plinker
Well-known member
Here is how to take apart a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver for cleaning, greasing or converting to interchangeable blades/shanks.
Edit to add (4/23/18); The following applies to all ratcheting screwdrivers, 1/4 spinner handles and T handles branded for Snap-on, Williams, New Holland, Brownells (blue T-handle).
The mini ratcheting screwdrivers cant be disassembled that I know of.
You will need these type of pliers, mini needle nose.
Here is the notch for the retaining spring.
Step 1: Put screwdriver in locked position, mark/make note of retaining spring notch location. This will help in lining up when putting back together.
Step 2: Take fine needle nose pliers and squeeze retainer spring nubs together and lift cap up. The reverse cap shouldnt be on too tight to where you need to pry it off.
Here is the cap removed with a shank in place
This is what you'll have with the fixed shank removed.
Step 3: Make sure you dont lose any internals. There is a plunger that likes to move or stay in the cap. pic has the soft grip and hard handle shown.
asfar as I can tell there is no differnce in the internals.
Step 4: If rebuilding, replace parts and skip to step5 If removing shank to allow multiple shanks/blades remove "spring ring retainer" from shank.(looks like a lock washer)
*Notice the soft grip handle has a rubber washer/bushing that fits in the reverse cap. This helps hold the interchangeable shank/blades in the handle. I need to find a source for these. It will work without it, but would hold the shank/blade better with it.
Step 5: Reinstalling the reverse cap; find out where the notch for the retaining spring tabs go if you didnt mark the location. Place retaining ring on handle partof screwdriver squeeze the tabs together and place cap on screwdriver. Remove pliers and make sure cap is fully seated. *** similar to taking apart an S-K round head ratchet.
*This step is fairly difficult, it helps to have a third hand and/or a vise. It may take a few trys to get it right. I have taken all of mine apart several times and I still have some trouble once in a while.
Notes.....
Taking out the pawl & gear for cleaning/greasing isnt difficult. Basically all parts just drop back in place. One thing that grease will do is quiet down the clicking noise. It does not take much.
The soft grip handle has a smaller notch for the retaining spring, therefore you may need smaller tip pliers.
The part #'s for the black end cap is: SSDMR4A200R 3.20$
The part # for the black reverse cap is: SSDMR4A6J 5.15$
The lime & black screwdriver I picked up off of ebay reasonable, it was missing the end cap and the reverse cap was shrunk from heat I think.
Anyway I replaced them and it looks kinda cool.
Handle size differnces
My ratcheting screwdriver collection.
I think this should cover everything, unless I missed somthing....
Sorry about the pic's they were really good but somehow got to look cartoonish for some reason?
Edit to add (4/23/18); The following applies to all ratcheting screwdrivers, 1/4 spinner handles and T handles branded for Snap-on, Williams, New Holland, Brownells (blue T-handle).
The mini ratcheting screwdrivers cant be disassembled that I know of.
You will need these type of pliers, mini needle nose.
Here is the notch for the retaining spring.
Step 1: Put screwdriver in locked position, mark/make note of retaining spring notch location. This will help in lining up when putting back together.
Step 2: Take fine needle nose pliers and squeeze retainer spring nubs together and lift cap up. The reverse cap shouldnt be on too tight to where you need to pry it off.
Here is the cap removed with a shank in place
This is what you'll have with the fixed shank removed.
Step 3: Make sure you dont lose any internals. There is a plunger that likes to move or stay in the cap. pic has the soft grip and hard handle shown.
asfar as I can tell there is no differnce in the internals.
Step 4: If rebuilding, replace parts and skip to step5 If removing shank to allow multiple shanks/blades remove "spring ring retainer" from shank.(looks like a lock washer)
*Notice the soft grip handle has a rubber washer/bushing that fits in the reverse cap. This helps hold the interchangeable shank/blades in the handle. I need to find a source for these. It will work without it, but would hold the shank/blade better with it.
Step 5: Reinstalling the reverse cap; find out where the notch for the retaining spring tabs go if you didnt mark the location. Place retaining ring on handle partof screwdriver squeeze the tabs together and place cap on screwdriver. Remove pliers and make sure cap is fully seated. *** similar to taking apart an S-K round head ratchet.
*This step is fairly difficult, it helps to have a third hand and/or a vise. It may take a few trys to get it right. I have taken all of mine apart several times and I still have some trouble once in a while.
Notes.....
Taking out the pawl & gear for cleaning/greasing isnt difficult. Basically all parts just drop back in place. One thing that grease will do is quiet down the clicking noise. It does not take much.
The soft grip handle has a smaller notch for the retaining spring, therefore you may need smaller tip pliers.
The part #'s for the black end cap is: SSDMR4A200R 3.20$
The part # for the black reverse cap is: SSDMR4A6J 5.15$
The lime & black screwdriver I picked up off of ebay reasonable, it was missing the end cap and the reverse cap was shrunk from heat I think.
Anyway I replaced them and it looks kinda cool.
Handle size differnces
My ratcheting screwdriver collection.
I think this should cover everything, unless I missed somthing....
Sorry about the pic's they were really good but somehow got to look cartoonish for some reason?
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