Cottrell QuiXspinz ratchets are designed to increase operator efficiency by minimizing time required to secure vehicles. The QuiXspinz ratchet allows the operator to insert the tie down bar only a single time when securing the strap to the tire. You work the ratchet back and forth until strap is taught. While every effort has been made to make the design as robust as possible, it is still a mechanical assembly that requires regular inspection and maintenance to insure long-lasting, proper operation. Please click on the link below to find out more on QuiXspinz inspection and maintenance guidelines.
QuiXspinz Inspection and Maintenance
Cottrell QuiXspinz ratchets are designed to increase operator efficiency by minimizing time required to secure vehicles. The Cottrell QuiXspinz ratchet is essentially a 1 way clutch. That is, it engages when rotated in one direction, and freewheels or disengages when rotating in the opposite direction. While every effort has been made to make the design as robust as possible, it is still a mechanical assembly that requires regular inspection and maintenance to insure long-lasting, proper operation. Inspection and maintenance guidelines are noted below.
QuiXspinz Inspection
Below are conditions to inspect for during every QuiXspinz use and indicate a QuiXspinz in proper working condition:
1a Engage Ratchet Gear
The QuiXspinz ratchet hub must engage with the ratchet gear and act as a single component when rotated in a direction that tightens the tie down strap. See Figure 1a below.
1b Disengage Ratchet Gear
The QuiXspinz ratchet hub must disengage the ratchet gear (freewheel) and act as 2 separate components when rotated in a freewheeling direction which is opposite of what is required to tighten the tie down strap.
1c Freewheeling Clicking Sound
During operation in the disengage (freewheeling) direction there should be an audible clicking sound for about every 20 degrees of ratchet hub rotation.
1d The ratchet seal should be tight around the hub perimeter, with no seal gaps or looseness.
1e If there is excess grease visible around seals, just wipe it away with a shop towel. The QuiXspinz assembly is pre greased at the factory. Some grease purging after putting into service is not unusual.
Conditions to Inspect During Every QuiXspinz Use and Maintenance
Loose seals- conditions 1a, 1b, and 1c above are still met. Seal replacement and greasing is required. See instructions at end of this document.
Missing seals- conditions 1a, 1b, and 1c above are still met. Seal replacement and greasing is required. See instructions at end of this document.
Conditions to inspectthat indicate a replacement of the QuiXspinz
Silent operation- no audible sound is discernible when rotating the ratchet in the disengage direction.
Free spinning- the ratchet hub will not engage when it is supposed to, that is, in the strap tightening direction.
Unusual gaps or looseness between the ratchet hub and ratchet gear.
QuiXspinz “locked up”- assembly will not freewheel in the disengage direction.
QuiXspinz Maintenance
Cottrell recommends that the QuiXspinz assemblies be greased annually per these instructions.
QuiXspinz Greasing and Seal Replacement Instructions
Remove grease plug with a 1/8” hex Allen wrench. A screw extractor such as the Craftsman ScrewOut Remover or a SpeedOut Screw Extractor may be needed if paint build up prevents using an Allen wrench.
Remove seal by cutting off with utility knife or other appropriate cutting tool.
Wipe seal area clean with shop rag.
Install a ¼-28” zerk fitting into ratchet hub.
Pump grease into zerk fitting until it purges out slightly. Only use a water resistant grease that provides good rust and corrosion protection such as that provided by Chevron Starplex grade 1 or grade 2.
Install new seal PN 137912. No special tools required.
Verify ratchet operates properly per instructions at the beginning of these instructions.
Remove zerk fitting and reinstall plug.