Wait until I tell you that I break in new ratchets
Ratchet Lube......
- Thread starter So1911
- Start date
And change the factory lube after the first 1000 uses?
I used Super Lube 52004 to rebuild 2 craftsmen professional ratchets, and fix a fancy Hazet 916HPLG I broke. No more Hazet's for me, supposedly 1000nm, it broke trying to install rear shocks on a Titan. 
By all means, clean and lube your ratchets. Quieter and smoother. Just don't over do it!
I just let the ratchets soak over a weekend once or twice a year.
To break them in, I spin them with a drill in both directions.
JHZR2
Staff member
The very quiet clicking never bothered me, and my ratchets have never been not smooth. I generally run SO ratchets though.
Koken says this about their 72-tooth ratchets:
kokenusa.com
3/8" Sq.Dr. Ratchet Handle 72 teeth Length 178mm Quick Release Z-serie
KO-KEN QUICK RELEASE RATCHET Ko-ken ratchets are known for their very low backlash, small head sizes, and high torque ranges. We designed the new 72 tooth ratchet without compromising on our traditional strengths. The patented design of the 72T combines the low backlash, small size, and has a...
kokenusa.com
I seldom buy specialty lubes, for ratchets just end up using a homebrew I mixed with 5W20 motor oil and mobile 1 synthetic grease, ends up around NLGI 00.
I use the same mix for worn fan sleeve bushings, mechanisms that have old, hardened grease but it isn't practical (or not worth the bother) to clean old grease out, scissors, pliers, door hinges, etc. You don't need but a drop or two, except for fans that have lube reservoirs then fill those.
Usually if it's a very old ratchet and I've never lubed it before, and showing signs of gumming up, I'll strip it down and clean with gasoline and a toothbrush before relubing.
I use the same mix for worn fan sleeve bushings, mechanisms that have old, hardened grease but it isn't practical (or not worth the bother) to clean old grease out, scissors, pliers, door hinges, etc. You don't need but a drop or two, except for fans that have lube reservoirs then fill those.
Usually if it's a very old ratchet and I've never lubed it before, and showing signs of gumming up, I'll strip it down and clean with gasoline and a toothbrush before relubing.
I suggest you try cleaning and lubing your beautiful Snappy ratchets. The rebuild kits come with Superlube. Here's one of my older ones...
I recently lubed all my ratchets for the first time and the difference in the older ones was amazing. After scouring the internet looking for the best lube, the consensus seemed to be a very light weight grease.
I have a good supply of Slip2000 EWG (Extreme Weapons Grease), and it based on my approximation is around NLGI grade 00-0, with PTFE, corrosion protection, and non-toxic. It also came in a handy syringe for easy application.
My ratchets feel great, especially my older Craftsman ratchets. I have several gearwrench 120 ratchets which I did not lube as they are still plenty wet from the factory lubricant, and being sealed, will likely stay greased up for awhile.
I have a good supply of Slip2000 EWG (Extreme Weapons Grease), and it based on my approximation is around NLGI grade 00-0, with PTFE, corrosion protection, and non-toxic. It also came in a handy syringe for easy application.
My ratchets feel great, especially my older Craftsman ratchets. I have several gearwrench 120 ratchets which I did not lube as they are still plenty wet from the factory lubricant, and being sealed, will likely stay greased up for awhile.
Just remember, you're not allowed to get any grease down in the threaded screw holes.
Will the new Maxlife/CVT work or should I stick to the ATF-only type?
CVT only works with those new gearless ratchets.
Supco MO98 is what that Koken 72 teeth ratchet would get if I had one.Koken says this about their 72-tooth ratchets:
3/8" Sq.Dr. Ratchet Handle 72 teeth Length 178mm Quick Release Z-serie
KO-KEN QUICK RELEASE RATCHET Ko-ken ratchets are known for their very low backlash, small head sizes, and high torque ranges. We designed the new 72 tooth ratchet without compromising on our traditional strengths. The patented design of the 72T combines the low backlash, small size, and has a...
A few drops of oil (your choice) once a month and you’re good to go. If your not a tech then once a year.
I brought a pal's old 3/8" drive to the Snap-On truck who had 7 different guts but not for this relic. He ordered two sets and thanked my for the experience.
Also, his dad's 1/2" drive was known to jump and cause injury. I took that one and secretly mailed it off to SK in Chicago. I used his address so he got it back.
Cleaning either never crossed my mind.
Also, his dad's 1/2" drive was known to jump and cause injury. I took that one and secretly mailed it off to SK in Chicago. I used his address so he got it back.
Cleaning either never crossed my mind.
If a ratchet skips you need a rebuild kit. The 3/8 long SO I posted was in need of new internals.
I love keeping them alive.
I use super-lube nlgi 2 (multi purpose synthetic grease). Works great on... well... everything. I have some older MITUSA craftsman ratcheting wrenches that don't disassemble. Those get soaked in ATF occasionally. They still work but the levers are a little grabby and need a wiggle sometimes.
