Ratchet Upgrades

[Kscardsfan]

Is there a list or database on here of ratchets that can be upgraded by just swapping out the internals i.e. like the SK DT drop in kits? I want to saw some craftsman and GW products could be upgraded with Matco internals, but I could be off about that. Thanks all.

 

[Fedwrench]

Is there a list or database on here of ratchets that can be upgraded by just swapping out the internals i.e. like the SK DT drop in kits? I want to saw some craftsman and GW products could be upgraded with Matco internals, but I could be off about that. Thanks all.

Not that I've seen but, it could exist.

Gearwrench 60 & 84 tooth ratchet versions can accept a Matco 88 tooth repair kit but, it never made much sense to me

Now, there is one repair kit swap that kind of makes sense to me is if you want a 3/8 drive in a Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth 1/4 drive body, you can get MATCO repair kit BFR5TK and you can turn the Gearwrench 1/4 drive ratchet into a 3/8 small frame ratchet for about $12 and change.

As for Craftsman, the 84 tooth non quick release ratchets will accept a MATCO 88 repair but why bother for four more teeth. The Craftsman US Made thin profile 60 tooth ratchet will accept a Matco repair kit but, you'll have a hole in the back of the ratchet's head where the quick release button was.

 

[lardy1]

I switched out a 1/2" drive Geartwrench 84 tooth to the Matco 88 tooth. In my case, it wasn't about more teeth. It was about making a useless, self switching ratchet into a usable tool. I don't use that ratchet very often but it seemed to remedy the lockups and self switching.

 

[bigjeff94]

Not that I've seen but, it could exist.

Gearwrench 60 & 84 tooth ratchet versions can accept a Matco 88 tooth repair kit but, it never made much sense to me

Now, there is one repair kit swap that kind of makes sense to me is if you want a 3/8 drive in a Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth 1/4 drive body, you can get MATCO repair kit BFR5TK and you can turn the Gearwrench 1/4 drive ratchet into a 3/8 small frame ratchet for about $12 and change.

As for Craftsman, the 84 tooth non quick release ratchets will accept a MATCO 88 repair but why bother for four more teeth. The Craftsman US Made thin profile 60 tooth ratchet will accept a Matco repair kit but, you'll have a hole in the back of the ratchet's head where the quick release button was.

Interesting swap for the small frame 3/8 ratchet. I have an extra 1/4" Armstrong Maxx. I wonder if it can be done.

 

[sk farmer]

Interesting swap for the small frame 3/8 ratchet. I have an extra 1/4" Armstrong Maxx. I wonder if it can be done.

yes.

 

[bigjeff94]

I really like my Maxx ratchets, I had bought some matco kits a while ago in case I ever needed them. Might have to try it.

 

[bonneyman]

There was a thread about 3/8" drive gears in 1/4" ratchet bodies, and along the way someone started collating all the parts numbers.

I think it would be a worthy resource if someone(s) did a similar thing with the OP's question.

 

[Kscardsfan]

There was a thread about 3/8" drive gears in 1/4" ratchet bodies, and along the way someone started collating all the parts numbers.

I think it would be a worthy resource if someone(s) did a similar thing with the OP's question.

I have my moments of clear thoughts and good ideas. I’m starting week two of my mandated quarantine period today so I’m grasping for ideas to keep my mind occupied.

 

[lardy1]

I made a small 3/8" ratchet out of a 1/4" drive SK by dropping in the guts from the thumbwheel ratchet. They sell it as a unit now.

I really haven't had a use for it. It's very compact, though.

 

[X1 Mike]

Now, there is one repair kit swap that kind of makes sense to me is if you want a 3/8 drive in a Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth 1/4 drive body, you can get MATCO repair kit BFR5TK and you can turn the Gearwrench 1/4 drive ratchet into a 3/8 small frame ratchet for about $12 and change.

What kind of monster says stuff like that?

I already have the Matco 3/8" head in a 1/4" body but now it looks like I have a whole new list of ratchets to make.

Thanks for nothing.

p.s. I'm mostly pissed because the Matco guy came yesterday now I have to wait a whole week................

 

[fang123]

Not that I've seen but, it could exist.

Gearwrench 60 & 84 tooth ratchet versions can accept a Matco 88 tooth repair kit but, it never made much sense to me

Now, there is one repair kit swap that kind of makes sense to me is if you want a 3/8 drive in a Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth 1/4 drive body, you can get MATCO repair kit BFR5TK and you can turn the Gearwrench 1/4 drive ratchet into a 3/8 small frame ratchet for about $12 and change.

As for Craftsman, the 84 tooth non quick release ratchets will accept a MATCO 88 repair but why bother for four more teeth. The Craftsman US Made thin profile 60 tooth ratchet will accept a Matco repair kit but, you'll have a hole in the back of the ratchet's head where the quick release button was.

Where are you finding The BFR5TK kits ? Searched for it on Matco site and it doesn't come up. $26.90 on Ebay, no thanks LOL.

 

[X1 Mike]

This is the one I already have.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR58/3-8-DRIVE-5-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-FIXED-CHROME-RATCHET/

I also have the 60 tooth version of the same ratchet and I use this thing all the time. It is my primary ratchet for motorcycle oil changes.

Being 5" long it's tough to tear anything up. TWSS

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’d love to upgrade an older snap on 1/2 that I picked up years ago for cheap. But it seems snap on goes to great lengths to make sure stuff is unique unto itself.

 

[sk farmer]

I’d love to upgrade an older snap on 1/2 that I picked up years ago for cheap. But it seems snap on goes to great lengths to make sure stuff is unique unto itself.

i will bang snap-on if needed but they don't hold the patent on making unique stuff.

sk probably holds the record for the longest run. the classic round head has been around forever but there are literally thousands of obscure ratchet designs with almost all of them having no upgrade or repair options.

 

[Kscardsfan]

i will bang snap-on if needed but they don't hold the patent on making unique stuff.

sk probably holds the record for the longest run. the classic round head has been around forever but there are literally thousands of obscure ratchet designs with almost all of them having no upgrade or repair options.

While I don’t particularly love a round head ratchet design, the fact SK has been making them basically the exact same for close to a century speaks volumes to its design and use. And the DT upgrade kits that bring grandpas old ratchet into the 21st century are sheer genius. The ability to turn a $5 garage sale find into a fine tooth ratchet for $20ish bucks is what made me a believer. My long handle 40170 with a DT100 kit is one of my go to tools now.

 

[Ign]

Where are you finding The BFR5TK kits ? Searched for it on Matco site and it doesn't come up. $26.90 on Ebay, no thanks LOL.

Was gonna ask the same thing and found the same pricing online.

BFR5TK doesn't come up at matco.com

 

[woody 73]

I did this post some time back, not sure if this is what the op was looking for but some information is better then none at all:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351848

 

[Kscardsfan]

I did this post some time back, not sure if this is what the op was looking for but some information is better then none at all:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351848

I’m of the belief that any and all resources are a good thing.