My Cornwell SR-50 ratchet stinks...literally

[larryq]

I recently bought a used SR-50 from eBay, in black oxide. Ratchets great but the thing has a sharp iron/metallic smell mixed with what I can only describe as stale tobacco, like it's been in a smoker's living room for 30 years. I've wiped it down with WD40 and fine steel wool and that had no effect. (Can metal pick up scents?)

This reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry can't get rid of the smell in his car. I only wish this were as funny. Anyone know what I can try here? Oh, as an aside, how do I disassemble the head? There appears to be a tiny snap ring involved but am not sure I have snap ring pliers that small...

 

[davesnothere]

You can try sending it to me to see if the odor will disappear. PM me for address.

 

[ryan t]

I'd try cleaning it with vinegar or with a mixture of water and baking soda. Dry then wipe down with wd40.

 

[larryq]

You can try sending it to me to see if the odor will disappear. PM me for address.

You got it Dave. As soon as you send the replacement S80, this'll be on its way.

 

[davesnothere]

I didnt know it was going to cost me to help someone rid themselves of a stinky burden. I dont happen to have a spare s80, anyhow. How about i trade you a ziploc bag full of beer farts and a 1/2" ratchet of my choosing?

 

[larryq]

Intriguing offer to be sure, but I'd settle for an 88 tooth Matco instead? Or a 60 gallon Quincy compressor, your choice. Flexible here.

 

[heyutokyo]

Place your ratchet in a box of Arm and Hammer for 24 hours. After you've done this leave it in your freezer for 24 hours. After completing the two procedures wipe it down with w-d 40, Problem solved.

 

[I van putski]

Did you take it apart and clean the crud out of the head?

 

[Ron Swanson]

If it has an industrial finish maybe someone used a cold bluing product meant for guns on it. If they did the smell wont go away. Does it have an irony smell with a bit of rotten egg thrown in?

 

[buremarey]

You can try sending it to me to see if the odor will disappear.

 

[Jsf721]

Larry. If this ratchet won't be harmed by water there is a product called fresh wave. It can be purchased from bed bath and beyond. It is designed to remove foul odors from bathrooms. We distribute their commercial line. Where are you located? Pm me so I don't miss it.

 

[redwrench60]

It's probably been in a drawer with some rotten *** craftsman screwdrivers. Disassemble the head, brake cleaner the guts, lube, reassemble and wipe it down with an ATF soaked rag.

 

[KEH]

Dissamble using snap ring pliers in side a plastic bag so you wont lose parts. With snap ring removed parts can be pushed out, still in bag. There is a ball with spring on it which locks the selector and makes the clicks, it may fly out so keep in bag until all parts accounted for. Clean according to advice above or in gasoline, kerosene, or diesel fuel. Oil or grease to suit. Reassemble in bag. Put a dab of grease on the ball to help it stick(briefly) to the spring. You need a thin screwdriver to hold the ball in, but a bteer tool may be made by cutting a thin strip of tin. A simpler tool can be made by cutting a strip from a plastic oil bottle. Or you could but a ratchet assembly too from Snap on, cheaply. The Cornwell uses a maximum of machining and a minumum of parts and is a very rugged ratchet.

Reassembly on the Cornwell is easier than on the Craftsman pear head, IME. Can't compare to reassembly of Snap on, never opened one up.

KEH

 

[jmm]

There appears to be a tiny snap ring involved but am not sure I have snap ring pliers that small...

I have one of those ratchets (one of the best of the coarse-toothed variety, by the way), and if I remember right, you can pop the snap ring out with a pair of needle nose or duckbill pliers. As previously mentioned, clean it out using something harsh like kerosene.

 

[Exceller8]

Put it in a can of parts dip for 24 hours, it will have a new type of smell.