Bonney Lever Drive 4080 Ratchet
- Thread starter jc4635
- Start date
I received this ratchet and the center piece is worn out. Oddly, it seems to be made out of aluminum which makes me wonder if it’s the original! If anyone else has one of these ratchets taken apart with pictures that would be awesome. I’ll add pictures later today of mine.
Bill Nehrkorn
New member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2025
- Messages
- 2
Hello. I just joined GJ after seeing your post about the Bonney 4080 ratchet. I have one that I inherited from a family member about 5 years ago. It was sitting in a box disassembled. I put it together. The selector switch works in both directions. However, the gears do not engage and the ratchet handle moves 360 degrees relative to the gear set. I suspect that some parts are damaged or missing. I searched for the patent but have been unable to find it. The patent, if found should detail all the parts inside. I would appreciate the opportunity to exchange some internal pictures of the gear set with you. Perhaps we can get our ratchets working again! Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Bill.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Hello @Bill Nehrkorn and welcome to the site!
keep this link handy at all times!
and this one!
HERE is the big "Bonney" thread, but "4080" seems to be mentioned only a couple times. (use that "search" tab at top right - click the drop-down menu to search "This thread only", and enter "4080" in the box - no need to scroll through 149 pages!)
datamp.org is the "go to" place for patent information. You can search by patent number, date, OR manufacturer
Here's the datamp.org search results for "Bonney" - and it looks pretty skimpy. Whether the applicable patent number for your unit is shown there I can't say - I don't know the Bonney line well. Other members are far more conversant about Bonney.
USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office
and
Bonney at International Tool Catalog Library
and then lastly:
Run a search here (use the search funtion at top right) and simply search: "4080 ratchet" - you'll find more than a couple mentions of it.
keep this link handy at all times!
and this one!
HERE is the big "Bonney" thread, but "4080" seems to be mentioned only a couple times. (use that "search" tab at top right - click the drop-down menu to search "This thread only", and enter "4080" in the box - no need to scroll through 149 pages!)
datamp.org is the "go to" place for patent information. You can search by patent number, date, OR manufacturer
Here's the datamp.org search results for "Bonney" - and it looks pretty skimpy. Whether the applicable patent number for your unit is shown there I can't say - I don't know the Bonney line well. Other members are far more conversant about Bonney.
USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office
and
Bonney at International Tool Catalog Library
and then lastly:
Run a search here (use the search funtion at top right) and simply search: "4080 ratchet" - you'll find more than a couple mentions of it.
Cool ratchet for sure but has me asking myself, which came first, the switch lever on the ratchet or a lever on a light switch?
Looks to be a poor design on the surface, given that it appears dirt and debris can enter through the switch opening..
Please post some internal pics, maybe someone can help determine what might be missing. Many smart folks on here.
Looks to be a poor design on the surface, given that it appears dirt and debris can enter through the switch opening..
Please post some internal pics, maybe someone can help determine what might be missing. Many smart folks on here.
Bill Nehrkorn
New member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2025
- Messages
- 2
Thank you!
OP, it might be you'll just have to disassemble the ratchet and deduce how it is supposed to operate. And go from there. I've had to do that alot over the years when I acquire new-to-me ratchets. Usually they're fairly easy to figure out.
I have an old Bonney rachet #4080 that does not work anymore. It was my Dad's and I would like to get it working again. Have you every seen one of these rachets? Any idea where I could find how to repair it?
This morning, I sprayed WD40 and got it to work however, I would like to open it up and grease the guts. I was able to get one screw off but the other one is stuck. Any suggestions as how to get the other one off. I soaked it with WD40 also in the hopes it will sink in and I will be able to get it out. If I can not get it out that way, what do you suggest?
This morning, I sprayed WD40 and got it to work however, I would like to open it up and grease the guts. I was able to get one screw off but the other one is stuck. Any suggestions as how to get the other one off. I soaked it with WD40 also in the hopes it will sink in and I will be able to get it out. If I can not get it out that way, what do you suggest?
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I finally took it apart so everyone could see!🫤. Notice I have 2 ratchets, but only 1 works. The one I took apart has a hole in the center with a spring and ball that keeps tension on the underside of the slide selector. The selector also has 2 holes on one side with a smaller ball and spring in each hole for changing from forward to reverse. The 2 planetary gears are just placed in a little recess hole. The rest of how it goes together is fairly self explanatory.1947 Catalog C-1 had this information about the 4080 ratchet!!!
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Farmer J.
Well-known member
Pics look great, but I don't understand how the mechanism works!
Are the planetary gears constantly in mesh with the outer ring? Does the slide selector holder somehow ratchet on the planetary gear teeth?
Are the planetary gears constantly in mesh with the outer ring? Does the slide selector holder somehow ratchet on the planetary gear teeth?
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Farmer J.
Well-known member
The WD40 soak is a good idea. If it doesn't move maybe gently tap the top of the screwdriver whilst trying to turn it, sometimes the impact shock will free things up, but be careful not to mash up the screw head. Use a screwdriver made with the tang through the handle.
One of those hand held impact screw drivers that you hit with a hammer often works well on this sort of situation.