reversable ratcheting end wrenches: can they be repaired?

[CGT80]

I have a set of USA made Cman reversable ratcheting end wrenches that my brother got me a number of years ago. I have used the **** out of them working in the garage and on my Chevy trucks.

The 1/2" ratcheting end finally started to have issues. It is now difficult to change the direction with the lever without moving the ratchet mechanism. I can push hard and move it or I can move the ring of the wrench a bit and move the lever. I wonder if there is anything I could do to the internals, if it is even possible to take it apart.

Does anyone know how to take apart a reversable ratcheting end wrench, or how they are built?

I have searched the threads but no info. I am trying to decide whether to buy a replacement on ebay (US made), or to consider other options. I really don't want to trade it out for a Chinese POS at Sears. The set is 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, and 9/16 plus 4 in metric. I rarely use metric tools and I have used the 1/2" and 9/16" the most. It would be nice to have some bigger ones up to 3/4" or so. I considered the Armstrong kit: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00027FPCE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It is a bit pricey, but looks like it would compare well to what I have been using.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Jswain]

Some of them have an internal snap ring on them, but try soaking the end in atf for a couple days first, work it back and forth a bunch and it should be good to go.

 

[Skin]

Oil soak is about all you can do. The vast majority are press fit or have a non-servicible retaining ring. Blue-Point and Gedore 7U/UR can be completely dissasembeld for cleaning but neither supply rebuild kits to my knowledge.

 

[1950mercury]

If lube dont work check your local sears a lot of open stock is us made i just bought a 9\16. That or check ebay

 

[Hammer1963]

Soak the affected end in Dextron or Marvel Mystery oil and work the mechanism till it loosens and dirt starts to come out. Repeat until the fluid runs clean

 

[CGT80]

Thanks guys. It has been soaking all day. If this doesn't work, I will probably get a new one on ebay, or see if sears has any individuals, but the closest sears didn't have much last time I was there.

 

[Toymeister]

I have the Armstrong set. It came up here as a "hot Buy" 2 years ago in the form of surplus; the 'add on' to a General Mechanics tool Kit issued to military units. The Add on was for the Marines.

Here is the GMTK in case you want one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z8TDS2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

At the time I thought it was very expensive. The pain of the price has long since been forgotten. I have pleasure each time I handle them. Smooth, well finished and quite long. Made in the USA, of course.