How to reduce backdrag on small ratchets?

[pozidriv]

Hi,

For some time now I've got a tiny wiha bit ratchet. I really like it and have found a lot of use for it, but lately the backdrag is starting to annoy me. When I first got it, I put a little bit of grease in there, but that completely locked it up and I had to clean it out again. Tried some light machine oil afterwards, this worked great, but only for a short while. PTFE spray didn't really make a difference, small amount of vaseline worked for a very short time, before binding up.

Anyone have any suggestions to lube these types of ratchets? I've read a couple of topics on lubing ratchets (superlube, rll,...), but these are all for the bigger ones and grease simply doesn't work.
I'm thinking about shortening the spring, but I am rather reluctant to start cutting right away.

Thanks!

 

[fourtythree]

Rll is a thick liquid, not a heavy grease. I've used it in smaller ratchets with good results.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

I have used either of these lubes in small rats with very good results-very slippery with not much back drag at all! Just my two cents worth

 

[BK13]

http://www.quantumfishing.com/products/1535/Hot-Sauce.aspx

I might try the HTSCE version of this. I've used it on fine tooth ratchets, and all of my spinning reels...

 

[SASORacing]

You can put the 1/4 anvil end of the ratcvhet inside a drill and spin it for a while.

This puts hundreds of rotations on the ratchet and helps smooth the gears thus reducing backdrag. Do this for a minute or so total. Do about 30 second sessions so it doesnt get too hot and deform the gears.

Then be sure to use some thin oil such as 5w 30 car oil.

 

[Moose364]

You can put the 1/4 anvil end of the ratcvhet inside a drill and spin it for a while.

This puts hundreds of rotations on the ratchet and helps smooth the gears thus reducing backdrag. Do this for a minute or so total. Do about 30 second sessions so it doesnt get too hot and deform the gears.

Then be sure to use some thin oil such as 5w 30 car oil.

I like this ideal thanks' I going to try this on my new 3/4 drive craftsman

 

[rlitman]

I prefer ATF to engine oil.

 

[cheechi]

it's my opinion it's not the drive size of the ratchet but the size (specifically the tooth height) of the ratchet gears. thicker greases don't get (or don't stay, I don't have an xray) down onto the bottom land to keep things lubed. Your finer tooth large drive ratchets and your smaller ratchets of almost any tooth count are going to be similar in the tooth geometry and should all follow the same general rules.

3 in 1 is my go to for things that are too small for super lube to be effective. I haven't tried any of the other suggestions because one of these two has worked for me in every one of the ratchets I've worked with.