Snap-On "break in" time?

[sprackydoo]

I just opened an account with snap-on and got a 1/4 comfort grip thing ratchet (I also wanted a 3/8 but he was out ) I haven't used it a whole lot yet but I don't feel any difference between it and my Craftsman (besides comfort)

My dad owns snap-on as soon as I touched his ratchet I wanted one. His ratchet was made before I was born (not too long ago lol) and it is very smooooth. Before I bought anything else I was wondering if this is going to break in or if they just don't make em like they used to?

 

[sprackydoo]

Oh btw eschoendorff I read some posts and found out you're from Manchester. I am also living manchester you may know my girlfriend as she was in your class. Her name is Jenni (don't want to say her last name on the net hint: she's from Germany)

 

[Fast Orange]

It'll take some time and use,but the ratchets do eventually "break in".Don't baby it,let it get some dirt on it,and wash it inthe parts washer a few times,and it'll get that nice feel .

George

 

[Thumper]

Remove the cover and pack it with white lube, it will be quieter and smoother. I do it with all my rachets.

 

[sprackydoo]

Don't baby it

Didn't plan on it


Thumper you mean like lithium grease? Is there gonna be any springs or anything jumpin out at me when I take the cover off?

 

[kartracer55]

Remove the cover and pack it with white lube, it will be quieter and smoother. I do it with all my rachets.

It might make them smoother, But Ive been told by a guy who knows his tools, that the grease attracts the dirt, and leads them to wear out faster. Oil is the best thing to lube a ratchet with. When you mean "break in" you mean less pull back drag? Thats all about the pawl spring... just gotta let it wear in.

Jim

 

[sprackydoo]

When you mean "break in" you mean less pull back drag?

yeah

 

[kartracer55]

yeah

Thats the pawl spring, it doesnt really that much to do with the teeth inside the ratchet. Thats the one thing I dont like about snap on ratchets... they use a really strong spring so you cant ratchet on/off low drag bolts.

Jim

 

[Thumper]

Didn't plan on it


Thumper you mean like lithium grease? Is there gonna be any springs or anything jumpin out at me when I take the cover off?

Yes, white lithium. And as far as grease attracting more dirt than oil......well I don't know about that, never had that problem. I take mine apart and clean and relube them periodically as way of maintenence. I was a mechanic for over 35 years until I retired and NEVER wore one out, I may have broken a few but never just flat wore them out.

 

[kartracer55]

yeah Id imagine wearing out the teeth would be hard but I think he meant the bushing surfaces on the top and bottom of the main gear. Hell youve been wrenchin for longer than ive been around though


Jim

 

[Uncle Buck]

I'm with Thumper, I pack all my ratchet heads with grease, and I too prefer lithium to any other for this purpose. I also believe this to be a better answer than oil.

 

[filthy_shovel]

I pack my ratchets also with white lithium grease.

 

[Thumper]

LOL........Rachet packers unite!!!

 

[Uncle Buck]

Oh I don't know if I like the way this sounds!

 

[Thumper]

That don't sound right does it?.....forget that Idea.......LOL

 

[bmwpower]

Why not bearing grease instead of white lithium?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Over time bearing grease dries up hard as a rock, I have seen this in several old ratchets that I have resurected through the years.

 

[kartracer55]

Why not bearing grease instead of white lithium?

To heavy of a grease. That stuff stays thick even at those high speeds and high temps. White lithium is a good general pupose grease, con only handle like 200 degrees though. Plenty for a ratchet, but cutting it close being so close to brake rotors.

Jim

 

[trackwelder]

White grease is even kind of heavy for a ratchet. A good machine oil should be used. Grease is going to attract dirt and debris causing the ratchet to fail. A friend of mine has been a mechanic for 35 years and stores all of his ratchets upside down in a coffee can full of oil. He swears he never has needed a rebuild kit.

 

[kartracer55]

White grease is even kind of heavy for a ratchet. A good machine oil should be used. Grease is going to attract dirt and debris causing the ratchet to fail. A friend of mine has been a mechanic for 35 years and stores all of his ratchets upside down in a coffee can full of oil. He swears he never has needed a rebuild kit.

Thats what I said!!! They didnt believe me, and I know of a guy who soaks his ratchets like that too... Kidna messy though

Jim

 

[Thumper]

Thats what I said!!! They didnt believe me, and I know of a guy who soaks his ratchets like that too... Kidna messy though

Jim

Never said I didn't believe you. I just know what works for me. I'm sure everybody has their own way.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I know I have been doing the white grease thing for most of thirty years with no problems, so I guess I will just stick with it. This will probably be one of those agree to disagree points.