I am wondering what to use to lube the ratchet mechanism on a heavy duty Snap-On torque wrench (200 to 600 ft-lbs). I think a light oil will suffice, but my coworkers think a heavier grease is neccesary. Any suggestions? 
What lubricant for Snap-on torque wrench?
- Thread starter Mike83
- Start date
Phatsub
Well-known member
Some good reading here:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_200202/ai_n9049880
"A little bit of light oil or very light grease is all you need. Don't pack the thing with wheel bearing grease," he explained."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_200202/ai_n9049880
"A little bit of light oil or very light grease is all you need. Don't pack the thing with wheel bearing grease," he explained."
Kurn
Well-known member
You MUST use Genuine Snap On Torque Wrench Lube.It's only $139.99 for 1/8 oz.
russlaferrera
Well-known member
Thats the good news. Now for the bad news....it only comes in a 10 pack!
Merkava_4
Banned
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!
All you do is brush it on the ratchet gear and surrounding areas. You do not want to pack it in; just lightly coat the mechanism.
This grease is a very smooth type grease; it is not a thick grease. I've been using this grease for all my 30 and 36 tooth ratchets and would use nothing else.
Merkava_4
Banned
That's what it will look like after the ratchet has been used and you just pulled the gear out.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
That's what it will look like after the ratchet has been used and you just pulled the gear out.
That seems to be a lot of grease... is that how much grease you brushed on? I take it that much grease doesn't have any adverse effects on the ratcheting mechanism???
Merkava_4
Banned
That's not as much as it looks. The grease you see on the walls is it what came off the gear during operation; I did not apply any grease to the walls directly.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
But is works pretty well then? I'm really thinking of trying that.....
Merkava_4
Banned
Yes sir it works quite well. The trick is getting just the right amount of grease; if you get too much, the pawl/gear won't engage properly and you won't even hear it click.
That's what it will look like after the ratchet has been used and you just pulled the gear out.
Actually, the inside of mine was black and watery on account of being used in the snow
Thanks for the advice - I'll give that grease a try!