snap-on pistol grip screwdriver help

[mailpete]

Anyone familiar with dismantling the snap-on pistol grip style screwdriver? Im trying to free up one that turns very difficultly. I have it apart, it seems to be quite similar to standard ratcheting screwdrivers internally. the shaft seems to be friction fit in the cap however (unlike the standard style which turn freely in the cap. I'm assuming the cap is supposed to spin with the shaft, and therefore appears to be to tight on the direction selector which it sits on. Note the shiny area on the metal selector. I'm thinking I can sand the inside of the plastic cap to allow for more clearance and free movement. Any insights would be welcome. Thanks.
Peter

 

[wornoutoldman]

This link may help: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22536&highlight=snap+ratcheting+screwdriver+repair

or you can have Snap on warranty it. They will give you a new one just ask.

 

[mailpete]

Thanks for the link, I have read it and now re-read it. It is a very good discussion. The pistol grip style is a bit different than the standard style however. One comment in the link did note that he too had a "bent handle" one, that was also very difficult to turn.

 

[canuckian]

Yu are correct that the cap is supposed to turn with the shaft. In fact that's one of the best things I like about that style. I had one that was a little stiff as you describe and all I did was take a small screwdriver and pry out on the cap a little to stretch it a bit in different alternating places around the lip. Too much pressure though and you'll crack or make a white mark in the plastic. The sanding solution like you described may work well also. I found that a little smear of grease around the inside of the cap where it makes contact with the ratcheting part helps a little as well.
As for warrantying them, as far as I know the only part you can get a current replacement for is the end cap as it's the same as the ones on the regular hard handled ratcheting screwdrivers.
Good luck with your screwdriver!

 

[mailpete]

Canuckian, thanks for the input! I think I will try to sand the inside of the cap then, creating enough clearance for unrestricted movement.

 

[jdcompman]

Every one of these that I have, has this exact same problem. Each one I've taken apart and turned the metal part down slightly on my lathe. Works exactly how it should have, once that is done. Nothing else I've found has made it function as well as the straight version.

 

[mailpete]

Great solution! Having no lathe it was easier for me to remove plastic than metal. I wrapped a piece of sandpaper around a 21mm socket and honed the inside of the plastic cap, effectively doing the same thing, creating a tiny gap between the plastic cap and metal selector. Works great now, about like the straight version. I'm assuming these do have clearance when new with the plastic shrinking over time (the metal would not change). Is it just me, or do these have the distinct look of a "limp phallic"?