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Snap on Ratchet replacement?

DeeDubz

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2019
Messages
1,431
Location
Socal
Hey guys, I have a 1/2" drive on handle ratchet that slips. I've never returned tools. I remember hearing that You can return snap on tools and get them replaced for free. Is that true? Never done that before. This ratchet belonged to my dad. Its probably 20 - 30 yrs old. Am I sol?
 
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1cargarage

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2014
Messages
409
Location
San Diego
If you live in a city, just keep the ratchet in your car and chase down the first SO truck you see, explain your situation, and I'm fairly certain he'll rebuild it for you no charge. If it's a common enough ratchet, the truck guys keep a handful of rebuild kits on hand. Those guys know that most of the time in your situation once you're on the truck you'll probably spend some money before walking off the truck.

On the other hand, an obvious swap meet picker bringing in a box of broken SO tools of indeterminate age and variety, the driver is likely to refuse warranty and say to contact SO directly. The truck guys hate dealing with guys who aren't interested in spending any money - just wasting their time and tools.
 
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Mgdoug3

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2018
Messages
1,391
Location
KY
Worst case you can buy a rebuild kit. Last time I checked it was $10.50. There's a Snap-on driver that stops at a shop near me. He's easy to get a long with and he told me he doesn't mind to warranty used tools. It probably helps that I have bought news tools from him though.
 

seber

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
4,193
Location
Deep East Tx.
I had the same thing with my father's ratchet. Only it was from 1941. I called and was sent a rebuild kit the same day. Snap-on warranty is second only to Craftsman.
 

setfocus

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 15, 2020
Messages
413
Location
rust belt
1cargarage said:
If you live in a city, just keep the ratchet in your car and chase down the first SO truck you see, explain your situation, and I'm fairly certain he'll rebuild it for you no charge. If it's a common enough ratchet, the truck guys keep a handful of rebuild kits on hand. Those guys know that most of the time in your situation once you're on the truck you'll probably spend some money before walking off the truck.

On the other hand, an obvious swap meet picker bringing in a box of broken SO tools of indeterminate age and variety, the driver is likely to refuse warranty and say to contact SO directly. The truck guys hate dealing with guys who aren't interested in spending any money - just wasting their time and tools.

I agree, he will probably warranty or rebuild it so long as you don't take advantage. Unless he's an *******, some tool truck guys are. What some people don't get is, part of that tool truck price you're paying is for the service and convenience. HF is great for the DIYers but not so much pros. I could go and buy a bunch of cheap HF **** but I don't want to be back at HF every few weeks warranting all the broken **** that gets beat on daily. Could go to a local shop and ask the guys when and what day the snap-on guy comes by
 

Legion Prime

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2018
Messages
740
Location
Leelenau County MI
If it's that old and you don't have an easily accessible truck then it might be worth it to try opening it up. It might just be some decades old gunk has solidified in there and is gumming things up. I had an old 90's Craftsman Triwing and a pair of Mac zero degree ratchets and while both took some figuring out on reassembly they went from might work some of the time ratchets to working better than when they were bought. Most ratchets have a far simpler design, more like my ancient 1/2" Craftsman that was a matter of a pair of screws to remove the plate and then everything dropped right out. I'd give that a shot first. But if you open it up and see teeth missing or something is obviously damaged/broken, close it back up and SO will rebuild or replace it for you no problem.
 
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