Finding Out Specs on Old Snap-On Tools and Lifespan

[giants]

Is there a website that lists specifications of old-school Snap-On tools, especially tooth count?

On Ebay, I just bought an old 710 ratchet; it looks really old, but seller didn't know the age.

Also, is there a lifespan on these old tools, particularly those without moving parts, such as flare wrenches?

Is rust a deal-killer or something I can just remove? If so, what sort of primer and paint do I use to protect the de-rusted surface?

Thanks!

 

[snapmom]

On the collectingsnapon site, you can do a search using the model number, will show you what cats they were in, and you can read the snap on description shown for that model.
http://collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/search.php?newSearch=1

 

[Oldtuleguy]

As long as it works age no big deal. Newer ratchets have more teeth. Rust can be removed by soaking tools in rust remover.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

As long as it works age no big deal. Newer ratchets have more teeth. Rust can be removed by soaking tools in rust remover.

There are several postings on this and other sites of what specific types of de-rusting items/potions that will do a safe job. 12 volt battery and annodes, Apple cider vinegar and white as well, evaporust and others. Read them all first and proceed with caution or keep asking questions. Steel wire wheels and blast cabinets or sandblasting are not your tools "Best Friend"!! Good Luck.

 

[giants]

Thanks, everyone.

snapmon, I searched that website, both using Google and the website itself. It said nothing about specs for the 710 ratchet.

crankshaftdan ii, I've used the battery/anode to remove rust (kinda fun, too!), but I didn't see anything in my search of GJ about treating newly de-rusted tool surfaces. What search terms do you recommend I use on GJ to look for repainting/rust-protecting de-rusted surfaces?

 

[bmwrd0]

What "specs" are you looking for? Length? Weight?

For freshly derusted objects, I use a light oil rub. Some use BLO (boiled linseed oil) other people use rubbing wax, and I know one guy who blues the piece.

 

[giants]

Thanks.

I mean tooth count for ratchets. I presume that Snap-on had specific years that they only made 36 teeth, 72 (?), and the current 80 teeth such that knowing the tool's production year will be adequate to determine the number of teeth.

 

[MattT]

I mean tooth count for ratchets. I presume that Snap-on had specific years that they only made 36 teeth, 72 (?), and the current 80 teeth such that knowing the tool's production year will be adequate to determine the number of teeth.

There should be a date code on the ratchet you can use to find out what tooth count it left the factory with. But a lot of the earlier 7 series ratchets have been rebuilt with higher tooth count repair kits. The only way to be sure is to count the clicks.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Thanks, everyone.

snapmon, I searched that website, both using Google and the website itself. It said nothing about specs for the 710 ratchet.

crankshaftdan ii, I've used the battery/anode to remove rust (kinda fun, too!), but I didn't see anything in my search of GJ about treating newly de-rusted tool surfaces. What search terms do you recommend I use on GJ to look for repainting/rust-protecting de-rusted surfaces?

What "specs" are you looking for? Length? Weight?

For freshly derusted objects, I use a light oil rub. Some use BLO (boiled linseed oil) other people use rubbing wax, and I know one guy who blues the piece.

Everyone has their own home=brew formula for protecting freshly clean steel-with or with-out plating finish! I have several that I use, such as light turbine oil(Ace Hardware source) for bare steel. BLO is also very good, fluid film, Fogging oil for doing engine cylinders for storage is fine stuff. Wrapping in wax paper with oil applied stops rust on machine tools. Chrome plating is protected with fine paste(Auto)wax on wrenches etc. Synthetic grease will also protect & lube sliding-moving parts like in pliers, ratchet gears and also Fisk bros eng assy lube w/molly works wonders.
Just tune in to discussions on here and other sights and you will find a wealth of knowledge!

 

[giants]

Thanks!

 

[davethorik]

Those ratchets had different tooth counts back then as well. I have an SL710 Snap-on ratchet from I think 73 or 74, originally 24 tooth. A modern rebuild kit "updated" it to 32 teeth.

 

[giants]

Thanks.

For Snap-On to upgrade/rebuild your old-school 710 ratchet to 32 teeth, does it have to be broken, or would they do the upgrade for a ratchet in good working order upon request?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

If your snap on guy likes you (you spend money on the truck!) I am sure he will hook you up.

 

[davethorik]

Thanks.

For Snap-On to upgrade/rebuild your old-school 710 ratchet to 32 teeth, does it have to be broken, or would they do the upgrade for a ratchet in good working order upon request?

This ratchet would skip in one direction (I forget which at the moment). There were some chips on the gear teeth when I took it apart, but I think the spring was weak and causing the skip.

I called up their CS hotline and very polite gentleman graciously offered to send me a rebuild kit for free. I got lucky, this doesnt always happen. Even if you do pay I think kits are only $10.

I then rebuilt it myself at home, which took maybe 20 minutes. And that was only because I replaced the sheet metal cap, skipping that step would have made it a lot quicker.

 

[snapmom]

The ratchet kit repair list that was put out by Snap on lists all the ratchets and kits and most of the tooth counts

 

[giants]

Thanks, davethorik. I noticed that the cover over the 1/2" drive nut on the SL710 does not have a snap ring and looks pressed in. After removing the two flathead screws, how do you open up the cover to access the inners?

 

[davethorik]

The face plate is a tight fit, but nothing is holding it other than the screws. I think I tapped it on a work bench til it popped loose.