Help with TRX72 - very high backdrag

[Mr_John]

I recently picked up a TRX72 on eBay out of curiosity. I had never used an SO ratchet and the hype machine here got to me. I think, based on online date code charts, my TRX72 was made in 2017.

While I like the lock mechanism, in use it feels really notchy and high in backdrag. While I didn't expect Koken precision, compared to my other 1/4” ratchets (list at end of post) it has worse backdrag than all of them except 120XP.

I opened it up to see if I just got a busted ratchet. (One big plus for Snapper: rebuild kits are very reasonably priced.) The gears and pawls look fine to me and there is some lubrication.

Does it need more? Before I write off Snapper entirely as the Bose or Versace of tools, can I do something to redeem this ratchet? Or is that just how they work?

Other 1/4" drive ratchets for reference: Bahco (US-made; Williams?) 36T QR, Bahco Dual80-really-72, Facom 72T QR rotator, Felo 72T QR, Gearwrench 60Tx2P ("120XP"), Gedore 40T QR, Koken 24T QR flex, Koken Zeal 36T flex, Nepros 90T QR, Proto (FUP) 72T flex, Stahlwille 22T, Stahlwille 80T QR flex, Toptul 72T flex, Würth roto 72T QR, Würth 72T (FUP knockoff).

Hey, just read this post, but didn't see you mention whether you bought your TRX72 new or used? I bought the non-QR TX72 version of that same wrench, and it's definitely very smooth with relatively low backdrag.

 

[JBH]

Hey, just read this post, but didn't see you mention whether you bought your TRX72 new or used? I bought the non-QR TX72 version of that same wrench, and it's definitely very smooth with relatively low backdrag.

Please reread the OP.

Not that's it's super relevant a question. The Bahco Dual-really-72 is not much better than the Snapon.

What's your basis of comparison for backdrag?

 

[Mr_John]

Please reread the OP.

Not that's it's super relevant a question. The Bahco Dual-really-72 is not much better than the Snapon.

What's your basis of comparison for backdrag?

I did read the OP's post, but, again, he never did say, specifically, whether the item was used. It appears he is suggesting it was used due to the 2017 reference, but there are plenty of eBay sellers that sell Snapons that are a bit older and were supposedly "never used" or "only used once."

So, if this is a heavily used Snapon, then it's a bit difficult to compare against newer and non-professionally tortured competition.

As far as basis of comparison, I probably have about 6 - 10 different 1/4 inch ratchets, including a GW, another Snapon Dual 80 1/4, and some Craftsman and other inexpensive 1/4 ratchets.

 

[JBH]

I did read the OP's post, but, again, he never did say, specifically, whether the item was used. It appears he is suggesting it was used due to the 2017 reference, but there are plenty of eBay sellers that sell Snapons that are a bit older and were supposedly "never used" or "only used once."

That's all BS. If it's on eBay, it's used. (PS - by "he" you mean "me.")

At any rate, there was photo evidence provided of the internal condition.

As far as basis of comparison, I probably have about 6 - 10 different 1/4 inch ratchets, including a GW, another Snapon Dual 80 1/4, and some Craftsman and other inexpensive 1/4 ratchets.

Then perhaps given that context it's fine, maybe even an upgrade. The thing is, a comparison with top-tier 1/4" drive ratchets (Koken, Nepros, Stahlwille, etc.) tells a different tale. Snapon's locking mechanism is a good design though. Even Stahlwille could learn from it.

 

[kythri]

If it's on eBay, it's used.

That's all BS.

 

[Mr_John]

That's all BS. If it's on eBay, it's used. (PS - by "he" you mean "me.")

At any rate, there was photo evidence provided of the internal condition.

Uhmm, no, he showed a pic of the anvil drive side of the Snapon head showing the internal mec, and nothing else. The condition was absolutely not clear. Also, there is plenty of NEW stuff, esp Snap-on sold on eBay, so you're completely wrong, there. I've bought a Snapon torque wrench that was shipped to me still sealed in the Snapon cardboard box from Snapon. Also, I purchased a 3 piece Dual 80 ratchet set on eBay as well - all sealed. The TX72 was not sealed, but it was sold as new and clearly was brand new.

Then perhaps given that context it's fine, maybe even an upgrade. The thing is, a comparison with top-tier 1/4" drive ratchets (Koken, Nepros, Stahlwille, etc.) tells a different tale. Snapon's locking mechanism is a good design though. Even Stahlwille could learn from it.

Nepros I get, but Koken, really? Koken has some nicer stuff, but I don't think Koken's 24 tooth mechs are all that impressive.

 

[M6erfan]

Uhmm, no, he showed a pic of the anvil drive side of the Snapon head showing the internal mec, and nothing else. The condition was absolutely not clear. Also, there is plenty of NEW stuff, esp Snap-on sold on eBay, so you're completely wrong, there. I've bought a Snapon torque wrench that was shipped to me still sealed in the Snapon cardboard box from Snapon. Also, I purchased a 3 piece Dual 80 ratchet set on eBay as well - all sealed. The TX72 was not sealed, but it was sold as new and clearly was brand new.




Nepros I get, but Koken, really? Koken has some nicer stuff, but I don't think Koken's 24 tooth mechs are all that impressive.

Here we go...

 

[scubadoober]

Mr_John you do realize JBH is the OP........the proper pronoun should be you in this since not he.

 

[Mr_John]

Here we go...

Well, you can't get banned for simply having a non-super positive opinion about Koken, right... oh, wait....

 

[Mr_John]

Mr_John you do realize JBH is the OP........the proper pronoun should be you in this since not he.

Ahhh, got it, thanks - well, that may be why he was defensive. It wasn't clear to me at all that the 1/4 Snapon was used, as I was thinking well, if he's complaining about the smoothness of the ratchet, and he bought a used Snapon (typically abused by professional mechanics), then the OP would realize that's not a good way to make any comparison. It's like saying my 5 year old F150 with 90,000 miles doesn't ride as smooth as that brand new 2019 Toyota Tundra... not really an apples to apples comparison. Regardless, that's why I asked if it was used. I wasn't trying to be snide, I wanted to simply point out that if if was used, and very possibly abused by a pro mechanic, then that's not the best way to compare the ratcheting mechanism of a 1/4 TX series Snapon.

Anywho, thanks for pointing that out, but as I said, the OP was NOT clear that it was a used ratchet. Lots of old stock is sold on eBay with older manufacturing dates that were never used and are even sold as "new."

 

[M6erfan]

Well, you can't get banned for simply having a non-super positive opinion about Koken, right... oh, wait....

Nope, you get banned for trolling amongst other things...

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Clean it well, like right off the assembly line... and use ATF. This is what I do to my ratchets as soon as I get them. Worked well on my 120xp

 

[Mr_John]

Nope, you get banned for trolling amongst other things...

Trolling is commenting just to cause an argument and not having any real position or opinion - or at least not expressing your real opinion or position just because you want to create an argument. I do not troll, thank you very much. At the same time, if I have an opinion, then I'll express it. People who have poor debating skills tend to accuse others that disagree with them of "trolling."

 

[Wamsutta]

Did the OP ever take the ratchet apart? It probably needs cleaning and reassembled.

I quit experimenting with different lubes for Snap-on ratchets because the seals are so sensitive. I ended up staying with Superlube; the factory lube.

 

[M6erfan]

Trolling is commenting just to cause an argument and not having any real position or opinion - or at least not expressing your real opinion or position just because you want to create an argument. I do not troll, thank you very much. At the same time, if I have an opinion, then I'll express it. People who have poor debating skills tend to accuse others that disagree with them of "trolling."

The mods have poor debating skills? You got yourself banned buddy, no-one else

Good news for the OP is, he can probably dump it on ebay and recoup most of his investment.

 

[noid]

I recently picked up a TRX72 on eBay out of curiosity. I had never used an SO ratchet and the hype machine here got to me. I think, based on online date code charts, my TRX72 was made in 2017.

While I like the lock mechanism, in use it feels really notchy and high in backdrag. While I didn't expect Koken precision, compared to my other 1/4” ratchets (list at end of post) it has worse backdrag than all of them except 120XP.

I opened it up to see if I just got a busted ratchet. (One big plus for Snapper: rebuild kits are very reasonably priced.) The gears and pawls look fine to me and there is some lubrication.

Does it need more? Before I write off Snapper entirely as the Bose or Versace of tools, can I do something to redeem this ratchet? Or is that just how they work?

Other 1/4" drive ratchets for reference: Bahco (US-made; Williams?) 36T QR, Bahco Dual80-really-72, Facom 72T QR rotator, Felo 72T QR, Gearwrench 60Tx2P ("120XP"), Gedore 40T QR, Koken 24T QR flex, Koken Zeal 36T flex, Nepros 90T QR, Proto (FUP) 72T flex, Stahlwille 22T, Stahlwille 80T QR flex, Toptul 72T flex, Würth roto 72T QR, Würth 72T (FUP knockoff).

Backdrag is mostly a matter of how stiff the spring is.

Really small springs like those used in a ratchet can vary ~20% from spring to spring; QA on that size of a spring is difficult.

You can:

A. Take the spring out and try to fatigue it by fully compressing it and keeping it compressed for a period of time.

B. Same as above but also heating it (increases rate of plasticity).

C. Cut the spring.

 

[CR888]

Backdrag is mostly a matter of how stiff the spring is.

Really small springs like those used in a ratchet can vary ~20% from spring to spring; QA on that size of a spring is difficult.

You can:

A. Take the spring out and try to fatigue it by fully compressing it and keeping it compressed for a period of time.

B. Same as above but also heating it (increases rate of plasticity).

C. Cut the spring.

CORRECT... but that doesn't sink in around here, as lube will make any dry mechanism work smoother, folks think they can lube a ratchet to the point it will reduce the spring load, which it will NOT. Any mass produced ratchets with small 1cent springs that can be opened up can ABSOLUTELY be tuned but threads like this will continue to pop & the same answers about lube will flow over & over again. I've set the back drag on over 40 ratchets to where I want it, its just not an issue tuning such a simple basic mechanical device. I have a bag of small springs suitable for ratchets, don't throw out small springs as they are great for ratchet tuning. For the first timer take it slow taking only a small amount of each spring as its easy to go to far (you can take more off but not put it back). Be prepared to make small changes and disassemble/assemble the ratchet several times to get what you feel is perfection.

 

[clinebarger]

I have several Snap-on 72T ratchets.....The more I use them, The more things limber-up!

As I don't put huge loads on my 1/4" stuff, I don't need to have kits put in them. My oldest 72T ratchet is from 2008 & has never been opened up. The "back drag" is minimal.

 

[JBH]

My oldest 72T ratchet is from 2008 & has never been opened up. The "back drag" is minimal.

Compared to what? One inherent issue with such discussions is that people just know what they know. They don’t know what lies outside their horizons.

Maybe if I hadn’t used better tools first, I’d have thought Snapon was great.

 

[clinebarger]

What do you want me to say JBH? I certainly can't compare them to Koken, Nepros, or Stahlwille as I've never owned any.

What does it really matter if I don't have to put my finger on the socket to keep it from rotating the opposite direction?

 

[Wamsutta]

Was the ratchet purchased new or used; have we established that yet?

 

[kythri]

Was the ratchet purchased new or used; have we established that yet?

Despite the evasion of providing a straight answer, I think the OP believes they bought a used ratchet.

 

[garfieldzzz]

Same here TFX72 high backdrag, stucks sometimes swichting, not smooth at all, bought new of the truck. The non flexing Tx72 is also not quite smooth. My TF72 (no qr) runs smooth as butter. Seems to me their qr kit is the issue.