I have a strange flex-head ratchet that I need to clean and oil... only problem is the head is sealed with some kind of lock washer... it's not like the retaining clip or hex screws that other ratchets have... it's a ring with overlapping tails. I'm afraid to pry at it because I don't want to damage it.

The picture below has crappy quality but you can barely see it... it's just like a lock washer... The entire thing is tucked under the anvil, too...


Anyone know how to get these off?
Thanks

 

ive had a ratchet come apart. That "lock washer" is what was holding the entire "ratchet mechanism" in the wrench handle. I was able to put it back together, but not very well, its hard to get that lock washer back in place, and cinch it down tight enough to be problem free. You might be able to get it in better...

so to get it off,im assuming you pry it off. Mine just came off after years of use.

 

Hmmm, this should be fun... I guess if I ruin it it's for the best that I should just get another one that is easier to open

 

I'm guessing it's a sprial lock ring.

 

Yeah, I did a little research, and it turns out you're right. That is the correct name for that ring. I attempted to pry it out with a small screwdriver, but it started bending the end and it just keeps circling around the anvil, so I just said screw it and decided to leave it be. Do you know how to remove it?

I take good care of my tools, and it bugs me that this particular one feels kind of gritty when it ratchets, like it's got dirt inside or something. I need to open it and clean it because I'm too OCD with my tools.

 

Use a 90 degree sharp pick. Snap-on makes the right size ones about the size of a pocket screwdriver.