How to lubricate a ratcheting screwdriver?

[Carcrazyxp]

Anyone did this before? I was trying to lubricate my ratcheting screwdriver, but did not figure out how to disassemble it.

 

[chammyman]

dunk it in oil then clean the oil off with carb cleaner or something from the handlegrip.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

Yes, I have lubed all three snap ons (1 at work). Work over a bench w/good light!! and take your time!!. I just use light oil-in all my ratchets. You'll love the end result. Good luck.- ,Oh and watch those spings, and balls!!!!
Eric

 

[chad s]

Dunk it into oil? This sounds crazy. I'm glad to know that it worked. My concern is that oil will tend to dissolve most plastics, am I right? If the dip cause the handle to swell in some way, I might ruin the handle.

light oil? no, it wont harm the plastic, or snap on soft grip rubber.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Dunk it into oil? This sounds crazy. My concern is that oil will tend to dissolve most plastics, am I right? If the dip cause the handle to swell in some way, I might ruin the handle.

 

[chad s]

Thats weird, how my quoted reply ended up before your post!

 

[Carcrazyxp]

Thank you all for the replies. I will try this.

light oil? no, it wont harm the plastic, or snap on soft grip rubber.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Hi Chad,

I deleted the post by accident and then repost it.

Thats weird, how my quoted reply ended up before your post!

 

[plinker]

For my Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers I just take them apart and put on a very thin coat of tetra gun grease.

It really dosent seem to make too much differnce to me, with or without grease.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

trans fluid soak -penetrates well good light lube

 

[wilbilt]

My father-in-law lubricates his fishing reels by dunking them in the lake.

(shudder)

 

[Merkava_4]

For my Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers I just take them apart and put on a very thin coat of tetra gun grease.

How do you remove that plastic cap that's on the front by the shaft? It's the plastic part you grab to change direction.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I don't think I would remove that
I have had most of my ratcheting screwdrivers for 20 years and I never lubed them
just like my air tools

 

[plinker]

Basicly it's similar to a taking apart a S-K round head ratchet. It has the same style spring retainer. Theres a small square on the reverse cap with 2 ends sticking out, squeeze these together with fine needle nose and lift the cap off.

Reassembly is a slight pain you have to make sure everything is lined up and you have to squeeze the spring and drop the reverse cap on at the same time.

I'll try and take some pictures this week on how to remove the cap and also how to change the shank type or have interchangeable shanks.

 

[PeteW]

OT: Do any of you know if SO will replace or repair one of their older plastic handled ratcheting screwdrivers if the bit holder is bent?
I have had one for about 8 years that is now bent about 2-3% and I am interested in getting it repaired/replaced.

 

[Merkava_4]

Thanks plinker! - I appreciate the info.

 

[oldtools]

I have some old tools (ratchets and others) I want to keep for long term storage. Anybody know what best oil/lubricator to use. I try WD-40, but it removes black oxide coating and it evaporated away after several months.

 

[NSXSOON]

I'd use Boeshield T-9. Designed by Boeing to preserve aircraft parts it goes on wet and penetrates/lubes and then drys and leaves a bees wax coating that keeps moisture out and prevents rusting. Great stuff.

 

[oldtools]

I'd use Boeshield T-9. Designed by Boeing to preserve aircraft parts it goes on wet and penetrates/lubes and then drys and leaves a bees wax coating that keeps moisture out and prevents rusting. Great stuff.

Thanks NSXSOON. I will try that.

 

[oldtools]

I bought a SK impact socket set. It came wrapped in clear plastic with a thick coat of oil. anybody what type of oil it is.