Craftsman USA thin profile or Armstrong MAXX ratchets

[Yankee]

Looking for 1/4 and 3/8 fixed rachet. Was going to order the craftsman thin profile (actually the Craftsman industrials) since the reviews here have been good but at $109 for both I thought I would look into it a little further, Especially after I looked at the Tiawan versions first hand I wasn't real impressed with the chrome. (I am assuming the USA made would be better)

I had narrowed it down to the Craftsman and Armstrong for a few reasons. I want USA made, Teardrop shape (I don't like round head ratchets) and wanted to stay in the price range of $100 or so for the pair. (That takes out the big truck brands) i didn't care for the Priemum Craftsmans since they seemed oversized and didn't care for the handles.

The Armstrong's have good reviews but don't really know much about them. (Not sure about the handle..)

I currently have the full polish Craftsmans and like them a lot. (Reason why I was going to order the thin profiles)

Anybody out there have both/either?

I really hate buying site unseen, but it appears in my area you have no choice to get anything decent.

Thanks in advance

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrongs are a huge hit here recently. Check out Harry Epstein's for all your options!

 

[Bull2]

Armstrongs are a huge hit here recently. Check out Harry Epstein's for all your options!

Skip Epsteins. Advance Auto Parts are quite a bit cheaper with codes. Do a search, there is a thread in the hot deals somewhere.

 

[cagullett1]

I love the thin profile Craftsmans... I think the Armstrongs are equally as nice, and I will be getting the locking flex eventually.

 

[pipsters]

I would not pay anywhere near $100 for the 1/4" and 3/8" Craftsman thin profiles. I bought the whole set, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" new from the store directly for around $57.

They are really nice but not $100+ nice (for just two!).

One thing to consider is the Craftsman thin profiles have a socket release button. Personally, I like it and will only consider ratchets with that feature. I don't think the Armstrong pieces have that feature, do they?

 

[Yankee]

I agree about the quick release. I've always had it so it was another reason to get the Craftsmans. However $109 for the pair seemed steep for what you get.

However seeing that most professional mechanics don't (even hate) the quick release, maybe I've been wrong about its importance.

No, the MAXX doesn't have quick release.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I would say MAXX between the two you suggested.

If you have ~$100 to spend, go on Ebay and wait for deal on a Snap On F80 and T72. You can easily get both for shipped within your budget. I got mine brand new off of Ebay for less than what you have budgeted. Look for auctions with weird ending times.

Two minutes of looking popped up with these slightly used ratchets with a Buy It Now price in your budget:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-F80-Ratchet-3-8-Drive-Snap-On-Sealed-Head-Dual-F80-USA-Wrench-/251662095926?hash=item3a983ad636&item=251662095926&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-1-4-dr-High-Strength-Sealed-Head-Ratchet-T72-/111485152703?hash=item19f5086dbf&item=111485152703&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

[Yankee]

Thanks for the info on the snapon. I'll keep checking postings.

I did look at the the MAXX on Zorro tools. They show the MAXX at 60 tooth for both 1/4 and 3/8.

Is that wrong or is this possibly old stock? I thought they were both 88 tooth.

 

[Super Sport]

I have the MAXX in flex head forms. I also have the thin profiles, and the newer Craftsman Premium ratchets. I don't use the Armstrongs much, but that's mostly due to the longer handle and flex head feature. All are great ratchets.

The Premium ratchets are really more comparable to the MAXX. They were, after all, designed by Armstrong. I like the handles better than Armstrong's, plus they're easy to warranty. However, I've heard the 1/4" have issues locking up. I haven't used my 1/4" much at all, but I do really like my 3/8" and 1/2". The flat, wide handle is great when really cranking on tight bolts.

While I'm starting to really like the handles on the Premiums, the thin profiles have been my go-to ratchets. I really like them, and I prefer the quick release. The chrome isn't as flawless as the other two, but I don't let that bother me. I wouldn't pay $50/each for them, but you can get a complete set with extensions HERE for less than $80, and it will most likely be USA-made.

 

[JDon99]

Take a look at the MAXX ratchets at Trident Supply. They are a vendor on here and have great prices and excellent service.

 

[allinon72]

the Armstrongs are in a league of their own compared to the thin profiles.

 

[BK13]

I have MAXX ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8" versions. I like them a bunch.

 

[PureLeaf]

I have the USA made craftsman thin profile. They're a great ratchet, very smooth. I've really beaten on them, and never had an issue whatsoever. Think I recall the price being around 60-70 bucks for all 3 ratchets and a set of extensions when I bought it all on sale maybe a year ago.

I also have the flex head 1/2 Maxx ratchet and thats pretty awesome, extremely long handle.

Agree with what earlier posters have said, the premium and armstrong maxx are a closer (if not nearly identical comparison) other then the handle. I believe from other reading on the forums the ratchet mechanism is interchangeable on these.

 

[Yankee]

I bought the 1/4 Armstrong MAXX. Comparing it to my full polish Craftsmans, the ratcheting mechanism isn't even in the same league.... It's the smoothest ratchet that I've ever owned by far..

However, the handle isn't as comfortable to use. On a ratchet that small, mainly the entire ratchet is in your hand rather than just the lower part of the handle. The upper main body of the handle very wide and thin. (see photos) It's a little awkward from what I'm used to.

I actually prefer the Craftsman Full Polish handle.

It's minor thing to get used to....... I definitely like the Armstrong over the Craftsman Thin Profile.

 

[BFHtime]

The thin profile ratchets have the most comfortable metal handle of any ratchet I have tried, including Snap-On. I do own Snap-On and do not own the Craftsman, but they are comfortable to grip.

 

[quattroJoe]

I've had the Armstrongs for about 4-5 months now and they've become my favorites. I've also got Cman thin profiles, the Bahcos with the dual 80 mechanism, Gearwrench 120s, Tektons, and a handful of others, but the Armstrongs have become my go-to ratchets.

 

[BajaBound]

MAXX all day

 

[sk farmer]

armstrong maxx. the ratchet snap-on and matco don't want you to know about.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

armstrong maxx. the ratchet snap-on and matco don't want you to know about.

Maybe Matco, but I don't think they have anything on Snap On. Nice ratchets for sure, but they don't make me want to get rid of my Dual 80's.

 

[fivespdcat]

The armstrong flex ratchets are really nice pieces, way better than the craftsman. I would and did go for the armstrong over them. However, and I know you said no round heads, the SK palm ratchet is really a great little 1/4" if you don't need the leverage of the longer handle. It's smooth and compact which is excellent in a 1/4" ratchet. I would reconsider you're reluctance to go with a round head.

If the round head is not to be, you can't go wrong with the armstrong whether they are 60 or 88 tooth.