Ratchet Rebuilding Tool

[DadsTools]

When old ratchets I come across are a little chattery, I find that stretching the spring under the ball that engages the pawl fixes them without a rebuild kit. But that ball can certainly fly when you're trying to hold it down while re-inserting the pawl--you guys know the kind I'm talking about (a standard steel BB for a BB-gun works perfect as a replacement in older teardrop Craftsman ratchets--don't ask me how I know this).

The question is....have any of you made a tool for this kind of work, and if so, what'd you do? I've been thinking about a narrow thin piece of metal with a hole drilled into the end into which the ball would nest while holding it down. Any ideas?

 

[LB-1911]

Here you go

Hey guys... Merk and I have been discussing "official" tools that make rebuilding ratchets easier; the main struggle seems to be the spring/ball bearing that goes under the pawl, of most pear shaped ratchets!

Danaher/Craftsman tool:


There is a "U" shaped indention in the tool to hold the ball bearing in place.


One side is for 1/4" drive and the other side is for 3/8" and 1/2" drive.

Snap-On tool part # SPP744:

The Snapon tool costs a whopping .98 cents with free shipping!

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/sear...nsfr=true&search_type=Part&store=snapon-store

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=519703&postcount=1

 

[Ign]

Yep I keep meaning to order the Snappy tool just 'cause. It's practically free

 

[DadsTools]

Can never see photobucket stuff in these posts but found the Snap-On item with the link....thanks! Is it the Snappy tool that is two sided, each for a different sized ratchet?

 

[LB-1911]

Can never see photobucket stuff in these posts but found the Snap-On item with the link....thanks! Is it the Snappy tool that is two sided, each for a different sized ratchet?

1/4" & 3/8"

No shame in using a 2 gallon zip lock bag either.

Re Photobucket

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[Realmongo]

Well, after having the ball bearing launched across the garage, I ordered one of the Snap-On tools to try again. Not quite sure how, but I managed to find the ball.

 

[Realmongo]

When old ratchets I come across are a little chattery, I find that stretching the spring under the ball that engages the pawl fixes them without a rebuild kit. But that ball can certainly fly when you're trying to hold it down while re-inserting the pawl--you guys know the kind I'm talking about (a standard steel BB for a BB-gun works perfect as a replacement in older teardrop Craftsman ratchets--don't ask me how I know this).

The question is....have any of you made a tool for this kind of work, and if so, what'd you do? I've been thinking about a narrow thin piece of metal with a hole drilled into the end into which the ball would nest while holding it down. Any ideas?

While I was rebuilding mine, I found the ball will drop through a 9/64 drill gauge, but not an 8/64.
So, I'm think of picking up a few 9/64 balls to keep on-hand.

 

[qqzj]

Well, after having the ball bearing launched across the garage, I ordered one of the Snap-On tools to try again. Not quite sure how, but I managed to find the ball.

What did you order? I did not find the tool called SPP744. Thanks.

 

[WWheeler]

What did you order? I did not find the tool called SPP744. Thanks.

Snap-on no longer carries them on their website. They may still be available from a dealer.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I got a couple of them from an ebay seller a few years ago. I think that Snap-on discontinued them.

 

[paulsomlo]

Somebody on ebay sells those, $12 maybe $13.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I think I'd make my own before I'd pay $10

 

[bonneyman]

I got mine through my car mechanic. The Snappy truck drops by about once a week, so I floated them the cash and a few weeks later got it. Ratchet repair has never been easier!
Here it is below a blackhead remover I found in the cosmetics bin at a thrift store. Both work well with ratchets.

 

[Outahere]

...Here it is below a blackhead remover I found in the cosmetics bin at a thrift store. Both work well with ratchets.

Tools for blackheads and pimples? New to me. Here is a 6pc toolkit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CXP295N/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Realmongo]

Yes, I ordered it off eBay. There are still a few left on there.

 

[bonneyman]

Tools for blackheads and pimples? New to me. Here is a 6pc toolkit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CXP295N/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I snagged it because it looked similar to the Snap-On tool, then went searching for a description. Came across it on a cosmetics site. Asked a few family members who use cosmetics and none of them have heard of it.

it doesn't work in all ratchets, but - on those where it will fit - it is much better than the rigged strips of sheet metal I was using.

Here is another version:

Seki Edge Blackhead Remover, Made in Japan

Made using first-grade stainless steel, the Seki Edge Blackhead Remover offers safe and reliable blackhead removal. FEATURES Carefully and safely removes blackheads 2 holes, for differently sized blackheads Helps prevent acne scars and infections Suitable for professional and personal use...

www.fendrihan.com

 

[Realmongo]

I tried that SPP744 tool out this afternoon and I was amazed how easy it was to reassemble the ratchet!
Now I wish I had ordered one sooner.

 

[johninct]

I just bought a tweezer at Walmart for $1.32 that I filed down to now take apart Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver clips.

 

[Zeus36]

An old feeler gauge set plus a machinist's scribe. Blade thickness depends on the ratchet you are rebuilding. Grease to keep that little ball from moving too much. All done in a big Ziplock.