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Fixing a Ratchet

hickmlg09

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So I have this ratchet the ex-boyfriend left here and broke. It just says chrome vanadium. Are these ratchets hard to find a kit for to fix it? I would like to start this as a new project and learn how to fix a ratchet if I ever need to do so. Is it hard to pop off the part to fix?

too.jpg
 
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hickmlg09

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P.S. Just really need to know if it is worth fixing or should I just trash it? It is a pretty nice ratchet. It is a flex head ratchet.
 

plinker

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If it had a knurled handle it'd make a halfway decent punch. Still might.

( it appear's to be one of the "no name" ones that float around, so I would not bother with it. Your're not likely going to find a kit unless you buy a new one that's the same)
 
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hickmlg09

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244-1013.jpg


Looks like it COULD be a Menard's "Tool Shop" brand - currently on sale for less than $5.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/ratchets-sockets/3-8-drive-flex-head-ratchet/p-1465932-c-9159.htm

I have no idea what parts might be available or are interchangeable with other ratchets.

You get an "A+" for ambition however!

I have no clue where he got this. He does shop alot at menards, so maybe it could have came from there. But this looks just like it!

Thanks for the A+ for ambition. I just kind of thought it would be something fun if it was worth fixing.
 

Outlawmws

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Better pics of both sides of the head?

As a round head you might get a cheap used standard ratchet cheap and Xfer the guts...
 
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hickmlg09

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Looks like I will just throw this ratchet out in the garbage than if it isn't worth my time.
 

Outlawmws

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Looks like I will just throw this ratchet out in the garbage than if it isn't worth my time.



Nope, now is the time to get creative with the handle part. Ask yourself, "What can I make with this that would be useful?

In my shop, something broken like that often gets made into something else...

If you haven't any ideas, time for (yet) a new thread! :D
 

scott37300

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What is tool shops warranty? Menards might replace this for you. For some reason I think I remember reading that toolshop had a lifetime but I may be wrong. Might want to go to menards and read what the new ones say for warranty and get it replaced if you can. Not the best ratchet but might come in handy.
 

diggerrick

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Looks like I will just throw this ratchet out in the garbage than if it isn't worth my time.

I don't think I'd pitch it. If it IS a Menards "Tool Shop" tool, I believe it has a lifetime warranty. Lack of a receipt could be a problem, however.

I was getting dicked over by Menard's on a "Tool Shop" sander with a 1 or 2 year warranty that I had for about 6 months, but the receipt had faded beyond legibilty. They refused my return, so I bought a new one and returned the original broken sander a month later.
 

G_P

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I was getting dicked over by Menard's on a "Tool Shop" sander with a 1 or 2 year warranty that I had for about 6 months, but the receipt had faded beyond legibilty. They refused my return, so I bought a new one and returned the original broken sander a month later.

Pretty much all reciepts fade away now. They are all printed on thermal paper.

Sometimes I think companies do this knowing full well that if something needs to be returned a year later that the reciept will be pretty much a blank piece of paper by then.

I photocopy all important reciepts but some stores will not accept a copy as proof.
 

GirlnAgarage

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If you're gonna get another ratchet, instead buy a rebuild kit that fits and install it. You'll still get a working ratchet and the added benefit of learning how to assemble it. A person hasn't lived until they fight with the ball bearing and spring :lol:
 

USMCdodge

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I second the breaker bar idea if you don't weld i imagine you could take it to an exhaust shop or somewhere that welds and ask if they could just melt it together. I do a decent amount of little things like that.
 

98TJ

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If you're gonna get another ratchet, instead buy a rebuild kit that fits and install it. You'll still get a working ratchet and the added benefit of learning how to assemble it. A person hasn't lived until they fight with the ball bearing and spring :lol:

One-handed, no less.

The things you do that are tedious to the rest of us amazes me.

:thumbup:
 
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hickmlg09

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Nope, now is the time to get creative with the handle part. Ask yourself, "What can I make with this that would be useful?

In my shop, something broken like that often gets made into something else...

If you haven't any ideas, time for (yet) a new thread! :D

Maybe it is time for a new thread. I just can't think right now what I would want to do with it.....

What is tool shops warranty? Menards might replace this for you. For some reason I think I remember reading that toolshop had a lifetime but I may be wrong. Might want to go to menards and read what the new ones say for warranty and get it replaced if you can. Not the best ratchet but might come in handy.


Well I'm not really sure if it is a tool shops as it doesnt have a name, just says chrome vandium.
 
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hickmlg09

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If you're gonna get another ratchet, instead buy a rebuild kit that fits and install it. You'll still get a working ratchet and the added benefit of learning how to assemble it. A person hasn't lived until they fight with the ball bearing and spring :lol:

So if i find one close enough to fit it, it should work?
 

ajchien

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Uh. I'd save myself a headache. If it has a warranty, toss it in your jeep and warranty it when it's convenient. If it doesn't have a warranty, keep it for a year or two looking to repurpose it into something else. And after if it's been around for too long, scrap it or toss it out. One day after you throw it out, you'll find someone with the same ratchet, the handle is broke - and the head is fine.
 

GirlnAgarage

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So if i find one close enough to fit it, it should work?

You need the kit that fits. If that isn't readily available or too easy to find it's not worth it.

I'd at least keep that around the scrap bin for a while. Might be useful for some other project.
 

diggerrick

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Well I'm not really sure if it is a tool shops as it doesnt have a name, just says chrome vandium.

Just like my Tool Shop ratchet...no name, just "Chrome Vanadium"

Buy a new one for $5 - you'll need one eventually anyway - then it's up to you if you decide to warranty the old one.
 

98TJ

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I think the best lesson to be learned from this is that $5 dollar ratchets are not worth rebuilding :lol_hitti

I see your humor, but for the OP it's not about the price of the ratchet, it's about the process of rebuilding it.
 

RKSpeed

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Ill throw my vote in for not rebuilding it. The first time that ratchet skips a tooth and u peel the skin off your knuckles you'll know that quality ratchets are worth every dime.
 
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hickmlg09

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You need the kit that fits. If that isn't readily available or too easy to find it's not worth it.

I'd at least keep that around the scrap bin for a while. Might be useful for some other project.

I'm sure I will think of something. If not will just throw it away.
 
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hickmlg09

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No, all this as part of a learning experience.

See that's all I want is the learning experience. Don't care if I can use it again or not. Just wanted to learn how to fix something like this. Least a few of you understand where I am coming from.
 
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hickmlg09

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No need to worry about trying to decied what I want to make out of this ratchet. Dad threw it away. He said it wasn't worth fixing! I could have at least made a scrap pile out of it!
 

billymade

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This is a classic first lesson with cheap ratchets; now, start looking for a quality brand that will hold up to use and have service, parts to back up the tool! Brands like: snapon, mac, matco, proto, armstrong and williams come to mind!

How about some Williams? Here is an example of a USA made ratchet; classic previous generation Snapon 36 tooth design! Just one of many USA examples of a good solid ratchet and affordable too! :) Also, check for used in the classifieds section! :)

Williams B-52EHLA 3/8" Drive Enclosed Head Ratchet , 10-3/4"

Williams S-52EHA 1/2" Drive Enclosed Head Ratchet 10-3/8"

Williams M-52EHA 1/4" Drive Enclosed Head Ratchet 5-1/4"

J.h. Williams S-52EHFA 1/2 Inch Drive Enclosed Head Chrome Flex Head ...

Williams S-52EHLA 1/2" Drive Enclosed Head Ratchet 15"

B-52EHFA 3/8" Drive Flex Head Ratchet

M-52EHFA 1/4 Inch Drive Chrome Finish Flex Head Ratchet 36T 7 In L

http://www.google.com/webhp?rlz=1C1...18ecd156c81e2bd&ix=sea&ion=1&biw=1280&bih=937

http://www.google.com/webhp?rlz=1C1...18ecd156c81e2bd&ix=sea&ion=1&biw=1280&bih=937
 
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