Ratchet lube. Whats everyone using.

[hdpusher]

I just rebuilt a Proto ratchet the other day and my friend who was there had a fit when I used regular grease as lube. He claimed it would harm it over time claiming ratchets require special lube. Grease has served me fine for years but Im always willing to try something else. Any input?

[BobbyFord]

Any grease is better than no grease at all. I say if it doesn't congeal and it doesn't run out of the seams, it's more than likely sufficient.

[ximy]

I've never heard of special ratchet lube. I use singer sewing machine oil for small mechanical devices.

[Madman]

If my Snap On or Craftsman Ratchets wear out, I get them to replace the new internals, hence the small advantage of tools with lifetime warranties.....for air tools and such I use WD-40 (AKA Panther Piss).

[Heirloom]

I too use light machine oil when on hand, otherwise I also use LSA weapons oil a lot.

[hdpusher]

I too use light machine oil when on hand, otherwise I also use LSA weapons oil a lot.

Never thought of gun oils. Ill have to try that I have several half used bottles around.

[hdpusher]

Any grease is better than no grease at all. I say if it doesn't congeal and it doesn't run out of the seams, it's more than likely sufficient.

Only problem Ive ever had with grease is on a hot day it "leaks" out a little but its no big deal.

[trozei]

All of my Snap-On ratchets just ever so slightly have a leak out of the faceplate onto the square drive. I figure they use a really thin oil in the micro drive ratchets. It's never been a problem. It's just that I've never seen any other brands' ratchets do this. Anyway, any oil is better than none at all. I'd use an oil and not a grease for quick action but grease would probably be maintenance-free.

[Larry 63]

Hey Guys: I use motor oil on mine. I have a cut off can that I fill with 30 weight oil sitting on my workbench. when I get done using my ratchets for the day, I wipe them down and put them in the oil can. I have a Snap-on ratchet that I have used daily for over 30 years. I have replaced the guts once because they wore out. so it works for me.

[markguiver]

I use motor oil on mine too. I normally use a 5w20 synthetic to work into the body around any of the moving parts. When the oil starts to seep out I work the gears forward and reverse to coat everything inside. Then I lay it on a rag to soak up the oil that drains out, let it sit for a day, wipe it down, and put it back in the box. I've done it this way for years and have a few old Craftsman and Proto ratchets that have lasted 40+ years. One of the Craftsman 3/8" drive ratchets I had to replace about 20ish years ago but, I don't consider that too bad for as much use as they have had and still get today.
Mark.

[Busboy]

Seriously?