how to make a ratchet float?

[Jameson]

Anyone know how to make a ratchet float? Would a rod builder be able to put enough cork around the handle for the ratchet to still be manageable and float? Any other ideas?

I do some docking work and dropping the occasional ratchet in the drink happens. Currently a magnet on a rope is used for fishing the ratchet off of the bottom. Retrieval is not guaranteed. It sure would be nice if the ratchet just floated.

[delcecchi]

Let's see. Something involving a plastic bag and some baking powder. When the baking power gets wet it gives off co2 that inflates the bag.

Now I just have to figure out the mechanical aspects.

[Crusty old Swede]

A different line of ratchet rescue, hollow pipe handle with 30' of fishing line inside connecting ratchet to a float, need some kind of non-waterproof adhesive to stick the float to the handle. When the tool takes a dive, glue melts in water, up comes the float and ratchet rescued. A spare ratchet to continue working until the glue lets go to minimize down time. Rev. B might have a small hole in the handle with an Alca-selser tablet inside with the line to speed up the float deployment.

[delcecchi]

that is a great idea. I thought I had seen something like that but I sure can't find it.

[tsande00]

I doubt the thin wall would be strong enough. That stuff bends pretty easy. You're saving grace might be that it's only 6" long, but I think some of the other options above would be better.

[Jameson]

A different line of ratchet rescue, hollow pipe handle with 30' of fishing line inside connecting ratchet to a float, need some kind of non-waterproof adhesive to stick the float to the handle. When the tool takes a dive, glue melts in water, up comes the float and ratchet rescued. A spare ratchet to continue working until the glue lets go to minimize down time. Rev. B might have a small hole in the handle with an Alca-selser tablet inside with the line to speed up the float deployment.

This would work.