Proto Round head needs lube

[puttsy]

Hey all, does anyone know how to open up a Proto Challenge 1660 round head ratchet? It sounds pretty rough and feels about the same. Any thoughts/suggestions appreciated. I've debated on selling this guy too but would like to get is running smooth and then decide.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a darn nice ratchet but, I think it has potential to be a bit better.

If you've got any ideas, please let me know!

 

[Lomotil]

Haven't opened one up personally, but from the pics I found online, looks like a typical round-head. You can usually spread the round spring clip away from the drive gear with a toothed needlenose and work it up and around the drive side, then pull the whole gear out from there.

 

[Hank McMauser]

all I see are 3 red x's but I would imagine there is a retainer on the underside of the head, carefully pry up the end with a tiny flathead screwdriver or knife point and work it out of it's groove kind of like a spring there are usually two wraps (a full 720 degrees) once it's out,it should come apart easily. be careful using a knife or screwdriver for this procedure,it's very easy to cut yourself

 

[puttsy]

thx guys! I'm still unsure how to tackle it. I have never opened a round head and don't really want to mess this one up because it's a pretty nice ratchet.

And I'll see if I can find a Hank friendly photo hosting site. They're on dropbox now which *should* be universal and stable/reliable but if you're getting an X, somethings hinky.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I took some pics of how to remove the ring retainer I'm speaking of this is a wright ratchet but many ratchets use the same type retainer hopefully more than red x's show up

sometimes the hardest part is getting a tool up under the end of the ring,this wright is easy as it has a flat on one end allowing some space for me to get a pick under it easily.If you use a knife be very careful!

 

[Hank McMauser]

here's one last pic of the guts removed from it really simple once you get in there & get the dirt under the fingernails

 

[puttsy]

I linked to a different location for the images so the *should* work now. Oddly, not everyone as having problems seeing them. Do you have dropbox blocked? They're on Google Picasa now so that should be a bit more stable.

And Hank, mine is setup a bit differently. The bit side of the head is set into the round head and there doesn't appear to be a way to get it out...but that's why I'm asking you all for help! I may end up just selling it (offers!?) but, it's still a very functional, nice tool, just wish it was a bit smoother.

 

[Lomotil]

I linked to a different location for the images so the *should* work now. Oddly, not everyone as having problems seeing them. Do you have dropbox blocked? They're on Google Picasa now so that should be a bit more stable.

And Hank, mine is setup a bit differently. The bit side of the head is set into the round head and there doesn't appear to be a way to get it out...but that's why I'm asking you all for help! I may end up just selling it (offers!?) but, it's still a very functional, nice tool, just wish it was a bit smoother.

The same principle should apply like the pictures that Hank posted, except it looks like the ring is inside. Look very close at the inside edge on the drive side, you should be able to see a place where the spring clip 'ends' - you'll need to gently pry it inward until it can clear the rim and work it around from there. It may help to use a second screwdriver to apply some pressure to the ring so that it doesn't just spin in place while you're taking it out.

If the clip has two eyelets, use some snap-ring pliers or a pair of fine-tipped needlepoint pliers to squeeze the eyelets toward each other, and lift it out. Dental picks or other small tools can be used in either situation, too.

 

[Lomotil]

I just checked my box, I've got that same ratchet in 3/8" (#1260) - it has the internal ring (not a snap ring.) Look for a little 'tooth' inside on that ring, that's where you'll want to pry.

I'd keep it after cleaning and lubing it up. That's one of the smoothest round-head ratchets I've ever owned.

 

[puttsy]

Got it open, Thanks Hank and Lomotil! Dang, that's a pretty fine tooth ratchet for being ...?... years old. Don't know if I really want to "...oops!" This one into the oil pan though. Might need to get something a bit better. Suggestions? (I know there's another thread about what people use to lube ratchets but I'm not finding it ATM)

 

[Gort the giant robot]

I have the same ratchet at work. I have been using it for 8 years with no problems. About once a month I dip the head of it a coffee can of ATF and let it hang upside down overnight to get out the excess.

Gort

 

[Lomotil]

Glad you got it open... Personally, I love to pack the hell out of my ratchets with all-purpose grease to the point where it's oozing out when it goes back together, but others are partial to SuperLube or the Permatex "RLL" (Red Lube of Love, as it's affectionately referred to.)

Really up to you. I used to just spray Rem Oil in my ratchets until I found out how quiet and smooth the grease makes them. Probably better on courser tooth ratchets, but I tried it in this one and it was pretty darn smooth. And, quiet.

 

[puttsy]

Thanks! I just gave her the old ATF treatment (wonder I had any around actually! I rarely have a need for anything like that which is used on autos.)

I think I couted somewhere around 60 teeth on that beast though. That had to have been about top of the line back in the day. Anyone have a guess on the date? Initial Price? I got it for a buck at a garage sale a couple years ago and tossed it in my **** toolbox. Only recently did I pull it out and see it was Proto, not some POS cheap thing. When I bought it, I had never heard of Proto and thought it was sketchy, and until I was a regular on this forum, I didn't know they were any good. Still looking for that Armstrong 3/8" though... (trade? )

 

[SMKS]

A few drops of light oil work well in fine tooth ratchets like this. Grease is thicker than you need.

 

[Zrexxer]

That had to have been about top of the line back in the day. Anyone have a guess on the date? Initial Price? I got it for a buck at a garage sale a couple years ago and tossed it in my **** toolbox.

Probably mid 80's or so. Challenger was Proto's economy line, commonly sold on toolboards at many autoparts stores. I don't remember what they were new, but certainly less than $20. You did OK for a buck.

 

[puttsy]

Novice question here:

I keep hearing about RLL but, what is it? I glanced at the permatex site and didn't see anything shouting at me but, I didn't look all that hard because I have no idea what to be looking for. (link?) Thanks for all the help though guys! This is now promoted to my go-to 1/2" ratchet...almost sorry cman raised panel...almost.

 

[Lomotil]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBNVSK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I believe this is what everyone's using, haven't gotten around to trying it myself yet, though.

 

[puttsy]

Thanks @Lomotil

I was thinking RLL would be an acronym of the name or something. I think I'll throw that product description and link in another article I'm working on for novice's like me. (I would prefer the term idiots or dummies like me but some people don't want to be called/refered to as such.)

And everyone else, is what Lomotil linked to really what you all call RLL? I just want to be sure I get my ducks in a row as to not confuse myself (or potentially others) by an error here.

 

[davesnothere]

I've always wondered if the red lube of love was assembly lube as well.
Personally, I use white lithium grease in all my ratchets.

 

[Lomotil]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1244245&highlight=Permatex+81950#post1244245

Seems like it. I remember searching the forum with my phone at O'Reilly to give them the part number. Didn't have it in stock, but could order it. Didn't ask the price, though.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I just use some lubriplate outboard gearbox oil I think it's 80 or 90 wt if your shop is unheated in the winter, I'd shy away from regular grease,as you'll encounter the same thing soldiers do in the frigid wintertimes no bangy or in your case, no ratchety

 

[puttsy]

Thanks hank, love things put in a way I can understand.

Like in Portal...

"Speedy object go in; speedy object go out."

I swear, guys on here are like family (and I'm that in-law that everyone tries to stay away from. That wandering eye and the seemingly "in-and-out" consciousness); you all never claim stupid questions when I ask. Soo much appreciation.