Craftsman Ratchet Repair

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have a Craftsman 1/2'' drive ratchet, p/n 44985. Since Sears folded, Ace Hardware and Lowe's have been carrying Craftsman tools.
The ratchet mechanism is stripped. I have brought it to both the above stores, only to be told, ''Oh we don't carry that part number, so we can't replace it.''
When Sears operated, you could pick a new ratchet off the rack, get a receipt for it at $0.00 and go on your way. Sometimes the tool department guy would ask if You minded his repairing your old ratchet. If you said yes, he got out a kit and replaced the guts in less than 5 minutes.

Does anyone know where I can get the repair kits?
I would rather repair this one.

I bought a 9/16 box wrench from Lowes a few months ago -- to replace a wrench that went missing from a work call -- and even though it had the same P/N as my USA-made wrench, it was made in India and obviously of poorer quality.

Lowes gave me a 1/800 number [888-331-4569] to arrange replacement or repair, but I never called.