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Williams B-52 ratchet and Gland wrench

S

Speed-Racer

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Aug 25, 2008
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I have tried to take apart a 3/8 Williams B-52 ratchet. The older design has a gland nut holding the gears in, which can really be stuck. Found a source on ebay for the wrench, which Williams and Snap-on discontinued. The wrench works great if you have not messed up the opening using a punch trying to remove the gland nut. I am not connected to this seller or auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GLAN...Z120424954224QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools


A picture of the ratchet.

http://cgi.ebay.com/J-H-Williams-3-...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1171|293:1|294:50
 
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B

Bull

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I just picked up one of those ratchets...cool tool to have. What other uses might it have than just servicing B-52s?
 
OP
S

Speed-Racer

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It fits the Snap-On/Williams palmster, b-54 3/8 flex head, B-53 long ratchet. Nothing else that I am aware of. Hoping the price for the wrench would drop, but the price is not moving.
 
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jwith68

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Speed-Racer said:
I have tried to take apart a 3/8 Williams B-52 ratchet. The older design has a gland nut holding the gears in, which can really be stuck.
Click to expand...

I have two B-52's and an S-52 (1/2" drive.) I have exactly the opposite problem with all three of them - I cannot get the gland nut tight and keep it that way. I love those ratchets, but it seems like every other time I use one I have to tighten it.

And yes, Bull, I wouldn't use anything else for servicing my fleet of B-52's! ;)
 
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4

48548

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Instead of a gland wrench couldn't you use an adjustable spanner with the interchangable pins to get the size that will fit? Also if you can't keep it tight I would think some loctite would help out.
 
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Joe Mamma

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May 31, 2009
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My search turned up this thread. I've got an old (1930s?) Williams S50 wrench that looks like the wrench shown in Figure 240 here:

http://alloy-artifacts.com/williams-supercompany-p4.html


The gear/ratchet mechanism is rust frozen. But, I was able to remove the side screw (and the internal spring and some type of steel insert) so I can see the insides. But, I also want to take off the large round retainging plate with 2 holes in it.

It's got the same 2 holes shown in the lower view in Figure 240. I think I need a gland wrench to get to everything? I'd hate to buy it for just this one use. Does anyone have a cheaper or better idea on how to spin the retaining plate?

The holes are 1 & 1/8" center to center.

I would love to get this thing working again.

Thanks.

Joe Mamma
 
B

Bull

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Joe, one way to get it to work without even disassembling it would be to soak the head in a jar of transmission fluid for a few days. Then, take it out and lightly tap the head, try to work the mechanism. Repeat the process as often as necessary, but if it's just rusty and not damaged, this WILL work. Saves you the cost of buying the tool.
 
OP
S

Speed-Racer

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Without the correct pin wrench applying equal turning to both sides you may mess up the holes and the ratchet is going to look awful scared. I have a B-52 where the slots are enlarged, the correct wrench just slips off, looking back, should have paid the price for the correct tool before messing up the slots on the ratchet. You could purchase an adjustable pin spanner wrench that can be used for more applications. Good advise to soak it transmission fluid for a few days/weeks. Good luck.
 
C

caper

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You might also try some 90 degree angle snap ring pliers.They come in different size pin configurations,there's probably one who's pins will fit the holes in the ratchet and you could turn the nut like a pin spanner.The bonus is eventually you'll probably find another use for them.
 
J

Joe Mamma

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Thanks for all of your suggestions. I got it open.

I have some split ring tips that go into interchangeable tip split ring pliers. I put the tips in a vise, exactly the right space apart, set the ratchets on them so the tips fit in to holes, and carefully turned. I was surprised that it didn't take much effort at all. I actually put the tips into the vise upside down because the base of the tips (which are wider) fit in the holes better.

Now it looks like I need to find some parts . . .

Joe Mamma
 
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