Help me disassemble craftsman BE ratchet

[reising45]

I have on old Craftsman BE ratchet 1/4 that I am trying to disassemble. The 2 screws are out of the plate and the 1/4 bar or shaft (or whatever the correct name is) has been removed. I've had this sitting in Liquid Wrench for 2 days and the plate will not lift off. Unsure if there is a trick to it or whether it is just rusted on, etc.

The BE ratchet is the one with the switching lever on the handle below the head of the ratchet.

Thanks for any help

 

[3baygarage]

Welcome.

There's a good chance the ratchet was never opened before, who knows.

Do you have a soft hammer to hit it with? Maybe try to pull with some small picks but watch the threads.

 

[atty5420]

Pics, please. They are truly worth a thousand words.

 

[AP514]

yes no pic's no help

 

[Lassen Forge]

Make sure there's not also a snap ring that;s covered with decades of crud you have to take off too. My 1/2" craftsman was like that - nothing like frustration there.

Once you're sure you have all the lockers out (Screws, rings, etc.) pop the end with a hammer, it should come apart.

And yes...

 

[G_P]

Does it look like this?

 

[reising45]

G P, my ratchet only has 2 screws and the lever is different.

I'll post a photo next week as I'm pulling 12 hour shifts this weekend. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[reising45]

Found this pic on the web. My ratchet is very nearly a clone of this one except mine is marked B E.

The screws are out but the cover plate won't budge. Tried prying gently but I don't want to scratch or break anything. So, am I missing something or is the plate just in tight?

Thanks for the help.

 

[reising45]

Btt_

 

[Mohawk Dave]

wack it with a rubber mallet from the top side over a blanket/jacket/cowhide/whatever so pieces don't bounce off bench. It's just stuck tight.

 

[reising45]

A few raps with a brass hammer and the plate popped off. Don't believe it was ever off since it was new.

I appreciate all the advice.

 

[bonneyman]

A few raps with a brass hammer and the plate popped off. Don't believe it was ever off since it was new.

I appreciate all the advice.

Pics of the inside, please!

 

[metaldad]

thanks. gents.
i have also acquired a 3/8 be, which doesnt want to open, and i didnt want to futz it up.
ill attempt to open her tonite

 

[Jason280]

Can't wait to see a few disassembled pics!

 

[metaldad]

mission accomplished.
my be has (2) phillips head screws, and a rivet . taking the screws out and prying with a couple of picks wouldn't separate her. a few love taps from a dead blow, nope. wound up using a 3/16 flat blade and opening her like shucking an oyster. dry as a bone, a little dirt. did not attempt to remove the rivet pin which held the directional slide. the pawls and pawl springs are under the slide. did not want to ruin a rat that cant be repaired(?). cleaned the dirt out, greased her, and reassembled. the cover plate must be machined to fit, as i had to press it in. no slop in the fit........... and it aint dirty/rusty
assembled, panicked that she wouldn't ratchet both ways. found that one screw secures the pivot point, and is critical.
she's now together, ratchet action smooth, and, into the collection she goes.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have a 1/2" version of that warclub of a ratchet. As mine worked freely I just shot some aerosol Rost-Off into the head to make sure it stays free.