Tips for removing this Snap On ratchet handle without damaging it?

[balane]

I would like to change this handle to one of the older hard handle grips, I just like them better. However I would also like to keep this handle in case I want to put it back on... maybe my tastes will change, maybe I need to warranty it, sell it, etc.

Anyway, there isn't much of a lip on it, there is zero gap between it and the metal ridge. I can really see no way to minimize the risk of damaging the grip.

Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mrshaun]

usually if someone wants to swap handles it is because it is damaged so we do not worry about how it comes off, but I usually put the ratchet in a vise and pry the handle off. that usually damages the handle though.
you will get your answer when everyone wakes up.... good luck

 

[ibedayank]

use a vice... put a thin piece of wood on each side of the ratchet handle
with a small screwdriver slide down between the grip and metal of the ratchet
spray in some lube
repeat in differnt areas
twist grip when grip turns you have lubed it enough
slide off



note this method also works on motorcycle hand grips

 

[diesel research]

hot water

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Just chuck that thing in the scrap metal and get one made like God intended for ratchets to be made, all metal, with none of that sissy plastic or rubber or whatever **** for a "grip" that makes it impossible to get into any tight space with it.

Charles

 

[Alchymist]

^^^^^^What he said! ^^^^^^^

 

[jaysonb]

Put it in boiling water for 10 minutes, put it in a vice and you should be able to pull it off easy. They are only 5 or 6 dollars, not really worth spending to much time trying to save.

 

[balane]

Just chuck that thing in the scrap metal and get one made like God intended for ratchets to be made, all metal, with none of that sissy plastic or rubber or whatever **** for a "grip" that makes it impossible to get into any tight space with it.

Charles

I can afford more than one ratchet and have plenty for tight spaces but thanks.

 

[canuckian]

I've used hot water and I've used a heat gun when I was too lazy to go into the house and boil water (careful not to melt it). I've also pryed them off using a flare nut crowsfoot as kind of a washer to protect the handle. If you're going to pry them off, 2 prybars work best. Just reposition it often in the vise and go slow.

 

[cambyz28]

I have pulled lots without damage by securely holding the ratchet body in a vise and tapping on the top lip/edge of the handle with a plastic dead blow and pull the bottom with your other hand they come right off for me.

 

[Weps]

see if you can work some rubbing alcohol between the grip and shaft. it will slide right off.