Ratchet Repair???

[mopowers]

Hey guys! This is my first post. My name is Evan and I stumbled across this site while doing some research on fixing an old craftsman 1/2" drive click-style torque wrench I have (part #44441). I inherited it from my late uncle, so I'd much rather fix it than toss it.

The main gear has started to strip which allows the ratcheting mechanism to slip. I've found out the ratcheting mechanism is identical to those used in the following old 1/2" drive craftsman ratchets (44974, 44978, 44985, 44974(f), 44975, 44838, 44976 (long), 44984(f), 44986(f), 44819). I've contacted many Sears stores and tool repair shops. Apparently the repair kit for these ratchets (#43447) has been discontinued and they no long have parts or old ratchets lying around to pilfer parts form.

Do any of you folks know who may have this particular repair kit on hand?? Or maybe you know a person, repair shop, or Sears store that has a shoebox of old Craftsman ratchet parts laying around?

Here is a picture of the part I need. Thanks so much for any info you could give me. I really appreciate it!

Thanks,
Evan

 

[dpaton]

Surf eBay. They sometimes show up, at sometimes exorbitant prices. You may also want to buy a used ratchet to pilfer parts from, it may be cheaper. Maintaining these old tools is getting harder and harder.

 

[softailgarage]

How old is the ratchet? 50's, 60's 70's? I would find another ratchet just like yours and cannabilize it. Unless it's from the 30's or 40's it shouldn't be too hard to find another one, it's a Craftsman. It may take some time and searching but I don't think your gonna find someone with the actual repair kit. Picture of the ratchet would help.

 

[PowderKeg]

Yeah, think your best bet is going to find a donor ratchet at the flea market, auction, or even flea-bay (if you want to trust condition descriptions of used ratchets). NOS rebuild kits can be found on flea-ebay, some even not priced too high, from time to time - there was a seller with a number if 1/4" quick release long lever kits for $5 each just this week.

 

[mopowers]

Thanks for the input guys. I figured my best option would be to buy a used one on ebay and take the part I need off it. I was hoping someone knew of a person or place that may have some old kits on a shelf somewhere. Thanks again!

 

[jlh92]

I'm pretty sure I have an old Craftsman 44985 at home. I'm sure we could work something out as it's not my go to 1/2" ratchet. PM me and I'll take a look at it this evening.

 

[Faisal]

just check in ebay time to time i am sure you will find ,i have seen a lot before

 

[02camaro86]

why dont you just go to sears and see if they will warranty it and bump you up to the most recent equivalent?

 

[mopowers]

Well, good news! I finally got in touch with someone at a nearby Sears that does tool repair. Turns out he's got a handful of the kits I need. He said he'll hold two of them free of charge that I can come pick up! I'm so stoked.

 

[softailgarage]

why dont you just go to sears and see if they will warranty it and bump you up to the most recent equivalent?

Because the most recent equivalent would have a big fat "Made in China" stamp on it.

Glad you found what you needed.

 

[PowderKeg]

Well, good news! I finally got in touch with someone at a nearby Sears that does tool repair. Turns out he's got a handful of the kits I need. He said he'll hold two of them free of charge that I can come pick up! I'm so stoked.

Great! That's a minor miracle too, glad you've found 'em!

 

[bobbycos]

why dont you just go to sears and see if they will warranty it and bump you up to the most recent equivalent?

OP stated that it was his late uncle's tool and wants to repair it rather than toss it