Lee turret - ratchet not ratcheting problem

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editingfx

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I just walked away from the turret after once again having a vexing problem with indexing. Well, not so much indexing, as simply a failure for the rod to rotate at all (four hole plate). What happens is that it'll be indexing right on the money, and then the plastic ratchet seems not to lock in the plastic clamp on the downstroke, and the rod doesn't turn at all. There's simply no resistance on the handle. I've tried different clamp tightnesses to no avail. Brand new ratchet can do the same thing. I can cycle the handle a few times, then suddenly it'll "lock in" again, and index once more. Then it'll fail. VERY FRUSTRATING.

Any suggestions?

I've been loading on the turret for almost two years, and really enjoy it when it's "in a good mood", but I must admit I'm starting to think about switching to a Dillon so I get simply sit back & load, versus tinkering.
 
Sounds like the plastic ratchet is upside down. Also check the square washer on the top of the rod and make sure that screw is tight.
 
Sorry... Lee Classic Turret, 4 hole mod

ratchet goes in with the "flange" side down, correct?
 
just read (quickly) the linked thread, and jfh sez:
"1. The square ratchet needs to be installed with the 'flange' side down on my press--and I am pretty sure that's true on yours. Yes, it can fit the other way--but it will wear / damage the auto index clamp if installed flange side up. So, check for proper orientation when you install a new one."

First pass thru the thread, the only thing I saw that might help my issue is the idea of putting grease on the rod, to add drag on the ratchet. My guess is that the ratchet isn't being forced up into the locking area of the clamp, and it just spins, instead of twisting the rod.
 
Becareful with grease or oil on the rod. I run mine dry and it runs very smooth. Lee also recommends to run it dry. Sorry I don't know if it goes flange up or down. I have had my classic turret five years and haven't had to change it yet.
 
I am now finishing a second 'case' of 3750 rounds with zero indexing problems using the same square insert put in with the "widest" part UP. My assumption is that was the 'flange' referred to on the post, so my terminology must be incorrect..

A couple of years ago, I talked to LEE about suggested lubrication for the indexing rod, and they said grease seemed to work best as it helped to 'drag' the square insert into and out of the clamp holder. I used it and it worked. Sometimes I just lightly oil it and it works. I have run it dry (CLP and then wipe itall off.) and it works.
 
Last edited:
+1 RustyFN's advice

Petroleum based grease will cause plastic to deteriorate. Just a tad of graphite on the rod smooths it out if the action feels a little rough.

Also, inspect the ratchet closely and make sure that the square hole isn't rounded out. I must be more ham-fisted than RustyFN, because I go through about one a year.

Regards,
 
DON'T turn the turret by hand while the ram is all the way down, or you'll ruin that little square plastic thingy. Raise the ram far enough first that the turret will turn freely, if it gives you resistance it's not raised high enough.

Basically, if the plastic thingy is above the twisted part of the driveshaft, you're OK. Below that, and you'll mess 'em up.
 
Which part is the flange?

You CAN rotate the turret with the ram at the full bottom position. But you just have to make sure the square ratchet is NOT engaged (which it will be if the last 1/8" travel of the ram was downward). To disengage the ratchet, you grab the square rod, lift it 1/8" and lower it. That is enough to disengage the ratchet from its notches in the index arm.

All this description of the flange has me confused. Is the flange the part of the square ratchet that sticks out AWAY from the indexing rod or is it the part that extends ALONG the shaft of the indexing rod?

The dimensions of the thing are .43" square measured on the wide part and and .30" square on the smaller part. The larger part is the up side. The smaller part is down. I imagine that the ratchet will work facing either way, but has much better engagement with the wide part up. With the skinnier part up, the engagement with the notches on the underside of the inside of the indexing arm will not have as much "purchase" and is very likely to round off the corners of both the fifty cent square ratchet AND the six dollar indexing arm. Bad idea.

What I don't understand is why the square ratchet has a flange at all. If it were the much simpler shape without the flange, but full .43" over its entire height, it would work as well and relieve us of this wondering, "which way is up?"

Best Regards, all.

Lost Sheep
 
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A couple of years ago, I talked to LEE about suggested lubrication for the indexing rod, and they said grease seemed to work best as it helped to 'drag' the square insert into and out of the clamp holder.
Click to expand...

that's exactly my problem - the ratchet isn't engaging into the locked position in the clamp. looking around for some appropriate grease now.
 
On occasion the ratchets (which are mass produced) will not be within specs causing the problem you describe. Even a brand new one. What I have found works is to gently heat the ratchet with a heat gun for a few minutes and then let it form around the rod. Has worked for me every time. This also works if you have grrrd up your ratchet by turning it while in the down position. Ask me how I know.
 
John Lee replied (very quickly) to my request for help, and offered a similar suggestion as a couple here have said; use a heavy oil or light grease to add a bit of drag between the ratchet & index rod, so the ratchet seats up into the clamp (and thus turning the turret).

Some 30W later and it seems to be working perfectly!

I'm tempted to make a FAQ for folks.
 
Since most of you seem to own Lee, i am looking for your opinons on the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit, new to reloading.
Click to expand...

You might want to start a new thread specifically about that model.

That said, I'd first ask what you want to reload for; rifle or handgun? I think most would say a single stage press is too slow for handgun, but fine for rifle.

As to quality of equipment & quality of finished round, you can't go wrong.
 
LostSheep:
What I don't understand is why the square ratchet has a flange at all. If it were the much simpler shape without the flange, but full .43" over its entire height, it would work as well and relieve us of this wondering, "which way is up?"
Click to expand...

I believe length is limited. It needs enough length to travel smoothly on the rod and still be short enough to release from the clamp. The larger end is 'reinforced' by it's size and still releases quickly from the clamp, while the smaller diameter end gives enough surface to travel smoothly..

BUT, I have been wrong before!
 
This hiccup was more annoying than the others I've scratched my head about, as I understood WHAT it was SUPPOSED to be doing, but couldn't see how it could be doing it wrong, as the mechanism is so simple. But with that oil on the rod, it went back to working 100%.

I really do enjoy loading on the Lee Turret.... when it's running smooth. But now I THINK I've come across all the speedbumps you can encounter on this press, and look forward to smooth sailing ahead.

BTW, took my teenagers out to the range today & used up several hundred rounds of 9 & 45. The 15 year old daughter turns out to prefer shooting a gov't 1911 rather than a full size 9mm.... lol... has she got good taste or what?
 
I just had this problem. Take out the little square plastic piece and replace it with the spare one that came with the press. That should do it. Also, if you squire some oil where the turret connects with the press, it makes the turret index like butter. I literally had this problem two weeks ago. Now my press is running better than ever. Thanks.
 
I bought mine 2nd hand cuz the original owner couldn't figure it out.
I replaced the ratchet (which goes flange side down) and it's run perfectly ever since.
Bought it about 6 months & approx 7,000 rds ago
 
Which way is up?

The way mine came from Lee Precision, the flange was on the top side.


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after examining the way it engages the underside of the indexing arm, I am pretty sure that is the way it is supposed to go.

Lost Sheep
 
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