New here, quick question on S/O QD3R250 T-W

[B18c_tuner]

First I'd like to let everyone know how amazing this forum is. I have just recently crossed over from craftsman hand tools to Snap-On hand tools. And I must say I can never see myself going back to using craftsman tools again except if I have no choice to. I have learned plenty about snap-on from just reading this section of the forum in about a weeks time. I would have never thought that there would ever be a forum for just tools, but this one is just awesome.

Which brings me to my question on the S/O QD3R250 torque wrench. I was lucky enough to obtain a new one at a very decent price. But upon reading the manual it says that I should not open the sealed head to oil/ lube and maintain its operation. Is this true? I thought all ratcheting heads should be lubed before initial use.

 

[franzdom]

If the heads are like their other ratchets and I think they are, there is no reason not to take them apart, but they are probably lubed fine from the factory. Snap-On uses Superlube in their ratchet heads.

 

[bobcatdan]

You can take the head apart if you really want to, it won't explode, but there simply is no reason to. I have found greasing the newer sealed heads makes no difference in their performance.

 

[B18c_tuner]

Thanks Franz and Bob for your input. So Snap-On does indeed lube the heads before leaving the factory? I read somewhere that they did not lube them prior to leaving the factory. As for operation on this particular torque wrench; it feels really smooth but I can not tell if there is indeed lube on the gear.

 

[franzdom]

They use Superlube at the factory, it should be good to go for a very long time.

 

[billymade]

I think that Snap-On assumes that owners; do not maintain their ratchets and that the stock superlube is sufficient for everyday use, until it needs a new kit. As you know; in this era of "lifetime" lubrication in transmissions etc.; it just isn't true and you should try different lubes, to your liking. Everyone around here seems to have their favorite; allot of it has to do with your preference with the ease at which the ratchet turns. I think some people like a more "clicky" sound, specific sense of the teeth advancing; while others (like me) prefer a more "smooth" feeling and less clicking of the ratchet gears/pawl. There is no "perfect" lube; try different things and see what works for you. Depending on the ratchet and how many teeth react differently to different types of lube; many here can tell you what they like and what has worked the best for them for each type of ratchet.

I have had; one snap-on dealer acted shocked when I asked if he had any extra superlube for my ratchets, he was surprised that I took apart, cleaned and maintained my own ratchets. I think they assume; that everyone just has them put new kits in their ratchets, when things aren't working well. At the time; I didn't have access to him, as I didn't work at a shop. Most of the time; I have noticed the used ratchets that I have gotten, even totally locked up ones; just required a thorough clean and fresh lube to bring them back to life.

I had one higher up snap-on rep; swear that the earlier coarse tooth ratchets only needed oil and if I used great I would destroy the ratchet mechanism and kill the ratchet. Needless to say; while the plate on the old ones says oil... I prefer grease.

Needless to say; I think the stock oem grease that comes in most ratchets, when removed and replaced with something else, typically perform better.

I think it all comes down to personal preference and how you like the ratcheting action to feel; listen to what people here have found to work well and try different lubes you have, find what works for you.

Here is a video; showing them, lubing up the dual 80 ratchet heads during the assembly process:

 

[B18c_tuner]

Thanks for the input guys. So which type of grease and brands should I look into if I prefer the more smoother less clicking type for the ratchets? I saw red perma-lube mentioned in one thread I was reading earlier. I'm not sure if this grease would be suited for the less clicking sound.