Just got my GL72T in and it's in rough cosmetic shape but internals are like new. Cleaning it up but one thing I'm looking at is replacing the faceplate screws, one has been replaced with a thick head screw. I've seen some people are using recessed hex screws to match the original but make them more modern and less inclined to strip. Anybody have any info on specs or opinions on replacement screws?
Snap On GL72T replacement screws?
- Thread starter Jacobs976
- Start date
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Why not buy a rebuild kit for the screws? Sure, you don't need the other parts right now, but you can save them for when you do.
RTM
Well-known member
Looks like a small oval head screw, smaller than a 4-40? Pull one out, take it to the hardware store, find one that matches the size, then look online if it is not a perfect match. Spend $8 for a 100 pack you will use two of?
That’s what I did.
That’s what I did.
Figured a set of screws would be a few bucks and instantly installed as soon as I get back to my shop instead of waiting for a package since my last package was a week late from guaranteed delivery date. Don't have a local driver anymore. Plus I'm not sure they make the kit for my ratchet anymore beside the 782 kit which is in effect an upgrade kit for mine with the teeth increase but a few sizing issues. Probably still grab a kit when I get a chance but it's not an immediate thing since I don't see the teeth going out any time soon.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The Snap-on screws are only partially threaded. You won't find anything like them at a hardware store. They're specially made. It could be much worse. You could be the guy who's contemplating spending $356.00 for a set of Snap-on drawer liners for his KRL7022. 
They have screws like the ones snap on uses. Don't know about the same exact size yet but black hex screws with partial threading are used in all kinds of fabricated equipment where the threading would cause a malfunction so they're pretty common. Now I haven't looked but I'm sure flatheads in that configuration wouldn't be available since hex is the big thing nowadays.
Update on repair kit. Went ahead and checked with corporate and they said they have the kit available. Also checked about the SPP744 and that's franchisee only I guess. Anyhow they said to send the whole unit in for repairs and estimate would be sent after. So I'm not sure they're gonna let me buy a kit.
designer485
Well-known member
Customer service should send you the repair kit for free. You won't need the tool as they have changed the design of the spring and ball (they are connected now and much easier to change out).
That's what I thought or at least charge for the kit but they're pushing for a full in house repair with price over the phone. Asked specifically for the kit to rebuild on my own but haven't got a reply yet. Tool was more for other models I work on including some other vintage brands instead of fighting the ball with a glasses screwdriver. I disassemble completely for deep cleaning whenever someone has an issue since a little gunk in the wrong spot ends up being the issue 90% of the time.
designer485
Well-known member
Sorry for the bad info. They must not have updated the 3/4 drive heads to the updated design.
It's alright. You'd think it'd be throughout the lot but looks like 3/4 is stuck in the old ways of flat heads and loose parts.
On the tool has anyone tried making their own? Was thinking about shim steel and forming a die to shape it like the SPP744 spoons but putting it on an 90% angle like a tension shim for lock picking with another 90% in the opposite direction on the other end so you can keep it tensioned while holding the ratchet steady. Of course it'd be a set of tools since you'd have one for each size instead of 1/4 and 3/8 on one tool but you'd also have 1/2 and 3/4 or any other size you'd need assuming you can make a die for it. Have a driver hunting a SPP744 down for me but it's been a week and nothing yet meanwhile I have more ratchets coming in so that's what I've come up with so far.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The SPP744 is for sale on Ebay from time to time; although at an exorbitant price. When I bought mine, I ordered 10 of them at $0.89 each.
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
And that is my understanding of why they stopped selling the public for cheap since some folks were buying lots of them to resell them on ebay
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Noticed the ones on ebay now have sold 50+ on most with multiple up to 5 or 6 plus ~$18 of course. Always have a few scalpers anywhere you look unfortunately. Seen a few post on here about $6 SPP744s through a truck if the driver wants to work around the tape. Guess they can get them at $6 and sell if they choose to since it's theirs and not technically a retail item on their truck.
Only thing is I don't know if the driver I talked to is having trouble finding the tool for him to order or if he's ghosted me because he's gotten busy or what not. Thought I'd hear back on pricing for a spare rebuild kit by now though.