Found this 3/4" ratchet in a freebie box at a garage sale. Figured out you push the removable drive head to the other side and flip it ratchet in the opposite direction. After soaking it with Aerokroil it now moves, but in both directions, one way a little easier than the other. Feels like the pawl is not completely engaging the internal gear. Can anyone tell me how to disassembly this tool? I know its vintage but if I can get it to work, I'd probably use it. I like the feel of it. Pretty stout, not like the made in china ****.
Truth 3/4" ratchet disassembly
- Thread starter kaliona
- Start date
Provincial
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The ratchet only works one way. You push the drive plug to the other side and move the socket over there to reverse the direction of force.
Since it is only designed to work one way, that give you a hint about which direction it should turn easily. Apparently, the ratchet pawl is stuck or gummed up with dried lubricant. Try soaking the head in Automatic Transmission Fluid for several days or a week. Pull it out and turn the mechanism twice a day. You are trying to get the ATF to soften the hardened lubricant and exercise the pawl movement.
As far as I know, these ratchets are not designed to be disassembled.
Since it is only designed to work one way, that give you a hint about which direction it should turn easily. Apparently, the ratchet pawl is stuck or gummed up with dried lubricant. Try soaking the head in Automatic Transmission Fluid for several days or a week. Pull it out and turn the mechanism twice a day. You are trying to get the ATF to soften the hardened lubricant and exercise the pawl movement.
As far as I know, these ratchets are not designed to be disassembled.
Oldtuleguy
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The cover is peened on. It can be removed by hitting it on the side sharply, but it is in there good. Definitely soak it first to see if it starts working.
Looks like it's a head-soaker for sure. At first I wasn't sure if the face plate might screw out like a Superratchet, but I think you guys now have me convinced it's staked. I know some guys mix the ATF with acetone 50/50 to help with penetration and eating at the old dried-up grease. Once that pawl spring and ball get loose, it should return to service. If not, it's a nice wall hanger.
Oldtuleguy
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Truth produced 3/4 drive tools from the mid 30s until 1950 when they became part of otc. The finish on that one is typical of tools produced during ww2, so i would guess it is from that time.
After a couple days of soaking in ATF the ratchet still spun both directions without locking. I figured the pawls are stuck so I thought I'd try tapping on the head with a hammer. Started tapping lightly at first, then harder, on the sides, and finally on the face. To my surprise, the center started moving. Kept hitting it and suddenly fell out. Out came the pawls, one spring, remnants of another spring and two slivers of metal. Found a spring in my bucket of junk, cut it to size and put it back together. There were no ball bearings. One end of the springs just sit in a little indentation and the other end pressed against the pawl. I have no idea where those slivers of metal came from but it seems to work fine now. Just wanted to post some pics in case anyone was wondering what the insides of this Truth ratchet looks like.
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Oldtuleguy
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Thanks for posting kaliona. Glad you got it working!
jabberwoki
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Good old American screw driver!!
Foreigner humor.
Foreigner humor.