Ratcheting wrench lubrication test

Backdrag is one of the most important performance metrics for any ratcheting tool. In this video I try out some lightly used ratcheting wrenches that had soaked overnight in two different kinds of lubrication: PTFE/teflon chain lube and white lithium grease.
I tested wrenches from the following sets:
Proto JSCVM-20SA
SK X-Frame 80019
The results show a slight advantage to one of the lubricants used over the other (and the control wrenches, which were left as they were from the factory), but there may be other problems that I run into later such as autoreversing, binding, or skipping. I'll make a followup video in that case.

[@RingZero]

I usually inject Super-lube oil (with PTFE) using a syringe with 18 gauge needle on my box end ratchets. I haven't broken any ratcheting wrench and all work like brand new for over 20 years.

[@Manuel3525m]

I don’t lube them haven’t broke any used them a lot still working like new

[@spannerssockets6308]

I've invested in my first set of ratchet spanners, US Pro brand. Some folk say you shouldn't lube them. I believe you should due to the high loading forces on the ratchet's metal to metal moving parts. Came to YT to see how best to lube them and I would consider soaking the ratchet heads in diesel because its thin enough to seep in and is also a lubricant.

[@wrenchposting9097]

Most good ratcheting wrenches have some light lube from the factory, but I noticed a definite improvement when soaking. I would consider ATF over diesel, and the teflon-based spray was the best long-term. I need to do a followup video, as the white lithium grease gummed up quickly.

[@spannerssockets6308]

@@wrenchposting9097
I'll have a look at ATF. thanks!

[@andrej2321]

Need to put them in a vacuum chamber 😂 Then the grease will actually be sucked into the gears.

[@wrenchposting9097]

Tempting! I do have a Yellowjacket vacuum pump that works quite well

[@1brianb1]

You need a scale to measure the force involved.

[@wrenchposting9097]

That would be worth my time if I was comparing the same size wrenches and not 14mm to 15mm to 16mm...beyond the scope of this course, as they say.

[@semataryfan]

was looking for something else but I won't complain 😸

[@craigheislen3304]

Any update on the longevity of the lubricants? Have either gummed up and caused any troubles?

[@wrenchposting9097]

yeah I need to do a follow-up video, the white lithium grease did gum up the SKs. The PTFE-based lube was way better in the long run.

[@craigheislen3304]

@@wrenchposting9097 I’ve just been using the old ATF method. In all honesty i was hoping the white lithium worked out. Purely because it’s like nails on a chalkboard hearing the metal in that gear hit so hard.