Rebuild or replace: Snap-on TM 70 B ratchet

[The 52 Ford]

I have a Snap-on TM 70 B 1/4" ratchet. It works "OK". It sort of sticks when you change directions and that's just irritating. Should I replace it or try to find a rebuild kit? I've already had it apart and cleaned and lubed it. It's in great shape on the outside, just has a lot of wear on the gear and pawl.

 

[48548]

Personally I would fix it, but also replace with a new one as I think those are low tooth count and clunky, but worth fixing...

 

[DavidB]

Someone else here had the same ratchet and sent it back to Snap-On for repair. They sent him a new T72. Definitely worth trying. See thread here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30445

 

[The 52 Ford]

Well dang. I wonder what they do with all the old tools that get sent in. I would like to have a T72.... hmm... This TM70B is a little "clunky". I'm going to wait for a few more people to chime in before I send it off to Snappy. In the mean time, I'm going to take it apart again and see if I can fix it.

 

[Cefizox]

$10.30 for RKRA930A repair kit. Believe it's 30 tooth vice 20 in original configuration.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Someone else here had the same ratchet and sent it back to Snap-On for repair. They sent him a new T72. Definitely worth trying. See thread here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30445

It may happen, but my guess is that if a rebuild lit is available, that is what Snap On will send you. That being said, I have a F720 that Snap On sent me a new 30 tooth kit for and I loved the results. I still have the newer F80's, but the lower tooth count of the 720 gives a solid feeling of "indestructiveness" to it. I know all about the strength of additional surface contact with the Dual 80 ratchets, but the "old school" solid action of the older ratchet has its own vibe that rings a bell in my 6 plus decades old brain. To each his own...

 

[snapmom]

Call them, and ask for a kit. They will send you a free kit. Sounds like you need a new ballbearing and or spring.

 

[mrjaw14]

I have a TM70B that was broken about two years ago. They sent a repair kit for free. Snap on is excellent to deal with. I'd love a tl72, but I wouldn't expect them to just give me one unless kits aren't available

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm going to wait for a few more people to chime in before I send it off to Snappy.

Going from the current 20 tooth to a 30 tooth with a rebuild kit coupled with some Permatex #81950 assembly lube would make a night and day difference. But you're going to need a center punch to "swage" the new selector lever. You're also going to need the special tool #SPP744 to install the plunger ball without it shooting across the room never to be found again.

 

[T45]

the kits are 30t as mentioned above...so try out the kit that should sort you out.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Going from the current 20 tooth to a 30 tooth with a rebuild kit coupled with some Permatex #81950 assembly lube would make a night and day difference. But you're going to need a center punch to "swage" the new selector lever. You're also going to need the special tool #SPP744 to install the plunger ball without it shooting across the room never to be found again.

Wamsutta speaks the truth. That was the exact experience that I had with the 3/8" drive F720. I forgot to mention the special tool that he references (SPP744). It only costs a buck or two, but everyone who rebuilds any brand ratchet should have at least one in their toolbox. It saves TONS of aggravation.

 

[The 52 Ford]

Ya know, I'd never though about there being a special tool to install the ball and spring. I got bored one weekend and went out to the tool box and rebuilt about 10 ratchets. I think I ended up cutting open a shotgun shell and using #4 steel shot to fix two of them that I'd lost the balls for.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

If you had the tool, you wouldn't have had to ruin a perfectly good shotgun shell.

 

[Finky198]

I sent in an SF80 with the old style head screws in the plate. In which the joint was loose and would no longer tighten. I received a brand new SF0A with the improved style head. I was required to send it in they gave me a prepaid mailer and it took about a week. From what I gather they will only replace them if they are beyond repair or if the parts are unavailable. And at their discretion of course...