How are Matco wrenches?

[rjohnson]

How do Matco wrenches compare to Mac and Snap-on? Are there any noticeable improvements over GearWrench combination wrenches?

 

[hammergodthor]

*Many people might disagree with me, this is my oponion*

1. Matco wrenches used are usually cheaper used
2. I own a few sets of said cheaper Matco wrenches
3. I prefer Craftsman raised panel wrenches.

Cheaper used = generally not as well liked???

I took these pictures @ about 100ft/lbs. This isn't the proper way to use a wrench, but sometimes you do what you gotta do. (These pictures are for example, I use a torque wrench on lug nuts, so I know what they are torqued to.)

My point is I feel they flex too much for double wrenching. I would buy anything else that flexes less, unless you get them cheap.

 

[plinker]

I have a long pattern set, 1/4 to 1" (1-1/16, 1-1/8 are Armstrong) pieced together off ebay so three different styles WCL(Bonney),RCL, MCL(current).

I like the MCL series as the wrench beam is more Square than most wrenches(doesn't dig in your hand).

I haven't really had any problems with any of them. They are a hair shorter than my Dads S-O long pattern wrenches though.

If I buy another set of combo wrenches it will be the Williams super combo's. They have a heavy beam and a open end that works like S-O's flank drive (it WILL mar fasteners). The 1/2 wrench I have feels indestructible.

 

[Fedwrench]

I prefer Matco combination wrenches over Snap on but, that's just me. The Matcos have served me well over the years. Depending on what vintage you get, the newer ones have a modified open end to improve grip and reduce slippage along with off corner box end engagement.
As for comparing them to the fixed Gearwrench models, the matcos have a slightly squarer beam, different chrome, and sound diffferent when dropped. If it's possible for a wrench to feel harder, the Matcos feel harder.
As for the scientific observations in the earlier posts, Matco sets usually sell cheaper used because unlike Craftsman and Snap on, matco isn't a household brand. People don't really know the brand and that's the way I like it. matco is not selling its name for flashlights and pressure washers at the local Costco (at least not yet) or the parts store. Secondly, double hooking two wrenches together proves nothing. The second wrench is more of a lever and since force is not being distributed in the right direction, it's going to flex. However, the wrench on the lug not doesn't seem to be flexing at all.
Buy the wrenches that feel best in your hand and that you can get the best deal on.

 

[bowtie3]

matco is not selling its name for flashlights and pressure washers at the local Costco (at least not yet) or the parts store. :

They have never.... never made any tools to sell anywhere, at least snap-on makes alot of the stuff they sell. No you cant buy matco at costco but you can go to any sears in the world and buy all the matco in disguise you can carry, for 1/4 the price. The only reason they are not doing that is because they don't have the brand recognition to pull it off, people would just walk right by thinking it was just another no name cheapo.

 

[wendell]

They have never.... never made any tools to sell anywhere, at least snap-on makes alot of the stuff they sell. No you cant buy matco at costco but you can go to any sears in the world and buy all the matco in disguise you can carry, for 1/4 the price. The only reason they are not doing that is because they don't have the brand recognition to pull it off, people would just walk right by thinking it was just another no name cheapo.

WOW! Unique logic to come out with this statement. Please explain how you've discounted the concept of distinct product lines/ brands with in a parent company. If possible, include a comparison of the Mercedes AMG SL600 and the Dodge Avenger. I think it will help me understand your position.

 

[hammergodthor]

I prefer Matco combination wrenches over Snap on but, that's just me. The Matcos have served me well over the years. Depending on what vintage you get, the newer ones have a modified open end to improve grip and reduce slippage along with off corner box end engagement.
As for comparing them to the fixed Gearwrench models, the matcos have a slightly squarer beam, different chrome, and sound diffferent when dropped. If it's possible for a wrench to feel harder, the Matcos feel harder.
As for the scientific observations in the earlier posts, Matco sets usually sell cheaper used because unlike Craftsman and Snap on, matco isn't a household brand. People don't really know the brand and that's the way I like it. matco is not selling its name for flashlights and pressure washers at the local Costco (at least not yet) or the parts store. Secondly, double hooking two wrenches together proves nothing. The second wrench is more of a lever and since force is not being distributed in the right direction, it's going to flex. However, the wrench on the lug not doesn't seem to be flexing at all.
Buy the wrenches that feel best in your hand and that you can get the best deal on.

Actually, it proves a lot. If you're in a tight spot with only a few degrees to swing the wrench to turn the stuck fastener, and the second wrench flexes and uses up all your swing room, you then have to reach into your box to find a different solution. thus I have to have a second set of wrenches and room for a second set, thus my craftsman wrenches that saved me in that situation two weeks ago... again.

I have a set of Matco stubbies that are probably at least 15 years old, and love them to death, the're awesome.

Different people have different experiences, though.

 

[Fedwrench]

Actually, it proves a lot. If you're in a tight spot with only a few degrees to swing the wrench to turn the stuck fastener, and the second wrench flexes and uses up all your swing room, you then have to reach into your box to find a different solution. thus I have to have a second set of wrenches and room for a second set, thus my craftsman wrenches that saved me in that situation two weeks ago... again.

I have a set of Matco stubbies that are probably at least 15 years old, and love them to death, the're awesome.

Different people have different experiences, though.

Absolutely, I would reach for the right tool instead of linking two wrenches together.

 

[TheGrooveking]

*Many people might disagree with me, this is my oponion*

1. Matco wrenches used are usually cheaper used
2. I own a few sets of said cheaper Matco wrenches
3. I prefer Craftsman raised panel wrenches.

Cheaper used = generally not as well liked???

I took these pictures @ about 100ft/lbs. This isn't the proper way to use a wrench, but sometimes you do what you gotta do. (These pictures are for example, I use a torque wrench on lug nuts, so I know what they are torqued to.)

My point is I feel they flex too much for double wrenching. I would buy anything else that flexes less, unless you get them cheap.

That is not a good or correct way to illiustrate distortion caused by stress. The design of the wrench would not be used in that axis, so you are the one distorting the facts. Granted some other wrenches may not deflect as much being used as a sideways breaker bar, but in the correct application they are very strong wrenchs. Having full sets of MAC, SnapOn, SK, Matco, Craftsman and Proto my first grab when it comes to combination wrenches is the Matco.

TheGrooveking

 

[hammergodthor]

Absolutely, I would reach for the right tool instead of linking two wrenches together.

Yeah, I tried a hammer but that didn't work. Then I tried doubling up the hammer, but that didn't work either!

 

[Tatersalad]

I had a set of matco long metric combo wrenches for years. They were good but I like that snap on wrenches have a slightly narrower open end, I also like the way that the boxed end is a little thicker than the beam on the SO wrenches. It makes it a little easier to get a bite on recessed fasteners. That said for the right price used I think the matco's are a great choice, and I kind of wish I would have kept mine for a home set.

 

[Rnz520]

I have a Matco set made my Bonney 10 to 19 mm and I prefer them over Snap Ons and MACs, I bought them used at a pawn shop for 75 bucks so who knows how old they are.

 

[bowtie3]

WOW! Unique logic to come out with this statement. Please explain how you've discounted the concept of distinct product lines/ brands with in a parent company. If possible, include a comparison of the Mercedes AMG SL600 and the Dodge Avenger. I think it will help me understand your position.

Does that AMG come out of the same plant using the same machines operated by the same people. I think a more accurate comparison would be the Chevy Caviler and Cadillac Cimarron ........ one was a Cadillac but both were Cavilers.

 

[bowtie3]

I wanted to just clear up I don't think the Matco stuff is bad I just don't think its worth the extra money vs. Craftsman.

 

[alex71]

I have a set of matco combos in sae and metric (the sae are bonney and the metric are danaher). in both cases they're my second set, SO being the primary set. I like the SO a bit better, both because they're a bit longer, and have 6pt box ends...

I also have a couple of doublebox matco sets, which I like better than their SO coutnerparts. the beams are more comfortable.

I also think double wrenching is tool abuse. I would only do it if I had to, and the right tool was not available. I.e. a breakdown situation in BFE.

 

[bigsteve1969]

My point is I feel they flex too much for double wrenching. I would buy anything else that flexes less, unless you get them cheap.

they didnt break did they? thats what i look for

 

[FastKat]

I am pretty sure this is incorrect. I emailed Danaher about 2 months ago asking them to distinguish between their Craftsman Pro, Gearwrench non-ratcheting, and Matco combo wrenches. C-man Pro and Matco come out of the same plant in the USA. As was told to me by the rep, the Matco wrenches undergo a much more stringent hardening process, which sets them apart from the C-man Pro wrenches. If this is true, the Matco wrenches are stronger than the C-man Pro wrenches.

No you cant buy matco at costco but you can go to any sears in the world and buy all the matco in disguise you can carry, for 1/4 the price.

 

[bowtie3]

I am pretty sure this is incorrect. I emailed Danaher about 2 months ago asking them to distinguish between their Craftsman Pro, Gearwrench non-ratcheting, and Matco combo wrenches. C-man Pro and Matco come out of the same plant in the USA. As was told to me by the rep, the Matco wrenches undergo a much more stringent hardening process, which sets them apart from the C-man Pro wrenches. If this is true, the Matco wrenches are stronger than the C-man Pro wrenches.

So... lets assume that this is true, they didn't say they were made in a different plant or with different steel or by better super duper machines or better employees. The hardening process is more stringent... I'm not a hardening expert but I would like to know the difference. They must be burning $100 bills for fuel in the furnace when the Matcos are in there, otherwise i couldn't imagine it could cost that much more. I wouldn't expect them to say "nah they're the same we just charge 4 times more for the Matco name, would you? I would love to know what Matco pays Danaher for a set verses what Sears pays it wouldn't surprise me if Matco actually pays less.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Matco pays Danaher for a set verses what Sears pays it wouldn't surprise me if Matco actually pays less.

Matco is Danaher.....

 

[bowtie3]

Matco is Danaher.....

Matco is owned by Danaher but they operate as totally separate entities. I am sure Danaher builds the wrenches for Matco for a certain dollar amount then Matco pays Danaher for the wrenches. I assure you Matco pays Danaher for all the product they ship to them just like anyone else who buys from Danaher. Its 2 different companies that just happen to have the same owners.

 

[CamarosRus]

Other than FEDWRENCH (which I highly respect) are there any other comments on.............

GEARRWRENCH Long Pattern Combo Wrenches..........

Where do they fall in line cosmetically (chrome and finish) and "feel"

I dont plan on breaking any combination wrench

I have sets of GW SAE and Metric coming that I bought here fpr $50 each..........

We shall see.....

 

[CamarosRus]

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