Snap-On 1-1/2"-Drive Ratchet

[tooljunkie4]

I am stuck at a crossroads.

I have an old L78 ratchet head. It would be extremely useful if it were complete. The trouble here is that it is missing one of its two plate screws.

So far, I have:

-Contacted Snap-On regarding a replacement screw. No luck.
-Contacted Snap-On regarding obtaining a drawing of the screw - so that I could have one made. Again, no luck.
-Googled 5/16" filister head screws. Screws of these dimensions are apparently not mass-produced.


Snap-On suggested that I send the ratchet head in under warranty and receive a complete 1"-drive ratchet in trade. A large, strong ratchet is needed, though I can imagine what would happen to this unit if it were placed in their dead tool pile.

I'd rather not reduce the number of available L78's, but I need a solution. Could use some constructive input.

 

[agpatel]

Can a full threaded machine screw be used in its place? Possibly use a full thread shank with threads on grip area cut down.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#machine-screw-fasteners/=o0u2jx

 

[ArcStyles]

Take the one screw you have to a comprehensive fastener store. We have one here that has shelf after shelf of fasteners. I am sure at the very least you'll find 2 matching screws that will work with the tool and maybe even find the one you need.

I had the same problem building an Oakley sun-glass cabinet. Though I never found the actual Oakley fasteners, I was able to buy all new fasteners that worked perfectly at holding together the cabinet.

Here is a link (http://www.rjleahy.com/) to the store I am referring to. They have a phone number, give them a call. Even if they don't have it in stock, they may have a network that can track it down. Good luck to you!

 

[ChevyEFI]

Was it threaded by a wizard whose work can never be reproduced?

Figure out what thread it is and have some screws machined for it.

 

[Trash Mech]

Send me the ratchet, I will pay shipping.

 

[dirtmister16]

have you tried a machinest? plenty of them on here that could help get you in the right direction. what about the good one? can't you use that as a pattern or something to gauge against?

 

[zkling]

Was it threaded by a wizard whose work can never be reproduced?
Figure out what thread it is and have some screws machined for it.

X2 Shouldn't be hard or $ to make one. I have made many a goofy screws. Know anyone local with a lathe? I could do it, but warning the turn around time would be pretty long.

Out of curosity, WTF do you use a 1.5" DRIVE ratchet on?

EDIT, actually can you post a pic of it? Thread pitch would even be better. Filister head are probably the easiest to make. Additionally they are used heavily in guns, so I bet I/we could source one given the dims on it.

 

[tooljunkie4]

It is a 5/16"-24 thread and 1-5/8" long. There are only 8 threads. Most of its length is shoulder.

I have checked with McMaster-Carr, MSC, and with Grainger. The local Fastenal did not have anything in stock, and all of the machinists (seven) I've spoken with face-to-face have stated that the job would be too expensive to be worthwhile (for whom, I don't know - I'd have preferred to salvage this tool).

 

[zkling]

Most of it is shoulder length? This is getting easier by the minute. Can you post a pic please?

and all of the machinists (seven) I've spoken with face-to-face have stated that the job would be too expensive to be worthwhile (for whom, I don't know - I'd have preferred to salvage this tool).

This sounds like the $hit I specialize in.

 

[jim faston]

Mine's held together with two 5/16-24x1-3/4 socket head cap screws.

 

[zkling]

Mine's held together with two 5/16-24x1-3/4 socket head cap screws.

This is another good option if you don't care about matching screws. Or just replace both if it bothers you. This is assuming the head dia/counter bore is standard.

 

[tooljunkie4]

Photos of the remaining fastener and its home:

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Have you tried contacting a local SO truck dealer? When I had to get a ratchet repaired (screws that held the plate in snapped) He repaired it right on the truck. Took him some time but I got it back. I am only asking b/c my SO rep has about 30 yrs of experience (according to my co-workers) and I am assuming he has lots of hardware on hand.

 

[tooljunkie4]

I did. My Snap-On dealer is very thorough, has been at it since the early 80's, and, on top of everything else, is a decent guy. He hasn't had any luck.

For reference, there is a listing in Snap-On's parts catalog for an L78-Y ratchet head. The screw indicated there is part number ME3E3. I've ordered a pair of those. What arrived was less than half the size needed. I called Snap-On's tech line afterward, and received confirmation that what I received matched the dimensions for that part number.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I would have hand formed that sucker using my dremel to cut the filister from a hex head, and tapped the thread by now.

C'mon.

 

[Murphy4570]

Its just a 5/16 screw, fine thread. Fabricate one out of an existing bolt if you have to. Get to work with hand filing it or something.


Or use this as an excuse to buy a lathe!!!!

 

[ChevyEFI]

A good picture of a disassembled L78: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67651

 

[foreverfalcon40]

O lord she is beautiful! Hope you get her up and running! Seems like you had it operating at one time. I assume that the screws came loose and they fell our or you snapped them?

 

[tooljunkie4]

Out of curosity, WTF do you use a 1.5" DRIVE ratchet on?

Seasonal, mobile sunglass repair.

Photos of the screw, etc. have been added to post 12 above.

 

[Mike007]

Seasonal, mobile sunglass repair.

Photos of the screw, etc. have been added to post 12 above.

Removing a torx screw can be real stubborn sometimes.

 

[signcrafter]

This may be a silly question but do they still offer a rebuild kit for that ratchet and if so do the screws come in the kit? Also curious what the reason for not wanting to warranty it is? Unless sentimental value or something I would think just warrantying it and getting a usable ratchet would be the best option?

 

[larry_g]

http://www.unbrako.com/docs/engguide.pdf

In the document above it looks like the 2 1/4" length low head screw would come real close to doing the job. If you really wanted to have the slot head then get a a hex head screw and modify the head to duplicate what you have . Good luck.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Photos of the remaining fastener and its home:

Looks like a shoulder bolt would work. I would look at socket head shoulder bolt from places like mcmaster-carr or Fastenall.

 

[ArcStyles]

If you still haven't found a kit you should try these 2 fastener stores. One of them I found on this forum. You can thank GJ member "alex71" for this reference. They have over 50,000 fasteners. The other I have been to personally and could not believe that such a place even existed.

These places can save anybody who utilize them a lot of trouble. You owe to yourself to try.

http://www.rjleahy.com/

http://www.asmc.net/ alex71 reference