I had the 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch ratchets but recently bought the 1/4", flexhead 1/2 and 3/8 inch models. They are all fine except for the 1/4" where the forward/reverse knob is difficult to engage. I have to hold the drive end while turning the knob otherwise it wont engage. In practice this can be frustrating since you'll have to remove the ratchet from the fastener. I s this something that can be remedied with some RLL?
Craftsman RHFT ratchets.
- Thread starter stricht8
- Start date
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Maybe yes, maybe no. I would try a little 3 in one oil, or breakfree CLP. RLL is too thick in my opinion for any ratchet over 36 teeth but, that's just me. I would say you need to use it and break it in. The action may smooth out with use. On the other hand, if it doesn't smooth out, take it back to Sears and have them order you a new one.
Maybe yes, maybe no. I would try a little 3 in one oil, or breakfree CLP. RLL is too thick in my opinion for any ratchet over 36 teeth but, that's just me. I would say you need to use it and break it in. The action may smooth out with use. On the other hand, if it doesn't smooth out, take it back to Sears and have them order you a new one.
Yes, I thought I read in some older posts that RLL was not good in Cman ratchets but then someone else contradicted that. So I can take it back to the store even though I bought it online?
I had a similar problem with a 3/8 rebuild kit that I received. I can't change the direction without taking off the socket. It only does it with some brands though. IIRC, it has to do with how deep the detent groove is on the socket. If the groove isn't deep enough it doesn't let the little ball pop back out, and this keeps the direction mechanism from working properly. I image that if you broke it in it would start working fine.
Sokoloff
Well-known member
They have no way of knowing where you bought it. As long as you can still read the "Craftsman" on it, the store will warranty it.
Honestly, my guess is that there is nothing you can do, except maybe use it and break it in.
This is a new ratchet though.
I hear you. ATF isn't going to hurt it. If it sticks, it might be new, but it doesn't sound like it's performing properly.
Lube and use should free it up quickly. If not, there is a manufacturing flaw.
Why not, I'll dip it in ATF.
ron350
Well-known member
Yep have to agree with bull.
The picture below shows the parts that are responsible for changing direction in a Craftsman fine tooth ratchet.
It sounds like one of those parts is defective or you have foreign material jamming the works. Best thing for you would be to swap it for a new ratchet or a refund.
The picture below shows the parts that are responsible for changing direction in a Craftsman fine tooth ratchet.
It sounds like one of those parts is defective or you have foreign material jamming the works. Best thing for you would be to swap it for a new ratchet or a refund.
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Just which style ratchet does he have, anyway? if it's the style for which ron350 posted a pic of the guts, taking that back to the store will be a bad idea! They don't make that style any more and it is vastly superior to the new offerings.
Also, don't just dip it in ATF, soak it
Also, don't just dip it in ATF, soak it
TireTracks
Well-known member
Do they sell these in the store? I'm thinking of buying one or 2 after christmas.
ron350
Well-known member
Woops doesn’t RHFT mean Round Head Fine Tooth?
If so that would be Craftsman ¼” ratchet part # 43187.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00943187000P?keyword=43187&sLevel=0
More pictures.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42584&page=2
If so that would be Craftsman ¼” ratchet part # 43187.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00943187000P?keyword=43187&sLevel=0
More pictures.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42584&page=2
Wow. Bull is confused. 
I thought that particular style of ratchet was no longer made. If it is, then why do used models sell like hotcakes?
Somehow, based on my time on this site, I thought they had not been available new in quite some time. Now, I feel like I have awoken in the Twilight Zone....
I thought that particular style of ratchet was no longer made. If it is, then why do used models sell like hotcakes?
Somehow, based on my time on this site, I thought they had not been available new in quite some time. Now, I feel like I have awoken in the Twilight Zone....
Wow. I feel the same as if you told me someone I assumed dead was actually still alive.
I don't spend any time in Craftsman catalogs or their website, so I was just clueless that these are still made! Have they been in continuous production since the '70s, or did they go away and then come back? How do you ID a vintage model vs a new model?
I don't spend any time in Craftsman catalogs or their website, so I was just clueless that these are still made! Have they been in continuous production since the '70s, or did they go away and then come back? How do you ID a vintage model vs a new model?
There have been other threads on these ratchets new but as far as I know they have been in continuous production. Mine says U.S.A-KY-43187. I think the older ones say V 43187 and may have a line or two running along the flat surfaces where the writing is.
Thanks for the education here this morning, fellas.
In this case, since the thing is still available at the store, I guess you should just swap it out and get one that works properly from the get-go. But, ATF really is miracle juice!
In this case, since the thing is still available at the store, I guess you should just swap it out and get one that works properly from the get-go. But, ATF really is miracle juice!
I'd leave it in there for a good hour and see what happens. Might be overkill, but why not? I often leave sticky old ratchets in my bucket of used ATF for much longer than that.
There might be some types of finishes (cheap, thin coatings?) that could be affected by ATF, but I am not positive and for me it has never been an issue.
There might be some types of finishes (cheap, thin coatings?) that could be affected by ATF, but I am not positive and for me it has never been an issue.
Bull, these aren't available in the store. They are a catalog order only item. If you take them in to the store, they get confused half the time. Most stores don't have rebuild kits for them, so you have to either send them in or get the store to order a rebuild kit for you. Sometimes the store will try to swap them for a junk teardrop ratchet. If it doesn't seem right, take it apart and clean it well. If it doesn't help then either try a rebuild kit or send it back for a new one.
I have a vintage model and is 43186 and has "Pat. Pending" 43186 was the first gen of the 1/4 and will have the Pat Pending or "Patent in 1971" their are I think 3 different vintage handles. But the new ones are not as good to me, but still good, and if you have some old guts or rebuilds then change them out and you can see what im talking about.
TireTracks
Well-known member
I soaked it in ATF overnight with no improvement. I called Sears this morning and they told me to just bring it into a store and they will order me another one. He also voluntarily credited me the shipping and tax on the entire order of 3 ratchets. This comes to about 12 dollars - that's almost the price of the ratchet which was 13 and change. Can't complain about that!
I have this ratchet in 1/4", and 3/8" & 1/2" flex. They are great ratchets. I have Craftsman Thin Profile, Matco coarse, Matco fine, Snap On coarse, and Snap On Dual 80's, in addition to all of the older SK, Proto, Husky, and whatever all else I have. I'm just saying I have used a lot of ratchets, and these are still good ratchets. Their only real downfall is the thickness of the head. They are terribly thick! However, the dual pawl design really does work, and really holds up well. You will be happy with them once you get your current situation sorted out.