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CMan ratchet rebuild advice needed...

J

jeepnut24

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Morrison CO
Well after spending a bit of time here, I have got the bug and want to tear my favorite Cman 3/8 ratchet apart, clean it, and rebuild it. However, Im not sure how to approach this. Should I just pull it apart and dig in? I got this as an exchange on a newer model that blew up. Ive been using it for years and its my go to ratchet at the moment. Advice is welcome. What is the best tool to pull those clips out?

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Red Green

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I have just rebuilt one of those style it is easier than the new style. I used a pair of snap ring pliers but if you have some small or extra small needle nose pliers those will work. The selector switch will come off and you will be able to see the pawl holding in the ball and spring.
 
B

Bull

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For that style, I always use a pair of needle nose with thin jaws to compress the ends of the horseshoe clip and pop the guts out. Five second operation.

Dive in, man!
 
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J

jeepnut24

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Ok, I got it apart easy enough. Two questions...
1) What is the "plug" thing at the top? It looks to be brass with a bead in the middle. It has oil stamped above it? How can I clean that out?
2) What lube should I use?

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R

Red Green

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I have been using Isky Rev lube. Mainly because I have a large jar I use when I rebuild motors. If you are somewhere warm Never Seeze works ok. Lucas or STP should work ok also.
 
W

wantedabiggergarage

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The plug is leftover from the early days of those ratchets. Originally, they were oil ratchets, and you added some occasionally. (I know people who still do only that)

Sears, uses Swepco roller lube (not easy to get). Snap-on, uses Superlube (available at HF). I have also used, White Lithium, wheel bearing grease, Lubriplate 630-aa. The main thing is to clean it well before greasing (don't mix), keep it lubed (clean and check occasionally), and use what you have handy (better to have grease, then try to use because you "don't have the right stuff).

Keep an eye on it, as they don't have rebuild kits for them anymore. (people here find/sell them sometimes)
 
1

1stwarrior95

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That brass "plug" is where you lube the ratchet without tearing it apart. Kinda like a grease zerk. That must be a pretty old ratchet. Back when quality was important!

White lithium grease works great.
 
B

Bull

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Permatex assembly lube, red. The Red Lube of Love...I learned about it from good ol' Merk.

It rules.
 
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Bull

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As a historian, I appreciate you making this known.

For me, I first became aware of it when there was a period during which Merk wrote about it all the time. He actually doesn't seem to talk about it much, anymore.

krusty the clown said:
to give credit where credit is due the RLL was actually daveblank's recomendation.........merk was the first to jump on the band wagon.
Click to expand...
 
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J

jeepnut24

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My next question was on where to find a rebuild kit. Some of the teeth are worn down a bit, but it sounds like Im out of luck on that one. Thanks all for the help. Im going to try and put it back together this evening.
 
B

Bull

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Minor tooth wear will be ok.

The suckiest part of reassembling that style is getting the ball-bearing compressed into the spring, and then holding it in place with something thin enough while you insert the pawl. They make special tools for the job, but I have always gotten by with some patience, trying different techniques, and small small screwdrivers.

Prepare to get a little frustrated, though.
 
O

Old Donn

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1stwarrior95 said:
That brass "plug" is where you lube the ratchet without tearing it apart. Kinda like a grease zerk. That must be a pretty old ratchet. Back when quality was important!

White lithium grease works great.
Click to expand...

Got one just like this, and have lubed it, (Marvel Mystery Oil), thru the top since I've owned it. It's the only C-man ratchet I've never opened up to lube. And obviously, it's head & shoulders better than any of the newer ones I own.
 
D

daveblank

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Bull said:
Minor tooth wear will be ok.

The suckiest part of reassembling that style is getting the ball-bearing compressed into the spring, and then holding it in place with something thin enough while you insert the pawl. They make special tools for the job, but I have always gotten by with some patience, trying different techniques, and small small screwdrivers.

Prepare to get a little frustrated, though.
Click to expand...

If you need one of the tools, let me know.
 
O

old salvage

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jeepnut24 said:
How can I clean the oil fitting? Right now I don't think any oil would make it through.
Click to expand...

I would just put a drop of penetrating oil (fabulous Pblaster ) or gum spirits on it and gently press the ball in and out with a tiny screwdriver. Repeat until the oil that comes out looks clean.
 
K

Kjbakke2

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Bull said:
For me, I first became aware of it when there was a period during which Merk wrote about it all the time. He actually doesn't seem to talk about it much, anymore.
Click to expand...

thats because the torch has been passed to you bull haha
 
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