Harbor Freight Roto Ratchet Disassembly

[firworks]

So, I've been wanting to do a video of disassembling the HF 3/8" roto ratchet and comparing it against my vintage SK roto ratchet. From the feel of the selector they use a different internal ratchet style. However, when I actually got setup to do the dry run I discovered that I couldn't figure out how to actually get the damn thing apart! The SK is very simple as it just has a snap ring. The HF I cannot see any obvious way to open it. I've tried pulling on the drive end to see if I could slip a screwdriver in between the face and the case but it does not budge a bit. Anyone have any ideas here? I do have that new arbor press... though I think that would more be when I give up and decide that it doesn't have to go back together again!

 

[lightning02]

I don't think there is. I did some research awhile back and couldn't fine a single person that has token one apart. It be cool if someone did tho.

 

[1950mercury]

There was a post a while back where someone used a punch to push out the the release button from the drive end. His went back together. I can't seem to find the post

 

[firworks]

I don't think there is. I did some research awhile back and couldn't fine a single person that has token one apart. It be cool if someone did tho.

Well if I figure it out I'll post up a video showing how.

There was a post a while back where someone used a punch to push out the the release button from the drive end. His went back together. I can't seem to find the post

Ah! That could work! I'll give that a try.

 

[lightning02]

There was a post a while back where someone used a punch to push out the the release button from the drive end. His went back together. I can't seem to find the post

Maybe that's why I didn't fine anything since it might have been a random post in a thread. I was just looking for threads.

 

[lightning02]

If all else falls someone call/email AvE on YouTube. He have that mofo figured out lol

 

[firworks]

Ok, we're making... progress?

Nothing else budging but the button did come out. Also the black coating on this ratchet is made out of like tiny baby marshmallow garbage. My ratchet looks like hell already and it was brand new before I started disassembling it.

 

[stihlntime]

I have used one for a couple of years in a small engine shop setting as a dedicated spark plug removal ratchet. It has been flawless. It's smooth and still tight. Great little ratchet imho. Not like my Snappy but it cost a fraction of the Snappiest.

 

[AmishFury]

only time i've seen one disassembled the person destroyed the button part in the process

so you're making some progress... the mechanism inside is a facom style design with the single half circle shaped pawl and the heart shaped spring

 

[firworks]

The tip about it being Facom style may get us closer. I found a few pictures online of Facom ratchets that look similar and also aparrently SK used to sell a ratchet called the Tuff-1 that was a similar mechanism. Right now I'm trying to visualize how it comes apart by looking at repair kits for those ratchets. I might also try using my arbor press to persuade it a little bit and see if it starts moving.

 

[firworks]

Bumping this to see if any fresh eyes have any ideas. I've used the arbor press to try pushing the center section out in both directions and it just will not budge. I'm out of ideas currently on what to try next.

 

[jobo1004]

Check out this thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94832