mdog892001
Banned
I’m thinking about the 1/2 standard from Napa
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Proto 90-Tooth Precision Pear Head Ratchets
- Thread starter outdoorspace
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1foxracing
Well-known member
Picked up the 3/8 flexhead model from Napa and the 1/4 model from Amazon
Picked up the 3/8 flexhead model from Napa and the 1/4 model from Amazon
Link to amazon?
You sound like just the fella to order one and tell us your thoughts between the two
I had a MAC briefly that I sold off since it wasn't a QR but action wise they feel pretty similar with a slight nod in favor of dual 80. Proto/MAC have a much sturdier feeling flex joint though when you're really cranking on something. Looks like the Proto have a good chrome handle too, most manufacturers, including Snap-On, forge the handles too skinny. Literally the only chrome handled ratchets I like are Cornwell and Nepros.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
NO
Don't get me wrong, I like the Mac/Proto 90 tooth ratchets an awful lot but, I don't think they are better in 3/8 drive trim than a F80 series ratchet.
I do think the Mac/Proto gets the nod in 1/4 drive just because I've had nothing but problems with snap on T72 series ratchets but, it might just be me
I really don't use 1/2 inch drive ratchets that often so, I can't give you an opinion on which might be better, sorry.
The other issue is price. Even on sale at NAPA or MSC, I think the Proto 90 tooth series is overpriced
you can easily pick up like new snap on ratchets cheaper than new Proto versions.I own several Mac Axis versions as well as a couple of the PROTOs. I really like the Proto handle but, it's too expensive to me.
Another issue with the Mac/Proto 90 tooth ratchet is their super thin RTV like gear cover gasket that easily falls apart on disassembly or has separated with use.
fang123
Well-known member
Anyone else encounter this issue yet? Pretty disappointing. May not buy another.
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I bought the long 1/2" flex from NAPA last week. I always open up new ratchets and lube them (protos are always dry) and there wasn't any gasket on mine at all. I have a 3/8" flex coming from toolsource and will have to see if it has a gasket.
4x4gearhead
Well-known member
I almost bought a short flex mac ratchet recently but honestly the backdrag felt ****** so i replaced my older snap on with a ff80 with hard handle grip, having a hard time regretting it too. Im not a huge mac tool fan and in the past my experience with mac ratchets was less than stellar. I love the old dual pawl proto ratchets but they are far too bulky to go with as every day ratchets. I am glad to see the proto name on something more modern though and as its been said that handle looks awesome.
davethorik
Well-known member
I was recently comparing my long 1/2 ratchets and I agree. I have a SLL80A and the handle is larger in diameter than the SL80A, however Snap-on's classic chrome grip is the same size on all their 1/2 ratchets. It looks kind of dinky not being slightly scaled up to match the thicker handle. In fact, it actually necks down at the grip's contour.
My Cornwell SRF76L also has a thicker handle than the standard length SRF76A, however the coke bottle grip is scaled up to match the thicker handle. It is more visually pleasing and comfortable than the Snap-on.
If Cornwell made an extra long fixed head ratchet, I probably would have bought it. But I believe Snap-on and Proto/Mac are the only US mfrs to offer this format. I got a smokin deal on the SLL80A of mine, and the grip is really my only complaint.
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I have the standard length 3/8 Mac tools 90 tooth Ratchet and I really like how smooth it is, I purchased it the proto long handle 90 tooth 3/8 Ratchet from Zoro with a discount code but I had to return it because the ratcheting mechanism seem so rough especially when turning the selector switch I opened it and put super lube on it but I didn't feel no difference.
Anyone find these available for reasonable prices? I missed the Napa sale (which seemed to be the best prices I've seen). I'd like to get a flex in each drive size for the house and sell off my old Craftsman/Allen/Carlyle.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Anyone else encounter this issue yet? Pretty disappointing. May not buy another.
Besides the squishy gasket sticking out, there's also the coverplate sticking up above flush. Both would bug me to no end.
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pennsylvaniaboy
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 28, 2014
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- 417
So what is the verdict on these? still having problems? better to go with Sk or Williams?
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The only issue I see is the gasket for the cover plate; that's not going to affect its function I wouldn't think.
Jaysreal
Well-known member
Been using this since March 2018, absolutely zero problems whatsoever. Plus apparently mine was part of the first wave and yet have never experienced any of the "stripping" issues others were complaining about.
The gasket thing only happens when you open it. Word is the new ones don't have it at all.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I haven't had any issues with mine. MAC has redesigned theirs moving the screw heads from the gear cover to the top of the ratchet head. I don't know what they changed internally though.
WittHay
Well-known member
The new 1/2 ratchets dont come with that gasket. They machined the cover plate so it clears the gears. All of Mac's new 3/8 ratchets and I believe 1/4 drive also, come with the new design that Fedwrench mentioned. Shown in the 2nd. picture.
Picked up a new Mac Axis 18" Flex 1/2 drive ratchet today. Asked the Mac dealer and he doesnt think they will change the screw design of the 1/2 drive ratchets. I like the comfort grip handle and the design of the Mac/Proto flex head, a lot better than the equivalent Snap-on ratchets.
Picked up a new Mac Axis 18" Flex 1/2 drive ratchet today. Asked the Mac dealer and he doesnt think they will change the screw design of the 1/2 drive ratchets. I like the comfort grip handle and the design of the Mac/Proto flex head, a lot better than the equivalent Snap-on ratchets.
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Wamsutta
Well-known member
It does look comfortable. I'd like to try one sometime.
WittHay
Well-known member
Personal preference mainly, had a couple of Snap-on comfort grips but didn't use them much. They felt soft and they soaked up oil and then got gritty when set down in dirt or dust. Seemed to get chewed up. The Mac just seems harder and has the right shape or feel
The other difference is the head design, the Proto/Mac design seems stronger. Have a Snap-on 24" flex ratchet and the head flexes quite a bit, Also the screw loosens up regularly. Thought I would try the Mac 1/2 drive. I like the Mac 7" and 13" 3/8 drive ratchets that i have.
The other difference is the head design, the Proto/Mac design seems stronger. Have a Snap-on 24" flex ratchet and the head flexes quite a bit, Also the screw loosens up regularly. Thought I would try the Mac 1/2 drive. I like the Mac 7" and 13" 3/8 drive ratchets that i have.
