So I broke My 2nd Matco Ratchet...

[KarateBoy]

A couple weeks ago I broke a 12'' 3/8'' drive flex head ratchet unbolting a 19mm bolt on a 240sx subframe. I got this ratchet second hand.

I always heard great things about Matco so I inquired about their warranty. My ratchet had a lifetime warranty. All I had to do was ship it to them. Here I thought I just scored a great tool victory. I bought this Matco ratchet for pennies a few years ago, got some use out of it, and now that it broke Matco will replace it for the cost of shipping.

$5 and 7 days later I get my new Matco ratchet. So shiny. It was a slightly newer model than the one I shipped out. Best of all, it felt 2x as study as my old one.

I still thought that the tool was WAY overpriced but since I never paid full price I was happy to have a brand new Matco ratchet.

3 bolts later this one breaks too. By brakes I mean the head of the ratchet spun in the wrong direction. So much for quality parts.

Now I know what I'm about to say will anger some. Moreover, I am aware that 1 ratchet does not define a company.

But...Matco definitely isn't even worth half its price. It was such a PITA to wait a week for a damn ratchet. I wish I owned a Craftsman ratchet so when my **** broke I could drive down to my local sears and get it replaced on the spot. Best of all, I could buy 5 craftsman ratchet for the price of this one Matco and not have to NEVER worry about down time.

Total tools broken on current 240sx project:

1 x "cheap" taiwanesse socket
2 x "high quality" Matco ratchet

/rant

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Stop getting the one's that are built on a Monday or a Friday, Problem solved.

 

[Hiball]

A couple weeks ago I broke a 12'' 3/8'' drive flex head ratchet unbolting a 19mm bolt on a 240sx subframe. I got this ratchet second hand.

I always heard great things about Matco so I inquired about their warranty. My ratchet had a lifetime warranty. All I had to do was ship it to them. Here I thought I just scored a great tool victory. I bought this Matco ratchet for pennies a few years ago, got some use out of it, and now that it broke Matco will replace it for the cost of shipping.

$5 and 7 days later I get my new Matco ratchet. So shiny. It was a slightly newer model than the one I shipped out. Best of all, it felt 2x as study as my old one.

I still thought that the tool was WAY overpriced but since I never paid full price I was happy to have a brand new Matco ratchet.

3 bolts later this one breaks too. By brakes I mean the head of the ratchet spun in the wrong direction. So much for quality parts.

Now I know what I'm about to say will anger some. Moreover, I am aware that 1 ratchet does not define a company.

But...Matco definitely isn't even worth half its price. It was such a PITA to wait a week for a damn ratchet. I wish I owned a Craftsman ratchet so when my **** broke I could drive down to my local sears and get it replaced on the spot. Best of all, I could buy 5 craftsman ratchet for the price of this one Matco and not have to NEVER worry about down time.

Total tools broken on current 240sx project:

1 x "cheap" taiwanesse socket
2 x "high quality" Matco ratchet

/rant

Pics? Need pics i love seeing broke *** tools.

 

[Kurt4440]

KarateBoy, what part of the country do you live in?
Is there any rust on the 240sx?
Do you own a breaker bar?

 

[Hiball]

KarateBoy, what part of the country do you live in?
Is there any rust on the 240sx?
Do you own a breaker bar?

I was thinking he should be using a breaker bar also, but then i seen he broke a flex head ratchet so i assumed it was in a awkward spot and needed the flex.

 

[GT89mustang]

KarateBoy, what part of the country do you live in?
Is there any rust on the 240sx?
Do you own a breaker bar?

Yea, subframe bolts dont seem like a job for a 3/8 ratchet. (IMO)

 

[longroof63]

Buy a Cornwell ratchet from a Cornwell Dealer and they will swap it out on the spot. Also, our flex head ratchets might not be as many tooth as theirs but they sure as heck won't bust your knuckles. We have been making our ratchets the same way for 90 years, that speaks volumes! Even if I didn't sell Cornwell, I would use them because I have seen the difference. The other trucks have a saying that "There is a DIFFERENCE"... I agree with that the difference is us Cornwell guys stand behind our products!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Buy a Cornwell ratchet from a Cornwell Dealer and they will swap it out on the spot. Also, our flex head ratchets might not be as many tooth as theirs but they sure as heck won't bust your knuckles. We have been making our ratchets the same way for 90 years, that speaks volumes! Even if I didn't sell Cornwell, I would use them because I have seen the difference. The other trucks have a saying that "There is a DIFFERENCE"... I agree with that the difference is us Cornwell guys stand behind our products!

You're a Cornwell dealer? Ever go past a post office on your travels? There are some Cornwell things i want to buy when i have some spare cash.

 

[longroof63]

I actually have a post office on my route. I see them once a month because the guys have been around forever and don't buy much, but when I have a sweet deal, they drop a few bucks on me. If you need a dealer, PM me and I will either hook you up with someone in that area or I will take care of you via the US Postal service. I guess you believe in their service, right? LOL.

 

[Underdog]

Buy a Cornwell ratchet from a Cornwell Dealer and they will swap it out on the spot. Also, our flex head ratchets might not be as many tooth as theirs but they sure as heck won't bust your knuckles. We have been making our ratchets the same way for 90 years, that speaks volumes! Even if I didn't sell Cornwell, I would use them because I have seen the difference. The other trucks have a saying that "There is a DIFFERENCE"... I agree with that the difference is us Cornwell guys stand behind our products!

Thats if you can find a dealer, never seen one around here and I understand you can't buy on line. I think other guy's will back me up. You guy's need more Trucks.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I actually have a post office on my route. I see them once a month because the guys have been around forever and don't buy much, but when I have a sweet deal, they drop a few bucks on me. If you need a dealer, PM me and I will either hook you up with someone in that area or I will take care of you via the US Postal service. I guess you believe in their service, right? LOL.

I'd prefer to deal with you.

Aside from you being a member on here, two words: Exchange & Rate.

(I'm in London, UK.)

 

[GDA]

Why weren't you using 1/2 drive or a breaker bar? 17mm and above I always reach for 1/2 drive first and if clearance issues then try to size down to 3/8.

 

[nismomans13]

use a breaker bar and impact socket on the subframe. I used the same combo on my subframe on my 240 and instead of breaking the tool I snapped the stud right off in the body. Not exactly a great fix but at least you won't break tools. FYI, my tools are mostly all matco and I have yet to break any.

 

[longroof63]

Thats if you can find a dealer, never seen one around here and I understand you can't buy on line. I think other guy's will back me up. You guy's need more Trucks.

We are working on that. As of last week we are up to 600 dealers. PM me and I will service you via the US Postal service better than a PEN PAL!

I'd prefer to deal with you.

Aside from you being a member on here, two words: Exchange & Rate.

(I'm in London, UK.)

You PM me what you need and I will send you what I got. If you cover the shipping! By the way we just started adding dealers in the UK as of last year! Tell me exactly where you are in a PM and I will see if we have a dealer near by.


Guys, I know Cornwell is small time compared to the other trucks, but we did that by design! We stayed small to serve you better. We have no corporate overlords to answer to!

 

[justinmc]

use a breaker bar and impact socket on the subframe. I used the same combo on my subframe on my 240 and instead of breaking the tool I snapped the stud right off in the body. Not exactly a great fix but at least you won't break tools. FYI, my tools are mostly all matco and I have yet to break any.

Yup.. the suspension on the 240 should be attacked with a 1/2" drive setup.. especially in any sort of "rust belt" environment. Part of the reason when I bought my last 240 chassis 7 years ago I bought one from AZ. Yeah the interior was baked but I fixed that.. bolts don't quite "fall off" it because it is a 20 year old car.. but its certainly not a frozen rusted up bunch of junk. It doesn't hurt that the car doesn't get driven and stays in the garage...

Either way... I've got some Matco ratchets.. including a flex head 1/2" and I haven't had any problems.. Again I vote for reaching for the next size up.

 

[PowderKeg]

snip....
Total tools broken on current 240sx project:

1 x "cheap" taiwanesse socket
2 x "high quality" Matco ratchet

/rant

Before completely dumping on Matco, you might want to reconsider if you have the right tool for the job. My past experience with body/frame/suspension hardware calls for 1/2" drive stuff at a minimum, and the gas wrench more than a few times. Even then a busted socket or two (Craftsmans then) and a rounded bolt head would occasionally occur. Hopefully you didn't use a cheater bar on that ratchet handle. If so, you really overtorqued that 3/8" drive head. Doubtful that the Craftsmans would hold up any better, since they're made by the same company that makes Matco. Trips back and forth to Sears can start to add up to...

Best suggestion to you is to skip the risk of adding another 3/8" ratchet to the scrap pile and get a long 1/2" breaker bar with a 6pt socket - impact socket would be better. Just a suggestion....

Good luck!

 

[Underdog]

We are working on that. As of last week we are up to 600 dealers. PM me and I will service you via the US Postal service better than a PEN PAL!


You PM me what you need and I will send you what I got. If you cover the shipping! By the way we just started adding dealers in the UK as of last year! Tell me exactly where you are in a PM and I will see if we have a dealer near by.


Guys, I know Cornwell is small time compared to the other trucks, but we did that by design! We stayed small to serve you better. We have no corporate overlords to answer to!

Thanks.

 

[Fedwrench]

All tools break, and it ***** when the expensive ones fail. However, I'm thinking the task may have been too much for a 3/8 ratchet. I'm with the others saying a 1/2 drive breaker bar or impact wrench may have been more appropriate choice but, I wasn't there. I do own a ton of Matco tools that have served me well. Tool down time is a pain but you have to remember that unless your truck dealer is real good, or you break something right before he shows up, there's usually a week turn around for a replacement which isn't that far behind the USPS. Sorry for your loss.
When you buy those five Craftsman ratchets, make sure one of them is a 1/2 drive flex head model.

 

[AutoTech]

I've used matco ratchets everyday for years and there still going strong. You was using the wrong size for the job, if you had been using a 1/2 drive ratchet or breaker bar then your 3/8 ratchet wouldn't be broke.

 

[KarateBoy]

I guess I wasn't clear the first time.

I was using the first 3/8ths ratchet on an arm of the subframe that connects to do the hub and not actually support the chassis. I used the 3/8th because a 1/2'' drive didn't fit.

The 2nd ratchet that broke broke on a caliper bolt on a 2002 Maxima. I wasn't using a cheater bar either. I couldn't use a breaker bar on the Maxima for 3 reason.

My brother lost our breaker bar today
Even if I had it, it wouldn't fit
and I never needed a breaker bar for 7 year old caliper bolts.

It WAS really interesting to read that Matco and Craftsman ratchets are made by the same company.

 

[krusty the clown]

It WAS really interesting to read that Matco and Craftsman ratchets are made by the same company.

stick around.........if you can get past the internet thugs you'll learn something.

 

[billymade]

http://www.danaher.com/business/strategic_detail.asp?key=12

 

[bgott]

3 bolts later this one breaks too. By brakes I mean the head of the ratchet spun in the wrong direction.

I'm missing what you are saying. You mean that it jumped into the opposite direction? Will it shift back?

 

[Merkava_4]

I wish I owned a Craftsman ratchet so when my **** broke I could drive down to my local sears and get it replaced on the spot.

If that had been a Craftsman ratchet, your hand would've flew into something sharp and you'd have 30 stitches in it right now. Thank your lucky stars in was a MATCO.

 

[Billin21]

I guess I wasn't clear the first time.

I was using the first 3/8ths ratchet on an arm of the subframe that connects to do the hub and not actually support the chassis. I used the 3/8th because a 1/2'' drive didn't fit.

The 2nd ratchet that broke broke on a caliper bolt on a 2002 Maxima. I wasn't using a cheater bar either. I couldn't use a breaker bar on the Maxima for 3 reason.

My brother lost our breaker bar today
Even if I had it, it wouldn't fit
and I never needed a breaker bar for 7 year old caliper bolts.

It WAS really interesting to read that Matco and Craftsman ratchets are made by the same company.

I promise you, I've broken a lot more craftsman ratchets than I have Matco. Made by the same company to different specs. Oh, and I've rebuilt my fair share of Cornwell ratchets... They all break.

 

[Merkava_4]

Guys, I know Cornwell is small time compared to the other trucks, but we did that by design! We stayed small to serve you better. We have no corporate overlords to answer to!

You don't have to tell me that, I'm a big fan of Cornwell.

 

[bowtie3]

Re: So I broke My ND Matco Ratchet...

Made by the same company to different specs.

Yep one spec sheet calls for quick release and a Craftsman stamp the other calls for a Matco stamp and a triple price tag.

 

[bowtie3]

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying there is anything wrong with either brand I just don't think there is much "real" difference. It's like buying a $1,000 hand stitched quilt or a $30 Wal-Mart blanket, sure the $1,000 quilt will look better and be something to brag about but the $30 blanket will keep you just as warm. I am a big fan of high quality hand tools and am willing to pay what they cost but I also want something I know is different than what I can buy for 1/4 the price at Sears. I want to know not just hope.

 

[Merkava_4]

Re: So I broke My ND Matco Ratchet...

Yep one spec sheet calls for quick release and a Craftsman stamp the other calls for a Matco stamp and a triple price tag.

Somebody on here said the Matco has a stiffer pawl spring than C-man. I can't verify that because I've never used a Matco.

 

[bowtie3]

Re: So I broke My ND Matco Ratchet...

Somebody on here said the Matco has a stiffer pawl spring than C-man. I can't verify that because I've never used a Matco.

That must be one of those super duper, titanium encrusted, gold, bronze, charcoal, aerospace, OSHA approved springs, that really does spring back when you compress it. I figure it costs around $80...... No wait.. maybe its just a regular old spring that the government negotiated the price on. I bet it has Matco laser etched on it to!

 

[ImportTuner]

You have to use the right tool for the job, otherwise you'll keep breaking them .. quote from my shop teacher 45+ years ago ..

 

[KarateBoy]

http://www.danaher.com/business/strategic_detail.asp?key=12

So Danaher is the manufactur? I didn't see C-man on that list.

If that had been a Craftsman ratchet, your hand would've flew into something sharp and you'd have 30 stitches in it right now. Thank your lucky stars in was a MATCO.

You're kidding right? Because a C-Man or any other ratchet would have broken exactly the same way. Basic material properties: it will always break in the thinnest/weakest point.

If that had been a Craftsman ratchet, your hand would've flew into something sharp and you'd have 30 stitches in it right now. Thank your lucky stars in was a MATCO.

I'm missing what you are saying. You mean that it jumped into the opposite direction? Will it shift back?

Maybe this makes more sense. The ratchet was lock and being pressed against the bolt. Instead of the bolt loosening, the ratchet loosened

 

[Diesel-Mech]

So Danaher is the manufactur? I didn't see C-man on that list.

Danaher does not own the Craftsman brand like the other brands on that list, they just private label tools for them.

 

[billymade]

"ABOUT US

Our dedicated OEM division is well equipped to handle all of your Custom/OEM, Manufacturing Services, & Premiums needs. Built off a solid foundation of brands stretching around the world you know and trust like: Armstrong, GearWrench, Craftsman, Allen, KD-Tool, SATA, Jacobs & Holo-Krome. "

http://www.danaher.com/business/strategic_division.asp?key=127

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

3/8" dr. is not appropiate for a 19mm.

Especially a subframe bolt which is torque to 5,214.5 ft/lbs

 

[tw33k2514]

I find it odd that you could not fit a 1/2 drive ratchet in for the caliper bolts. I am not fully aware of the specific car but I have used 1/2" on caliper bolts on civics. altima's, and even a neon.

Like I said not familiar with your car, so I could be flat out wrong.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I just picked up a flex head 1/2 in MAtco ratchet. Its about 16 inches long. It seems pretty beefy. It has the hard plastic orange screwdriver handle. This is the first time that I have picked up a Matco tool. My first thought was about adding the red lube of love(can we code name that??) and I noticed the circlip that holds it all together ala craftsman on the inside....is there any difference??

 

[billymade]

If you take it apart you will see similarities and differences; the designs will be similar but the gears, pawls, are typically much beefier/wider/stronger! The steel, heft, finish, ergonomics and selector (Look, mom! Its metal not plastic!), are different as well...

I have a 17" swivel head 36 tooth 1/2" drive model and was very impressed with it! When I took it apart; the drive was a really heavy hunk of steel... there is a difference! That being said; I prefer my Snap-On ratchets over the Matco.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I buzzed around the cman site and didnt see the exact same ratchet so that was at least a plus!! I have been needing a good 1/2" and couldnt pass up the price. Mine could be 17". I am partial to SO 80 tooth but was curious to try it out. I really like the locking flex head....

 

[AutoTech]

If you take it apart you will similarities and differences; the designs will be similar but the gears, pawls, are typically much beefier/wider/stronger! The steel, heft, finish, ergonomics and selector (Look, mom! Its metal not plastic!), are different as well...

I have a 17" swivel head 36 tooth 1/2" drive model and was very impressed with it! When I took it apart; the drive was a really heavy hunk of steel... there is a difference! That being said; I prefer my Snap-On ratchets over the Matco.

Might as well save your breath seems there are some here you will never convince that Matco and Craftsman are made to different specs.