We compare & contrast the 3 top tier offerings in 3/8 locking flex head ratchets. I dont really show backlash or arc swing because its really close on these and so minimal that it doesnt matter much.
There's a lot to preference in what one person likes but it's hard to deny that matco builds the least quality ratchet it's cheap and feels cheap. But oddly it's the most expensive lol great video man thanks for sharing I like the video!!
Whats your thought on the armstrong Matco Ratchets? Have a few of those from the mid 00s and they've held up great over the years. I don't think they're cheap. Chrome isn't as nice as snap on but that's personal preference vs the performance of the tool. I prefer their handle comfort over my other snappys. Specially the all chrome ratchets. Snap ons are thinner and really bite into my hand
I’ve become a s/o ratchet snob, and have collected nearly every variant they make with comfort grip handles. Favorite is the bent-handle 3/8 that I’ve swapped a QR head on to
My favorite ratchets are my SnapOn FLF80 (Non Locking Flex) and when I need something with a more firm head, i rely on my GearWrench 3/8 Flex, which uses a detent and is just awesome. In all honesty, i find that I reach for the Gearwrench more often than the SnapOn.
Iv been using my locking Matco flex head I have snap on ratchets but I keep buying Matco I like the feel of them and iv actually broken snap on ratchets… compared to Matco ….
I like the features of the Mac ratchet and the button on the lock feature but really disappointed with the slippage in the lock mechanism that can cause you to bust some knuckles and with or without gloves that don't feel very good personally I would let a Mac Tech take a look at it because that slippage just doesn't seem normal to me
Thanks for the review. It seems hard for me to believe the tool truck ratchets have that much play in the head and even the MAC will slip when it is locked. I have a $25 (on sale) locking flex head Napa Carlyle ratchet that locks up tighter than Dick's hat band. It's head is physically smaller than all three of these ratchets too. That being said I'm not a professional mechanic but I use it several times a week.
I think Cornwell simply doesn’t offer a competitive product. Their JRF72 series ratchets don’t feel any nicer than a Pittsburgh 72t. It’s a shame, because they’re made in a union factory, at an employee-owned company. They also don’t have the strength, I’ve broken the 3-8 and 1/2 more than a few times when the s/o equivalent succeeded. I hope eventually Cornwell offers a quality, top-tier ratchet to compete. Mac was late to the party but they showed you can still compete in the $150+ 3/8 ratchet world if you bring a good product.