Just my luck - ratchet repair question

[fvfvsix]

Hi all:

I've been browsing the site here for quite some time - Just now decided to sign up (I'm a long way from being able to contribute, though). I'm a regular guy slowly adding to the small Craftsman set my dad bought me 20 years ago (I know, but better late than never).

Which brings me to my question. I just picked up a new set of Williams M/B/S-52 ratchets from toolsdelivered.com, and decided to pull 'em apart to do a clean and re-lube with the stuff I use on my guns. Everything went smoothly until I got to the 1/4". Got it apart fine, but when I went to re-assemble, a nice soft twist of my screwdriver handle (I swear) broke one of the bolt heads loose from the shaft.

Does anyone know if Williams will send me a new bolt, or am I screwed on this? Are these parts included in the repair kits? Thanks!

 

[Ritter4.0]

Just go to True Value or Lowes or whatever and get a matching set of new ones. Chrome straight slot looks pretty good in chrome ratchets. Snug them up with blue locktite and done. Buy them longer and trim to fit. It will be under $1 for 2, so you might wanna get some other stuff to offset the gas and stuff to get there.

Bring the broken one to match the threads. Being made in USA, they might be 4-40 or 2-56. But since they're Torx, probably somewhere between 1.5 and 3 mm.

 

[SMKS]

Just go to True Value or Lowes or whatever and get a matching set of new ones.

+1

My local ACE hardware store has supplied me with the tiny springs, screws and ball bearings needed to fix multiple ratchets.

Just bring the good screw with you and match it with a new one. But, you might not be able to find a Torx. You might have to settle for an Allen head or Phillips. But, I guarantee you'll find a screw that will work.

 

[ibedayank]

lowes has the black hex head screws not sure on the torx tho

 

[Ritter4.0]

lowes has the black hex head screws not sure on the torx tho

I would prefer Allen over Torx anyday.

 

[Lomotil]

I'm fairly OCD, and have a habit of polishing the ends of the screws on my ratchets like these until they're rounded, and you can't feel them catching as you slide your finger across them...

But, then again, I'm a little weird. :tard:

 

[wreckercologist]

I'm not certain about the Williams, but the 1/4" T72 Snap-on's are 2.5MM (I forget the pitch). A decent hardware store should have a pitch gauge to check the threads with before buying new.

Yes, repair kits include new screws.

I had this happen to one of my Williams 1/4" long flexhead ratchets except I dropped it on concrete from about 5' and both screws sheared of in the same manner as yours............

 

[billymade]

Couple of ideas: call Williams customer service: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/19.htm


Spend .80 cents and free shipping; for t936 screws from snapon:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/parts/pro_det.asp?Item_id=52401&group_id=13505

There was a time when I ordered ratchet parts; because I didn't have a dealer, when I ordered screws, levers or whatever... then ended sending me a whole "package" of these for the price of "1" item.. many times 20 or 30 items... ymmv!

I would call Williams first; they probably will send you a kit, screws or a whole new ratchet: http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Content/JHWTG WARRANTY.pdf