Any opinions on Matco tools?

[sickytwisted]

I too am a student and I get the discounts. MAC does have a similar program. I don't know how to copy and paste a link here so i won't even try. It seems like they make it just a bit harder to get tools from them as a student. you need to fill out a form and hunt down a truck, hope that he can put you in line with a salesman who will come to you. MATCO and Snap On gives you the discount right online.

 

[John the theologian]

Yet Matco tools have a student discount. My son is in auto tech and has accessed this website-- http://www.matcotools.com/TechEd/students.jsp.

 

[sickytwisted]

can you teach me how to paste a link?

 

[krusty the clown]

can you teach me how to paste a link?

right click on the address, click on copy, place the cursor in the reply field, right click, then click on paste.

 

[Rnz520]

I like my Matco tools and my SO tools, some stuff is very similar between them. I find myself going more lately for my Gearwrench 88 (Matco 88 tooth head) than for my dual 80, mainly because of the slightly longer handle and thinner head.
Just make sure what you buy is comparable in both price and quality between both suppliers so you can get the best deal, most USA matco stuff is just as good as SO

 

[sickytwisted]

tried that Krusty. It pasted the text only. No worries. i'll figure it out.

 

[psychoclaw84]

there is no cheap stuff........and the prices remained the same when they changed to made in china.

Well Stated

 

[Skyline]

What makes me worried about Matco is the total lack of dealers in my area. I live in a suburb of NY City, and there is NO Matco dealer in the county as of recently. But after talking with my former dealer, and the Matco District manager, it is clear that it's not just my immediate area without a dealer. There's no dealers in the Bronx or Manhattan either, as well as several other neighboring counties. BTW, it's pretty much the same for Cornwell. But you see Snap-on trucks everywhere, and the occasional MAC truck.

I do not live in some back-woods area. The county I live in has one of the highest per-capita incomes (if not THE highest,) in the nation, and it is not rural and spread out. There are lots of car dealerships, and private repair shops, not to mention other potential buyers like municipal garages and airport service. My Snap-on guy is a multi millionaire. It would seem to be prime turf for a tool dealer....yet no takers from Matco or Cornwell.

Clearly, if Matco and Cornwell want to stay in business, they need to do more to attract dealers, and make the "deal" somehow better for them. And they also need to make it easier/less expensive for new dealers to start up.

 

[pearl_dude]

Well I received my order from Matco today. Really exciting!! I ordered the Brake tool set, hook-n-pick set, and the HD fender cover. I have some pics for whoever is interested. The Brake Tool Set is made in Taiwan and the Pick set is made in Germany by Witte.

What I really like about the set is that it comes with a brake spring remover/installer with handles.

That's it for now!

 

[mkdive]

But for the most part, wouldn't you say that snap on is pretty much the tools dreams are made of.

I would say pebble grain plombs are the tools dreams are made of, but hey....thats just my opinion.

 

[ProGun3400]

there is no cheap stuff........and the prices remained the same when they changed to made in china.

Agreed. A fellow mechanic just bought their (Screaming Eagle brand? IIRC China) "cheap" wrench and socket set at darn near $400.00

I asked about a set of tamperproof bits last week on the Matco truck. He showed me the "cheap" non-Matco set. I looked it over and noticed they were made in Taiwan. I asked if the Matco set was made in America. He said he was almost sure it was based on the fact it was twice the price in his computer. I opened the Matco set only to discover it was made in China. The former Matco route man prior to his departure from Matco laid some mumbo jumbo on us about the company doing extensive research-surveying mechanics. According to him, the survey concluded most mechanics were ok with Asian (read China) made tools priced accordingly. I don't buy that **** and most all of the Matco, China made tools I've come across so far are not any cheaper. I wonder if this survey was conducted in the USA?

 

[jteck75]

I'd be willing to bet the "survey" was conducted in a board of directors meeting.

 

[Billin21]

]
Clearly, if Matco and Cornwell want to stay in business,

Matco is backed by Danaher... They're not going anywhere. Cornwell on the other hand, time will tell

 

[chromemoly]

I''ve been looking at their products for a minute now. Their prices are way more user friendly than that of snap on and mac. I just want to know, do you use matco products and if so, would you agree that they provide comparable tools to those which snap on and mac put out. All opinions are welcome. PLEASE AND THANK YOU!

It depends entirely on the part number - some Matco stuff is pretty good, other Matco stuff isn't so good; same goes for

the other 3 companies.

.

Uuumm....., just wondering who the other 3 companies are

 

[chromemoly]

Got Snap on and Mac but who's on third?

 

[mkdive]

SK = 3rd

 

[t100]

Yet Matco tools have a student discount. My son is in auto tech and has accessed this website-- http://www.matcotools.com/TechEd/students.jsp.

so far, Matco is the most student friendly website, I can logon and every thing is clearly marked as "retail" and "student" prices. you can cherry pick anything listed on there, create your own "wish list" and purchase anything when you're ready. or, email your wishlist to your family or friends, letting them know these are what you want for as gifts, that's really cool. they even run some specials on top of the student discount. I'm not supposed to publish these prices in public, but all I can say is, most of the hardline stuff are less then half of the listed retail.

as for SO and MAC, we have SO catalogs at school from an industrial rep, but the list is very limited you can't just cherry pick what you want, it's what they allow you to have, mostly in different packages. MAC, you have to fill out a form and signed by your school instructor then send in. why bother.

I have to say, I like Matco, not only for the website, the local dealer is really cool. earlier today I tracked him down at one of his stops, had 3 screwdrivers I bought from ebay warrantied by him, no questions asked, even I only bought a pair of Hansen socket trays from him which he gave me cheaper than the website.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

SK = 3rd

I think he was talking about cornwell.

 

[sickytwisted]

Well then, I need to befriend a Matco salesman on this Forum to tell me if the products that I want to buy are US made. ANY MATCO SALESMAN OUT THERE! HIT ME UP! Send me a PM.

 

[crewchief888]

just my 2cents,
i've been a heavy equipment mechanic for 25 years, some manufacturers tools just wont fit in places that someone elses will. ie: mac's angle head wrenches are much thicker than matco's. craftsman impact sockets are thicker -walled than most everyone elses.
if you need a 1 1/4" crowsfoot 3/8th drive, snappy's the only place to get one. one thing i stayed steadfast on were tool boxes. ALL the boxes that i used professionally @ work were snapon. after having boxes virtually fall apart on me, i went to snappy and never looked back. for my own "non pro" shop i use whatever brand of boxes i can find used and in good condition. i have a set of ancient montgomery ward boxes ( freebie) a set of waterloo's ( freebie) a lyons box (used $50) a 70's era craftsman top (flea market $25) and a snappy roll cab ( dumpster find, fell out of the back of a guys pickup and bent the frame).