Matco AFR68LFTG - 1/4" Ratchet

[wacomme]

I can't seem to find a discounted price on this ratchet anywhere. Matco seems to be the only one who carries it:

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AFR68LFTG/1-4-6IN-88TH-LF-RATCHET-GREEN/

Is Matco my only choice for this ratchet?

 

[bsaint]

Nah if you can wait, I always find it cheaper eventually on 'bay. I waited a long time but finally got the cornwell impact gun I was waiting for.

 

[wacomme]

I want this specific ratchet. I've been searching for three weeks and have come up empty.

 

[bsaint]

I searched from July to Dec before I found it for 150 less and still brand new.

 

[billymade]

Maybe put a "wanted" in the classifieds...

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Check with daveblank; he's selling off his whole inventory and might have one still.

 

[Gtamazing]

Donkdonk might have one over in the classifieds.

 

[wacomme]

Check with daveblank; he's selling off his whole inventory and might have one still.

Thanks. I PM'd him.

 

[wacomme]

Donkdonk might have one over in the classifieds.

Thanks. I PM'd DonkDonk.

 

[wacomme]

It seems to be either buy now new directly through Matco, or wait for one to come up on ebay or here in the classifieds, correct?

 

[DTB]

It seems to be either buy now new directly through Matco, or wait for one to come up on ebay or here in the classifieds, correct?

I would say so.I've been looking for the same ratchet minus the comfort handle.I was going to get the Armstrong version,which is much cheaper,but seeing as how I now have the Matco 3/8",and 1/2" drive locking flex,I figure I will try to keep the set matching.

If you are just looking for the 1/4 locking flex,the Armstrong and the Matco are about the same,minus the handle.Older models are 60 tooth,newer are 88,but in a 1/4 ratchet 6" long,I really couldn't see paying more for just the 88 teeth.Price around $40,may be something to consider.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=NCRFT87eCdGItwf85OWfAw&ved=0CC0Q8wIwAQ#

 

[wacomme]

I would say so.I've been looking for the same ratchet minus the comfort handle.I was going to get the Armstrong version,which is much cheaper,but seeing as how I now have the Matco 3/8",and 1/2" drive locking flex,I figure I will try to keep the set matching.

If you are just looking for the 1/4 locking flex,the Armstrong and the Matco are about the same,minus the handle.Older models are 60 tooth,newer are 88,but in a 1/4 ratchet 6" long,I really couldn't see paying more for just the 88 teeth.Price around $40,may be something to consider.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=NCRFT87eCdGItwf85OWfAw&ved=0CC0Q8wIwAQ#

Thanks. I've heard the Matco and Armstrong ratchets are similar. 88 teeth are important to me, though I could give up the comfort handle. Perhaps I now have two ratchets I'm searching for - gotta find the appropriate Armstrong model number.

 

[wacomme]

I can't find the Armstrong 1/4" flex ratchet in 88 tooth.

 

[brihvac]

That ratchet is $57.41 with the student/instructor discount. I just looked it up.

 

[DTB]

I can't find the Armstrong 1/4" flex ratchet in 88 tooth.

All the new production should be 88,the older stock may be 60.However,from what I've read Armstrong hasn't identified them any different between the 2 different tooth counts.
I think it is 10-994 for the 1/4 flex.

 

[wacomme]

And does the Armstrong compare favorably with the Matco ratchet? Except for the comfort handle, is there any difference?

 

[DTB]

They are made in the same factory I believe,Both Danaher production.Etching of the logo is different obviously,and the handle is different but they are essentially the same product.The Armstrong factory produced the Matco version,but also had their own line of locking flex ratchets.The Armstrong and Matco are the only 2 of the Danaher conglomerate to have the locking flex,although they produced similar ratchets for GW,C-man,Napa,etc.I wouldn't be afraid to use the Armstrong vs the Matco.Both are a high quality ratchet.

 

[brihvac]

I'd rather have the Matco for an extra $10-$15

 

[MattPersman]

how can WE buy at the $57.41 price. you list that price but it is not avail to us as far as i know

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Thanks. I've heard the Matco and Armstrong ratchets are similar. 88 teeth are important to me, though I could give up the comfort handle. Perhaps I now have two ratchets I'm searching for - gotta find the appropriate Armstrong model number.

The ratchet handle is the most important part of the whole tool; it's what your hand comes in contact with.

 

[brihvac]

how can WE buy at the $57.41 price. you list that price but it is not avail to us as far as i know

His profile list him as a teacher. If he is a teacher, all he has to do is use his "edu" email address. and he will get the education discount.

 

[wacomme]

The ratchet handle is the most important part of the whole tool; it's what your hand comes in contact with.

OK. So how much better is the comfort handle compared to the steel one?

 

[wacomme]

His profile list him as a teacher. If he is a teacher, all he has to do is use his "edu" email address. and he will get the education discount.

Good to know - thanks.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

OK. So how much better is the comfort handle compared to the steel one?

Don't know ... never tried either one.

 

[wacomme]

While I've heard some people prefer the steel handle, it seems most people prefer the comfort-type handles. How important is the comfort handle? I ask because I can buy the Armstrong ratchet for about $60 (new, no comfort handle), whereas I'll have to continue my search for the Matco ratchet to find one in the same pricing ballpark.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

How important is the comfort handle?

How important is your hand being comfortable?

 

[DTB]

Are you going to be using the ratchet everyday? I've only got one comfort grip ratchet,which is a FHL80 (3/8 drive).That is a pretty commonly used ratchet for me.But I don't use 1/4 drive that much.Will you be using the 1/4" drive ratchet enough that there will be fatigue from using the steel over the comfort grip? From what I've read on here,alot seem to think the chrome handle shape of the Armstrong is one of the best out there. For nearly twice the price,if you are not concerned on the grip, just get the Armstrong.I've not seen a comfort grip Matco ratchet in person,but typically 1/4 drive is for small confined areas,will the extra size of the comfort grip affect that?

 

[wacomme]

Are you going to be using the ratchet everyday? I've only got one comfort grip ratchet,which is a FHL80 (3/8 drive).That is a pretty commonly used ratchet for me.But I don't use 1/4 drive that much.Will you be using the 1/4" drive ratchet enough that there will be fatigue from using the steel over the comfort grip? From what I've read on here,alot seem to think the chrome handle shape of the Armstrong is one of the best out there. For nearly twice the price,if you are not concerned on the grip, just get the Armstrong.I've not seen a comfort grip Matco ratchet in person,but typically 1/4 drive is for small confined areas,will the extra size of the comfort grip affect that?

Good points, thanks. So, to reiterate, the Armstrong is the same as the Matco, except for the handle - correct?

 

[DTB]

The chrome Armstrong may be just a tad bit shorter,vs the Matco because usually the comfort grip ratchets are a little longer.Matco comfort grip ratchets aren't stamped USA because the comfort grip isn't made in the USA.Armstrong is stamped USA.It really just boils down to the comfort grip vs the steel handle,and the price you are willing to pay.

I'd go for it.