You probably know this but the Mac locking flex heads have that push button and remain locked in whatever position until you push the button. And you have to continue pushing the button. In other words, you can't flip a switch and leave the ratchet unlocked. Not a deal breaker for me but for some it is. The Carlyle locking flex heads are the same.
Yep, got to that later in the video...that and the fact it doesn't look like the head goes 90 degrees up is 100% why I didn't go that route. I really wanted a 3/8" locking flex head in the Axis line, but that was a deal breaker. This, by default, kind of became my guinea pig to feel it out. If the heads locked at 90, I'd still be interested, but I definitely prefer one that can do either, or....A lot of times with a flex head I jump it around like a breaker bar to just run something in/out faster before I start ratcheting. That said, this one seems solid and I'm hoping it sort of wears a little to get rid of the harsh engagement...once it is spinning, it seems fine.
Great video! But then again, I am pretty partial to them all.👍 I agree about the Mac handles. I have a Mac branded Mayhew prybar specifically because of the more comfortable handle feel. And the other Mac stuff I have (with different variations of their handles) feel good as well. I would love to get an Axis ratchet at some point; have heard very good things about them and they likely give the dual-80’s a run for the money. But it is hard for me to justify another ratchet, as I already have too many for just a DIY’er lol. But my love and appreciation for quality tools started decades ago, so putting together a nice and dependable collection certianly took some time.
Thanks! Yeah, the standard Dominator handle vs the revised Mac handle makes a pretty big difference. I much prefer Mac's iteration as well. Hmm, I can probably help out there. Depending on the brands you've got, the pro-grade ratchets tend to offer longer lengths. Don't have an absurdly long 9" flex in 1/4" drive? There you go! You have the reason, now you just need to get behind it, lol. The sad thing is the Axis line is rarely on sale...it happens, but not often. I'd just keep my eyes out for when that happens and then meter out a logical explanation for adding something, lol. Granted, you can also go Proto and possibly save a bit more with a discount from Zoro.
I also have the craftsman v-seris 1/4 drive flex like this and it's been really good also, it's not as nice as the Mac but it's been good for me. Thanks man, great stuff.
I have it on a list to try some of the newer Craftsman stuff, but haven't gotten around to it...I want to see the gunmetal finish in person. I'm just rarely in stores that have them.
Good to hear you are happy with the Axis line! I haven't handled either in bare metal, but the Proto looks better and I can't argue with the knurled bands.
I needed a shorter handled 3/8" ratchet yesterday..so I grabbed the Koken..that's the beauty of tools...at some point you need everything in the spectrum...☝️
Very true. I do wish Koken had something a little longer in 1/4" drive. This is by far my longest 1/4" ratchet...it might honestly serve me better at home than work, but I'm kind of banking on the leverage bump over reach. Might change my mind if it helps on machine repairs.
I’ve had my Mac Axis 1/4” flex for about 5 years and it’s my go-to. Did trade in the non-locking for the locking after a couple years as I had issues with the non-locking head shifting out of position. Maybe it needed a new adjusting screw, but none of my other ratchets had the same issue locking or not. My 3/8 xl flex Axis is non-locking with no issues (it’s the 18 inch version and my most used ratchet).
Can you confirm that their locking ratchet doesn't go a full 90 degrees? That is why I held off going that route...straight and 90 up are my most used positions...that slight "almost 90" as the last locking position would kill it for me. Glad to hear you have had good luck with the Axis line. I may have just gotten another last night, lol.
Hey check out Milwaukee..... i bought 2 of there 1/4 drive ratchets.. there 9 inch, 90 tooth, one is a straight fixed, and the other is a locking flex head... they also have 12 inch 3/8 in locking flex and fixed....
I think the proto version of that ratchet is cheaper? No? They are super nice, I have the proto 1/4 and 3/8 on one of my lists. Probably will not ever but them but they are nice. Gearwrench had some 1/4 drive ratchets that are 9 inches long, I have one it's a 120xp straight handle and i think the 120xp locking flex heads are 9 inches long also. I also have a couple of 1/4 drive Titan ratchets that are 12 inches there cheap but i have not been disappointed by them. The comfort grips are great and they seem pretty strong, only 36T but anyway.Thank you for the video, awesome stuff.
Just barely...it was kind of my reason for going with Mac. And to be honest, before Mac jumped the price up (see right after I ordered this and during the week before making the video), you could actually get the Mac 3/8" flex cheaper than the Proto! Granted, that is going MSRP on each, but I expected a much wider gap. The Protos are the better option for bare handle imo as they have the sweet knurling bands. I have never had an "official" Gearwrench ratchet, but have considered a 120XP locking for the simple fact I am interested in their switch. Titan is one of those cheap, but solid brands...I don't have much from them, but it has been good. Thanks for watching.
It is definitely a head above my other 1/4" ratchets, haha. I took it to work and have barely used it, but so far, so good...I'm hoping it kind of smoots out on startup...once it is turning it is really nice.
i tend to just use the 13' 3/8 axis ratchet on everything and it very quickly became very crunchy and i kinda hated how the ratchet flexed a lot under torque. was a great ratchet just wasnt a great one size fits all ratchet. i got the snap on same length and it being new has been nicer but we will see how it breaks in. i also got a matco one on order which i know ill like
I might have just gotten the 3/8" flex head, lol. I noticed it seems a little smoother out of the box than the 1/4" does, however once the 1/4" is going, it seems better. I was hoping it would break in with some wear. It will be interesting to see if you have better luck with the Snap-on. Speaking of Matco, they had a good flyer deal, and then a 30% off on their 88 line. I had an absolute nightmare of a time all week trying to buy from them. It kept triggering fraud warnings on my charge card where I'd have to call and get it unfrozen. Finally, on Thursday night, I got a guy who just point blank told me they had Matco flagged and weren't accepting transactions from them. I told the dude I wished the 4 previous agents had done that. They sold out a bunch of what I was wanting, but I had (2) left...I guess it seals the deal that I won't be getting them. I wanted to give them a second chance, but it is hard to do when I can't buy from them. If you didn't know the issue, I have a 3/8" black chrome...looks great, but the switch was a huge issue. I use it unlocked most of the time and have only recently gotten it to where it functions. It is way slimmer than a Snap-on locking flex head, but just frustrated me too much to enjoy it. Sort of like paying extra for overdrive only to never have OD kick in. Hopefully yours won't be as bad...great looking ratchet tho.
@@lonestarmopars do you have any tool trucks around you? you could ask around at different shops usually techs have a really good relationship with there dealers and could get you a time/location they would be. on the other hand could you use your charge card to buy a prepaid or even use paypal? im not sure how paypal works idek if me being canadian can even use it lmao but i find matco exclusives like the ratchets (i have 1/4 already) power tools, definitely air tools, and the bluing on the higher end sockets (bluing like a barrel of a "pewpew") to be very worth it. another option is ebay. wouldnt be as good of a deal but seems like some dealers get some extra sales through it.
Why should I buy this over the Snap on equivalent? And the absence of the direct SO competitor, the THLLFD72 is notable. I'm not hating or trolling, a genuine question. Sell this to me. Because for the price it's Snap on all day. But I am open to your perspective.
Well, going by the part number you listed, you've got a 12.750" OAL 1/4" Drive Hard Handle clocking in at $186.50. A soft grip equivalent, THLLF72, would run $175...it is slightly shorter than their hard handle. The closest offering would be their long handle, coming in at 8.250" and hitting the wallet at $150.50. With what you listed, you are saving $36 by going Mac. You gain a thinner head in the Axis. You've got Snap-on's Dual 80, which is 72T in this case, vs a 90 Tooth offering from Mac. The Snap-on's head is inserted between the handle while the Mac's is inverted, which should be stronger. I would also think that the Mac mechanism is a little stronger. Personally, the 10" range is about as big as I would want to go with 1/4" ratchets. Outside of something really tight (space constraints, not torqued) that requires an insane reach, you are asking for trouble with that much leverage. That would kick out the footlong Snap-on ratchets. Moving to the 8.250" Snappy, the price is negligible. Just call both of them $150. The Mac should be thinner and stronger. 90T vs 72T. The swing-arc won't lie, but I'd venture to guess a lot of people might prefer the ultra smooth 72T. Snap-on will offer you more color options and a hard handle to boot. The Mac grip is going to be slimmer, but are you giving up comfort? This one will ultimately come down to your personal preference. I've barely used this one, it has smoothed out and that jumping on ratcheting is pretty much gone. I have not used a Snap-on 1/4" drive in this configuration. I really don't think you can go wrong with either of them. The Mac will be thinner and should be stronger. The Snap-on offers more handle options and color choices. Wish I could help more, but I don't have a direct comparison. I will say the Dual 80 72T stuff I've used has been like butter and I honestly have tended to be more impressed by it than an 80T offering. Best option is to get both in your hand and see what you prefer. The Snap-on will inherently be more popular and bring more for whoever steals it from you, but the Mac won't really disappoint outside of the limited color options. I think you will be happy either way...
