How do I Rebuild a Craftsman Ratchet?

Rebuild your Craftsman ratchet before considering throwing it away.

Craftsman ratchets are known as some of the most dependable tools you can purchase. They see use every day in professional shops and at home. With time, however, any tool can wear out. Rather than purchasing an all-new ratchet, you can rebuild yours at home provided that you have the right tools and the necessary replacement parts. Rebuilding your craftsman ratchet means that you will retain the handle of the ratchet, but will replace the inner workings of the tool.

Things You'll Need

• Hog-ring pliers
• Craftsman ratchet rebuild kit

Instructions

1. Turn the ratchet so that the square drive mechanism faces you. A hog ring secures the inner workings of the ratchet into the ratchet housing. Use the hog ring pliers to squeeze this ring together, then remove it from the ratchet.

2. Turn the ratchet over into the palm of your hand and the inner workings of the ratchet will fall out into it. The inner workings of the ratchet consist of a single cog wheel which is also doubles as the square drive mechanism. The ratcheting mechanism is housed slightly below the cog wheel and you won't need to replace it.

3. Place the ratchet rebuild kit's replacement cog wheel into the head of the socket wrench. It's a good idea at this step to drop a little household oil into the head of the ratchet. Use the hog ring pliers to compress the hog ring and press it back into place on the ratchet to secure the new cog in the housing of the ratchet.

References

• "Automotive Tools Manual: Guide to Buying and Using Automotive Tools"; John Haynes; 1994
• "Care and Repair of Shop Machines"; John White; 2002
• Sears: "1/2 in. Drive Quick Release Teardrop Ratchet"