There is an upgraded pawl free replacement on the Matco ratchets to correct any issue. The ratchets are top notch we do need to remember they are assembled by humans that in today’s world don’t want to work nor care about their work so flaws are expected!!
They just did a reconstruction of the gears for this ratchet and they started with the 1/2 gears then now 3/8 drive but IMO I have almost 100 ratchets yeah I know but I have about 7 or 8 of the Matco ratchets 1/2-1/4 and I only had one skip which was the 1/4 but after that never again but again I have so many ratchets the I only use the same one every so often cuz I have so many. But they did a remans on the internals and so far so good with many saying so.
That really sucks to hear about the bad experience. I have a bunch of Matco ratchets because I'm a tool addict and like all the colors 😂 but honestly.. I use a semi locking flex head Duralast ratchet every day and it hasn't acted up once. It's the snap ring style head too. No issues. I had a matco ratchet break at the weld like the 3rd time I used it....on a drain plug.... But then my long flex head 3/8 matco has held up very well everyday. Imo snap on makes the best ratchet. Dual 80 is king . just wish they'd make a prettier ratchet, matco has more colors and finishes.
Have you checked out the newer ones with the black heads? I dont know if they are the same but im debating on buying the same rachet brand new and found your video. Now im debating if i should just stick with what i know works.
I bought that same ratchet. It has been working okay, but the locking lever is very stiff. I have to wiggle the head while putting as much force as I can tolerate with my thumb on the lever. It just sits in the cart and I use my icon, gearwrench, tekton, and capri ratchets.
I use mostly matco ratchets but I do have other brands, I also rebuild them and I've come to find out you can't over grease them, the locking up part isn't and ratchet fault, it's the grease being to tacky and the pawl not separating from the gear like it should when ratcheting. Matco ratchets use a floating pawl mechanism so it's best to use a light grease and only grease behind the main gear and being the pawl. Try to keep little to no grease and the teeth.
They are very picky on how the gears are lubed when installed. They HATE grease and will do that annoying crap constantly. Oil is the only thing that works. Ive broke my 3/8 twice in 5 years and both times i knew i was going to break it. Ive gone back to snap on for both my 3/8 and 1/4" ratchets.
I bought the same... and not happy at all i must grinding all the parts ,the flex is impossible without à plier, i change the spring ,my fingers are on fire.....😢
The do have an updated paw for there ratchet. Ask your dealer if he has it and have him warranty. I hate my matco ratchet has been a disappointment also. I swear buy Snapon dual 80. Never broke any of them they way smoother than the matco and bulletproof. Strong as hell. I own all kinda of ratchets. Mac-matco-Cornwell GW -SK-Proto. Snapon is by far my favorite.
All to it is the design is definitely flawed and they need to redesign them. If not mistaken I’ve heard thru the grapevine that they are actually in process now or already processed.
Mine has done the same thing. If you take it apart. The little spring in the side that controls the paw engagement is too long. Casting it to lock up. If you cut the spring down with some flush cuts, one or 2 rings at a time, reassemble it 2 drops of light oil and try it mine has been perfect since 👌