I'll offer several suggestions:1. Don't let your tools get dirtier than necessary. Do you really need to work on dirt-and-grease encrusted machinery, or can you clean the machinery before you start tearing it down? 2. Before you set down a tool, take a moment to wipe it off. If you do benchwork, lay out a shop rag or two and set your tools down on the shop rag. 3. Wipe whatever tool you are using whenever you wipe your hands. 4. Wipe your tools with a clean rag before you put them back in the box. 5. Do your best to keep your tools out of glues, cements, paints, and other crust-forming goops. 6. Wash your tools whenever they need it. A petroleum solvent is the old standard, water-based cleaners such as Castrol's Super Clean are also effective but promote rusting. 7. Don't be afraid to disassemble your ratchets to clean and oil the mechanism. Pasty grit and old grease (or oxidized oil) in the works of a ratchet will cause the mechanism to wear out or, if the crud keeps the pawl from fully engaging the ratchet teeth, will make it much easier to break internal parts. Simple common sense? Sure, but I have some sockets and ratchets that I've been using for over 30 years that don't show a sign of wearing out. John
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