1/4" Craftsman ratchet rebuild

[Straightgrain]

I picked up a 1/4" Craftsman ratchet today at a consignment store for $2. It was feeling a little sticky so I decided to take it apart, clean it up, and lube it. I couldn't figure out how to keep the check ball in place while inserting the pawl so I did a Google search which brought up a thread from Garage Journal from 2008. It showed a diagram on how to disassemble and clean a Craftsman ratchet. Included in the instructions was a drawing of an assembly tool, which I didn't have, but was able to make with the help of some plumbers tape and aviation tin snips.

Garage Journal archives were a big help, and I'd like to thank all who have contributed their expertise and good advise over the years.

 

[MrJason]

I picked up a 1/4" Craftsman ratchet today at a consignment store for $2. It was feeling a little sticky so I decided to take it apart, clean it up, and lube it. I couldn't figure out how to keep the check ball in place while inserting the pawl so I did a Google search which brought up a thread from Garage Journal from 2008. It showed a diagram on how to disassemble and clean a Craftsman ratchet. Included in the instructions was a drawing of an assembly tool, which I didn't have, but was able to make with the help of some plumbers tape and aviation tin snips.

Garage Journal archives were a big help, and I'd like to thank all who have contributed their expertise and good advise over the years.

I agree. Were it not for the great information provided by those who came before us, I would not have the collection I do, nor been able to rebuild things I long thought were lost or irrecoverable.

 

[G_P]

I got one of those ball hold down tools in a Craftsman ratchet rebuild kit. I was going to toss it figuring I would just get another one with the next rebuild kit but I ended up saving it and it has saved my *** many times over!

 

[Cato]

I'll have to try the assembly tool.

I've been using an opened paper clip with a tip smashed flat with a ball peen hammer.

 

[schmoldty]

i lost the little ball on the last craftsman i rebuilt damn things

 

[maddawg1952]

I actually bought 2 of the ball bearing holders for Craftsman ratchets...from of all places... my snap-on online sales catalogue

 

[Onedivinehammer]

Funny, the other day I ended up using the ratchets from my USA Craftsman travel set I purchased a few years back (which I never use). Both the 3/8, and 1/4 we're chunky, and clunky. Worse than I remember them being. So, I went to lube them up today, and lord and behold, I had a hell of a time trying to keep the pawl ball on its spring. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to check GJ, as the ball for the 3/8 went flying across my garage. Whoops! That suckers gone.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I lost the ball in a 1/4" ratchet and used a shotgun pellet to get by for now.

 

[Ratsofftoya]

I lost the ball in a 1/4" ratchet and used a shotgun pellet to get by for now.

Brilliant!!!

 

[priceman1414]

Haven't had to rebuild a ratchet yet, but, for when the day comes that I need to, I bought the $0.94 (shipped) Snap On ratchet repair tool XD. Found it through a topic on this forum.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I picked up a 1/4" Craftsman ratchet today at a consignment store for $2. It was feeling a little sticky so I decided to take it apart, clean it up, and lube it. I couldn't figure out how to keep the check ball in place while inserting the pawl so I did a Google search which brought up a thread from Garage Journal from 2008. It showed a diagram on how to disassemble and clean a Craftsman ratchet. Included in the instructions was a drawing of an assembly tool, which I didn't have, but was able to make with the help of some plumbers tape and aviation tin snips.

Garage Journal archives were a big help, and I'd like to thank all who have contributed their expertise and good advise over the years.

You put the ball in place, cut a plastic straw lengthwise and place it on top, put the pawl then wiggle the straw out then put everything back in. Works with bigger ball bearings as well which is what you want to use on the bar ratchets (at least the 3/8) makes them less sloppy.

I used some random sized steel ball from a wheel ball bearing (skateboard or rollerblades can't remember which one) when I realized local retail don't sell steel balls except in finished products. Don't want you building something you shouldn't be building (would be my guess).

 

[Jim C.]

Snap On makes a tool exactly for that purpose. Just ask for part/tool #SPP744. That's what you need. It costs .99 and shipping is free. Give them a call and you'll have it in a couple days.

Jim C.