Armstrong Maxx 3/8 Locking Flex Ratchet Question

[doodah man]

I got this ratchet in the mail yesterday (ordered from ToolFetch on amazon and drop shipped directly from Apex. It looks great and has good reviews on this board, but I noticed that the flex head has a little play in it in the locked position. Is that normal or should it be really tight? I'm talking just a few degrees forward and back when the lock is engaged. This is my first locking flex ratchet, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Thanks in advance.

 

[doodah man]

yeah, that looks about the same as mine. How does this compare with other locking flex ratchets available?

 

[rmsg0040]

I have a Matco BFR128LFT locking 3/8 flex, mine doesnt have that much play when in the locked position as seen with the armstrong version.

Seems quite excessive with the play.

 

[rmsg0040]

I will see if I can get a video (using my phone)

 

[rmsg0040]

Took a vid using my phone's camera in my bedroom. Not the greatest quality vid. About the price > got the ratchet on ebay for under $80. No matco dealer in my area (Toronto), only snap on and mac.

Click on vid (uploaded using photobucket)

Let me know. Thanks.

 

[jetmech09]

I have the snap-on 3/8" locking flex. Very little to no play. Costs a lot more though, that's for sure.

 

[rmsg0040]

I can assure you that my matco has little play. Maybe someone who has a matco locking flex can speak up.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Do you guys like the locking flex head better than the standard flex head?

Took a vid using my phone's camera in my bedroom. Not the greatest quality vid. About the price > got the ratchet on ebay for under $80. No matco dealer in my area (Toronto), only snap on and mac.

Click on vid (uploaded using photobucket)

Let me know. Thanks.

Thanks for the vid. It doesn't look like your Matco has a much play as the Armstrong. I concur with stephen that putting it in a vice would help clarify this even more, but it's evident as it is.

 

[Slingshot Engage]

I have both Matco and Armstrong locking flex. Everything is exactly the same.

 

[dudutzu905]

I have a Matco BFR128LFT locking 3/8 flex, mine doesnt have that much play when in the locked position as seen with the armstrong version.

Seems quite excessive with the play.

+1, just checked mine and doesn't seem as bad

 

[purplezr2]

I have two matco Flex locking 88 tooth, and I know a guy with a third, I have very little flex in mine, and I didn't pay anything for them, so I'm happy with them.

 

[Griff93]

I have the Armstong version myself. Mine doesn't have nearly as much play when locked as the one above. I actually managed to lock up the ratchet mechanism in mine. Even the selector is locked up solid. I'm still pretty happy with it. In the same time period I've had to have 6 snap on ratchet rebuilds.

I've also had both versions in my hands before. They are identical from the outside.

 

[rmsg0040]

Hmmm....but a member who has both says they're the same.

I wonder if I got one with more-than-average play in the joint?

Why not take apart the ratchet at the joint and see if anything is strange, you did say you got it for 43 off ebay, was that new or used?

That member who said that their the same, is that being tight or having play?

 

[Griff93]

Sometimes I wonder if 'new' stuff on ebay is really factory seconds that QC didn't want out the door to retail. That said, for what you paid I'm sure it will serve you well enough to get your moneys worth out of it.

 

[smothers33]

for what its worth I got the 1/4" version today in the mail and after reading this thread yesterday(after already ordering mine on internet) I was kinda nervous. to my suprise the play in my ratchet was almost non exist
(much like that of GirlnAgarage's video). I know you have the 3/8 version and the one im talkin about is 1/4 but i would assume they should be same

 

[vga]

My Matco has just a tiny bit of movement in the head when in the locked position.

 

[rmsg0040]

^^ good to hear

After seeing that vid, I knew something wasnt right and ran downstairs and grabbed my matco just to compare.