Snap-on + Teflon

[Wamsutta]

I finally found a way to eliminate the slop in my Snap-on flex head ratchets. I take the wrist pin out and wrap it tightly with Teflon plumbers tape. Obviously this applies to the 936 and 80 series. It eliminates the slop and that annoying clicking sound. Stretch the tape real tight and don't let it wrinkle as you're wrapping it around the pin. Wrap it around several times laying it on thick. It makes the head pivot real smooth and eliminates all the roughness. I hope this helps somebody out.

 

[gdocktor3]

People were doing that with universal sockets, but there's a better way. Use a rubber o-ring. I'm sure it would work just the same on a ratchet. And look better..

 

[Wamsutta]

gdoctor3 - I think you got the wrong idea. What I meant was disassembling the hinge joint and wrapping the wrist pin separately before reinstalling it. The Teflon tape is not visible afterwards.

 

[drewvdw]

I might have to try this...can you still make it really tight so it is difficult to move?

 

[gdocktor3]

gdoctor3 - I think you got the wrong idea. What I meant was disassembling the hinge joint and wrapping the wrist pin separately before reinstalling it. The Teflon tape is not visible afterwards.

Oh I see now.

 

[CutterFarms]

How do you keep the tape on as you drive the pin back in? Or is your ratchet very worn? Pics would be nice.

 

[Wamsutta]

drewvdw - You can still make the joint as tight as you want, it just won't have the slop anymore.

CutterFarms - The wrist pin is threaded into one side of the fork; it's not pressed in. If you have enough tape on you should feel some resistance, but not too much. I call it a "wrist pin," but you can call it a hinge pin or even a bolt if you want to. The ratchet is new and I didn't take any pictures because I figured the guys familiar with the 936 and 80 series wouldn't need pictures.

 

[fatfillup]

Interesting idea.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I've just put thread-locker on the torx hinge pin threads and tighten it up, till the head doesn't flop around.

 

[KLO101489]

I think you guys are misunderstanding what the OP is getting at. The F80 flex ratchets have a Torx pivot bolt at the flex knuckle. You can adjust the tension on it to adjust how floppy/not floppy you want it. However, even when it's where you want it and not flopping around, the joint itself still has play in it. It sounds like the teflon tape will take up this play and stop the small amount of wiggle the joint has.

I will have to try this, as I don't like that play in the joint.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Never noticed it... only bothers me if the head is too-floppy. You guys have too much time on our hands.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

snip....You guys have too much time on our hands.

You're on the Internet talking about tools too. Kettle black type thing....

 

[fatfillup]

People were doing that with universal sockets, but there's a better way. Use a rubber o-ring. I'm sure it would work just the same on a ratchet. And look better..

Tried it and it works great!!






I sell pressure washers for a living and the o ring is for a 3/8 quick coupler socket and seems perfect. Part number from our supplier is B112, not sure if that is and industry standard number or not.

 

[CutterFarms]

drewvdw - You can still make the joint as tight as you want, it just won't have the slop anymore.

CutterFarms - The wrist pin is threaded into one side of the fork; it's not pressed in. If you have enough tape on you should feel some resistance, but not too much. I call it a "wrist pin," but you can call it a hinge pin or even a bolt if you want to. The ratchet is new and I didn't take any pictures because I figured the guys familiar with the 936 and 80 series wouldn't need pictures.

I guess I didn't pay enough attention that you said 80 series I was envisioning the older style where you drove the pin in. I may try this I hate when it gets too loose. Thanks