Does My Craftsman RHFT 1/2" Ratchet need Shims?

[demiandvm]

I picked up a 1/2" Craftsman ratchet that has quite noticeable play between the knurled thumb wheel and the ratchet body. It doesn't appear abused but I was wondering if anyone has ever used a thin round shim to take up this space? I thought i have seen someone on a discussion mention they used a shim in an old ratchet to tighten it up. Is this possible or should I just use it as is and don't worry about it? I cleaned/lubed it and its perfectly functional. Do hardware stores carry such shims of different widths. I measured the space in the picture at 45-50 thousands. Thanks for your ideas/thoughts.

 

[Leviton]

I can't answer your question about whether you should install a shim. However, if you do need a shim, and can't find one in a hardware store, McMaster-Carr has a large variety of thicknesses and diameters of precision washers.

 

[RTM]

That looks to me like either
A- wrong guts installed
B:- guts not installed right, like the ratchet and the selector aren't mated right
C- your ratchet handle went on a diet and got slim

 

[Provincial]

They weren't all that tight to begin with. Not that it matters much in use.