SK 3886 ratchet troubles

[tjmonsen5]

This is my favorite ratchet, and its has slowly been getting worse and worse. It is not stripped, but rather the ratchet will either lock up completely, or just spin freely and not ratchet at all. It all depends on how tight the little allen screw is. I have taken this thing apart numerous times, lubed it, and cant seem to get it to work well anymore. It might last a few days, then acts up again. Any secrets to fixing it?

I called SK, but they no longer make this ratchet, and said they would replace it with a newer model. I looked at the website but appears that they don't have a ratchet that looks like this one anymore. I am not sure if I will like what they send me. This handle just feels so good in my hands!

 

[otis66]

Need Pics.

 

[Hiball]

Its a Facom fine toothed ratchet, Have you took it apart? Maybe the little heart shaped wire is broken/Out of position etc..

 

[sk farmer]

that is basucly a tuff1 ratchet with a disc on the back side. the tuff1 pawl and internal parts may fit but i can's say for usre. i have never tride to swap the parts but i know you would have to take them completely apart. i would guess your biggest probelis that the screw is loose and it does not stay in adjustment. i have see seversl methods tokeep them tight. loc tite, like they had from factory, thread tape on the threads to make them tight or slightly damaging the thread on the screw to keep it from turning. one could also try facom parts but good luck finding them. i am sure the would replace it with 45171 if you chose that route and it is a fine ratchet. much more sturdy than that facom clone.

 

[SMKS]

The screw loosening is a complaint I've read about on here before. The mechanism is really simple, so don't worry about opening it up.

The center screw has loctite on it to keep it from going out of adjustment. You could try adding some loctite to the screw.

Also, I believe this is the proper method for adjusting the screw:
1- Turn screw all the way down
2- Back off 1/4 turn

 

[tjmonsen5]

Wow so many responses before I even had a chance to take pictures! I didnt know they used loctite, that just may fix my problem!

 

[quattrojon]

Try a dab of loctite on the screw. Let me know if that doesn't work, as i may have a ratchet repair kit that i can send you.

 

[tjmonsen5]

Dumb question: are you supposed to let the loctite dry before screwing in the bolt? Or screw it in wet, and just leave the ratchet to dry overnight?

 

[jjjrmx5]

I assume you are using Blue Loctite 242 or 243 (I keep both around) and not the red stuff.

If so:
Apply loctite wet.
Apply several drops of the product down the internal threads to the bottom of the hole or if easier to the fastener itself.

Assemble parts and tighten as required. Sets in approximately 10 minutes and fully cures in 24 hours.

Full directions here:
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/t_lkr_blue/directions/Loctite-Threadlocker-Blue-242.htm

 

[tjmonsen5]

I actually have permatex medium strength threadlocker blue.


Well, i have reassembled the ratchet, and hope that it will work nicely for a long time now!

 

[tjmonsen5]

Looks like my last reply was August 2011. Used the advise on here, use loctite and turn the screw all the way in and then back off a 1/4 turn. I am still using the ratchet today without a hiccup!

 

[Jawn]

Good to know, those are great ratchets! Shame they don't make them anymore... though I guess you could buy a Facom if you really wanted that style reverser.

 

[afg82366]

This is my favorite ratchet, and its has slowly been getting worse and worse. It is not stripped, but rather the ratchet will either lock up completely, or just spin freely and not ratchet at all. It all depends on how tight the little allen screw is. I have taken this thing apart numerous times, lubed it, and cant seem to get it to work well anymore. It might last a few days, then acts up again. Any secrets to fixing it?

I called SK, but they no longer make this ratchet, and said they would replace it with a newer model. I looked at the website but appears that they don't have a ratchet that looks like this one anymore. I am not sure if I will like what they send me. This handle just feels so good in my hands!

This works!!

Mac Tools 3/8” Drive XRRK-RF Ratchet Repair Kit

 

[nz44tool]

Just found one of these, in almost-new condition. A beautiful piece, works fine.

 

[Upstater57]

The screw loosening is a complaint I've read about on here before. The mechanism is really simple, so don't worry about opening it up.

The center screw has loctite on it to keep it from going out of adjustment. You could try adding some loctite to the screw.

Also, I believe this is the proper method for adjusting the screw:
1- Turn screw all the way down
2- Back off 1/4 turn

I just rebuilt one of these and did exactly what is written here. These are nice ratchets.