What Is Wrong with This Ratchet?

[freudianfloyd]

I posted this in the new tools thread last night and for the most part this ratchet looks great. Today while messing with it, I noticed what looks like a really bad casting line on the head. Are the heads cast? If not, what the heck is wrong with this ratchet? It almost looks like a weld that had been ground down.
View media item 87071View media item 87070
It's somewhat hard to see in the pictures, but there us an obvious seam there.

I know I bought this used, and that a warranty would be frowned upon, but can you buy just a head? If I would've noticed this last night, I probably would passed on it, but it was getting late and didn't notice.

 

[AA/FC]

Nothing. Looks like a forging mark to me.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Looks like a chrome/plating issue to me. Used tools often bring out QC rejects. But how much it cost is pretty relevant. For $25 I wouldn't care, although the last thing I need is another ratchet.

 

[freudianfloyd]

Here is another view of it. It's more than a playing issue, it has a rather large seam through it.
View media item 87072

 

[4xdog]

Looks like where the forging tools met, as AA/FC said. 'Tis nuthin.

 

[freudianfloyd]

Looks like where the forging tools met, as AA/FC said. 'Tis nuthin.

I hope so. I would hate for the head to have cracked and somebody welding it together and trying to hide it.

 

[WWheeler]

There is no seam or weld ground down. See the video below to see one being made. Like AA/FC says it may be a product of the forging, or maybe whoever you bought it from used it as a hammer? If it still works fine I wouldn't sweat it in the slightest.

EDIT: Even while they are red hot you can see that 'seam' that's not-a-seam.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLOKQgs2c-A" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[freudianfloyd]

You can see how uneven the head is around the top in this picture. I may have to call snap on and see if I can order a new head, Its starting to bug me. By the way, I paid $50 for it.
View media item 87073

 

[freudianfloyd]

There is no seam or weld ground down. See the video below to see one being made. Like AA/FC says it may be a product of the forging, or maybe whoever you bought it from used it as a hammer? If it still works fine I wouldn't sweat it in the slightest.

EDIT: Even while they are red hot you can see that 'seam' that's not-a-seam.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLOKQgs2c-A" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You're definitely right. It's obvious that it is from the forge process, it's just not the prettiest sight on a tool I was so happy about finally getting. Oh well, it works fine, just makes it easier to use it without worrying about it getting scratched.

 

[MShaw]

Just forging variability. No functional problem and I doubt SO would replace it.

 

[Mr_B]

Well she ain't no virgin .
Bit of a QC blip at the snappy factory.
Would assume due to forging off the machining no spot on either, the face plate don't look best fit.
I would look internally and see all looks good with the important guts of her .

 

[freudianfloyd]

Well she ain't no virgin .
Bit of a QC blip at the snappy factory.
Would assume due to forging off the machining no spot on either, the face plate don't look best fit.
I would look internally and see all looks good with the important guts of her .

Yeah, I did that already to make sure the seam didnt go through the head. It works great, just ugly.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Just forging variability. No functional problem and I doubt SO would replace it.

They would if he'd bought it new from them.

 

[freudianfloyd]

They would if he'd bought it new from them.

But will they sell just the head?

 

[L.Cheapo]

But will they sell just the head?

No idea. It works, just use it as it is and chalk it up to the difference between a $150 new ratchet and a $50 used ratchet. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[5ktq]

The guy that grinds off the forging flash had a bit of a hangover I guess.

 

[Wamsutta]

The flex heads as well as the entire ratchet bodies are not cast, they are forged.

You can see them being manufactured here:

 

[Jaysreal]

Most modern tool producers use the same process. It would appear (just from the images) that there was a variation of the forging of the tool and as a result the radius of the side of the tool was not ground down.

This video shows what the two snap-on videos do not at 2:06.

In one of Snap-on's wrench production videos, I think I have seen that the grinding of that radius is automated. I'll update if I find it.

I'd say if it were new, it's definitely warrantable as Snap-on's warranty page( https://www.snapon.com/industrial/utility/Warranty.nws ) states:

"Snap-on warrants to Customers who purchase Product from authorized Snap-on distribution channels for use in their profession that Snap-on[emoji2400] brand Products and Blue-Point[emoji2400] brand Products will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a duration described in each Product's warranty code."

But it also states: "Snap-on will repair or replace its Products which fail to give satisfactory service due to defective workmanship or materials."

Clearly a defect in workmanship. After reading the full warranty statement, I guess technically if you purchased it used from a Snap-on dealer you are still due warranty as it places no emphasis on "new" or "used" product and only requires that you purchase said product through authorized distribution channels.

It's also a little sneaky that they include "for use in their profession" portion but it's a bit of a toss up. If you have a good relationship with your Snap-on dealer (as in buying alot of product) they may just give you one, I've seen this many times. Many I have encountered would much sooner give up a $100 ratchet (which is not what they pay btw) than loose a regular customer.

But if you have no issues with the way it looks, then carry on!



Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[KnurledNut]

Theres no way that made it through all the manufacturing steps without being culled.
Id say there is more to the story of that ratchet.

 

[Jazz1]

Theres no way that made it through all the manufacturing steps without being culled.
Id say there is more to the story of that ratchet.

Someone may have grabbed it from the cull box coming off the line. I hauled full loads of ViseGRips from the Dewitt factory in the 90's and the culls were pulled right at the packaging line. Some got pocketed, only a good eye could see the defects. That defect in ratchet is quite obvious

 

[Fedwrench]

The guy that grinds off the forging flash had a bit of a hangover I guess.

or it was made on a Friday afternoon or early Monday morning

Does it work? drop it on a concrete floor a few times from elbow height and you won't notice it as much.

Actually, i think i have at least one or two with similar head ridges. every brand has something fall through the quality control crack once in awhile.

 

[Wamsutta]

You can see the line going around the ratchet head between 1:50 and 2:00

EDIT: In this other video between 1:30 and 1:55 you see that same kind of line going around a combination wrench on the open end as well as the box end. They show you a jig they use to hold the wrench while they pivot it against a belt sander. They call it a "trim line."

 

[chrisnazzy]

Regardless of why it's like that, every Snap-on guy I've ever had would gladly replace that ratchet for me if I asked......and I most certainly would.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[mbshop]

Talk to you so dealer. If you are a good customer he will most likely take care of it. If you are not a guy that buys from the so dealer then you have nothing to cry about. It works so just use it and move on.

 

[Jaysreal]

Here you go, I guess Snap on calls it a "trim line" the process can be seen at 1:41 in this video:

That's how Snappy does the wrenches, I can't find how they do the ratchets.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[WWheeler]

Regardless of why it's like that, every Snap-on guy I've ever had would gladly replace that ratchet for me if I asked......and I most certainly would.

Talk to you so dealer. If you are a good customer he will most likely take care of it. If you are not a guy that buys from the so dealer then you have nothing to cry about. It works so just use it and move on.

As mentioned earlier in this thread and the referred to 'show your new tool arrivals' thread this was the OP, freudianfloyd's first Dual 80 ratchet purchase. He drove 1-1/2hrs each way to buy this FX80A and an SL80A used, paying $50 for this ratchet. Not sure about the other.

Just saying, buying used he wouldn't exactly qualify for a warranty replacement from a dealer. For $50 and the ratchet works fine I wouldn't think twice about using it as-is. If it does have issues he might get lucky and get a free replacement by going through customer service, but probably not if he's asked and answers truthfully about buying it used.

There are no repair parts listed yet for this ratchet on their site, but that doesn't mean a call to customer service might not be able to get him a new head or kit for it either for free or for a price.

 

[L.Cheapo]

There are no repair parts listed yet for this ratchet on their site, but that doesn't mean a call to customer service might not be able to get him a new head or kit for it either for free or for a price.

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...Handle-Locking-Flex-Head-Ratchet-P889806.aspx
Look under "Specification". Everything is there but the actual handle and head housing. I'm guessing there is very little demand for them.

 

[WWheeler]

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...Handle-Locking-Flex-Head-Ratchet-P889806.aspx
Look under "Specification". Everything is there but the actual handle and head housing. I'm guessing there is very little demand for them.

Hmmm, I didn't think to look under specification.

I looked and saw there was nothing under the 'repair parts' tab nor searching the site for 'FX80A' under the 'repair parts' dropdown. Snap-on's site sure could use some work. For as great as their products are their website is pretty amateur-hour.

 

[montanafordman]

Thats funny... I have a Snapon TF-72 with a couple forging defects that look like groves in the handle just below the head. With defects like these in an SK Tool discussion everyone usually burns SK to the ground by now. So far the Snap On fans are holding the line with nothing more than a shrug. *There is a difference! (double standard)

 

[CR888]

Someone may have grabbed it from the cull box coming off the line. I hauled full loads of ViseGRips from the Dewitt factory in the 90's and the culls were pulled right at the packaging line. Some got pocketed, only a good eye could see the defects. That defect in ratchet is quite obvious

I bet the SO factory has a BIG USA made lock on their dumpster bin. I'd dive in there and swim around if I could. SO would cringe big time knowing their reject tools found there way onto the used tool market. I bet that sort of stuff happens occasionally

 

[GTO]

Defiantly a cull

 

[anndel]

To me, it looks like the ratchet head broke and someone tried to weld and hide the blemish.

 

[WWheeler]

Thats funny... I have a Snapon TF-72 with a couple forging defects that look like groves in the handle just below the head. With defects like these in an SK Tool discussion everyone usually burns SK to the ground by now. So far the Snap On fans are holding the line with nothing more than a shrug. *There is a difference! (double standard)

From my reading of this thread there's advice to get it replaced and that their dealer would swap it out no problem but since it's a $150 ratchet bought used for $50 it doesn't meet SO's warranty requirements and seeing that it apparently works fine probably ought to consider that a win. I would. If the OP is unhappy with it I'll buy it for that $50 plus shipping.

Not really the same thing as if it was bought new and had issues. That said, I don't care what brand it is or what it cost, if it's something so minor and purely cosmetic that in no way affects it's functionality I say quit polishing it and staring at it and use it. Same thing I said on several of those S-K threads, and I don't particularly care for S-K. Mytoosense.

 

[bob15]

To me, it looks like the ratchet head broke and someone tried to weld and hide the blemish.

Easy enough to find out.....OP could just take it apart and see what the inside looks like

 

[Mr_B]

^ it obvious forging issue . use see stuff like that a lot few decades ago .
he already has pulled cover .

 

[WWheeler]

To me, it looks like the ratchet head broke and someone tried to weld and hide the blemish.

How hard would it be and how much would it cost to rechrome a ratchet after it had been broken and welded and all the old chrome removed from it. Is that even a remote possibility? Has this ever been done? I'm guessing, hell no.

 

[freudianfloyd]

Ok I didn't realize that this thread was still going, but I have some updates and info.

First, I bought it used from a guy who said he bought it from a Snap on truck, I dont believe its a cull. The guy seemed pretty trustworthy. Flaws slip through the QC sometimes.

Second, I bought it cheap enough that I didnt expect it to be perfect. I should've looked it over better, but I was dealing outside, and it was getting dark, and I overlooked it.

I contacted Snap On about buying the head, I told them I bought it second hand and I was told it was not covered since I was not the original owner. They also said they dont have replacement heads, only the internals.

This was obviously a forge line. I opened it up and there is no crack through the head. Also, it's in perfect working condition.

I am still happy with it, it works great, and obviously I held it several times before I even noticed. It was just my OCD getting the better of me.

The other ratchet I bought is in perfect condition so I dont believe I was mis-led.

I just know what to look for next time.

Thank you all for your help.

 

[Wamsutta]

That ratchet still has the trim line on the front half. The guy at the factory sanded the sides, but forgot to do the front.

 

[sk farmer]

typical snap-on junk i would say.

 

[Mr_B]

That ratchet still has the trim line on the front half. The guy at the factory sanded the sides, but forgot to do the front.

It bit more than just a trim line, it got bit of a void to the front edge and plate recess not as good a fit as a cleaner forging .
If he had sanded that right out the lip edge on top would of been a bit thin ...