so after searching and reading through all these post it seems like a tie between the dual 80 and matco 88 with the dual 80 having a slight lead. I'm trying to buy my first ratchet for work, and I'm trying to decide between the FHLF80 or BFR128LFTM Both are fine tooth, both are flex heads, both are comfort grips, both cos about the same with a student discount. The thing is the matco has a locking flex and I read that the snap on is smoother. I also believe that if I get the FHLF80 I will get the new revision? Any changes to this revision that affect performance other than the screws being moved? right now I'm leaning more toward the FHLF80 because shipping is free from SO, and I can tighten the flex if it looses up.
another 88 vs dual 80 post
- Thread starter Aklass
- Start date
shanker
Well-known member
I have one of each...the snap on is smoother, but both are great ratchets
I prefer the selector on the Matco better, but the odd shaped one on the snap-on didnt prevent me from buying it.
Also look into getting a low profile Gearwrench ratchet and putting Matco 88 guts in it..I've done this to two of my Gearwrench Ratchets and they work great
I prefer the selector on the Matco better, but the odd shaped one on the snap-on didnt prevent me from buying it.
Also look into getting a low profile Gearwrench ratchet and putting Matco 88 guts in it..I've done this to two of my Gearwrench Ratchets and they work great
tonydanzah
Well-known member
matco locking flexhead
At that cost its the same cost of the matco locking ratchet after student discount
not-required
Well-known member
I love my matco locking flex heads.
You don't get free shipping with matco student discount? I'm in hawaii and I get free shipping from them so I would assume you would get free shipping also.
You don't get free shipping with matco student discount? I'm in hawaii and I get free shipping from them so I would assume you would get free shipping also.
dime
Well-known member
I would say grab them both and see what feels better to you in your hand. I personally like the matco 88s and have a few different models of them but they really are both great ratchets, you can't really make a bad choice here. Also just FYI on my 88 locking flexhead you can tighten it if it gets floppy just like you can on the snap on the only one you can't is my bent handle 88 but it uses ball detente so you shouldn't ever have to tighten it anyway.
I never got as far as the checkout menu because they want credit card info before they show shipping options
alright, this has me leaning back towards the matco right now then, because both trucks are non existent at our shop, we only get MAC
dime
Well-known member
Well if you need pics or specific info let me know. I have a bfr11t that is upgraded to 88 tooth and locking flexhead comfort grip 88, anD a bent handle 88, and a 1/2" locking flexhead 88. So if you need any info about those or pics let me know.
I've always been interested in the internals of the ratchet, Ive seen the dual 80 but never the 88
dime
Well-known member
alright ill head out and get you a pic of the inside in a little while.
How is Matco's online / phone service? I know snap-on's is very good.
You've really done your homework here. Not trying to be rude, and we all do it to some degree, but if we worked overtime for the hours we scrutinize these purchases, we could have enough to buy anything we wanted and one of each kind...
Go with your gut and take a shot. This will NOT be your last ratchet purchase.
You've really done your homework here. Not trying to be rude, and we all do it to some degree, but if we worked overtime for the hours we scrutinize these purchases, we could have enough to buy anything we wanted and one of each kind...
Go with your gut and take a shot. This will NOT be your last ratchet purchase.
not sure about matco's service, but I have a freind across the street from us that matco actually services, its just that by the time the truck gets to our shop we're closed.
powertrip
Well-known member
Get the one made in the usa
dime
Well-known member
hahahahahaahahahaahaha i will say my matco ratchets say USA on them.
Matco 88's with the Comfort grip arent stamped USA either. I think its silly that its cheaper to have 2 seperate dies versus finding a company in the US who can supply them with a Comfort Grip.
dime
Well-known member
thats true but do the non comfort grip dual 80s say usa? i have only used the comfort grip ones.
NO.. Unless you have a Early Model.
Mr.Nutcase
Well-known member
I have both the 88 Matco and the Snap On with out the handle..
I like the Matco better..........
For non flex I like the Snap On with a grip..
I just had the dealer replace the grips
Pics soon
I like the Matco better..........
For non flex I like the Snap On with a grip..
I just had the dealer replace the grips
Pics soon
Last edited:
mikebramel
Well-known member
The matco locking flex set up is exponentially better
VegaS10
Well-known member
I have both.
I use both equally, however for really tight spots where swing is difficult the Matco is the go-to.
That's the only advantage, and it is a slim one.
I use both equally, however for really tight spots where swing is difficult the Matco is the go-to.
That's the only advantage, and it is a slim one.
dime
Well-known member
heres your pic
Attachments
Appleyard
Well-known member
I have both in the non flex head. It's a close tie, but I'd pick my Matco over SO simply because of the thinner profile head and recessed selector lever. Laying side by side the difference in profile is pretty obvious.
Appleyard
Well-known member
I noticed you were worried about the Matco's head becoming floppy. If you've got a friend across the street, couldn't you just head over to their shop after yours closes and have the Matco man warranty it for you?
Hell, get on the truck while Matco is at your friend's hop before you buy it online and get one in your hands and see how it feels to YOU.
Mr.Nutcase
Well-known member
Pictures:
Attachments
dime
Well-known member
you can tighten the locking flexheads just like a snap on.
Mr.Nutcase
Well-known member
Matco locking are better... I like more....
dime
Well-known member
agreed. i love my matcos they are all my go to ratchets.
Appleyard
Well-known member
Here's a couple pictures of a side-by-side comparisson of the heads. Both are 3/8 drive non flex FWIW
<a href="http://s850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/?action=view¤t=5abfffd5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/5abfffd5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>
<a href="http://s850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/?action=view¤t=3b1ba909.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/3b1ba909.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>
<a href="http://s850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/?action=view¤t=5abfffd5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/5abfffd5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>
<a href="http://s850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/?action=view¤t=3b1ba909.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab66/akombuchamushroomman/3b1ba909.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>
4x4gearhead
Well-known member
My snap on dealer had a dual 80 flex head with the locking head also, it just has the button on the handle instead of up by the U. I personally like this better due to the fact the matco style comes undone when brushed up against something, and in my experience this isnt hard to do. A sealed head ratchet is > teardrop snap ring style.