Question about Proto ratchet springs.

[Capt. Spaulding]

I got this Proto at a estate sale today and took it apart to clean it up. When I opened it up I noticed the springs were a bit bent and one was much worse than the other. Once everything went back together it is functioning but when used in the “on” position the spring is not providing enough tension and the ratchet is skipping and just not functioning like it should. My question is, do I need to find Proto springs to replace them with or is there other springs I can use? Thank you in advance.




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[3baygarage]

Never tried different springs before. They are that conical shape, so they make contact against the paddles while staying in place properly.

Might try wiping any old grease off the springs and give them a little stretch before putting back together and oiling if you haven’t.

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

Never tried different springs before. They are that conical shape, so they make contact against the paddles while staying in place properly.

Might try wiping any old grease off the springs and give them a little stretch before putting back together and oiling if you haven’t.

Yea I did that and one is performing well but the other is bent badly out of shape and I’m not sure if I can fix it. I will open it back up and give it a go at bending and shaping it back to its original shape but if that doesn’t work I am hoping to have a backup plan. Worst case scenario I can try some other springs and play around with it to see functionality. If all else fails I can either contact Proto or have a excuse to buy a donor ratchet.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

be sure it's assembled right too.
I got these pics off another members thread, and decided to save them from photobucket.

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

Thank you for the pictures. Yes it is assembled correctly. The spring is mangled and not giving the “dog right” enough tension.

Again, great info in the pictures and I saved it for future reference if needed.

 

[bmwrd0]

Rebuild kits are still available from Proto and these will have the proper springs as part of the set.

But! If you go to a thrift store, you will find tons of discarded TV remotes, which will have...

Cone springs in the battery compartment. Find some that look right and go to town.

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

Rebuild kits are still available from Proto and these will have the proper springs as part of the set.

But! If you go to a thrift store, you will find tons of discarded TV remotes, which will have...

Cone springs in the battery compartment. Find some that look right and go to town.

Great! I was trying to think where I have seen cone shaped springs before and now it’s more than obvious. Thank you!

 

[tym]

Great! I was trying to think where I have seen cone shaped springs before and now it’s more than obvious. Thank you!

Yeah. I had noticed when servicing one of my mine they looked suspiciously similar to those battery holder / battery compartment springs.