05.05.2022 | Catégorie : Spectrum

How to maximize the service lifetime of your ratchets/fine-tooth ratchets

Five tips from the pros.


The ratchet is one of the most popular hand tools. But proper handling and care are indispensable to ensure it performs well for a long time. But no need to worry: if you follow these five tips, your ratchets will be reliable companions for many, many fastener joints.

 

TIP 1: USE IT CORRECTLY

Professional application is the key to minimising wear and tear. So:

  1. First hand-tighten the fastener without the tool.
  2. Then apply the ratchet and turn the handle as far as possible in the direction in which the fastener is to be tightened.
  3. Now move the ratchet in the opposite direction – you will hear that typical ratchet sound. Note: give the ratchet a moment so the pawl and the gear teeth can engage smoothly.
  4. Repeat this process of tightening and relaxing until the fastener is tight.

Note: If you hear the ratchet sound as soon as you apply force to tighten the fastener, you have to change the direction by switching the change lever.

 

TIP 2: AVOID OVERTIGHTENING

Be careful not to overload the fine mechanism inside your ratchet – you don't want to damage it. If you're dealing with a really stubborn fastener, it is better to use a ring spanner without the ratchet function.

 

TIP 3: LUBRICATE THE RATCHET PERIODICALLY

To ensure smooth running and a long service life, the mechanism in your ratchet needs some care: it is best to oil it occasionally with a light oil. If your ratchet is a fine-tooth ratchet, it is also possible – as an exception – to use grease. However, it is important to make sure the grease is NLGI class 1 quality. For your information: the six NLGI classes tell you something about the consistency of the grease: 0 stands for very soft, 6 for very viscous grease.

 

TIP 4: KEEP THE TOOL CLEAN

If you do not clean a heavily soiled ratchet, you are accelerating the ageing process. It's better to invest a few minutes to clean the tool. And this is how:

  1. Carefully remove the screws and the Spirolox retaining ring to take off the cover. Use a screwdriver for this.
  2. Remove the individual parts and clean them.
  3. Apply a low-viscosity oil to all the parts before reassembling the ratchet.
  4. Don't forget to fix the cover with the screws & Spirolox rings afterwards.

 

TIP 5: A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE!

All mechanical systems are subject to wear at some time. You can detect wear and tear in a ratchet when either the cover of the mechanism bulges, the ratchet slips in a certain position or the ratcheting sound changes significantly. If this is the case, ratchets from many manufacturers can be repaired. We offer corresponding repair kits for our ratchets.

This video explains how you can repair your fine-tooth ratchet with the help of our repair kit: