Armstrong MAXX Ratchets.

[TimDaToolMan]

I'm thinking of selling my 3 Armstrong Standard tooth ratchets, and upgrading to the MAXX line of ratchets.

Has anyone here used them before?

 

[MJB24]

From craftsman to armstrong and now again. You would be better off buying other tools for your collection.

 

[diesel research]

yes, good stuff.

get the locking flex and leave it locked when you only need a "regular" ratchet. the extra length is handy.

 

[allinon72]

I have a 3/8" flex head and regular 3/8" MAXX and they are both great. Very smooth.

 

[TimDaToolMan]

Odd...

The Harry J Epstien Site says the 11-992 3/8 Maxx has 88 teeth, but other sources (including Armstrong) say 60.

 

[charlestmann]

Didn't you just get those ratchets a couple days ago?

 

[TimDaToolMan]

Didn't you just get those ratchets a couple days ago?

The Standard ones, not the maxx.

 

[charlestmann]

The Standard ones, not the maxx.

Yes. That's my point. Have you even used the the ones you just got?

 

[diesel research]

Odd...

The Harry J Epstien Site says the 11-992 3/8 Maxx has 88 teeth, but other sources (including Armstrong) say 60.

the epstein short handles are special upgraded aerospace (documented meeting various test standards in aerospace/mil-spec) but using the same part number.

it doesnt matter, since it is not the locking flex.

 

[dsmnickk90]

The Maxx used to be 60t they are now 88t but depending on who you order from you might get 60t. Harry J Epstien moves alot of them so you will get new stock from them. I have Cman Premiums and wish I would of got Armstrong MAXX as they are about a inch shorter. The Cman are just a little long for me at times

 

[jmm]

Yes. That's my point. Have you even used the the ones you just got?

Seriously. You're making hasty decisions which will only hurt you monetarily. Your Craftsmans turn bolts just the same as Armstrongs, or for that matter a Snap On. It's only when you start doing specialized work that you'll realize the necessity of specialized tools (an ultra fine tooth ratchet, for example).

 

[TimDaToolMan]

I don't consider fine tooth rats a specialty tool.

There is many times working on cars, where I have needed a fine tooth rat.

 

[MJB24]

If thats the case why did you the standards first. Use patience before buying tools

 

[jmm]

I don't consider fine tooth rats a specialty tool.

There is many times working on cars, where I have needed a fine tooth rat.

Then why didn't you buy one? I've never needed one at home -- an old school SK is always plenty for me. Not to say they're not nice to have, but they've never been necessary. I can work around limitations with various different extensions and socket types.

Not trying to bust your balls, just trying to save your wallet some grief.

 

[fivespdcat]

I have the armstrong maxx 3/8 and 1/4 flex head locking ratchets. I love them, they are my go to ratchets. The only time I don't use them is when space is an issue, then I reach for the SK 1/4 fine tooth or a standard 3/8 ratchet. Definitely worth the price of admission. The thing I would change if I had the choice is the handles, really wish they were round.

 

[diesel research]

if it has the "AS" stamp, then it gets upgraded to 88 teeth, but only available with 2 part numbers, identical to non-as counterparts.

 

[kythri]

I don't consider fine tooth rats a specialty tool.

There is many times working on cars, where I have needed a fine tooth rat.

Then why did you start this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192311

???

Is there anything bad about having ratchets without as many teeth?

 

[SMKS]

The AS 88 tooth ratchets have replaced the regular 60 tooth maxx ratchets, that's why they have the same part numbers as the old 60 tooth ratchets. But, only in the two sizes noted above, 3/8" and 1/4" non-flex ratchets. The 1/2" and flex ratchets are still 60 teeth, as far as we know.

I'm sure many places never updated their online listings. Armstrong did a poor job of publicizing the upgrade. If you order from a place with old stock, you may get a 60 tooth.

More info/pics on maxx ratchets in these threads:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130377
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/

 

[jmm]

Then why did you start this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192311

???

Jeez man. Many times where you've needed a fine tooth rat, since last weekend when you learned what the difference was?

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

those ratchets are nice, i HAD wished I had not bought them..
when they were 60th ratchets, had to buy Matco 88 gears from Matco dealer and upgrade the Armstrong to 88.
I recommend them., I really nice ratchet.

 

[Justin1776]

Jeez man. Many times where you've needed a fine tooth rat, since last weekend when you learned what the difference was?

Maybe it's because he realized his C-man and Armstrong ratchets are the same with a different handle?

 

[mopar01]

I would tthink the ratchets you bought would be fine. I used my mac 30 tooth for a long time and then bought a couple of dual 80s. I work in a shop and still use my macs as well as my snap ons. If you not doing it everyday I think you should keep the ones you have.

 

[shoturtle]

Mopar01,

He has been all caught up the the GJ craziness. COO battles threads that got close. Needing better and better without even using what he just got.

Someone should tell him that there is a 120t fine tooth ratchet by gearwrench. shortest swing angle of any ratchet out there, only the SAM from France has the same tooth count.

It seems he is more into the collecting then using of tools right now.

 

[jeffmoss26]

He certainly gets an award for new threads created in the shortest amount of time...

 

[Gotmayhem]

Mopar01,


Someone should tell him that there is a 120t fine tooth ratchet by gearwrench. shortest swing angle of any ratchet out there, only the SAM from France has the same tooth count.

 

[mvptrukin]

He certainly gets an award for new threads created in the shortest amount of time...

He didn't think about selling them for too long they are already in the GJ classifieds! The Thin girl vs. Fat girl thread he started in FP already vanished!

 

[MJB24]

So he bought them, tore them apart for photos. Now for sale. I see why he still has an empty tool box. Im sure a new thread will be started asking about those gearwrench now. I think my favorite thread of his is the shower in a garage thread even though he is still living in his parents basement

 

[Muffduster]

jeez man. Many times where you've needed a fine tooth rat, since last weekend when you learned what the difference was?

lol.

 

[mopar01]

I just don't understand why he needs the 88 tooth if he just got a set and hasn't even used em yet. Lol mabey he should spep it up to a 120 tooth. Lol **** mabey sombody out there makes a higher count?

 

[sk farmer]

Mopar01,

He has been all caught up the the GJ craziness. COO battles threads that got close. Needing better and better without even using what he just got.

Someone should tell him that there is a 120t fine tooth ratchet by gearwrench. shortest swing angle of any ratchet out there, only the SAM from France has the same tooth count.

It seems he is more into the collecting then using of tools right now.

another untrue statement.

nano ratchet from triangle, 144 tooth , 2.5 degrees. i have one and don't like it but it is definately a shorter swing than 120.

ps. don't feed the trolls and chinese craftsman =

 

[rusty65]

Hey Tim if you are ever around the pekin il area check out Dave's pawn shop they have thousands of USA made tools for very cheap. Armstrong proto snap on on any brand you can think of really.

 

[shoturtle]

Just incase he wants to look at the 72tx2 dual paw triangle for 2.5 degrees. Here is the info from monte

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80401

Or if he really cares about swing angle go gearless lik the toptul gearless or mac. 0 degree backlash.

 

[frankush]

I'm in agreement about using what you've got for a while. You'll know pretty quickly if you don't like what you have. I picked up an old armstrong 3/8" ratchet that looked like it sat outside on the curb for a year. Lots of rust and peeled chrome. It worked though, so I gave the guy at the flea market $2 for it. Took it home, cleaned it up and oiled it. Works great. I have lots of other ratchets, but I like to use this old beater. It has character. If I want a fine tooth, I pick up the trusty old Craftsman RHFT. You can still find them for around $25 on Ebay. For someone in your position, I'd be more interested in finding older, "quality" stuff and finding out what works best for you.

 

[rusty65]

Yeah nothing wrong with used USA made tools IL is filled with em because of the job market. For example I picked up a 6-24 mm deep proto impact set off CL for 25 in Peoria and Galesburg isn't to far way from their.

 

[jetmech09]

Use what you have now. Unless you wrench for a living, you'll be fine. If you do wrench for a living, you should have known by now that fine tooth, and gearless ratchets exist.

Next comment: there is no aviation "standard" for ratchets. This bugs me. It's just like saying "aircraft grade" aluminum. It does not exist.

 

[jmm]

I just don't understand why he needs the 88 tooth if he just got a set and hasn't even used em yet. Lol mabey he should spep it up to a 120 tooth. Lol **** mabey sombody out there makes a higher count?

Looks like someone's gotta change their avatar...

 

[mopar01]

Looks like someone's gotta change their avatar...

Lol and while he's at it wipe that damn snap ons just like starbucks thing off.

 

[Bull]

It's getting kind of unfriendly in here, isn't it fellas? I'm not saying I disagree with your logic, but the young man wants to be a member here and is finding his way. If I were a member here when I was twenty, I am sure I would come off a heck of a lot different than I do now, and not in a good way.

Time and experience bring wisdom. If he's not hurting anyone, give him the time he needs to experience things that will teach him. And unless he does something to hurt or insult you, specifically, then be kind and patient.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Just wanted to add some comparison pictures for those who like this kind of stuff.

Cornwell 3/8 in 1/4 body, but has the same 1/4 body as the rest.
Craftsman 1/4 raised panel ratchet. 1990's USA mad.
Armstrong MAXX 10-992

And linking this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125881&page=2

These Armstrong ratchets really are hard to bead for 1/4. Slim head, very fine tooth, and low backdrag.