Ratchet Lube......

[So1911]

I've recently delved into the complicated world of ratchet lube.

Snap-On apparently uses super lube (thick, dilectric grease stuff) from the factory.

Tool forum folks recommend https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81950-Ultra-Engine-Assembly/dp/B000HBNVSK/

For me, the goal is the least back drag as possible. I would think this means a less sticky/tacky lube.

Thoughts?

 

[Astro14]

Many of mine just say "oil" on them. So, oil?

 

[JeffKeryk]

I like Superlube. Just use it sparingly; don't gob it on. You can hydro-lock (?) the mechanism. That stuff's gotta go somewhere!

 

[So1911]

Many of mine just say "oil" on them. So, oil?

yea, and our cars just say "5w20". Let's chat about what might be a better lube

 

[Astro14]

yea, and our cars just say "5w20". Let's chat about what might be a better lube

Well - none of my cars say that, actually. Not even close.

So, for most of the ratchets, I keep a polyethylene quart container filled a few inches deep with about 50/50 engine oil and mineral spirits. I drop the ratchets in, leave them overnight, pull them out in the morning.

Works well for ratcheting box end wrenches, too.

Now, some guys swear by ATF on that, but I'm using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W30, so there you have it.

 

[DemoFly]

Tried a few.

Real light application of superlube is the best, and by a pretty large margin.

Red n tacky is too sticky and too leaky. Anything thicker than superlube is too thick.

 

[JHZR2]

I’ve never encountered much of a need to lube mine. Even the heavily used ones. Maybe I’m missing out on a smoother experience?

 

[Soft Cars]

I've recently delved into the complicated world of ratchet lube.

Snap-On apparently uses super lube (thick, dilectric grease stuff) from the factory.

Tool forum folks recommend https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81950-Ultra-Engine-Assembly/dp/B000HBNVSK/

For me, the goal is the least back drag as possible. I would think this means a less sticky/tacky lube.

Thoughts?

They do not. They use THIS which is a thin synthetic grease.

 

[FastLane]

I just use gun oil. Works fine.

 

[SubLGT]

Snap-on uses a light NLGI 00 grease in their dual80 ratchets, Super-Lube p.n. 82345/00 or 82340/00

More info in this thread:

Anything new with ratchet lube?

Searching, I find a lot of older threads about Permatex assembly lube ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBNVSK/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ) Interestingly, Snap-On recommends super lube in their dual 80's. There is a massive, massive consistency different between this assembly lube (thin) and super...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[SubLGT]

They do not. They use THIS which is a thin synthetic grease.

That (Super-lube p.n. 21030) is a NLGI 2 grease

 

[The Critic]

Supposedly, some of the finer tooth ratchets will not function properly with thicker lubes. I was told to use air tool oil in the Matco ratchets.

 

[Soft Cars]

Snap-on uses a light NLGI 00 grease in their dual80 ratchets, Super-Lube p.n. 82345/00 or 82340/00

Amazon has one labeled 82340 without the double zero on the end. It's rated NLGI 2.

Motion Industries has your 82340/00.

 

[Soft Cars]

That (Super-lube p.n. 21030) is a NLGI 2 grease

I think it's mislabeled because it sure feels thinner than NLGI 2. I have to keep it in the refrigerator.

 

[Lubener]

Plain old oil, no need for anything else.

 

[Trav]

The sealed ratchets I do nothing to them the others I use ATF.

 

[Eddie Hudson]

I've been using Permatex 81950 Ultra Slick Engine Assembly Lube for over 15 years.

 

[NYEngineer]

Dumond Tech Pro X Hub Grease. Stuff is PERFECT for this application. It's designed for bicycle freehubs which are ratchets.

 

[RooflessVW]

I most recently used Eastman 2380.

I let them soak over the weekend.

 

[Kira]

OMG! Sealed for life ratchets as well as a new "thick vs thin" debate. What's next? ....show me the 'Toolfax'?