Need Help with Rachet Repair

[dustytool]

I have a nice USA made, 1/2" drive Master Mechanic ratchet (model T1658) that only works in one direction. I took the ratchet assembly out it to find that the direction changing mechanism is jammed by a damaged detent spring inside. The detent ball I was able to shake free. Thus far I cannot remove the spring. Even if I did, I've no idea how I'd get it and the ball back into place without further disassembly.

It's unclear to me how this mechanism is assembled, or more to the point, how it is further broken down for repair — if it even can be.

I really like the handle on this wrench and would like to put it back into service. Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

 

[TwoInch]

there are pins under the top or bottom plate holding the pawls in... now how to get at them, i cant help you with.

i personally dont like taking the round heads apart. they dont seem fun to out together, at least the ones ive had apart.

 

[dustytool]

I've scrutinized this thing over and over for a pin to drive out or something, but there's nothing I can see. I suspect that hole you see in the second picture is not there for no reason, but it has not revealed it's purpose to me yet. It may be that I can't rotate the top plate far enough because of the jam.

Any idea who manufactured this ratchet? Maybe I can get replacement guts to drop in.

 

[cmandp]

On round head ratchets you usually depress the detent ball or pin and pull the direction lever straight out. The pawl will be held in with a pin that may or may not be peened into place.

 

[dustytool]

Ah-HA! I was able to retrieve the spring using a small steel pick and pull it out. That freed up the mechanism to be able to move into a position where the direction selection cap can be removed.


Of course I ruined the detent spring beyond repair when I pulled it out. Any recommendation on a good source for obtaining such a spring?

 

[vssjim]

I have seen some mechanisms like those that have the center directional levers pushed in with the pin and springs in place then won't come out unless they are depressed and the direction lever pulled back out. Most companies make the pawl pin romoveable then you romove the pin and spring. The ratchet you have is an Easco by the way.

 

[dustytool]

On this one there's no need to remove the pawl pin. You pull up on the directional knob while turning counterclockwise, which allows the knob to turn beyond the normal range of motion, then the hole on the ratchet body can be lined up with where the detent balls and spring inside the knob reside. Bang it on a table and they fall out. I assume assembly is the reverse of disassembly.

Now I just need to find a new spring to replace the one I stretched during removal.

 

[TwoInch]

take it to a hardware store with the biggest selection of random springs and hardware. find one that is as close as you can, on the short side if you cant find one exact, and give it a stretch if needed. you could also try to find an old scrap ratchet from a pawn shop or something, and salvage a similar spring. there are usually about 20 round heads of different makes in the dollar bin at my local pawn shops.

 

[dustytool]

I was thinking along the same lines. I have a couple of well-stocked hardware stores nearby. Also there's a large secondhand/junk store close that has old and broken tools and whatnot.

Also, don't gunsmiths typically have a selection of small springs? Though I don't know any good gunshops. And bike shops. Modern shifters and cable adjusters all have springs in them. Bike mechanics usually have a junk bin with that kind of stuff.

I had forgotten about pawn shops, though. I've actually picked up some good tools over the years from various pawn shops, now that I think about it. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[dustytool]

I just looked in MY bike bin and found that a fancy cantilever brake stradle cable features a tension spring of exactly the diameter I need. Hopefully I can stretch it sufficiently to defy it's nature and turn it into a compression spring.

 

[JTH]

Might try a locksmith. Could be too light of a spring but they may have one the same size.

 

[Hank McMauser]

the spring holds the flint in a disposable throw-away cigarette lighter will probably be pretty close

 

[TwoInch]

I just looked in MY bike bin and found that a fancy cantilever brake stradle cable features a tension spring of exactly the diameter I need. Hopefully I can stretch it sufficiently to defy it's nature and turn it into a compression spring.

that aint gonna happen. or it aint gonna work i should say. you might get it stretched out, but i seriously doubt it will be useable after.

a tension spring is much different from a compression spring. once you take it past its elastic limit, it wont be of much use.

 

[billymade]

Master Mechanic; house brand for True Value hardware stores, just take it back to them and they should warranty it for you. I heard that Easco and Cooper Tools, used to make the older tools for them but now, who know... all offshore afaik.

I'm not seeing any that look like yours; currently being sold on their website:

http://www.truevalue.com/catalog/se...hor=0&refineByCategoryName=Hand+&+Power+Tools

 

[Hank McMauser]

don't take it back for a replacement,please fix it or put it up here for sale/trade. If you exchange it it'll get thrown away,and never be seen or heard from again.I'll trade you a working 3/8" taiwan flex head bent handle ratchet for it if you'd like.

 

[dustytool]

No way would I exchange this for a new one. I know better. True Value doesn't sell tools of this quality anymore (other than old stock). Those days are long gone. Too bad, as I liked the USA-made screwdrivers they used to sell.

I was so enthused about finally getting this wrench working again after it languishing around the house for a year, I fixed it last night with what I had at hand. I used the Shimano tension-turned-compression spring approach. For now it works great!

The spring I fashioned is stiffer than the original, so the pawls really lock up with a solid feeling. I love it! Can't wait to use it.

I meant to take pictures of the mechanism taken apart, but I got so focused on what I was doing I forgot.

 

[TwoInch]

that spring worked out eh? im glad you got it working again, it ***** having a tools sitting in the box because you cant get a part, and dont want to warranty it.

i have a couple i need to hunt down parts, and rebuild kits for. i need to get on that.

 

[north]

Very cool that you managed to fix it.

 

[thesilverone]

cousin of the easco "paintbrush" ratchet

 

[dustytool]

Not surprised to find it's an Easco relative, as others of my older Master Mechanic wrenches appear to be made by them. I really like the way this wrench feels in the hand. Super-stoked to have it back in action!

I say "back" in action, but it never was "in action" during my ownership. Some guy selling used and antique tools at a flea market gave it to me for free, as a kind gesture once he realized it was jammed up and non-op. He didn't want to mess with it, I guess, and realized I'd give it a home. SCORE!!!