New Armstrong 88 tooth ratchet - PICS

[SMKS]

EDIT- update posted on 3-13-2012:

Armstrong seems to have given several members (including me) some confusing info on these ratchets. Some members were told they're updating all the Maxx ratchets to 88 tooth.

It now appears they're only updating the 1/4" and 3/8" drive non-flex ratchets to 88 tooth. The 1/2" and all sizes of flex ratchets are still 60 tooth.



======

I got my hands on a new Armstrong ratchet. This is one of the new 88 tooth Armstrong ⅜” drive ratchets. The part number, 11-992, is the same number used for the current 60-tooth MAXX ratchets, so I’m a little confused about that. But, other members here have reported that Armstrong would be going to 88 tooth for their higher-end ratchets.

The top pics are my new ratchet, the lower pic is an 11-992 image I stole from another thread.
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The only difference I can see is that the new ratchet has this marking on it. It looks like it says “AS”


Here are the internals. It’s the basic Apex tools fine tooth design, which Danaher released before Cooper and Danaher merged their tool divisions. You’ll find this design used in ratchets from Craftsman, Gearwrench, Armstrong, MATCO and perhaps others I’m forgetting. It’s marked “88-3/8,” to indicate it has the 88 tooth internals.


Here is the Armstrong compared to some other ratchets I own. The Armstrong is quite long, at just over 7-3/4”.
Left to right:
Truecraft 30130 Japan
SK 45170 USA
Armstrong 11-992 USA
Wright 3490 USA
Urrea 5249 Mexico (exact copy of Proto 5249)


Here are some closer pics of the SK, Armstrong and Wright. The Wright and SK round head are basically my two favorite ratchet designs. The SK has around 40 teeth. The Wright is a dual-pawl design with 82 clicks. The Armstrong has about the same drag as the SK. The Wright has a little more drag. You can see the head of the Armstrong is considerably thinner than either the Wright or SK.




UPDATE 1-3-2012:


I've liked this ratchet so much that I'm considering buying the 1/4" and 3/8" Maxx flex ratchets. Another member PM'd me asking where to get one of the new 88-tooth models. I wondered the same thing, so I sent a PM to a member here who is a rep for Apex tools.

Here are the messages:

are there any retailers you'd recommend where I'd have the best shot at getting the new 88-tooth models? I'd still be very happy with the 60 tooth, but if I can get the 88 I'd like to.

Thanks

Given that the switch to 88 teeth happened quite a few months ago, I would suspect that any vendor who turns any meaningful volume would be into the 88's by now.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Obie]

Nice pictures and comparison. Beautiful new ratchet. I love my Armstrong ratchets too, and I wonder if Apex or Armstrong can sell or send the new fine tooth repair kits for mine. Anyone know anything about that?

 

[Obie]

Yeah, but I don't have a Matco dealer and their prices are probably a lot higher than the same thing from Armstrong. So I've been waiting on this since I heard the rumors that Armstrong was coming out with fine tooth ratchets.

 

[pipsters]

Interestingly enough looks very similar to the Craftsman premium ones internally, although I think those are 84T? I wonder if the Armstrong 88T kit would drop into a Craftsman premium? Out of curiosity what does one of those run $$ wise?

I have a 3/8" standard SK ratchet, I agree it's a great heavy duty, incredibly overbuilt design. I too dig it, even though I prefer quick release ratchets.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Nice thin profile, and the handle actually look comfortable.

 

[Skin]

Tooltopia sells Armstrong ratchets for pretty reasonable prices last time i checked. Only thing i dont like about them [and Matco and Craftsman thin profile] is that retaining ring and cover plate, always seemed cheap to me. One of the benefits to the Cman 84T is they really beefed up that cover plate and installed the hex screws.

I see no reason a 88T kit wouldnt work in the Cman Premiums.

 

[Jim85IROC]

I have to admit, I'm a huge fan of Danaher ratchets. It must be because I was raised on Craftsman. I love my Craftsman bent-handle flex head ratchet, I like my Craftsman thin profile ratchets, and I'm a big fan of my Gearwrench flex head ratchet. I'm jonesing for some Armstrong stuff now.

 

[kv501]

Unlike a lot of people here, I just have never been able to make myself like round head ratchets. Even though I know they aren't, something about them just looks hokey. When I was a kid my first set of 3 ratchets were CMan teardrops (which I still have, sort of). I say sort of because all 3 have shelled out at least once (3/8" has been warrantied 3 times). That was enough for me to buy Dual 80s and the rest is history. Something about the round head design just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I like having a reversing lever for one-handed operation and being able to see what gear it's in, or maybe it's because I have played with too many cheapo Chinese junk ratchets that always seem to use that design. Anyway, nice Armstrong (yeah the USA round heads are cool, too. )

 

[porphyre]

Interestingly enough looks very similar to the Craftsman premium ones internally, although I think those are 84T? I wonder if the Armstrong 88T kit would drop into a Craftsman premium? Out of curiosity what does one of those run $$ wise?

I'm not going to go find it, but someone has already done a comparo with the Matco 88 internals in the CMan 84. It was over the summer, back when they were new. My wild-***-guess, not owning the Matco or Armstrong ratchets, is that all three kits are interchangeable.

 

[Jim85IROC]

Unlike a lot of people here, I just have never been able to make myself like round head ratchets. Even though I know they aren't, something about them just looks hokey. When I was a kid my first set of 3 ratchets were CMan teardrops (which I still have, sort of). I say sort of because all 3 have shelled out at least once (3/8" has been warrantied 3 times). That was enough for me to buy Dual 80s and the rest is history. Something about the round head design just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I like having a reversing lever for one-handed operation and being able to see what gear it's in, or maybe it's because I have played with too many cheapo Chinese junk ratchets that always seem to use that design. Anyway, nice Armstrong (yeah the USA round heads are cool, too. )

Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you. I never bonded with round head ratchets. Not only are the heads bulky, but I hate not being able to reverse direction with the flick of my thumb.

 

[DTB]

I'm glad to hear that the 88 tooth Armstrong ratchets have hit the market.I was going to purchase a set of locking flex heads a few months ago when I learned they were going from 60 to 88 tooth. I ended up purchasing a Matco 88 in 3/8 and 1/2 drive since,but will be ordering the Armstrong 1/4 flex now that the 88 tooth is out.Is the 1/2 drive in 88 tooth form also? I know the 1/4,and 3/8 were,but don't seem to remember if the 1/2" was mentioned or not.I would assume that it would be...

PS,I also was never much for the round head ratchets.I've used so many cheap junk Asian round head ratchets,that I don't think I would ever get over them enough to want a good one.

 

[iroc409]

Huh... that ratchet looks at lot like the CMan Thin Profile without a quick-release. Do they make a quick-release model? Maybe it would be a potential source for upgrade/replacement parts, since CMan is all Taiwan now.

 

[billymade]

How comfortable are those armstrong ratchet handles? I never run across armstrong ratchets in the used marketplace; so I haven't tried them... let us know what you think.

 

[diesel research]

They are nice. A few older kobalt polished tools had this handle, see if you can find one to get an idea.

 

[Fedwrench]

Huh... that ratchet looks at lot like the CMan Thin Profile without a quick-release. Do they make a quick-release model? /QUOTE]

No, Armstrong doesn't make a Maxx ratchet with a quick release.

How comfortable are those armstrong ratchet handles? I never run across armstrong ratchets in the used marketplace; so I haven't tried them... let us know what you think.

In a chrome handled ratchet, I think they are unequaled for comfort. The wide beam before the handle takes a little getting used to looks wise but, the radiused rectangular handle is great. That's right I said it, and I meant it so, all of you Cornwell handle lovers get over it.

I only wish Armstrong made longer fixed head maxx ratchets and that their 1/4 flex version was longer, say Gearwrench length. However, I am not a fan of Armstrong's regular 36 tooth ratchets.

 

[spity]

Anyone know who has the new ones in stock?

 

[iroc409]

No, Armstrong doesn't make a Maxx ratchet with a quick release.

Bummer. I just got in a Torx bit socket from Cripes that is an Armstrong, and oddly enough it looks nicer than my Craftsman units.

 

[filtered]

I have a bunch of regular Armstrong ratchets. I love the handles, I haven't found any really good deals on the Maxx ratchets yet, but knowing they moved up to 88 teeth I may have to go buy myself one.

I do wish Armstrong would make longer breaker bars and a long handle 1/4" drive ratchet to match the 11-973 and 12-973. Long handle non flex maxx ratchets would be really nice too.

 

[Obie]

In a chrome handled ratchet, I think they are unequaled for comfort. The wide beam before the handle takes a little getting used to looks wise but, the radiused rectangular handle is great.

I agree Fedwrench, with the Craftsman Premium ratchets a very close second. The Armstrong handle looked slightly awkward when I first saw it, but after using it once I fell in love, very comfortable and doesn't slip a bit when you really put some force on it. And I'll take chrome over comfort handle any day.

I'd like to get the standard Maxx ratchets in addition to my locking flex heads, but I wanna find out exactly where the 88 tooth versions are being sold at.

 

[blue dog]

Anyone know who has the new ones in stock?

Do not know if they have the new one's, but they usually have a anything i need. Have had several armstrong purchases here.

http://www.bettymills.com/shop/prod...tchet&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&department=Jansan

 

[quattrojon]

How comfortable are those armstrong ratchet handles? I never run across armstrong ratchets in the used marketplace; so I haven't tried them... let us know what you think.

I find that Armstrong ratchet handles (for me at least), are the most comfortable metal handles to hold.

 

[spity]

Update-

I've liked this ratchet so much that I'm considering buying the 1/4" and 3/8" Maxx flex ratchets. Another member PM'd me asking where to get one of the new 88-tooth models. I wondered the same thing, so I sent a PM to a member here who is a rep for Apex tools.

Here are the messages:

Stephen,

So, who sells a meaningful volume?

Im still reluctant to pull the trigger. Although Apex is only a couple miles from me here in Baltimore. Id just much prefer an 88 tooth as well. Thanks again for all the "hard work" sharing this.

 

[Skin]

Like i said on the first page, tooltopia sells them. If anyone online would be going through enough stock to have the 88s in my money would be on them. Email or call tooltopia i'm sure they'd know.

 

[blackgold]

I don't see it listed on tooltopia's website?

 

[Skin]

I don't see it listed on tooltopia's website?

They dont sell every model. Mainly just the more popular long handle and locking flex

http://www.tooltopia.com/search.aspx?find=&manufacturer=817&category=3684

 

[blackgold]

I just ordered an 11-992 from MRO. We will see what I get.. 40 shipped...
Brian

 

[kippieland]

I just ordered an 11-992 from MRO. We will see what I get.. 40 shipped...
Brian

Can you post a link?

 

[blackgold]

alright, it took a few days to get here but the ratchet arrived on Saturday. This thing is pretty sweet looking. Very comfortable. I opened it up immediately and was happy to see the 88 inside. dropped in 2 drops of oil and put it back together. I was working on my mom's Tacoma so I was able to test it out. I can tell this will be my new favorite ratchet. I am vERY happy with it. again, was 40 dollars shipped from MRO. I think their website is www.mrocenter.com. 34 plus shipping. Now to find out if the 1/2 and 1/4 were updated also...
Brian

 

[woody 73]

Tooltopia sells Armstrong ratchets for pretty reasonable prices last time i checked. Only thing i dont like about them [and Matco and Craftsman thin profile] is that retaining ring and cover plate, always seemed cheap to me. One of the benefits to the Cman 84T is they really beefed up that cover plate and installed the hex screws.

I see no reason a 88T kit wouldnt work in the Cman Premiums.

you might not like the ring or retaining plate but in all fairness if you ever have to take off one of those split ring designs from say a Wright ratchet you will think twice about the ease of the armstrong system.

 

[griff99]

So stephen9666 did you ever order your 3/8" and 1/4" flex? I have been toying with them myself, I need to order a couple of filters for my car, for some reason the local parts stores don't seem to stock the air or cabin filter for a Cadillac CTS, anyway I was thinking of throwing the 3/8" flex into my order from Advance, then I can use one of their coupon codes to get it a little cheaper than tooltopia... I am just wondering if they do a significant enough volume to guarantee that I will get the 88-tooth version... If you did order them, what did you get and from where? Thanks!

 

[Mickey O]

Extremely nice ratchet although I prefer the 60 tooth to the 88 tooth, I believe the internals are interchangeable.

 

[DodgeZ]

So stephen9666 did you ever order your 3/8" and 1/4" flex? I have been toying with them myself, I need to order a couple of filters for my car, for some reason the local parts stores don't seem to stock the air or cabin filter for a Cadillac CTS, anyway I was thinking of throwing the 3/8" flex into my order from Advance, then I can use one of their coupon codes to get it a little cheaper than tooltopia... I am just wondering if they do a significant enough volume to guarantee that I will get the 88-tooth version... If you did order them, what did you get and from where? Thanks!

Does Advance have the 1/2 maxx?

 

[alan camby]

I bought a 10-992 (1/4") from Fastenal last week. It is 88 tooth

 

[ActAppalled]

My 11-994 that I ordered from MSC came in as a 60 tooth. Not sure if I'm keeping it yet, but I can't get it anywhere else for the price I paid.

 

[kippieland]

I wish they (Armstrong) would have done this transition more clear and made it more a sure thing. It ***** that you have to shoot in the dark on which one you are going to get. Kinda lame.

 

[Armstrong Brand]

Nice pics! Glad you are liking the new 88 tooth internals.

By the way, that new =AS= stamp indicates compliance with the Aerospace AS954 standard (in case you were curious).


Thanks,
Steve

 

[kippieland]

Nice pics! Glad you are liking the new 88 tooth internals.

By the way, that new =AS= stamp indicates compliance with the Aerospace AS954 standard (in case you were curious).


Thanks,
Steve

Steve, is there anyway we can tell which retailers have the new model? This great review has everyone (including me) pumped on this new model that they is some disappointment when the 60 tooth shows up. When I look at the specs. on all the ratchet they all say 60 tooth. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[griff99]

Well I just placed my order with Advance Auto so we'll see in about a week when it gets here. Tonight was the last night of their 35 off 85 coupon, so I used that with the ratchet purchase and my filters, worked out to be $79 shipped for everything, the receipt shows the ratchet as $53 which is a little cheaper than tooltopia and I really did need the filters. Or at least that is my justification to myself.

 

[ecally]

I hope you have better luck than me, I ordered and received mine last week from Advanced Auto and I got the 60 tooth - still a nice ratchet. I tried to contact DeanKnut to see if I could get the Matco 88 tooth kit but havent heard back, he may not be real active on the forum, busy, has a life, what have you. I also contacted Armstrong Tool and asked if they had the 88 tooth rebuild kits available but no luck. I need to find a local Matco dealer or another forum member who will mail out a Matco kit.

Well I just placed my order with Advance Auto so we'll see in about a week when it gets here. Tonight was the last night of their 35 off 85 coupon, so I used that with the ratchet purchase and my filters, worked out to be $79 shipped for everything, the receipt shows the ratchet as $53 which is a little cheaper than tooltopia and I really did need the filters. Or at least that is my justification to myself.

 

[griff99]

I hope you have better luck than me, I ordered and received mine last week from Advanced Auto and I got the 60 tooth - still a nice ratchet. I tried to contact DeanKnut to see if I could get the Matco 88 tooth kit but havent heard back, he may not be real active on the forum, busy, has a life, what have you. I also contacted Armstrong Tool and asked if they had the 88 tooth rebuild kits available but no luck. I need to find a local Matco dealer or another forum member who will mail out a Matco kit.

I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed.