square rachet
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square rachet
My press doesn't advance/index consistently. If I stroke it several more times it will. I thought I'd worn out the plastic square but when I pulled it out, it looked ok. It does have some play but I expected it to be visually obvious. Is this a symptom of a worn square or is there another problem? Additionally, is anyone making an upgraded version, possibly aluminum?
- GasGuzzler
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Re: square rachet
I had to replace my square drive plastic thingie once.
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- farmerjim
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Re: square rachet
I have had to replace mine(lee 4 hole classic turret press square ratchet auto index) twice. I bought 10 of them about 12 years ago for less than 50 cents each, But I now see them at around 2 bucks at several places.
Glad I stocked up big on reloading supplies years ago.
Glad I stocked up big on reloading supplies years ago.
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Re: square rachet
Considering that there are only two pieces that make it index and one is a steel rod I'd say that it's probably the plastic square ratchet part. No "upgrade" part that I know of and I don't think a metal piece in it's place would be a good idea as it could possible cause other damage(s) if compromised. It's a "sacrificial" part. Pretty simple and effective way to make it work. On further thought It's quite possible that the "collar" could be worn as well. So three pieces not just two....
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Re: square rachet
Midway USA puts them on sale for $.45 each. Regular price is $1.99! I purchased two when I ordered dies.
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Re: square rachet
My guess is 2-5K rounds of lifespan for the square thing.
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Re: square rachet
I use the pro1000 and the clasic turret. Both have plastic ratchet inserts. I bought some spares when I bought the presses, but I never had a broken insert yet.
Usually the problem is somewhere else. First, disassemble the press, clean everything and lube with your prefered lube. In the past I used ball bearing grease, because it doesn't drip, but I have switched to automatic transmission oil. The lubing intervals are much longer with that.
With all LEE equippment: Do not assume you know the machine. Use the steps given in the manual and follow them exactly. LEE manuals are very good, and the machines are low cost, so I found that doing the steps in a different order, or just similar as given in the manual, sometimes result in strange behaviour of the machine. So even if I loaded tens of thousands of rounds, and took apart the presses dozen times, I still check the manual. The number of hickups have greatly reduced by that.
Usually the problem is somewhere else. First, disassemble the press, clean everything and lube with your prefered lube. In the past I used ball bearing grease, because it doesn't drip, but I have switched to automatic transmission oil. The lubing intervals are much longer with that.
With all LEE equippment: Do not assume you know the machine. Use the steps given in the manual and follow them exactly. LEE manuals are very good, and the machines are low cost, so I found that doing the steps in a different order, or just similar as given in the manual, sometimes result in strange behaviour of the machine. So even if I loaded tens of thousands of rounds, and took apart the presses dozen times, I still check the manual. The number of hickups have greatly reduced by that.
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- GasGuzzler
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Re: square rachet
THISFyodor wrote: ↑18 Sep 2023 06:55With all LEE equippment: Do not assume you know the machine. Use the steps given in the manual and follow them exactly. LEE manuals are very good, and the machines are low cost, so I found that doing the steps in a different order, or just similar as given in the manual, sometimes result in strange behaviour of the machine.
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I've always been crazy but it's kept me from goin' insane.
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Re: square rachet
Fyodor wrote: ↑18 Sep 2023 06:55 I use the pro1000 and the clasic turret. Both have plastic ratchet inserts. I bought some spares when I bought the presses, but I never had a broken insert yet.
Usually the problem is somewhere else. First, disassemble the press, clean everything and lube with your prefered lube. In the past I used ball bearing grease, because it doesn't drip, but I have switched to automatic transmission oil. The lubing intervals are much longer with that.
With all LEE equippment: Do not assume you know the machine. Use the steps given in the manual and follow them exactly. LEE manuals are very good, and the machines are low cost, so I found that doing the steps in a different order, or just similar as given in the manual, sometimes result in strange behaviour of the machine. So even if I loaded tens of thousands of rounds, and took apart the presses dozen times, I still check the manual. The number of hickups have greatly reduced by that.
of controlling it both on the down and up stroke
I did a lot of reading on proper operation and never had any issues.I just now semi-retired it due to buying the Lee classic turret.
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Re: square rachet
I have to replace the plastic parts on my Lee Turret presses occasionally. They wear out so I keep spares. They are sold on eBay, I generally keep two or three of each on hand since the postage costs more than the parts.
2 X Lee Classic Turret Presses, 3 X Lee 1000 Presses, 1 X Lee Reloader Press, 1X Lee Six Pack Pro, 1X Ultimate Turret