I use Super Lube which is a silicone based grease when I rebuild or clean my ratchets. Its actually what Snap On uses when they build them from the factory so I figure that's probably the way to go. Grease stays on the parts much better I think than oil.
That's true Jason, my replacement parts even came with small tubes of Super Lube. I'm not sure when they started using it, but as I recall my ratchets came with a light oil. That was about 25yrs ago so much has changed over the years. I think all of their newer stuff is all 72 teeth and built different than mine. I don't turn anymore so I can't justify buying newer stuff. Like I've said to others, this is just what I do and haven't ever had any problems- but others do as you do and there's nothing wrong with that either. Good luck and take care, G.
The E means it was an exchange ratchet on the swivel head. The dealer was supposed to loan you that ratchet while he kept yours to repair. That program went away even before the sealed ratchets came out in the early 90's. I suppose some dealers sold their exchange ratchets when the program ended. I machined ratchets at the Snap-on plant in Mt. Carmel, Illinois for 26 years until it's closure in 2003. I think they are made in Elizabethton, Tennessee now.
Very interesting James! I had no idea that's what the E signified. I purchased this ratchet about 28yrs. ago in a pawn shop. That's where most of my Snap-On stuff came from. I got some really good deals back then before the days of the web. Take care, G.
Thanks for a great video--one of the best instructional videos I have seen on youtube. I have a 3/8" F-710-A ratchet I inherited--has started to slip. I've never repaired a tool, but you have given me the confidence to open it up and try. Thank you!
toobmes Thanks! Hopefully it will just need a good cleaning. If the gear or pawl is worn out or broken, you can get a rebuild kit. I have another video showing how to install the kit. Good luck, G.
Great video there's so many people here on RU-vid that need to watch this I've seen some videos on here about cleaning and lubing ratchets and they literally pack the gears with general purpose grease like they're packing a bearing when they finish assembling the ratchet and turn the head and you can't hear the gears anymore it's just so packed with grease. I will use grease on the older low tooth count ratchets say 20 to 24 but I only use a very small amount just smear it all over the internals but once you get up to 36, 44 or the newer 72 or 88 tooth count ratchets you're better off just using 3in1 oil or gear oil about the same way you showed in the video these guys packing ratchets like bearings will shear the tips off of the gears and if I was a tool truck drive void their warranty because abuse isn't covered and when you pack a ratchet with grease it's abuse. What little of the gear is making contact with the pawls will break and you wear your ratchets out much sooner than you would if you just ran it dry or used a little oil instead.
I use super lube grease on mine, also if you call snap on directly they will send you a rebuild kit to your front door no charge. I wouldn't spend a dime on rebuilding my snap on ratchets. SK for life.
+viperz888 They do. It wasn't worth my time to box them up and pay to have them shipped over the $20 for two ratchet kits and free shipping. Plus I don't work in a shop were a driver comes around. Good luck, G.
On the slotted screw heads it helps to use hollow ground tips, like what you'd find in a gun smithing slotted screwdriver kit. They won't ride out of the slot so easily.
Nice Video work G! Must be tough through a viewfinder but very clean shooting. Quite a set you have there, and really like that little 3/8...very handy. I have the stubby and used it a lot. My flex head was the go to back in the day...and went through several heads myself. Wish they had a ball detent for the flex though...Craftsman's fine tooth has a 3 position and will hold a 6-10" extension in any of the 3 position...great for hard to reach plugs. Used to use white lithium on the teeth for the pressure on the larger wrenches. Definitely Life Time tools! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks PJ. The little 3/8 did come in handy from time to time. A detent would be great on the flex head. I don't know why I always call a detent an indent. I know I'm wrong every time I say it, but can't stop....lol. I've always just used light oil in mine and never had a problem. They are definitely life time tools for sure- if not more. Thanks, G.
bought some vintage ratchets online and a couple that belonged to my grandfather that goes back back to 1935 (world war military issue) snap on L67 , i ended up replacing the old broken parts with home fabricated ones i noticed you dont prefer grease....well i do use grease to quite down the ratcheting mechanism if it is extremely loud loud like PROTO challenger 1260D .... yes grease is harder to clean out eventually but it stays there better than light oil..
Very cool Faisal. I looked up the L67 and it's interesting for sure. Oil is just my preference and what I've always used. The rebuild parts I bought came with a silicone based grease. I think they changed over to grease somewhere along the line. I say stick with what works for you. I know what you mean about the Proto. My Dad has one and it will scare you since it's so loud...lol. Thanks for the post and good luck, G.
I use a tin red grease that I mix up myself. I have many friends that will give me money to buy the ingredients so I can make them some. It's super simple and I use in on everything, from guns to tools.
Omg! Once more ive ran into your channel by chance. You are the same one that rebuilt that 5.7vortec from scratch. As of a matter of fact i said the same thing last time🤣
I'm in agreement with you here. I'm not a paid mechanic by trade, as seems you are but I have turned some bolts. I nurse my ratchets too. I do not own snap on for just the reason you stated. I'm too poor to own them, LOL! However, I do have an assortment of 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 drives. I've noticed that in the past 10 years or so those CHina-men are hi-jacking snap-on designs and they've got good at the copies and they are sold at a fraction of the cost. I hate to admit it but I own them.... Your right about the lube in these things. I use to think grease was the way to go when lubing a ratchet until I learned what is in grease. Once the heavey oil evaporates it leaves behined the heavy metals and copper that tarnishes and rust the rachet head to the frame. You may ask how I know, I had to tear one that I lubed (GREASED) apart after it being left in the rain around 1986. Lesson well learned...that's what my dad said anyway! Glad I found your channel G. Again, Great Job and very helpful!
I've not been in the trade for about 20 or so yrs. I was in suspension and steering, brakes, and alignments. These tools are a residual of that life. You're correct about the quality of what's being ripped today. 20yrs ago I wouldn't consider overseas for any quality. Today it's a different story on some items. If I were to start over today, there would be very little if not any, of this brand in my box- probably even the box itself. They really have priced out tons of folks from using their tools- professional or not. It's a shame since they are truly the best and a pleasure to use. There maybe a grease that's suitable for this use- but why risk it for the sake of experimentation? Light oil is all I've ever used and it's worked for me well all of these years. I can't speak of how they would do if left in the rain!!! LOL. G.
I guess regardless of what's used as a lub won't help much in the rain...LOL. The oil lube I've found that works on anything and leaves a great film that never goes away, and I've use it for tooling and all my guns is Synthetic Mobil 0W 20, very thin. It's about 8 bucks a qt but I still have over 3/4's of it left after about 5 years. It's great stuff. I've never had it gum up and I'm sure what's good for my engine bearings should be good for anything else.
bain5872 That sounds like a good alternative over what I use. I would agree, if it's good enough to hold up in an engine, it should work great for anything else!! G.
snap on will send any one a free kit! the sad is alot of folks get the free kits and sell them on eBay! they only sell them if you want to have an extra.
I agree, that's pretty sad. They're probably even charging more, and charging shipping on top of that. I did buy my kits and they were $10 each with free shipping- directly from Snap-on. G.
Love2boat92 I should. I can't remember why I bought it, but never used it for anything. I forget I have it most the time. I bet if I use it and it works well, I'll find things to throw in it. I should do a video and test some nasty stuff to see how it does. G.
Yeah give it a try and see how it does, the reviews seem to be pretty good for it. Theres quite a few videos of it on youtube. I've probably watched everyone. lol. Do you work on carburetor's a lot? There's a good use for one.
No problem. You might not find anything- but it never hurts to clean them from time to time. When they get too dirty and gummed up, the teeth won't engage all of the way, which is what usually leads to stripping them off. Good luck, G.
Do you find that the cover plates need to be replaced on these? My rebuilt ones still have radial play and I wonder if they will skip over the pawls when under load.
Pack em with grease, it will last a lot longer and much quieter and smoother... I've used mine for 50 yrs with no problem.. I don't use them to make a living..
Good info I have some Craftsman Ratchets that need to be cleaned up don't know if you can get parts for them? I'll have to check on that. Thanks, Roland
Backyard Woodworking Maybe things have changed over the years. If I were you, I would try anyway just to be sure. If that didn't work, maybe you can find the parts on their website. Good luck either way, G.
I by play, you mean the head is floppy and won't stay where you put it- you should be able to fix it yourself. Here's a link to a video that show it being done. It's not my video, but this is what I would try. If it's something else, I wouldn't know. Good luck, G. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DMHT3G_GJ3g.html
I am a weekend diy guy. Currently using basic craftsman ratchets. I'm planing to upgrade to some snap-on ratchets. Does snap on have kind of the same warranty as craftsman? I'm thinking about getting some secondhand tools. Thanks.
That's cool. I have some standard craftsman ratchets, sockets, etc. as well. There's nothing wrong with them but these are more comfortable at least to me- but the cost difference is staggering. I picked up all my Snap-on tools 20-25yrs ago and I believe they all had lifetime on them- at least at that time. I really don't know what the warranty is like these days so I would check around. Some folks have commented that I could've sent my ratchets in for a free repair, but considering shipping costs and dealing with it, I just spent the 20 to repair them myself. Others have also stated that they now use grease in them, and my repair kits did come with grease, but I didn't use it. Oil is all I've ever used with no problems. Plus it's easier to clean them over grease- in my opinion. Pawn shops might be a good place to pick up some tools for a decent price. Good luck, G.
Dc2 you get a lifetime warranty, you can break the things on purpose and they will still give you a replacement one but if you just a diy person that tinkers every weekend, theres no point spending so much money on snap on, just stick to your craftsman or like the other guy said proto which is a little more then craftsman but is better quality
***** Agreed! I've used Proto, SK, Matco and Mac- but not Armstrong. There's certainly nothing wrong with any of them. I have some Armstrong lathe tool holders and the quality of them is outstanding. I agree with the Proto ratchets. My dad's had his since I was young and it's still banging right along. Take care, G.
+Mark Shean That's cool! I don't work in a shop so I would have had to send mine in- or track down a tool truck. So it was easier for me just to buy the kits. Take care, G.
+affane78 What I did is use Purple Power or Simple Green to clean the parts, followed by hot water and then blew everything off with compressed air. Hope this helps. G.
all made offshore, might as well get Pittsburgh if you have a HF near you, lifetime warranty and if you break it they will exchange it, stop paying for the "name" makes me laugh when people judge you if you own a Lincoln, Miller or chinese welder, name one part inside any of those welders that is made here? resistor, capacitor, Potentiometer all made in china
I've had all mine for 25or so yrs. now so they're all made here. I can't speak for them now. Then, HF was not what it is now. They''re tons better now. Funny you mention them, because that's where the majority of tool reviews are from. Take care, G.
***** Wow lol I didn't think you Would Reply. I've just never been a Fan of Snap On's video just Caught my attention then I leave dick head comments now I feel bad.
