WHO MAKES THE BEST PROFESSIONAL 3/8 RATCHET? SNAPON? MAC? MATCO? 

In my book, they’re all about even. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Which is great b/c it’s an excuse to own more ratchets 😁

My 18" MAC is an animal. 3/8 finesse with 1/2" strength.

If you told me I had to cut off my left hand and replace it with a ratchet I'd pick the long handle locking flex head 3/8th comfort grips 88 tooth Matco.

For a mechanic,,not a Harvard educated nerd, you sir,,,have excellent speaking skills. To go thru the whole presentation with just a smattering of ughs,,and nary a u no is a pleasure to sit thru no matter the topic.

Put the Snap-On and Matco together and that would be my ultimate ratchet, don’t care for the Mac ratchet at all. Slim design and locking feature from Matco, teeth and handle from Snap-On.

I own both the Matco and Snap-on. The Matco head looks like it is lower profile but once you put a socket on it it's actually the same as the snap on. Other than that the Comfort handle is a lot more durable on the snapon, the ratcheting mechanism feels much smoother and I also prefer the locking mechanism on the Snap-on

I use the matco 12 inch locking flex for my daily 3/8

I mostly own snap-on ratchets because they've been the most consistent dealer throughout my career. I just recently got a matco truck coming around so maybe I'll give one of those ratchets a shot. I love snap-on's locking flex design especially in the quarter inch drive. I'm a auto body man and that's my go-to ratchet because I can use it with one hand. Once you learn how to use it, it becomes like an extension of your hand. It's hard to describe but when you have it inside of a door panel and you can't see it and you're just locking it and unlocking it and using it as a free flex at will you really appreciate its design.

*MATCO 88's* for the win!!! in *ORANGE*

It’s really interesting to see what matters to an automotive mechanic vs an A&P mechanic. Smaller is better for us (A&P), you never use 1/2 inch ratchet unless your doing tires. 3/8 maybe 10% of the time, 90% 1/4 inch and 12 point.

I use the Matco locking flex head everyday and love it. My snap on locking flex head just sits in the box. The matco is just better designed and more comfortable to hold in my opinion.

Just got my first snap on box yesterday! Super stoked to fill it up. Just starting out in the field, I have knowledge with cars but still stuck doing oil changes all day sadly... would like to learn more from other guysZ

I bought a Gearwrench 120xp, and it's the best ratchet I've ever owned. Doesn't angle lock, but I've never really needed that function. Can't say too much about durability, but It's been used on 3-4 cars a day for two years, and isn't showing any sign of wear.

I have the snap on locking and the matco locking I have the Mac flex axis but not locking I really want to get my hands on one of them Mac push buttons. 👍👍👍

Having at least one expensive ratchet of the style in this video is definitely worth it for the professional. Even for the avid enthusiast buying at least a single nice 3/8 ratchet is probably worth it if you can find a used one. When you get into paying retail it matters a bit less. I don't own a lot of truck brand ratchets, mostly because I'm not in the business anymore, but I die a little bit when I'm helping someone and they hand me a store brand ratchet to use. You'd have to pry my Snap-On ratchets from my cold dead hands. Personally, not a fan of the 'soft' butyl/butylene handles. I find the material itself just holds way too much grime.

You killed me! I wanted Snap-On or MAC, but had to go Matco for this specific tool. I've found that flex heads are indispensable for wrenching on modern Volvos. Lots of stuff threads from the inside towards the outside so you need a flex handle to get some leverage. Other fasteners have lots of nooks and crannies around them so you need to run without the locking mech engaged so you can "wiggle" the handle around the obstructions. Basically, if you're going to get a locker, you gotta go with Matco's mechanism.

Used the Snap-On dual 80 for a long long time and loved them the whole time, but just in the pat year I started using the Mac Axis. I swear I like my Mac better. I actually do like the comfort grip better on the Mac, and as crazy as it sounds , I like the push button lock better on the Mac, I like the fact that it auto locks. . . but like you said, that really goes down to personal preference. . . as for Marco, I have never used one. . . . However, I did recently get my hands on one of the brand new Orange handle GearWrench 90T . . . . I am very impressed with it. Very low profile head, very smooth, handle is almost identical to Snap-On in it's design, beautiful Chrome finish, but my only gripe is that the flex head does not lock.

I must say, the best and professional comparison I have ever seen Amigo.

I own two of those three ratchets - the Matco and the Snap-On. My 3/8 and 1/4 locking flex ratchets are Matco because I like the accessibility the slim design gets me. 1/2 locking flex is Snap-On because if I’m reaching for a 1/2 ratchet, I’m usually not too worried about access, so the wart on the handle doesn’t bother me. For fixed head ratchets I went Snap-On too, they just give me the most confidence when I need to reef on something with a fixed head ratchet.

I am a real professional certified ASE master mechanic or auto technician with over 60 years of real experience I' got to agree with you 100% a ratchet is not what a auto mechanic uses all day so I will go with a least expensive ratchet but a ratchet head has got to be really Slim really thin and really small as possible or I will not buy that ratchet and that's what most all real professional auto mechanics are looking for even backyard auto mechanic problem is about a good ratchet a price is always too high they will make much more money only if they will lower there price on their tool's because real folks really would really be buying good ratchets with low prices

Matco hands down!

I am partial to Matco ratchets. The slimness, locking feature, ease of use make most sense to me. Snap on also makes an excellent ratchet, the smoothest in fact. But the bulk was a deal breaker for me.

Cornwel... Just kidding. Sticking with Snap-on.

Love my Gear Wrench 120XP ratchets!

After using all these ratchets I have concluded the "Perfect" locking/flex ratchet does not exist. At this point if I want a flex head I'm grabbing a non locking. If I just need a different angle ill grab a locking. Saying that Id take a MAC with the Snapon grip. The Matco has failed me three times now so it doesn't exist in my reality.

I own all three. Compare the ratcheting action. Snap-On wins hands down. Close Your eyes and have your buddy let you feel the ratchet action and you can pick the best one out easily. Matco is second and MAC s third. One mans opinion

Timely review, as I've been on the fence between exactly these three ratchets!

Matco is my choice for rackets. My favorite rachet of all times was a Husky bought early’60 with SH green stamps and lost on job early 2000😢. I’m in the market for Matco 1/4 flex head.

My go to ratchets are Craftsman (USA) 3/8 flex head and GearWrench 3/8, 84T (Taiwan).

i would say the snap on has the best quality out of the 3 but the matco is the best for getting the job done.

I prefer my Mac axis ratchets overall but I have some snap on ratchets to and I like then as well

Snap on’s ratchets are by far my favorite. I hate the matco handles. But my co worker has a 12 inch 1/4” drive flex head matco ratchet and the amount of torque that little guy can take is just downright nuts.

Great video, very informative! For 3/8 ratchets, I have a Craftsman (junk ratchet) and a Mac Tools. I really want to get a Snap-on because I love my 1/2 Snap-on ratchet and 1/4 Snap-on ratchets.

I like the Carlyle ratchets but the locking mechanism is similar to the MAC, it wont stay unlocked but it's an outstanding ratchet for about 1/2 the price

Own the matco 88 tooth ergo grip ratchets in all sizes

I had the same reaction to the Mac ratchet. Have large hands as well. Favorite handles are either the Matco or the Snap On fhllf.

I love MAC. To me I love the,way they look. And perform. Snap on next. But I don't buy alot a snap bcuz there tools are crazy pricy kinda like MAC. I love GW, and sunex sockets. Best bang for the buck

I like Matco’s ratchets. Not to say they the “best” just a personal preference.

I own Mac and dislike the snap on. Also not a fan of matco 88 system but the locking flex looks convenient

Having seen many a torture test let me say that they are all strong enough to break the anvil and beyond that it doesn’t matter. Matco is not weak even though thin.

A good ratchet is a must have in any professional mechanics tool box. In fact out of everything it should be a priority before you go out buying any other tools you might need or want. Personally I prefer snap on's chrome handle ratchets cause while the comfort grip ratchets might be fine in automotive use in aviation they can get messed up pretty fast with some of the chemicals we use. Another personal thing of mine is I do not like flex head ratchets but then again I've never been in a position where I need one. My rotating head snap on ratchet however is a different story...

On the matco one, my dealer took it about and put a thinner oil in it. He said from the factory they use a thicker one that tends to clog it up. Haven’t had a problem with it since in the last year

Matco because it just fits everywhere you wouldn't expect. I have the snapon which I bought first but I didn't know about the matco before I bought the snapon plus The grip is sooooo nice matco on sale as well was 170$. Hand down best buy

I have both snap on and matco, my go to is the matco. I can't stand the snap on flex head lock it never will stay locked.

Personally I enjoy my MATCO brand ratchet just because of the locking mechanism on it compared to the others. The most reliable is probably the snap-on the least reliables definitely Mac. But you really should include Cornwell I would put them above Mac definitely. Matco locking 3/8 flex is in my hand 90% of the time when I'm working on something just because of the flex lock

Guy reviews "pay by week ratchets".

I could go to home depot and pick up a husky 100 position locking flex head ratchet for $30 and life time warranty

Bro where are you finding a 40 tooth ratchet?😂 thats like some 1920s design. I think even the cheapest ratchet at hf in their 5.99 set is like 60 tooth. (Got one to chuck in the car) 72 or 90 tooth seems to be the standard nowadays.

I started with a 3/8 mac now it sits at home to never be used. Swapped all my drives to snap on discovered matco 88s now all i use daily is matco i still use certain snap on ratchets but they have their own jobs and uses where they really shine. Even have matco ratchets for home use to me they just work and built very good

TALK TOO MUCH !!! get t0 the POINT

The Mac is def losing because lack of functionality. I like snap in and have that quick release in Orange. I have heard of people breaking the lock on the matco. And i know people hate the snappy lock but it is serviceable and annoying at times. Lol

I own both the snap on and Matco ratchets in all shapes and sizes but I just purchased my first MAC axis ratchet and I’m stoked to try it out. I have very few comfort grip handles and I love them but Prefer the metal handle because I don’t have to worry about replacing the grip. Great video.

Hmmm Cars. Unfortunately I work on one now and again.BFR1488 ? Matco 3/8 long dog fixed 88 Slick and thin, like ya say. Smooth as the Mac, smoothER than the F80 and strong ? I dunno. I have a recently designed newfangled miracle known as a breaker bar ...thats the first thing out after diagnosing a problem. I bust everything loose and select my socketry with them. The sockets go on a mag tray, then I bust out a ratchet. 40-50 years ago I was mr. Pipe(in more ways than one ;-) and broke a many ratchet or socket...or both. Bent a few SK handles. Ahhh the old days when the best pry bars were screwdrivers and all hammers were metal only.

I have acquired 20-30 snap on ratchets over the years & loved them. Had to replace handles, pivot screws, & gear sets, no big deal. I do things with them they were never designed for. It's true every tool has a hammer side but sometimes they have a prybar side too,not a good idea! Then I found the new matco ratchets. Started with a 15" locking flex 3/8 . Used it for 6-8 months until I could trust my life on its function. Now my snap on are slowly being traded in. Only issue with matco is for the first few weeks the gear teeth don't seat totaly & pop over once every few days till the grease thins out & it's sometimes difficult to engage the flex lock,that never goes away.

So, little late to the party- but the MAC ratchet is my daily driver. Personally I use the 1/4 more than anything. I really really love the locking button style instead of the matco switch and the updated snapon switch style. And if it’s a locking flex head I’m buying it for the locking feature. If I need a flex head then I’m buying the normal flex head.

You said matco and Mac have quick release flex heads..where? I've looked for the a mac version, a matco version, a Williams version and a proto version, never seen one. Could you link what you said exists? Also, The matco looks just like the husky flex head ratchet, same head profile, same retaining plate, same lock, same detent, which is also known for locking up, not surprising. Snap ons pot metal lock is trash, I agree. I like the proto/mac comfort grip, it's a slimmer profile. Snap on quick release flex head dual 80 non comfort grip is my favorite.

Why dose every body buy a locking flex then complain about the lock makes no sense to me just buy a non locking flex if you don’t want it to lock. Not rocket science

I absolutely believe theyre worth it. I didnt until a few weeks in the industry with cheaper tools. It showed very fast. I love the matco handsdown. Go to it over the snap on i have. But i agree on the action of the paw lever. Leaves a little to be desired.

I like the koken and ktc ratchets

Good god almighty you’ve got damn near a decade of raising a couple children sitting behind you! Who needs a box that nice for tools 😂

🤔🏁I REALLY DO KNOW🏁 I am a real certified ASE Master auto technician or a real Certified ASE master Auto Mechanic with over 60 years of real experience A ratchet head needs to be as small and thin and skinny as possible or that ratchet head really will be almost impossible to work with on almost all real jobs all of those ratchets really are good ratchets not the best but good 👍 and that is what any real auto technicians are really looking for in any ratchet head or even any backyard auto mechanic .

Can you do a vid on cornwell?

To be real, most home depot and above is super high quality. tool truck stuff is the best for pro use because of ergonomics or tooth feel and grip. But just anyting above 60 teeth is solid and don't use it when you need a breaker bar.

In my own experience the older style Mac ratchets break to easy. I can’t speak for the new Mac ratchets reliability because Mac will not get any of my money in the ratchet department. Never had any luck getting a matco tool dealer to service the route so I can’t speak for any matco tools. I did watch how it’s made video on matco ratchets and they spin weld the handle on. To me that seems cheap. Forged steel is stronger than welding a handle on. I have had a great 27 years with snap on ratchets sealed head design and over all quality. I can speak the same to Cornwell ratchets too. All though they do not have a sealed head they are 100 percent forged steel and have a strong head design that doesn’t break too easily.

There are other options...tekon Capri olsa craftsman steelman kobalt gearwrench husky hb pittsburgh or icon with lifteime warranty at lower cost with same or similar features. These so called pro ratchets snapon matco mac Cornwell overpriced hype not made in usa....outsourced like craftsman did in past. They all do it...looking at you stanley milwaukee dewalt also.

I have a few snap ons and a few macs. I always end up going back to the mac ratchet you have in the video. It's been my go-to for a few years now

On your Snap-On ratchet, unscrew the locking button and turn it around 180 degrees. It'll work like new again 'till your rep can get you a new button. The buttons are soft metal. The tool steel handle won't have any wear.

I have used and owned all of them before and hands down the Snap-On is my favorite and the toughest

As a trash truck mechanic it's harbor freight for the win. Because when you get your tools filled with the sin of this world and go rolling around in garbage it really doesn't matter as long as the job gets done and if you lose a socket in a pile of garbage it won't hurt so much when you lose a $2 socket versus a $30 socket off the tool truck

I think there all about equal they all have there strengths and weaknesses which make them all great ratchets to have and own

I know for a fact the matco is the best ratchet I own 4 of them, and will own more

Customer service is what i look for in these because all quality tools. MAC is the worst here.. Had a broken mac ratchet for 6 years and cant get it fixed because our guy is lazy AF

Kinda new to wrenching but I think the best tools come from what ever truck stops at your place of employment and also from what ever dealer you have the best relationship with.

I'm partial to Matco ratchets because they are slimmer, bit more cost effective and intuitive. Though bulkier, the snap on is smoother. The Mac, i would like to try, it seems really strong

I use Snap-on stuff exclusively Mac & matco do have some good stuff but not better than the go-to King! Love the channel look forward to more stuff Cheers

Ive seen people complain about the Matco with the detent wearing out the ridges and not locking after a while

Snap on wins it for me, got supplied Matco stuff for my apprenticeship and the ratchets constantly needed rebuilt! They don’t have a fully sealed head so dirt and grime gets in over time

My go to has been the Mac Lately..Then the Snap on.. the Matco Needs More Improvement..It Jams up between Ratcheting at times..

Matco 88 is all I own.

I bought a set of 4 3/8 traditional ratchet of different length.from snap on and it was on a deal. Normal price over 400 plus got it 280

I hate my matco ratchet looks like a kids toy with an ugly ass comfort grip and the lock sucks ass and its the one that ive serviced the most..... love mac's sleek design and feel.. but nothing compares to snap on.

I don't like comfort grips, I worked on aircraft, the oils do not react good to them. Eck Usmc

if i could get the locking flexhead matco 1/4 drive ratchet length with a 3/8 anvil i would literally call it perfect.

I love.the review, personally my matco dealer is alot more reliable than my snapon dealer so that's why I bought my ratchet from him, but I sure so love it for the 180 bucks it cost lol

I have the all snap on is the best... stahlwille is better than matco and Mac tho Matco is just a expensive gearwrench with tiny differences but same exact style...

At first I thought the Mac's locking mechanism was awesome. Until you brought up the fact you can't leave it flexible. Good call.

I gave my snap on locking flex head back to the snap on dealer and replaced it with an icon lol like the icon so much more than that shitty locking mechanism on the snap on ratchets

Snagged the Matco ratchet off the truck while the man was stopping for gas. Made me a deal and for $150 I left with a new ratchet.

Put the heads flat on the counter. The matco head might be slimmer but if you look at it the socket would end up being the same length between the ratchets.

Hey buddy how’s it going I’m doing well miss ya buddy with your truck visit!

I love mac for the head lock design and my Mac dealer is the nicest person ever. I prefer the Mac man to my snapon dealer every day of the week

matco makes no tools so maybe it is a gear wrench ratchet or a copy of one. can get a gear wrench for 1/2 the price and have the same tool

Bro.. mechanics are the most gullible money wasting folks alive 😂

I don't like soft handles, especially in the aviation community,they melt, no good, Eck usmc

Great video, excellent speaking skills. Wish more YT’ers were like you.

Why would you need a rebuild kit if it has a lifetime guarantee? Why not just swap it out for a new one?

I used s-k for 40 years now i have snappy, craftsman, gw and still use the s-k, its what im use to

Been wrenching over 40 years and by far snapon has the best rats and wrenches,on a side note i also use a long handle 1/2 craftsman rat thst belonged to my gramps and ill tell uou that rat is a beast ,20 yrs of service with me and still going strong

Husky just came out with a 144 tooth ratchet just some info

Snapon does. Period, no question. The rest of the conversation is emotional hyperbole.