How-To Service your Craftsman Ratchet - EASY!

[Farkel]

I made a quick guide on how to do this easy service job... makes a noticeable difference!

If you're bored and have some spare time, try it out.

http://grandmighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/craftsmanratchet.png (http://grandmighty.com/index.php/2011/02/how-to-service-your-craftsman-ratchet/)


How to Service Your Craftsman Ratchet | GRAND MIGHTY (http://grandmighty.com/index.php/2011/02/how-to-service-your-craftsman-ratchet/)

[Hywarp161]

I did this to my ratchets a few years ago, makes a nice difference. be sure to use a heavy grease and watch out for those first hot days as the grease does have a tendency to to ooz out.

[HPKMotorsports3]

nice now all i need is a set of craftsmen sockets

[Lees_Garage]

I like it! Thanks for sharing.

[MadScientist]

Shweeeeeet... just did this.

[Irresistible]

I should go get my ratchets replaced under the lifetime warranty, and do this right when I get my new ones to make them last a little longer... Thanks.

[theriver43]

I used to work at sears. The ratchets are greased from the factory, but its very thin and very very little. When we'd rebuild them for warranty we always used a thicker grease and a wee bit more. It does wonders.

[MisawaJason]

pretty cool little write up man. Thanks. Gonna have to do this to my tools when I get home

[Tantwoforty]

i swap mine out first sign of it not feeling nice..
my local sears is nice to me lol

[ATLspeed]

....sooo gonna do this. Any thing against doing this to a torque wrench?

[zero.counter]

Very nice article. Thanks for the heads up! Works like a dream now.

[Pure_JDM]

Very nice share... love it when people are actually contributing positively to the internet... HAHA.

I'm gonna give this a whirl tomorrow. I find it odd now that I think about it. Of all the shit I've taken apart, I've yet to take a socket wrench apart... lol

[Inland180]

Good find! easy stuff

[godrifttoday]

For the time spent doing that... Well... Just go to your local sears and get a new one ( remanufactured) the life time warranty

[axiomatik]

Why replace an otherwise fine ratchet? We need to get out of the disposable society mentality.

[codyace]

For the time spent doing that... Well... Just go to your local sears and get a new one ( remanufactured) the life time warranty

When you're using them as a shop, it gets tiresome replacing them.

[Z28ricer]

How to service your craftsman ratchet in 5 easy steps !

Step 1. grasp ratchet

Step 2. Walk over to the nearest trash can

Step 3. Extend arm, placing hand with ratchet above the trash receptacle

Step 4. Release

Step 5. Go buy a snapon, sk finetooth, or other quality ratchet.

[codyace]

How to service your craftsman ratchet in 5 easy steps !

Step 1. grasp ratchet

Step 2. Walk over to the nearest trash can

Step 3. Extend arm, placing hand with ratchet above the trash receptacle

Step 4. Release

Step 5. Go buy a snapon, sk finetooth, or other quality ratchet.


Snap On Ownership
1. Use tool
2. Break it
3. Wait 3 days until Snap On guy comes around to get it (or chase around town trying to find it).
4. Yay, back in service

Our shop has no preference. It's all junk, it all breaks, and all is overpriced. We use the majority of Craftsman stuff as Sears is 5 minutes away. Then again we have 3-4 of each tool too. Specialty stuff though, Matco or Snap On. Trust stuff, usually CP

[Z28ricer]

Snap On Ownership
1. Use tool
2. Break it
3. Wait 3 days until Snap On guy comes around to get it (or chase around town trying to find it).
4. Yay, back in service

Our shop has no preference. It's all junk, it all breaks, and all is overpriced. We use the majority of Craftsman stuff as Sears is 5 minutes away. Then again we have 3-4 of each tool too. Specialty stuff though, Matco or Snap On. Trust stuff, usually CP


You can service stuff from other companys just as well and get service parts kits, the quality of the actual ratchets and how well they work when using them, really shows if you are really using them that much, you couldnt give me 10 craftsman ratchets for one of my SK finetooth ratchets, anyone who's used one of mine instantly notices why I stick to em, its just a shame that SK has had trouble recently, so my snapon ratchet collection will be increasing with the addition of their finetooth ratchets also.

[Z28ricer]

Snap On Ownership
1. Use tool
2. Break it
3. Wait 3 days until Snap On guy comes around to get it (or chase around town trying to find it).
4. Yay, back in service

Our shop has no preference. It's all junk, it all breaks, and all is overpriced. We use the majority of Craftsman stuff as Sears is 5 minutes away. Then again we have 3-4 of each tool too. Specialty stuff though, Matco or Snap On. Trust stuff, usually CP


Yes while it is a bit of a pain waiting on a truck that doesnt come around often, you can get service kits for the better quality ratchets just the same, and just have the service parts swapped out when the truck comes around.

The better ratchets without a 30* swing arc just to get the next tooth click, come in very handy when you are working on things, as well as ratchets that dont break virtually every time you put a load on them.

SK finetooth, Snapon 70+ tooth ratchets, win win win, sure if you dont want to spend the $$ on their sockets, wrenches, I fully understand that, but the better ratchets I definetly find to be well worth the extra money.

[tinys s14]

ima do this to my ratchets this weekend.. i broke endless ratchets but thank god for the lifetime warranty lol

[HyperTek]

any mods for air compressors and pneumatic tools? i got a craftsmans 3/8 air ratchet and 1/2 impact gun.

[codyace]

Yes while it is a bit of a pain waiting on a truck that doesnt come around often, you can get service kits for the better quality ratchets just the same, and just have the service parts swapped out when the truck comes around.

The better ratchets without a 30* swing arc just to get the next tooth click, come in very handy when you are working on things, as well as ratchets that dont break virtually every time you put a load on them.

SK finetooth, Snapon 70+ tooth ratchets, win win win, sure if you dont want to spend the $$ on their sockets, wrenches, I fully understand that, but the better ratchets I definetly find to be well worth the extra money.

I'll never deny the nice specialty tools that any of the major brands have available, and sell to guys like they need them as bad as a blowjob from Jennifer Anniston. Truth of the matter is, not a single one of them are really 'any' better at accomplishing a job than the lower end Snap On/Craftsman/Mac stuff. I'm not much of a tool nerd, so it' shard to really understand what I mean. At a big truck shop, durability is king, not so much ease of use....when you're hanging off the end of a ratchet, you want it to not puke all over the place...the extra clicks are nice, but not a selling point.

Don't get me wrong, I love my offset handle, angle head, long handle, Snap on 3/8" ratchet...but my 'equivlent' Craftsman that I have at the house works 95% of it.

[Z28ricer]

At a big truck shop, durability is king, not so much ease of use....when you're hanging off the end of a ratchet, you want it to not puke all over the place...the extra clicks are nice, but not a selling point.

Don't get me wrong, I love my offset handle, angle head, long handle, Snap on 3/8" ratchet...but my 'equivlent' Craftsman that I have at the house works 95% of it.


Weird, because go figure, generally every upgrade for axle shafts for a car, goes to a higher spline count, same with transmission parts.

Its not just extra room when you REALLY need it, not just being able to use the ratchet, instead of having to grasp the extension, or socket to get it to grab the next click because you dont have enough tension on the fastener yet, the extra splines result in extra strength also.

[180wanabe1]

Snap on 80 tooth ratchets for the ftmfw!!! i've gone through plenty of craftsman ratchets but have never broken a snap on 80 tooth. also there ratcheting action is awesome.

[axiomatik]

Weird, because go figure, generally every upgrade for axle shafts for a car, goes to a higher spline count, same with transmission parts.

Its not just extra room when you REALLY need it, not just being able to use the ratchet, instead of having to grasp the extension, or socket to get it to grab the next click because you dont have enough tension on the fastener yet, the extra splines result in extra strength also.

On an axle, all of the splines are engaged simultaneously. In a ratchet, only a few splines are engaged by the ratcheting mechanism.

[K_style]

Guess I haven't used my Craftsman Ratchet much.. still feels like new...
But yes I will try this..

THanks !

[codyace]

Weird, because go figure, generally every upgrade for axle shafts for a car, goes to a higher spline count, same with transmission parts.

Its not just extra room when you REALLY need it, not just being able to use the ratchet, instead of having to grasp the extension, or socket to get it to grab the next click because you dont have enough tension on the fastener yet, the extra splines result in extra strength also.

Again you can sell it how you want. We have both. I can't say either works any better than the rest when it comes to generic tools. It's just like Ford vs Chevy debates IMO.

[josephin510]

Snap On Ownership
1. Use tool
2. Break it
3. Wait 3 days until Snap On guy comes around to get it (or chase around town trying to find it).
4. Yay, back in service

Our shop has no preference. It's all junk, it all breaks, and all is overpriced. We use the majority of Craftsman stuff as Sears is 5 minutes away. Then again we have 3-4 of each tool too. Specialty stuff though, Matco or Snap On. Trust stuff, usually CP


Our mac and snap on guys only comes on tuesdays but you are exactly right after we break are snap on mac tools we pull out the craftmans and they work fine. As far as specialty tools I hardly invest in them unless its well worth my time and money.

[chiboy002]

Snap On Ownership
1. Use tool
2. Break it
3. Wait 3 days until Snap On guy comes around to get it (or chase around town trying to find it).
4. Yay, back in service

Our shop has no preference. It's all junk, it all breaks, and all is overpriced. We use the majority of Craftsman stuff as Sears is 5 minutes away. Then again we have 3-4 of each tool too. Specialty stuff though, Matco or Snap On. Trust stuff, usually CP
snap on is the fucking best. I love my 200pc
plus its easier on the palm than craftsman any day of the year

....sooo gonna do this. Any thing against doing this to a torque wrench?
i wouldn't do it since torque wrenches are so sensitive to things like dropping and such, i wouldn't risk it.

[4-20sx]

i got snap on, mac, and craftsman tools. they all work the same. to me its all about what gets the job done, not how much you payed for it.

[smoked240]

On an axle, all of the splines are engaged simultaneously. In a ratchet, only a few splines are engaged by the ratcheting mechanism.

Correct, that's why more splines are better in a ratchet's case.
Lets say you have a ratchet with 20 splines. Only about 8 will make contact at a time.

Now throw 80 splines into that. around 20 would be making contact.
(this could range to be more or less splines, it's just an idea.)


I have used/own all kinda of brands, and I love all my snap on. But I won't buy just them. Each tool has there use. Since I am 3 hours from home for school I had no tools so I picked up this from sears.
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?mv=rr)

It was such a good investment. I just love the warranty, it's really nice.

[Z28ricer]

Correct, that's why more splines are better in a ratchet's case.
Lets say you have a ratchet with 20 splines. Only about 8 will make contact at a time.

Now throw 80 splines into that. around 20 would be making contact.
(this could range to be more or less splines, it's just an idea.)


I have used/own all kinda of brands, and I love all my snap on. But I won't buy just them. Each tool has there use. Since I am 3 hours from home for school I had no tools so I picked up this from sears.
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?mv=rr)

It was such a good investment. I just love the warranty, it's really nice.


Thanks for breaking it down for the slow thinkers.

And really, did the all knowing codyace try to make two ratchets with completely different specs, one being completely better in every aspect, other than cost, comparable to ford vs. chevy ?

[Z28ricer]

Oh, lookie apparently even craftsman understood the concept

Craftsman (http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00902548000P?vName=Hand+Tools&cName=Ratchets+%26+Sockets&sName=Ratchets&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=L3)

(Please note in my previous posts, I wasnt, and didnt, knock craftsman tools, only state that working with some of the better quality ratchets, mainly for their higher tooth count, is definetly worth the extra cost, if any)

[chiboy002]

i got snap on, mac, and craftsman tools. they all work the same. to me its all about what gets the job done, not how much you payed for it.
not really, ive used a 3ft pipe on my snap on breaker bar to get more torque. Used it on my craftsman one, snapped on the 2nd bolt.

My snap on one didn't break, it just twisted. Still works, just not ideally - whereas my craftsman one doesn't work at all anymore.

[smoked240]

Thanks for breaking it down for the slow thinkers.

And really, did the all knowing codyace try to make two ratchets with completely different specs, one being completely better in every aspect, other than cost, comparable to ford vs. chevy ?

Well when you think about it he is right.

Ford=Craftsmen
Chevy=Snap on

:keke:

It works for a lot of stuff. Playstation-Xbox. And a lot more.

[Z28ricer]

Well when you think about it he is right.

Ford=Craftsmen
Chevy=Snap on

:keke:

It works for a lot of stuff. Playstation-Xbox. And a lot more.


:bowrofl:

stupidmsglength

[4-20sx]

not really, ive used a 3ft pipe on my snap on breaker bar to get more torque. Used it on my craftsman one, snapped on the 2nd bolt.

My snap on one didn't break, it just twisted. Still works, just not ideally - whereas my craftsman one doesn't work at all anymore.

Yea I understand you pay more for quailty. But if it gets the job done they y nOt.
Some tools break some don't. They are all gonna break sooner or later with enough stress put on them.

[axiomatik]

Correct, that's why more splines are better in a ratchet's case.
Lets say you have a ratchet with 20 splines. Only about 8 will make contact at a time.

Now throw 80 splines into that. around 20 would be making contact.
(this could range to be more or less splines, it's just an idea.)


I have used/own all kinda of brands, and I love all my snap on. But I won't buy just them. Each tool has there use. Since I am 3 hours from home for school I had no tools so I picked up this from sears.
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00936260000P?mv=rr)

It was such a good investment. I just love the warranty, it's really nice.

you seem to be forgetting that each spline is smaller, and thus weaker. Now, you will engage more splines at once, so the load is distributed over more splines, but the smaller the spline, the less load each can hold. Don't fool yourself into thinking that more splines automatically = stronger ratchet. There are other, more important aspects of the tool design that affect the overall strength. The primary purpose of the higher number of splines is to reduce the swing angle necessary to engage the next spline, not to make the tool stronger.

[4-20sx]

you seem to be forgetting that each spline is smaller, and thus weaker. Now, you will engage more splines at once, so the load is distributed over more splines, but the smaller the spline, the less load each can hold. Don't fool yourself into thinking that more splines automatically = stronger ratchet. There are other, more important aspects of the tool design that affect the overall strength. The primary purpose of the higher number of splines is to reduce the swing angle necessary to engage the next spline, not to make the tool stronger.


agreed! then again you can think deeper into it and think about the material they use. what kind of metal, ect ect.

engineering at its finest. lol

[Chrischeezer]

just came back from sears,

they just told me, Sears doesn't replace/swap damaged ratchets and tools anymore, everything is fixed at location or shipped out..!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF?!?!?!! since when..

location staten island NY.

[midnight zenki]

^thats bullshit, I manage the tools depatrment at a Sears and we rebuild ratchets on site and will always do an on site exchange for hand tools and all lifetime warranty items as long as we have the tool. If you want to pit Snap On and Mac against Craftsman checkout the new fine tooth Craftsman Premieum Ratchets, the cost is up there but they have a 4.5 degree arc.

We have always rebuilt ratchets unless the customer really wants a new one. The only thing different is that the body of the ratchet has been used, all of the internals are swapped out and re-lubbed.

[shiftdrift]

i just serviced 4 of my craftsman ratchet's today and they work a hell of a lot better now.

[lilredrex]

I have mac snap-on and craftsman tools, I have had mac, snap-on, and craftsman tools break, i like some tools better from different brands...its personal preference as well as your bank roll..... also the more you take care of your tools, the more they take care of you

[bb4_96]

you seem to be forgetting that each spline is smaller, and thus weaker. Now, you will engage more splines at once, so the load is distributed over more splines, but the smaller the spline, the less load each can hold. Don't fool yourself into thinking that more splines automatically = stronger ratchet. There are other, more important aspects of the tool design that affect the overall strength. The primary purpose of the higher number of splines is to reduce the swing angle necessary to engage the next spline, not to make the tool stronger.

Lol i'm glad someone mentioned this. It was like an elephant was in the room.

That being said I'd say 75% of tool damage comes from misuse. When i started working on cars and bought my first craftsman long handle 3/8 ratchet I warrantied it monthly. After i bought my first breaker bar I have still yet to warranty it again lol. I've seen people stripping gears on 3/8" ratchets with a 3foot pipe wreching a 32mm nut. How about using a 3/4" or larger breaker bar instead? Or perhaps an impact. lol I watched a sears guy warranty 3 standard sockets that had clearly been blown up with an impact wrench. I understand everything is going to wear out eventually but if you're swapping out tools too often maybe reconsider use. The fatigue strength of abused ratchet gears only goes so far. On a side note there is a considerably difference between materals used in craftsman vs. snapon. Still primarily comes down to use.

[smoked240]

you seem to be forgetting that each spline is smaller, and thus weaker. Now, you will engage more splines at once, so the load is distributed over more splines, but the smaller the spline, the less load each can hold. Don't fool yourself into thinking that more splines automatically = stronger ratchet. There are other, more important aspects of the tool design that affect the overall strength. The primary purpose of the higher number of splines is to reduce the swing angle necessary to engage the next spline, not to make the tool stronger.


No, I haven't forgotten that. You have to remember snap on isn't using some cheap 6065 aluminum spine system. I would bet on it that they use a heat treatable metal. So, if you take more splines+stronger material= Useful. I have honestly never broken one.

[axiomatik]

ugh.

No, I haven't forgotten that. You have to remember snap on isn't using some cheap 6065 aluminum spine system. I would bet on it that they use a heat treatable metal. So, if you take more splines+stronger material= Useful. I have honestly never broken one.

you seem to be forgetting that each spline is smaller, and thus weaker. Now, you will engage more splines at once, so the load is distributed over more splines, but the smaller the spline, the less load each can hold. Don't fool yourself into thinking that more splines automatically = stronger ratchet. There are other, more important aspects of the tool design that affect the overall strength. The primary purpose of the higher number of splines is to reduce the swing angle necessary to engage the next spline, not to make the tool stronger.

stronger material = stronger tool
more splines = more convenient


fyi, an aluminum spline system would be more expensive than a steel spline system. Also, aluminum and steel are both heat-treatable materials. In fact, most metals are heat-treatable.

[Beejis60]

I'm aware this is an old thread, but I just was informed that Craftsman is now beginning to manufacture a lot of their tools in china, so if you were the "I'll just go replace it at sears" guy some 9ish months ago, you may wanna rethink your position now.


Chinese vs. USA Craftsman RP ratchets (PICS) - Bob Is The Oil Guy (http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2445740)

[GhostlyCoupe]

Wife spends $1000 on a Coach purse because she says "it's a better purse and they will fix it if anything goes wrong"

You say she's wasting your money when a $40 purse from Target would work just as well.

But then you turn around and pay 10 times more than you need for a ratchet and use the exact same reasoning.

Irony or just victims of marketing?

[dato]

Wife spends $1000 on a Coach purse because she says "it's a better purse and they will fix it if anything goes wrong"

You say she's wasting your money when a $40 purse from Target would work just as well.

But then you turn around and pay 10 times more than you need for a ratchet and use the exact same reasoning.

Irony or just victims of marketing?

It's actually 25 times more ... Just saying