There a pin that likes to slip, its the one that locates the pawl. You need to push it in further, when it slips, the pawl *****. I ended up making a slightly longer pin.

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Interesting - I wasn't sure the purpose of the pins in the pawl/drive assembly. I assume you're referring to the single pin rather than either of the two separate pairs. I'll have to disassemble it further and see if I can understand what you're saying. Appreciate the hint.. I'm without a lathe - is the pin a standard diameter I could buy drill rod for and cut to length (if you remember)? Thanks!

ahm

I think I used an old drill bit.

Nice and simple thanks! I'll see if I can sort out which pin it is and give that a try.

ahm