Lubricating ratchet spanners (wrenches)

[Clancyp92]

Hey all, ive read a lot of discussions on tool reviews etc. however I had never signed up, so here is my first post here!

Having just bought 16pc Metric and 13pc SAE ratchet spanner (wrench) sets from Gearwrench (13pc being an EOFY FREE bonus, thrilled!) I of course want to look after them in the ridiculously dusty conditions that I work in (WA Australia). I know that they are not lubed from factory and am wondering if I should hit them with some graphite powder or something similar as soon as they arrive.

I guess WD40/CRC or similar would be a no go, with it attracting grit and all, which in my mind would accelerate wear of the mechanism, so I'm looking for suggestions if anyone has ever had any similar thoughts?

Cheers in advance!

 

[Wamsutta]

Tri-Flow Dry. It's super thin and penetrates where other oils won't fit.

 

[2oolhound]

Welcome to GJ!

I think these tools along with many new ratchet designs incorporate sealed mechanisms. You treat them like sealed bearings in a grinder, just forget about them and if they wear out in your lifetime warrantee them.

 

[Clancyp92]

Thanks!

I haven't seen that TriFlow before, though I probably haven't had the reason to use it either. I'll keep a look out.

Yes the warranty is a bonus! Though I purchased them from a store in another state as there is not much going in this town for tool supply. Hassles with living somewhat remote. I'll try my best to keep them in decent shape to avoid the hassle of being without them if I ever had to send something for repair/replacement.

 

[Empty Pockets]

First, Welcome to GJ, Clancy.

I agree with 2oolhound, It's likely a sealed unit.In the event it's not, I use the Permatex Ultra slick. I'm not sure if you can get it in Australia, however

 

[Fedwrench]

Since they're pressed fit units, they only thing I've done is soak the ratcheting boxed end in a can of atf or air tool oil over night. The lube would have to be really thin. Welcome to the journal. We have tool problems here that most people never knew existed