Armstrong RRW vs Matco

[cgv69]

Hey guys,

Finally getting around to getting some ratcheting wrenches. I know I definitely want something w/ reverse (hence the RRW - Ratcheting Reversible Wrenches).

I'm specifically looking at the ones made by Armstrong (Set # 54-950) but I have also looked at the Matco version (Set # SGRRCLM10T) and I am wondering if these are the exact same wrenches?

 

[bobcatdan]

Havn't been on a matco truck in years, but my understanding is the matco's went overseas a few years ago. I think armstrong are USA, but don't know for sure.

 

[jmm]

OP, I can't answer your question, but I have a few of the Armstrongs. They're top of the line; you won't be disappointed.

 

[gtermini]

I cannot speak for the exact wrenches you are looking at, but I do have both of the brands represented in my box. I have a large set of Matco double angle wrenches. They are just normal drive open end. Finish is very nice and they grip stubborn nuts and bolts well. Armstrong also makes nice wrenches, easily on par with Matco.

As far as reversing ratcheting wrenches go, nothing beats Snap On. The action is super smooth, the finish is the best, and the open end is Flank Drive Plus for the best grip. I work on rusty farm equipment, and wouldn't go an hour with my SO RRWs. The downside is they are freaking expensive (~$300/set), its worth it in my opinion.

One other note: no matter what brand you have, if you use the ratcheting end to back up an impact the little reversing mechanism is going to go flying off into oblivion!

Greyson

 

[kts]

I don't know about the Matco's build quality and if they are the same wrench as the Armstrongs but I picked up a set of the Armstrong 54-950s a few months ago after picking up a set of the Armstrong SAE reversible ratcheting wrenches for cheap off eBay (I think from Cripe) and being very impressed with them.

I got them from Harry Epstein (http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/ratchetwr/54-950.html) and I'm glad I dropped the $ on them. I had a set of GearWrenches before which worked but I love the extra length of the Armstrongs, the mechanism felt a ton better, and I liked that they were made in the USA.

So I'm with jmm, you won't be disappointed with the Armstrong wrenches.

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends...

Older Matco Proswing ratcheting wrenches were the same as Armstrong.

However, MATCO switched suppliers recently (MATCO only makes tool boxes, all of their tools are supplied by someone else) and now those wrenches are made by Kabo in Taiwan. Still Great Wrenches but, no longer US made.

If you have regular access to a MATCO truck, warranty if necessary, would be easier with matco than the armstrongs.

I own all of them and they're all great wrenches.

On a side note, the Matcos have the modified open end (optitorque) whereas, the armstrongs have a regular open end.

Matco and armstrong prices new off a truck or online vendor are crazy expensive. I would watch ebay and be patient but, i'm cheap.

 

[Skin]

If you have regular access to a MATCO truck, warranty if necessary, would be easier with matco than the armstrongs.

Even without the truck its much easier than Armstrong.

 

[shockwave]

Armstrong still makes a lot for matco but mostly switching overseas but armstrong still has ties since they use there current ratchets too

 

[shockwave]

U might also check proto makes a nice us made ratcheting wrench aswell

 

[kts]

On a side note, the Matcos have the modified open end (optitorque) whereas, the armstrongs have a regular open end.

I'm not sure the vintage of my Armstrong sets are but both of them have a modified open end like Flank Drive Plus, OptiTorque, ASD, etc. It's much less defined/modified/whatever you want to call it then my FD+ wrenches but it's there.

 

[cgv69]

Havn't been on a matco truck in years, but my understanding is the matco's went overseas a few years ago. I think armstrong are USA, but don't know for sure.

The specific set of Matco's I'm looking at are still listed as made in the USA on Matco's website and they have a 72t gear set. From what I understand, the Asian made Matco's are all 90t?

As far as reversing ratcheting wrenches go, nothing beats Snap On.

I don't doubt that but the SO's are way out of my price range.

One other note: no matter what brand you have, if you use the ratcheting end to back up an impact the little reversing mechanism is going to go flying off into oblivion!

Yeah, I kind of assumed that but thanks for the heads up. I also figure they aren't the best choice for really stuck bolts. For those situations I figure I'll either use the open end or use one of normal combo wrenches

Matco and armstrong prices new off a truck or online vendor are crazy expensive. I would watch ebay and be patient but, i'm cheap.

I agree and that is the plan. I'm probably going to go with the Armstrong's unless I can find a really good deal on the Matco's

Thanks everybody

 

[havinnoj]

Did you get a new set yet? I've been eyeing the Matco SGRRCLM10T set and am curious to know which you ended up buying and how you like them.

 

[CWP1616L]

I'm specifically looking at the ones made by Armstrong (Set # 54-950)

What you need the open end for?