Snap-On ratchet problem or not?

[mkodama]

So my 1/4" Snap-On ratchet, a THR72, starts to bind up when I have an extension on it and pushed to the side while rotating, and there is a lot of play compared to my 3/8" ratchet. The part I'm unsure of is that this 1/4" drive ratchet is a push-button release, while my 3/8" drive is not. I've had both ratchets since new and they've both always had this difference.

Is this a downside to the push-button release ratchets, or is this ratchet just defective?

 

[monomach]

That's not the quick release. I don't have a single ratchet with that much play.

 

[1950mercury]

Warranty it

 

[mikemile91]

warranty 4 sure, sounds like a worn plate or something causing excess unwanted play. or buy the rebuild kit 4 10 bones and try that.

 

[Mk4fool]

My brand new T72 does the same thing. None of my other SO ratchets do it. Im going to warranty it one of these days.

 

[Sine Swept]

I rebuilt a t72 recently, only thing that seemed broken was a small spring inside. I paid 6.50 for the rebuild kit.

 

[gsingh]

I rebuilt a t72 recently, only thing that seemed broken was a small spring inside. I paid 6.50 for the rebuild kit.

Why did you pay? Didn't get it for free?

 

[INSP380]

Give it back to your Rep. I just had my SO guy tear down my 1/4 Par-X. Miracle worker, I figured it was junk. Gotta be close to 40 years old and working like new!


Steve

 

[tjmonsen5]

The 1/4 ratchets have a little play. I think it's normal.

 

[mkodama]

Thanks for the replies.

I checked inside, and there was some weird wear caused by the large amount of play, but everything else looked like it was in very good condition. I'm pretty convinced this isn't normal. Now the tricky part of tracking down my local Snap-On truck...

 

[Sine Swept]

^ Hence why I paid. How much gas does it take me to chase someone around town?

 

[bodyguy16]

I had my t72 skip a few teeth last week had it rebuild by my rep. Didnt cost a penny, dont pay for the kit if you dont have a rep call snap on

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Have you tightened the screws for the face-plate? I've had to RTV mine in, as they slowly back out on my FL80. It exhibits similar play when they get loose.

 

[Wrapitinbacon]

Thanks for the replies.

I checked inside, and there was some weird wear caused by the large amount of play, but everything else looked like it was in very good condition. I'm pretty convinced this isn't normal. Now the tricky part of tracking down my local Snap-On truck...

I have an extra rebuild kit if you need it, I would be more then happy to send it to you so you don't need to chase a so guy down. Pm me if you need it.

 

[chadster1]

Cal, 877-762-7662 and they can send you a kit for free

 

[rancherbill]

Now the tricky part of tracking down my local Snap-On truck...

Take a pic of the wear and send an email to Snapon they'll mail the parts or replacement to you.

 

[abvw]

Have you tightened the screws for the face-plate? I've had to RTV mine in, as they slowly back out on my FL80. It exhibits similar play when they get loose.

Happens a lot if you're pulling on weird angles. Apparently so many people locktited the screws that my dealer no longer rebuilds, only straight swaps.

 

[mkodama]

Update!

So I called Snap-On at 877-762-7664. Excellent customer service that made me wish I called sooner.

The bad news, is I now have a brand new ratchet in hand with the same problem as mine. My conclusion thus far, after buying a poor quality ratchet, having it replaced with a similarly poor quality ratchet, and also seeing the same ratchet already broken in a Snap-On truck, is that push-release 1/4" drive Snap-On ratchets are crappy.

Here is a video comparing my original and lightly worn ratchet to the replacement. They both have play, and they both bind then the drive is pushed in certain directions while rotating.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

It looks like Snappy dropped the ball with this ratchet. I would sell them on Ebay and stick with a non-quick release.

 

[oldtools]

Replace it with the new HF pro ratchet.

 

[CarsonConcepts]

Check to make sure the backing plate is actually flat. I recently picked up a Craftsman premium 1/4" (I know not really the same) that had extra play and was binding up like that. Turned out the plate was bent. put it vise and taped it straight with a hammer, checking with a straight edge. Haven't had an issue since.

~ Carson

 

[mkodama]

Update!

After going through a lot of Snap-On 1/4" drive ratchets, I made an unexpected discovery; the standard-length soft-grip ratchets are just manufactured defective. It doesn't matter whether it was 2 years ago or current, quick-release or sealed-head, they will bind in a repeatable manner. The defective ratchets include at least: THL72 and THR72

The way to get around this, is to buy the standard chrome handle ratchet. A TL72 doesn't have the problem in the slightest.

But after this, I've lost a lot of confidence in Snap-On. If quality is inconsistent, what's the point of paying more? I'm enjoying my new Wera 8004 A ratchet now, and liking it a little more than my Snap-On TL72.

Hope this helps people avoid some hassles.