Rebuilding Craftsman 3/8 USA ratchet - ball bearing detent size?
Anyone happen to know the size of the ball bearing detent that is for the selector switch?
I was taking apart my old USA made Craftsman 3/8ths ratchet that I got as a replacement a long time ago back when Sears did tool replacements on the spot. I was trying to figure out why the selector was so sloppy feeling, turns out that whoever rebuilt it, forgot to place the ball bearing.
Rather than trying to locate a rebuild kit, anyone know what size the ball bearing is? I was told that these old USA made ones are not compatible with the new overseas made ones.
June 16, 2023, 05:44 PM
HRK
quote:
Craftsman 3/8ths ratchet
Ebay - Repair Kit 3/8ths - 10 kits available $12 what a bargain!
Originally posted by arfmel: I wonder if a .177 BB would be too big?
Yeah, those are much too big, I was digging in my parts bin and found an AR carry handle rear sight, and looks like the ball bearing for the drum is about the same size. Debating on taking it apart to find out.
June 16, 2023, 05:55 PM
Nismo
quote:
Originally posted by HRK:
quote:
Craftsman 3/8ths ratchet
Ebay - Repair Kit 3/8ths - 10 kits available $12 what a bargain!
I think that one is a bit different than what I have, but thanks for the link.
June 16, 2023, 07:04 PM
M1Garandy
Can you stick something in the hole that the spring and detent bearing go into to measure the diameter?
Short drill bits, the short leg of an Allen wrench, etc.?
June 16, 2023, 07:42 PM
BlackTalonJHP
The kit that HRK linked to should work for your ratchet. It's a 36 tooth ratchet, correct?
What is even cheaper is you can get those entire ratchets branded as Allen, K-D, Kobalt, etc (all made by Danaher) for less than $10. I think I've given away most of mine but I can see if I still have some around somewhere.
June 16, 2023, 07:50 PM
BlackTalonJHP
Well you're in luck. I found one and got it torn apart. The ball bearing is .1405"
June 16, 2023, 08:55 PM
Nismo
Thanks all. I'll look into the .1405 bearings.
I stuck some drill bits inside the hole and the 5/32 fits just about perfect with no room to spare. The 9/64 had some wiggle room, which is probably about .1405 like what you measured.
Anyways, I ended up taking the AR rear sight apart and the detent bearing is only slightly smaller than .1405. I put it in and it seems to work just fine. I'm almost sure that they use the same size ball bearing inside the anvil that locks in the socket also.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Nismo,
June 17, 2023, 03:22 AM
kcl1960
quote:
Originally posted by Nismo: Thanks all. I'll look into the .1405 bearings.
I stuck some drill bits inside the hole and the 5/32 fits just about perfect with no room to spare. The 9/64 had some wiggle room, which is probably about .1405 like what you measured. You got it 9/64's is very very close .140625 and 5/32 is .15625
Anyways, I ended up taking the AR rear sight apart and the detent bearing is only slightly smaller than .1405. I put it in and it seems to work just fine. I'm almost sure that they use the same size ball bearing inside the anvil that locks in the socket also.
June 17, 2023, 08:49 AM
rbert0005
Lowes does the replacement on the spot for crasftsman tools.
Bob
I am no expert, but think I am sometimes.
June 17, 2023, 09:47 AM
Sig2340
Give me a chance to dig through the collection of RotnDad's balls ( his term) that he sent me.
I'm bound to have one that size. He sent me about two pounds of ball bearings of all sizes.
If I have some that size, they are YOURS.
Nice is overrated
"It's every freedom-loving individual's duty to lie to the government." Airsoftguy, June 29, 2018
Respect: it's worthy of a rebuild and not just toss and buy a new one. I rebuilt my grandfathers @10 years back even though I had a much better Craftsman set, love pulling it out and using it. Think of my grandfather every time. I can't answer the question, but I suspect you'll get it figured out soon.
Good luck!
June 17, 2023, 01:45 PM
ElToro
Sorry for thread drift but good to know Kobalt now made in USA. Previously everything on the tool section at lowes was made offshore.
June 17, 2023, 01:58 PM
Nismo
Thanks everyone for the help.
I put the rear sight ball into the ratchet, and it works great.
June 17, 2023, 03:01 PM
M1Garandy
Over the years, I've swapped out dozens of broken/worn Craftsman ratchets. That said, I went out of my way to find rebuild kits and buy them to rebuild a few that have sentimental value or for which the current (at the time when Sears was still around) replacement model was inferior to the unit that needed repair.
I've also rebuilt a dozen or so Snap On units and some air ratchets too.
They all need maintenance after a while if you use them enough.
June 17, 2023, 04:33 PM
BlackTalonJHP
quote:
Originally posted by ElToro: Sorry for thread drift but good to know Kobalt now made in USA. Previously everything on the tool section at lowes was made offshore.
It's not made in USA now and hasn't been for probably 20 years. Those ratchets are NOS.
June 18, 2023, 02:58 PM
wrightd
quote:
Originally posted by rbert0005: Lowes does the replacement on the spot for crasftsman tools.
Bob
Very bad idea if the original ratchet is older USA manufactured tool.
Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster
June 18, 2023, 03:09 PM
rbert0005
Why? You can just keep bringing them back until they no longer do it. Then you can rebuild the original one.
his term) that he sent me.