Could use some input on choosing ratcheting wrenches

[DirtyWeRX]

Hey guys,

Ive been looking at purchasing some reversible ratcheting wrenches soon.

Im mainly looking for input from personal experience using them.

I believe Ive narrowed it down between Snap On FD+ and the Matco 90 tooth wrenches.

They are about the same price but there are some things to consider.

- Matco comes with 12 wrenches, while Snap On is a 10 piece set

- Snap On is a little longer (I believe, as Matco doesnt list the individual wrench lengths)

- Snap On is Made the the US While Matco is not (Not a big issue as I dont really care about COO... however considering the price, seems a bit steep for over-seas wrenches)

- Matco's ratcheting end is spline drive which I quite like



Like I said, Im just looking for input on people who have used maybe both wrenches as have liked one over the other. And Im really only concerned with performance, NOT COO.

 

[zcbauer89]

I've got the long Matco spline drive reversible ratcheting wrenches, I like them quite a bit.

 

[Adam.C]

I can't compare these two as I don't own the Matcos. I do have the Snap Ons. I have a lot of Snap On tools and generally recommend them, but I'm not 100% sure I'd recommend these.

PROS:
Snap On FDP is terrific. I think everybody needs a set of FDP wrenches. And Snap On wrenches are loooong, which is very helpful. Pointless to compare ratchet mechanism strengths, if your hands aren't strong enough to pull the wrench hard enough to break it.

CONS
As long as SO's ratchet combos are, there are longer and I would prefer them. I don't feel the ratchet combos are a suitable substitute for a proper combination wrench with a box end. Box ends are so powerful and fit fasteners no ratchet wrench can.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd choose Snap On FDP XL combination wrenches. Then get a cheap flex head long ratchet wrench set like the EZRed or Bluepoint.

For context, I own/use Snap-On FDP combos, Snap On FDP ratchets, S.O. XDHR high performance 0 degree ratchets.

P.S. are Matco wrenches made by Armstrong?

 

[zcbauer89]

I can't compare these two as I don't own the Matcos. I do have the Snap Ons. I have a lot of Snap On tools and generally recommend them, but I'm not 100% sure I'd recommend these.

PROS:
Snap On FDP is terrific. I think everybody needs a set of FDP wrenches. And Snap On wrenches are loooong, which is very helpful. Pointless to compare ratchet mechanism strengths, if your hands aren't strong enough to pull the wrench hard enough to break it.

CONS
As long as SO's ratchet combos are, there are longer and I would prefer them. I don't feel the ratchet combos are a suitable substitute for a proper combination wrench with a box end. Box ends are so powerful and fit fasteners no ratchet wrench can.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd choose Snap On FDP XL combination wrenches. Then get a cheap flex head long ratchet wrench set like the EZRed or Bluepoint.

For context, I own/use Snap-On FDP combos, Snap On FDP ratchets, S.O. XDHR high performance 0 degree ratchets.

P.S. are Matco wrenches made by Armstrong?

My Matcos sure look like they could be Armstrongs, but there was no coo on the packaging or the wrenches themselves. I looked at the Snap On ratcheting wrenches, but decided to go with the Matcos, I am however not 100% sold on the spline drive concept.

 

[colin39]

I use the facom /mac 8 to 32mm 2 years on , and they are the best ive had to date ,and ive had bluepoint , gearwrench and some Chinese ones.

 

[therealaveragej]

I've had the same set of gear wrenches for 8 years with no problems. I don't use them every day but I use them for my job.

 

[Strouty]

Proto makes some nice sets (avoid the black chrome). The USA ones are chrome I beam style and they have spline with ASD, but not as good as snap on flank drive plus. I plan on getting a set of the xl no ratcheting snappys at some point.

 

[TheRobotCow]

If I'm choosing between Snap On and Matco, it'll be Snap On hands down. In my opinion for the amount you're paying the Matco's just don't feel as good as the Snap Ons. SO does make 6mm-9mm as well but just not included in that Soexrm710(10mm-19mm) set.

 

[toolaholic]

How bout Sk new x frame wrenches. http://toolguyd.com/sk-x-frame-ratcheting-wrenches/

 

[Bran Diezel]

http://www.jensputzier.com/Stahlwil...e-17-12-OPEN-RATCH-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set.html

 

[toddoky]

Do your country a favor and start contemplating the effects your COO apathy has on our trade and budget deficits. The communist party of China just released a statement last week that said war with the United States is inevitable and they are building artificial islands in the South China Sea at this moment to support their military ambitions. The less cash we send those Communist pricks the better.You have numerous purchase options to prevent you from having to drink the Kommie Kool Aid.

 

[Askme42]

Do your country a favor and start contemplating the effects your COO apathy has on our trade and budget deficits. The communist party of China just released a statement last week that said war with the United States is inevitable and they are building artificial islands in the South China Sea at this moment to support their military ambitions. The less cash we send those Communist pricks the better.You have numerous purchase options to prevent you from having to drink the Kommie Kool Aid.

While I'm all for usa made. This isn't a politics forum.

 

[shockwave]

I would have to say the Matcos where snap on is a little bulkier on reversesable

 

[RedRabbit]

i would say Snap On because of their length, and I they feel better in my hands.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Between the Matco or Snap On I'd go the Snap On.

 

[toddoky]

While I'm all for usa made. This isn't a politics forum.

You are confusing patriotism with politics; I'm not part of any political party.

 

[1950mercury]

Id buy the snap on. They are both nice but thr so has a better open end and way better resale value

 

[Fedwrench]

Matco has two length versions of the reversible ratcheting spline combination wrenches. Get the long version. The Matcos are no longer made in the USA by Armstrong. They are currently made in Taiwan by Kabo. In addition to the spline ratcheting boxed end, the ratcheting action is also 90 tooth compared to snap ons 72 teeth.
I own both the Matcos and the Snap on versions. I don't care for the reversing lever on the snap ons. I also prefer the beam shape of the Matco wrenches.
Both brands will serve you well. However, both brands are insanely expensive new off of the truck so, I would be searching ebay for a deal.
Pictured below is a Snap on and Matco 17mm ratcheting wrenches for your consideration. Despite what someone will have you believe that only snap on makes long wrenches, it simply isn't true. In the example below snap on comes in at 10 3/4 inches long while the Matco comes in at 10 13/16 inches overall. Good luck in your choice

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey guys,

Ive been looking at purchasing some reversible ratcheting wrenches soon.

Im mainly looking for input from personal experience using them.

I believe Ive narrowed it down between Snap On FD+ and the Matco 90 tooth wrenches.

They are about the same price but there are some things to consider.

- Matco comes with 12 wrenches, while Snap On is a 10 piece set

- Snap On is a little longer (I believe, as Matco doesnt list the individual wrench lengths)

- Snap On is Made the the US While Matco is not (Not a big issue as I dont really care about COO... however considering the price, seems a bit steep for over-seas wrenches)

- Matco's ratcheting end is spline drive which I quite like



Like I said, Im just looking for input on people who have used maybe both wrenches as have liked one over the other. And Im really only concerned with performance, NOT COO.

If "COO" didn't matter then why would you even consider matco on a price basis. If they're taiwan probably the same stuff you can buy at retail (or at least similar).

End of rant. If you can stomach the snap on cost buy the snap on. If not then look at armstrong or proto. Easy breezy. Well...no truck warranty though. I wouldn't spend truck money on taiwanese wrenches unless they were externally branded (so you know what you're buying) and the warranty is clear. Such as: if you buy ez red off the truck you know the price difference you're paying. Granted there are extremely well built taiwanese wrenches like the kabo wrenches I've seen but I don't know if that's what matco is selling...maybe ask them?!?

 

[DirtyWeRX]

Do your country a favor and start contemplating the effects your COO apathy has on our trade and budget deficits. The communist party of China just released a statement last week that said war with the United States is inevitable and they are building artificial islands in the South China Sea at this moment to support their military ambitions. The less cash we send those Communist pricks the better.You have numerous purchase options to prevent you from having to drink the Kommie Kool Aid.

Well, the Matco wrenches are made in Taiwan, not china. In fact, Taiwan's government is very similar to ours and can no way be mistaken for "kommie-nism".

**** it, I drive a Subaru. I'll probably only drive Japanese cars for the rest of my life and would never own an American car ever. Sorry America can't make the best everything...trucks maybe, but cars? Nah.

Thanks for shitting in my thread with this garbage

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Proto makes some nice sets (avoid the black chrome).

Why do you say this? I have the black spline drive reversing wrenches and they are great. They also have a flank drive in the open end.

 

[mr.speaker]

You are confusing patriotism with politics; I'm not part of any political party.

So what makes you a true patriot ?

By your definition we shouldn't support any company that has any communist country imported products ..I'm sure you're posting from a USA built computer and using a USA built router/modem and probably have a USA made cell phone as well ??

 

[Strouty]

Why do you say this? I have the black spline drive reversing wrenches and they are great. They also have a flank drive in the open end.

Before I bought my wrenches there were about 5 people on this forum that had the black chrome ones and they had nothing but trouble. I feel that is too many people having issues, the price was too high for Taiwan too. I did like the size range though.

A lot of people thought the black chrome ones were USA as well.

 

[toddoky]

Well, the Matco wrenches are made in Taiwan, not china. In fact, Taiwan's government is very similar to ours and can no way be mistaken for "kommie-nism".

**** it, I drive a Subaru. I'll probably only drive Japanese cars for the rest of my life and would never own an American car ever. Sorry America can't make the best everything...trucks maybe, but cars? Nah.

Thanks for shitting in my thread with this garbage

You got it right, buying products from Taiwan are far better than buying them from China. Subaru is a Japanese company, which is also a better choice buying from.The statement wasn't made to imply that America made the best of everything, or about quality at all. It was made to encourage those reading this thread consider the real and future effect their purchases contribute to the unsustainable trade balance we have here.

It's unfortunate that you consider the issue to be "garbage", but it is an indicator that we've got a long way to go to fix the mess we've created for ourselves.

 

[Adam.C]

Anybody mind if we get back to the subject?

I have a question about spline drive tools. I don't own any. It appears to me as tho they fit tight when new, but the contact patch is tiny. I would expect wear over time. Anybody experience this?

Also, they look like they make the entire box end bigger. Are they bigger or is that just my imagination? (anybody have any numbers?). One problem I have with ratchet box wrenches and the reason I would never rely on them alone as box wrenches is that the box is too big. And some appear to be bigger than others.

I compared my Snap On high performance box ratchet with the normal FDP combo ratchet box and they were pretty much the same size. The combo might have been smaller.

I'll see if I can find that thread with the measurements. If the splines are indeed bigger (as I believe they are), that would influence my decision. I think proto are splines. Pretty sure EZ Red are all splines.

 

[malykaii]

It's unfortunate that you consider the issue to be "garbage", but it is an indicator that we've got a long way to go to fix the mess we've created for ourselves.

No offense. Look up what falacy are. Its a logical flaw in your argument. That sentence alone contains two. Can you spot them. Your methods aren't even logicly sound.

For one the op didn't even say the issue is garbage, so much as you littering up the thread. Your falsely turning his words on him.

So you order a cheese pizza. It arrives with pepperoni. Your not in the mood for that. Driver insists it's only the finest pepperoni, but if you don't want it today, then it's essentially garbage to you. Op asked for wrenches, not your opinion. Hence why your statements, even if correct are garbage in the context. You took the words out of context. Falacy.

 

[malykaii]

On topic, if your considering the Matco wrenches, remember that Matco is a subsidiary of Danaher corporation, who owns Gearwrench and Armstrong. In turn, a lot of the tools are very similar if not identical. In that case, even if you didn't ask for it, I'd suggest Gearwrench as it will be on par or close to Matco since it could very well have rolled off the exact same belt just on a different day.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

On topic, if your considering the Matco wrenches, remember that Matco is a subsidiary of Danaher corporation, who owns Gearwrench and Armstrong. In turn, a lot of the tools are very similar if not identical. In that case, even if you didn't ask for it, I'd suggest Gearwrench as it will be on par or close to Matco since it could very well have rolled off the exact same belt just on a different day.

Armstrong and Gearwrench are both APEX. MATCO is Danaher. The split was made a few years ago. Mind you, A LOT of MATCO tools are still mfg'd by APEX!

 

[DirtyWeRX]

You got it right, buying products from Taiwan are far better than buying them from China. Subaru is a Japanese company, which is also a better choice buying from.The statement wasn't made to imply that America made the best of everything, or about quality at all. It was made to encourage those reading this thread consider the real and future effect their purchases contribute to the unsustainable trade balance we have here.

It's unfortunate that you consider the issue to be "garbage", but it is an indicator that we've got a long way to go to fix the mess we've created for ourselves.

But That is the issue I had with your post. I didnt ask how to fix the economy or ask about the long term effects of buying over-seas. The garbage I was referring to was the contents of your post. I was asking people about their opinions on the performance of a certain tool.

You couldve just lied and said, "yeah a guy I work with has the Matco's and they are total ****. Stick to Snap On 'MERICA"... honestly, I wouldnt have known the difference.

Not actually contributing anything useful to the subject at hand and instead ranting about the problems of America is what irritated me.


As for getting back on topic, thank you guys for the input, Ill probably go with Snap On XL wrenches

 

[TheRobotCow]

Politics should be on other forums not here. This is about tools. We could keep going but I rather save that for another time.

But if you can afford it go for the Snap Ons. I absolutely love them. I love their fit and finish and I love how they feel. I own both the reversible ratcheting fd+ and the long fd+ wrenches. I don't own Matco wrenches but I've only seen them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[toddoky]

But That is the issue I had with your post. I didnt ask how to fix the economy or ask about the long term effects of buying over-seas. The garbage I was referring to was the contents of your post. I was asking people about their opinions on the performance of a certain tool.

You couldve just lied and said, "yeah a guy I work with has the Matco's and they are total ****. Stick to Snap On 'MERICA"... honestly, I wouldnt have known the difference.

Not actually contributing anything useful to the subject at hand and instead ranting about the problems of America is what irritated me.


As for getting back on topic, thank you guys for the input, Ill probably go with Snap On XL wrenches

I realize that the tone of initial response was a little harsh and for that I apologize. I get worked up when I hear or read the words "I don't care where it comes from" when people speak of any product purchases as I feel it's a responsibility of all of us to care a great deal about it as I'm old enough to have lived under better circumstances here. Nonetheless, it's not what you asked for and could have responded with less emotion. I have purchased the Proto ratcheting wrenches recently and they are a fine choice from a quality perspective...I hope you will have equally good luck with whichever brand you choose.

 

[vintage nut]

The new protos are very nice. That said I have 60+ year old snapons (not purchased new) and especially with the new kits I just put in (overnight rush shipped from snapon, and didn't cost me a cent for either parts or shipping) they are my favorite ratchets. I have gray, old (basically nos) new Britain era craftsman, v series craftsman, and I have had proto. Even compared to my dad's newer snapons the one's I have are easily my favorite ratchets. The little flat on the handle makes them a little lighter, and really 32 teeth is about perfect. Everyone always gets caught up in having the most teeth on their ratchet, but really, have you ever been in a place where you had less space than you needed to move a tooth? I never have.... Even with the old bonny 16 tooth, it's pretty rare it would be limiting.... And the more teeth, the weaker it is (dual 80 excluded, and probably the only fine tooth ratchet I would consider owning)

you can never have too many tools

 

[toddoky]

No offense. Look up what falacy are. Its a logical flaw in your argument. That sentence alone contains two. Can you spot them. Your methods aren't even logicly sound.

For one the op didn't even say the issue is garbage, so much as you littering up the thread. Your falsely turning his words on him.

So you order a cheese pizza. It arrives with pepperoni. Your not in the mood for that. Driver insists it's only the finest pepperoni, but if you don't want it today, then it's essentially garbage to you. Op asked for wrenches, not your opinion. Hence why your statements, even if correct are garbage in the context. You took the words out of context. Falacy.

A good response and I appolgized to the OP for the timing and incorrect context of my post. I am however unnapologetic about the message itself. I will stay on-topic with my responses going forward.

 

[djwyman]

A buddy of mine I work with has some awesome matco flex head ratcheting wrenches that if I didn't already own a set of gear wrenches I would probably buy. In fact there are a few sizes of them I still plan on buying because they are perfect for particular jobs...like the 11mm one is perfect for taking off air box nuts on a ford super duty.

 

[Fedwrench]

Anybody mind if we get back to the subject?

I have a question about spline drive tools. I don't own any. It appears to me as tho they fit tight when new, but the contact patch is tiny. I would expect wear over time. Anybody experience this?No wear issues. I don't think the contact patch is any smaller than a regular 12 point. However, I feel the spline is more aggressive than a 12 point

Also, they look like they make the entire box end bigger. Are they bigger or is that just my imagination? (anybody have any numbers?). One problem I have with ratchet box wrenches and the reason I would never rely on them alone as box wrenches is that the box is too big. And some appear to be bigger than others.It's only your eyes. actually the spline boxed ends I have are no larger than a regular ratcheting wrench. Some XXL spline ratcheting wrenches' boxed ends have a bit of socket depth to it giving the user a little standoff (see EZ RED)

I compared my Snap On high performance box ratchet with the normal FDP combo ratchet box and they were pretty much the same size. The combo might have been smaller.

I'll see if I can find that thread with the measurements. If the splines are indeed bigger (as I believe they are), that would influence my decision. I think proto are splines. Pretty sure EZ Red are all splines. Yes, Proto and EZ Red ratcheting boxed ends are spline. I think rather than measuring and miking tools, just get to it and use them hard in demanding environments

I don't think anyone relies exclusively on ratcheting wrenches because, there are situations where they might not fit. However, I feel ratcheting wrenches and the evolution of smaller cordless tools for automotive work are today what the interchangeable socket set was in the early 1920s

More use, less dissection

 

[franzdom]

The new protos are very nice. That said I have 60+ year old snapons (not purchased new) and especially with the new kits I just put in (overnight rush shipped from snapon, and didn't cost me a cent for either parts or shipping) they are my favorite ratchets. I have gray, old (basically nos) new Britain era craftsman, v series craftsman, and I have had proto. Even compared to my dad's newer snapons the one's I have are easily my favorite ratchets. The little flat on the handle makes them a little lighter, and really 32 teeth is about perfect. Everyone always gets caught up in having the most teeth on their ratchet, but really, have you ever been in a place where you had less space than you needed to move a tooth? I never have.... Even with the old bonny 16 tooth, it's pretty rare it would be limiting.... And the more teeth, the weaker it is (dual 80 excluded, and probably the only fine tooth ratchet I would consider owning)

you can never have too many tools

This thread is about ratchet wrenches, not ratchets.

 

[vintage nut]

This thread is about ratchet wrenches, not ratchets.

Ahh yes I realized that after posting lol
Guess I wasn't really paying attention

you can never have too many tools

 

[Qualitytools]

I have a set of Gear-wrench (metric) and a set of Facom also metric. I prefer the Facom for two reasons the feel in the hand (which is subjective) and the fact that they have a 15 degree angle which helps with knuckle clearance. I dislike the Gear-wrench because when I did use them they do not have the knuckle clearance and they scratch too easily unlike the Facom that have a matte finish.

 

[malykaii]

A good response and I appolgized to the OP for the timing and incorrect context of my post. I am however unnapologetic about the message itself. I will stay on-topic with my responses going forward.

Never said you were wrong. No desire to see you apologise for your thoughts. Your views are logicly sound, but how you present your argument is illogical... Big difference. Google fallacies, I'm telling you it will change your view on things.

Your passionate and intelligent. If you were to say "I believe buying American is our own responsibility as citizens as it supports our economy, see article X and survey Y for a flow of American money spent overseas" you come out on top. However, saying "buy American or your a communist" you are being illogical.

You can say "2+2=4 because cheese pizza" Sure your right (2+2 is 4) but your wrong.

 

[malykaii]

My topic related example.

Being presented with the choice between the matco and snap on ratcheting wrenches, the op should choose snap on.

My logicly sound reasoning... As per fact, many Matco tools are rebranded Gearwrench products marked up to snap on prices. In turn, matco provides less value for the same price, making snap on more financially reasonable.