Lubricating "Particular" Harbor Freight Ratchets

[winlinmac]

I have a few ratchets from Harbor Freight I want to lubricate as they sound harsh. There is another ratchet from Tekton sounds the same. Anyone knows how to gain access to the internals? We're talking about the swivel head ratchets in particular, which have that tri-wing lever at the head. There are no screws or snap ring visible.

Same question applies to a recently acquired, No Label Wilde 3/8" Drive Ratchet

Thanks

 

[camd64]

Most round head ratchets use a spiral type ring like this

 

[winlinmac]

I need new prescription glasses, thanks
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94832

 

[gdocktor3]

Why not just return them for new ones?

Joking...

 

[fourtythree]

I'd soak it in a glass of ATF overnight. I don't believe you can dissemble that ratchet without destroying it.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'd soak it in a glass of ATF overnight. I don't believe you can dissemble that ratchet without destroying it.

That would probably work, but they can be taken apart. Reference the picture above. Many round head or roto ratchets are held together with the spiral type ring. If you look closely you will see one end of the ring. You can use a small pick or tiny needle nose to pry it back, then you unwind it. Once apart it's actually easier to clean and reassemble than a pear head ratchet. I generally clean the internals with brake cleaner or something similar, then apply a thin coat of Vaseline. There are many different lubes, oils, etc that can be used, but this is something most everyone has and works very good for me. It is also a water repellent and keeps the metals from rusting.

 

[fourtythree]

The HF roto can't be taken apart. There's no ring.

 

[LB-1911]

The OP has moved on -

Today, 08:19 AM

So...I'm guessing this can't be lubed. Great, thanks!

Dissection of the Pittsburg Pro Swivel Head Ratchet
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94832

 

[anndel]

That would probably work, but they can be taken apart. Reference the picture above. Many round head or roto ratchets are held together with the spiral type ring. If you look closely you will see one end of the ring. You can use a small pick or tiny needle nose to pry it back, then you unwind it. Once apart it's actually easier to clean and reassemble than a pear head ratchet. I generally clean the internals with brake cleaner or something similar, then apply a thin coat of Vaseline. There are many different lubes, oils, etc that can be used, but this is something most everyone has and works very good for me. It is also a water repellent and keeps the metals from rusting.

I did the same with my old Craftsman ratchets - clean the parts with brake parts cleaner then apply a light coat of wheel bearing grease.

 

[Strouty]

The OP has moved on -

Today, 08:19 AM


Dissection of the Pittsburg Pro Swivel Head Ratchet
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94832

Sometimes I wish he would move on, but then that would probably get me a GJ demerit point.

 

[zendriver]

Ratchets are not usually water tight.

Can you dribble a little light machine oil, around the movement?

 

[Finky198]

Originally Posted by LB-1911 View Post
The OP has moved on -

Today, 08:19 AM


Dissection of the Pittsburg Pro Swivel Head Ratchet
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=94832

Sometimes I wish he would move on, but then that would probably get me a GJ demerit point.

wishing More Like "Time of Death 8:19AM"

 

[winlinmac]

I should get a better a swivel ratchet if that's the case. Always buy quality from the start. These ratchets sound like a freight train coming to a screeching halt.