All Armstrong Maxx ratchets now 88 teeth, including locking flex ratchets

[SMKS]

Maybe this is a repost, but I haven't seen it.

It appears that last month Armstrong announced they've upgraded all the Maxx ratchets to 88 teeth. That means all three sizes of the locking flex ratchets and the 1/2" non-flex ratchet will now have 88 teeth.

Previously, they had only upgraded the 1/4" and 3/8" drive non-flex Maxx ratchets to 88 teeth. The 1/2" and all the locking flex ratchets were still 60 teeth, until now.

More info here:
http://www.armstrongtools.com/home/index/view/news/armstrong-maxx-family-welcome-new-additions

 

[sleepy127]

They look nice. I wouldn't mind trying one out. They are fairly expensive though. I found them on Amazon, where else could you pick them up and who can you warranty them through?

 

[DTB]

Great...but how long will it take to weed out the old stock maxx flex ratchets with the 60T mechanism?

 

[Ign]

Great...but how long will it take to weed out the old stock maxx flex ratchets with the 60T mechanism?

LOL, that was my thought the second I saw the title. Poor Epstein's is gonna have to set up a dedicated call line just to handle the inquiries. Me, I'm buying Carlyle flex only because GJ COO fanatics told me not to

 

[Askme42]

Mine were all 60 tooth. Got 88 tooth rebuild for the 3/8. Not that expensive.

 

[cheechi]

They look nice. I wouldn't mind trying one out. They are fairly expensive though. I found them on Amazon, where else could you pick them up and who can you warranty them through?

www.trident-supply.com

 

[sk farmer]

but......but..........but.........what are all the kool-aid drinkers going to do now that the whole armstrong line is better than the 80 tooth lineup..............oh wait a bunch of those don't even have 80 teeth anyway.

 

[1950mercury]

but......but..........but.........what are all the kool-aid drinkers going to do now that the whole armstrong line is better than the 80 tooth lineup..............oh wait a bunch of those don't even have 80 teeth anyway.

Tooth count isnt everything. Does someone need attention?

 

[sk farmer]

Tooth count isnt everything. Does someone need attention?

^^^^^misses sarcasm. how about this?

kool-aid drinkers show up to tell us the answer (no matter the question) is always "the dual 80 is the best ratchet ever made" in 3............2..............1

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

^^^^^misses sarcasm. how about this?

kool-aid drinkers show up to tell us the answer (no matter the question) is always "the dual 80 is the best ratchet ever made" in 3............2..............1

Congratulations, you were the first one to mention the Dual 80's in this thread.

 

[sk farmer]

just beating them to the punch with sarcasm. the armstrong maxx series is a fantastic ratchet. i own the 1/4 and 3/8 drive versions and also the 60 tooth locking flex version in 1/4 and 3/8. my go to ratchets on most jobs. i even have an 88 tooth kit in a gearwrench. kudos to armstrong for updating the line.

my dual 80? it collects dust most of the time. it is a real pretty one with a red hard handle but beyond that the hype over them is lost on me.

 

[ADSR]

No one ever stocks the 88 rebuild kits!! i want some!

 

[ADSR]

btw HJE sells the rats cheap!

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

just beating them to the punch with sarcasm. the armstrong maxx series is a fantastic ratchet. i own the 1/4 and 3/8 drive versions and also the 60 tooth locking flex version in 1/4 and 3/8. my go to ratchets on most jobs. i even have an 88 tooth kit in a gearwrench. kudos to armstrong for updating the line.

my dual 80? it collects dust most of the time. it is a real pretty one with a red hard handle but beyond that the hype over them is lost on me.

It seems that you are the only one working to derail this thread?

Maybe you could enlighten the board on why these are your favorite ratchets because you're failing at sarcasm.

 

[JDon99]

Damn, I should have waited to buy my MAXX sets. They are great ratchets at a very good price. I must say though, the 1/2" drive dual 80 does have a smoother feel imo, but I'd take either one.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's really a no brainer for Armstrong since they've been making Matco 88 tooth ratchets for like 7 years now.

As I have said many times before, the leap in performance from 30 or 36 teeth to 88 teeth is huge but, the move from 60 to 88, not so much but, that's just me.

 

[ADSR]

It's really a no brainer for Armstrong since they've been making Matco 88 tooth ratchets for like 7 years now.

As I have said many times before, the leap in performance from 30 or 36 teeth to 88 teeth is huge but, the move from 60 to 88, not so much but, that's just me.

I agree. But if i break the 60, i'd like to have an 88 on hand. These are my go to rats.

Well.....i use my williams a lot too

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

As I have said many times before, the leap in performance from 30 or 36 teeth to 88 teeth is huge but, the move from 60 to 88, not so much but, that's just me.

I generally agree, but that small difference really comes into play when using long handled ratchets!

I think this is a good move for Armstrong. I would like to see them introduce a stubby now that they have standardized on the 88t mechanism.

 

[Rarified27]

LOL, that was my thought the second I saw the title. Poor Epstein's is gonna have to set up a dedicated call line just to handle the inquiries. Me, I'm buying Carlyle flex only because GJ COO fanatics told me not to

Also my first thought!

I might call Epstein's tomorrow just to see where they are on this thing.

 

[ADSR]

Also my first thought!

I might call Epstein's tomorrow just to see where they are on this thing.

If you do, harass them about the repair kits lol

 

[SMKS]

Great...but how long will it take to weed out the old stock maxx flex ratchets with the 60T mechanism?

My guess would be places that are on-the-ball like Harry Epstein will be aware of the change and update their website when they have 88 tooth versions in store.

Contacting them if you're interested in ordering one probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

[Rarified27]

Just called.

Official word from Epstein's: "I don't have a clue" lol.

The guy on the phone couldn't have been nicer, but was also very clear that they had no information regarding the updated models.

We're probably better off waiting like SMKS said until the site is updated.

I'd really like a 1/4" Maxx flex head.

One more thing on the list...

 

[sk farmer]

i think that is fairly typical. as new stock rolls in it will be the updated tooth count. i doubt that there big promotion of it other than the news release fro armstrong

 

[67King]

So what is the expected course over the time period until these are launched? I'm in the market, will the 60 tooth ones go on clearance and drop in price, or will the 88's come out and be more expensive? Anyone care to take an (educated) guess?

 

[sk farmer]

So what is the expected course over the time period until these are launched? I'm in the market, will the 60 tooth ones go on clearance and drop in price, or will the 88's come out and be more expensive? Anyone care to take an (educated) guess?

educated? not around here. my guess is that they will just switch as stock changes. i doubt that there will be a significant change in price if any. the only difference is in the pawl and gear.

 

[OxJaw]

They look nice. I wouldn't mind trying one out. They are fairly expensive though. I found them on Amazon, where else could you pick them up and who can you warranty them through?

Below is how I ordered them, I'm not sure about pricing everywhere now but at the time it was the cheapest way I found to buy them. Occasionally you can find better AAP coupon codes. Love mine btw.

I have no idea how long it will take for the 88's to show up at AAP though.

Don't forget about advance auto parts if you're wanting the flex versions. They are cheaper than anywhere I could find if you use one of there coupon codes. Free shipping over $75 also. Use code TRT30 for 30% off of the 1/4" and 3/8" order together so you get free shipping. Use A124 for the 1/2" ratchet. Make sure you split the two order to maximize savings and still take advantage of the free shipping.

10-994 1/4" $44.79 after discount. That's $19.20 off.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/armstrong-1-4-drive-maxx-locking-flex-socket-arm10-994/99996839-P

11-994 3/8" $54.32 after discount. That's $23.27 off.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...ocking-flex-head-ratchet-arm11-994/22981909-P

12-994 1/2" $78.89 after using A124 discount. That's $40 off.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...ocking-flex-head-ratchet-arm12-994/22981910-P

That makes for a total of $178+ tax for all three, even with tax that's cheaper than I could find for new ones anywhere else.

 

[jsackin]

I checked our current stock and none of the ratchets we have are 88 tooth besides the aerospace ones. I'll keep you guys updated if anything comes in.

thanks

Jori
HJE

 

[ADSR]

I checked our current stock and none of the ratchets we have are 88 tooth besides the aerospace ones. I'll keep you guys updated if anything comes in.

thanks

Jori
HJE

Jori, can you order some 88 tooth repair kits? I'd like to have a few sizes on hand. I also need to make an order from you guys.

Thanks bud.

 

[jsackin]

Jori, can you order some 88 tooth repair kits? I'd like to have a few sizes on hand. I also need to make an order from you guys.

Thanks bud.

Sure. That shouldn't be a problem to get the repair kit.
Also, I have a call into the Armstrong rep about this, and we'll see if he has some answers about what's going on.

Jori
HJE

 

[mrjaw14]

I have all 3 MAXX flex heads, I'd probably be wanting to upgrade my 1/4 and 3/8 to 88T...so if you can get rebuild kits I'll probably be good for those two sizes

 

[ADSR]

^^ More sales for the 88 toofs. I need kits for the 1/4 and 3/8's. I need to buy the 1/2 ratchet, but i'll wait to see what Jori's Armstrong rep says about it.

 

[mrjaw14]

I've got to say, I was using my 60t 1/4" MAXX flex when installing a 10mm nut on an alternator and the back drag was next to nothing. nut was still turning freely but I could ratchet it back on instead of sticking my hand down there. I'm really loving my Armstrong rats! 88T would just be icing on the cake.

 

[SantaAna12]

How much was your 3/8 kit askme?

 

[lightning02]

I'm in for a complete set of 88t ratchets if anyone finds a places selling them.

 

[ADSR]

How much was your 3/8 kit askme?

Can't see them being more than 8 - 12 bucks. The gearwrench 84T that fits them is 10$

 

[SantaAna12]

Is it the same rebranded?

NVM

Sorry
...watching game...dumb question.

 

[stage20]

Is it the same rebranded?

No. 84t vs 88t

 

[SantaAna12]

Yep.

Great game!

Dumb question.

Will look for one of these and some super lube. Anyone else notice alot of slack in the action?

 

[OxJaw]

Can't see them being more than 8 - 12 bucks. The gearwrench 84T that fits them is 10$

Matco 88 3/8" rebuild kit I bought was $17 plus $5 for shipping, I bought them from a Matco dealer on GJ. The Armstrong site lists them at $28.07.

 

[DirtyWeRX]

Thats great to hear.

I literally just converted an Armstrong ratchet to 88T this week. I didnt want to pay Matco pricing. So I purchased an Armstrong ratchet from one website for $57+ shipping. Didnt know the one I got only had 60T. Matco guy came by wednesday and purchased an 88T rebuild kit for $17. Loving it so far