Looking for a hard handle pear head US made 1/2 ratchet without wanting to go Snap On because I fancy something different. Never been on Mac truck so no idea if still US made. Have a 3/8 Cornwell coming so that could be an option or looked at the new SK or Proto which would be harder to get hold of. Anybody any opinions or other options.
U.S made 1/2 flex head Rachet
- Thread starter Dobbin
- Start date
Flinter987
Well-known member
Mac ratchets are still usa. They are one of the classiest ratchets out there too! I love my 3/8 flex!
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...rive-Axis-Comfort-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet-26
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...rive-Axis-Comfort-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet-26
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The Mac Axis and Proto 90t are basically the same ratchet.
Heres the Mac flex hard handle:
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...-Drive-Axis-Flex-Head-Metal-Handle-Ratchet-18
Heres the Mac flex hard handle:
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...-Drive-Axis-Flex-Head-Metal-Handle-Ratchet-18
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I have an Armstrong locking flex head that I like a lot. They are no longer being made since Armstrong was closed down. I still see new old stock ones around for sale.
quadrcr87
Well-known member
I just picked up this 1/2 flex head Williams S-52EHFA. Made in USA and seems to be really good quality. It is 36 tooth but is still very smooth.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YR9QF2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YR9QF2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Attachments
turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
I have the SO version of this. Put on a new rebuild kit and it's ready for another 20 years.
They have this on ebay...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-SF...408608?hash=item33e10318a0:g:FBYAAOSwZoZachiO
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nutsnbolts
Well-known member
Did you say something? I couldn't focus on anything but those little white shorts you're wearing
davethorik
Well-known member
Actually the new Proto fine tooth ratchets are basically the same as the 90t Mac pear head. They still sell those Italian (USAG) made palm control roundheads, as well as the older USA Proto XL 45t pear heads, I wonder when/if either of those will go the way of the dinosaur.
Both are considerably less expensive than the 90t rats, the USAG/Proto 1/2 flex head J5457F is only $52.99 on Zoro, probably a pretty good deal on a professional grade hand tool, and my particular choice for the OP, but he can probably get USAG branded tools from Europe for less in GB, so may not be as attractive of a deal.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-hand-rat...MIpqWu856S2QIVhTJpCh2CEgnsEAQYASABEgL3ufD_BwE
There were no flex heads in the XL ratchets, sadly.
Dobbin, what 3/8 Cornwell did you get? I have 2 Cornwell 1/2 flex heads, I'm still on the fence about the spring loaded detents they have. However, the detents, in particular the long flex head, are robust enough that shaking all 27-3/8" of that ratchet one handed, I could not dislodge the head from straight up. I am a big fan of Cornwell 30t chrome handle ratchets.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
We're mixing apples and oranges here. The PROTO 72 tooth round head Palm control ratchets do resemble the Facom palm control ratchets with a knurled handle instead of the tapered plastic handle. However, the Proto ratchets are made in Italy. I don't even think the Facom ratchets are made in France anymore since Stanley bought Facom.
The real fine tooth PROTO ratchets are the 90 tooth pear head Precision series ratchets made in the USA, that are similar to MAC's version but, with a different shaped handle. They are also pricier than the MAC versions.
davethorik
Well-known member
We're mixing apples and oranges here. The PROTO 72 tooth round head Palm control ratchets do resemble the Facom palm control ratchets with a knurled handle instead of the tapered plastic handle. However, the Proto ratchets are made in Italy. I don't even think the Facom ratchets are made in France anymore since Stanley bought Facom.
The real fine tooth PROTO ratchets are the 90 tooth pear head Precision series ratchets made in the USA, that are similar to MAC's version but, with a different shaped handle. They are also pricier than the MAC versions.
Stanley owns Facom and USAG, wouldn't surprise me a bit if the French palm control rats are the same or similar to the Italian palm controls.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Absolutely, the only thing different is country of origin. Dewalt recently released round head ratchets (no palm control disc) that definitely resemble current USAG ratchets with a different handle also made in Italy.
Model A Fan
Well-known member
This one would get my vote personally.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Craft...430389?hash=item1ca03ce7f5:g:GjkAAOSwg31adOP3
I have one and it stays bent at the angle you put it at until you put it at a different angle. Others I have flop around a little bit.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Craft...430389?hash=item1ca03ce7f5:g:GjkAAOSwg31adOP3
I have one and it stays bent at the angle you put it at until you put it at a different angle. Others I have flop around a little bit.
dkroth
Well-known member
Close your eyes and pretend it's a pear head...
.
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ARFLY
Well-known member
That is a nice looking ratchet. What is it?
davethorik
Well-known member
It seems like, a lot of people like long (around 24") 1/2 flex head ratchets on this board. The "standard" length (15-18") 1/2 flex heads do not get anywhere near as much love as the long versions. Of course, these are just personal observations.
WittHay
Well-known member
Use my GearWrench 17" flex more than my Snap-on 24" flex and Kobalt 12" flex. Most used 1/2 ratchet is a Proto XL 15" straight.
Regarding the OP's question, the Mac Axis 26" flex looks nice or the equivalent Proto
For me, most things are taken off with a high powered impact but they have to be hand tightened. Sometimes a torque wrench but most of the time using the right length ratchet. The 24" flex ratchet is lighter than using a 3/4 drive
Regarding the OP's question, the Mac Axis 26" flex looks nice or the equivalent Proto
For me, most things are taken off with a high powered impact but they have to be hand tightened. Sometimes a torque wrench but most of the time using the right length ratchet. The 24" flex ratchet is lighter than using a 3/4 drive
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quadrcr87
Well-known member
Yes I like them for suspension work. Great for leverage while allowing a more full range of motion.
Facom S153A
davethorik
Well-known member
I too have a Proto XL 15" in black oxide. I bought it because I had a chrome Wright 4425 (15" knurled) I used at work, and the lights inside an old workplace would literally blind you off the chrome. Great ratchet otherwise, but the non-glare Proto was what the doctor ordered for that particular workplace.
However the first time I used my new-to-me Snap-on SLL80A, was with a 1/2 to 3/4 adapter using my vintage 3/4 socket set. The Snappy at 23" is a few inches longer than my 3/4 ratchet, and probably stronger.
Everyday. 18” flex head for me.
ARFLY
Well-known member
Thank you
Pontiac787
Well-known member
Armstrong 12-994 old stock, my favorite ratchet by far. I have both the 3/8 and 1/2, I use them over snap on. My go to ratchets.
I have the 1/4” and 3/8” and like them a lot. I’d like to pick up a 1/2” but the prices people want for them now are crazy.
turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
davethorik
Well-known member
Take a look at used Matco locking flex, basically the same as Armstrong, only slightly different chrome handle, and a few different lengths available. I have seen some priced pretty crazy low, probably ditched by guys who want the new 30" 1/2 locking flex.
Close your eyes and pretend it's a pear head...
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Close your eyes and pretend its a Facom, lol.
I have the 1/2" short handle facom and love it, although the rubber handle sometimes slides off. I also have the 1/4" drive round head facom style ratchet from proto. love them both
http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...-8d0c-b76251d65aba_Proto®-Flex-Head-Ratchets/