Armstrong Maxx Ratchets

[DTB]

So I ditched my Craftsman ratchets in favor of Dual 80s and I never looked back.Although there were other options out there I started with used Snap On ratchets for decent prices,and I could warranty them at a nearby service station every Wednesday.Only one I bought new was the FHL80 just to break the ice with the Snap On dealer. Currently I've got a T72,F80,FHL80,S80,Sl80. I don't have any flex head ratchets and I'm looking to add a few to my collection.I seen a Armstrong ratchet in the classifieds that caught my eye.So I decided to look around and seen what came up.Appears that I can order them from Advance Auto.They look like decent ratchets,although only 60 tooth but Matco 88 kit will work in them won't they?They have locking flex head which is a plus.The only flex ratchet I ever used was a crappy Craftsman that worked every way but the right way.A locking flex is the way I would go if I went with a flex.So does anyone here have the Armstrong Maxx ratchets?If so,how do you like them? They look almost identical to the Matcos,although I don't see a 24" 1/2 drive flex..How is the square handle? I didn't like the square handle on the craftsman ratchets,I hope these are more comfortable..

 

[binder man]

I can't speak for armstrong or matcos ratchets, but my snap on flex heads Hold there head very well. I can't stand locking flex heads, because it seems everytime I need to be in between clicks on the head.

 

[PT Doc]

I can't speak for armstrong or matcos ratchets, but my snap on flex heads Hold there head very well. I can't stand locking flex heads, because it seems everytime I need to be in between clicks on the head.

SO locking flex head can be released to be a free flex head.

 

[diesel research]

I can't speak for armstrong or matcos ratchets, but my snap on flex heads Hold there head very well. I can't stand locking flex heads, because it seems everytime I need to be in between clicks on the head.

Never understood this argument. Just unlock the thing and pretend it is not a locking flexhead.

Have the 17" 1/2" drive and the 10"ish 3/8 armstrong maxx. They work well. I don't get excited about them, but they don't leave me disappointed either. Just ratchets, which mean they are a specialty tool.

Square handle was an attraction, quite comfortable. I think kobalt used to use a similar pattern on some of their tools.

 

[Jeeper]

I have them and like them. They are 60tooth but everyone (including my matco dealer) that the 88 tooth kit will fit. I will be putting some in them soon. I think they are a really good value for a locking flex short of buying off ebay.



And every thread needs some pics so here are my armstrong & matcos.

 

[Old Donn]

I never I didn't like the square handle on the craftsman ratchets.

Interesting, that's the one thing I like about C-man RP I-beam ratchets. Since they were all I had for many years, I got used to the feel.

 

[bobcatdan]

100% the same as a 60 tooth Matco but with a squared handle. Great ratchets, I wouldn't waste the time to put a 88 kit, these are plenty fine. I don't care for locking flex, but they came up with a system that works, locks when you want it and has never locked when I didn't. I have six of the 60 tooth Matco and have had no problems. Great ratchet.

 

[DTB]

Thanks for the pictures and info.I'm thinking about buying a 1/4,3/8,and the 1/2 flex.They look really nice from the photos.Too bad they don't have a 24" flex ratchet.Although then they would steal Matco's business...I suppose I will just buy a 24" GearWrench breaker bar from Advance while I'm there,and use a Snap On ratcheting adapter if it comes to it..

 

[Jeeper]

Check out tooltopia for prices. That's where I bought mine.

 

[njride]

Check out tooltopia for prices. That's where I bought mine.

yup, thats where I got mine, they should be here anyday. Free shipping if you get the order ove $100 too. I did pretty much the same thing as op, upgraded to the standard dual 80's and then wanted to add some nice flexheads.

 

[gauder the goof]

Is everyone just choosing danaher products based on which handle feels best to them?

 

[njride]

Is everyone just choosing danaher products based on which handle feels best to them?

I got them because after research people said the locking part is even better than the snap on version, the ratchet can be easily upgraded to matco 88 guts or keep the 60 tooth which is really fine anyway and they are made in the usa, plus the finish looks mighty good. I searched this forum alot and it was pretty hard to find anyone with anything bad to say about these, most felt they were a steal at 50% off the matcos and damn near as good.

 

[gauder the goof]

Thanks for answering.

So what's the difference between the USA Armstrong and Taiwan Gearwrench ratchets?

 

[diesel research]

Is everyone just choosing danaher products based on which handle feels best to them?

The made in USA stamp, price, durability, and locking function are nice.

What other options do you have? Just tool trucks for the most part.

 

[diesel research]

Thanks for answering.

So what's the difference between the USA Armstrong and Taiwan Gearwrench ratchets?

What is the part number for a gearwrench taiwan locking flex ratchet?


EDIT:
nevermind, found out they don't make such a thing, so that is one big difference.

 

[DTB]

I don't think GW offers a locking flex, do they? I almost considered buying a 3/8 GW flex and trying it out but after seeing these Armstrong locking flex,I think that is the way I will go.Thanks for all the input.

 

[gauder the goof]

Sorry, I'm asking about the difference all other things being the same. eg: standard armstrong vs gearwrench

 

[diesel research]

Sorry, I'm asking about the difference all other things being the same. eg: standard armstrong vs gearwrench

Handle and COO.

 

[fivespdcat]

I've got the 1/4" and 3/8" and love them. I almost pulled the trigger on the 1/2" but don't really have a good use for it. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with these considering the modest price. The only other 1/2" that I'm considering is the SK one.

 

[Fedwrench]

Sorry, I'm asking about the difference all other things being the same. eg: standard armstrong vs gearwrench

The Armstrong Maxx and Gearwrench ratchets share the same 60 tooth action. A standard Armstrong ratchet only has 36 teeth.

 

[Jeeper]

I almost pulled the trigger on the 1/2" but don't really have a good use for it.

As a member of the Garage Journal Brotherhood, "need" does not enter into the decision. Buy one already.

 

[Jeeper]

Is everyone just choosing danaher products based on which handle feels best to them?

I bought the Armstrongs first because it's a cheap way to get into a good locking flex. Like them enough, I have bought some Matcos from a neighborhood dealer.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I don't normally get too excited by Armstrong stuff, but the Maxx ratchets are really nice. I've used one of my coworkers' Maxx several times and I'd buy one without hesitation (if my beloved Husky locking flex ever gives out on me, it'll get replaced with the Armstrong).

 

[phi2039]

FYI guys...the 1/4 and 3/8 drive Maxx ratchets are now 88-tooth from the factory. I am sure there are some 60T units in distributor inventory, but I expect those will flow through before long.

 

[diesel research]

FYI guys...the 1/4 and 3/8 drive Maxx ratchets are now 88-tooth from the factory. I am sure there are some 60T units in distributor inventory, but I expect those will flow through before long.

Can you say buyers remorse?!

Good thing I didn't buy the 1/4 yet...

 

[DTB]

Sweet,even more incentive to purchase. I heard the GW ratchets would be upgrading to 84 or 88 Q1 2012 but didn't know that Armstrong was moving up also.

 

[Jeeper]

Can you say buyers remorse?!

Good thing I didn't buy the 1/4 yet...

Not at all. I bought mine 2 years ago but I will probably be putting 88 tooth kits in.

 

[Fedwrench]

Not at all. I bought mine 2 years ago but I will probably be putting 88 tooth kits in.

If you can get an 88 tooth repair kit for free, ok but, I don't understand why anyone would pay for an 88 tooth kit to upgrade their 60 tooth ratchet?
28 more teeth spread out on a gear about the size of a quarter isn't that much of an improvement. I own both styles and feel that anything over 60 teeth is overkill but, that's just me.

Seems like 2012 will be the year of 80 plus toothed ratchets with Gearwrench going to 84, and more Danaher/Apex brands moving to 88 teeth.