Got a ratchet that's jammed, rusted or won't switch directions? Don't toss it, rebuild it. In most cases, you can slap yours back into shape with just a good cleaning and new grease. But if you've broken a spring or a pawl, you'll need to buy a rebuilding kit.

Can you take a ratchet apart?

Take the ratchet apart. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove the retaining clips and slowly pull the back of the ratchet apart. ... You will find a spring in the hole located in the handle of the ratchet. What you see in the picture is a ball from a ball bearing that happened to be the same size.

How do you clean old spanners?

If the rust has not corroded too far into the tool, it can be removed using household items. You need either lemon (or lime) and salt, or vinegar (apple cider is best but cheap white vinegar is fine too) and salt, or baking soda. An old toothbrush will also be useful.