Well MAC is years late to the game of fine tooth ratchets, plus a hefty delay from their announcement in 2014, but this just arrived from Texas. Since these seem to be sneaking out of factories I imagine they'll be on the trucks any day.
Pros:
MAC's excellent chrome.
Small profile head.
Completely sealed mechanism.
Good tight pivot joint with a torx screw. Floppy detents are gone.
Fantastic factory lubrication.
Made in USA, stating as much on an intricate reverse switch.
Nearly 10 teeth engaging the drive gear.
Finally, I don't like most metal ratchet handles. Only 2 brands have caught my fancy. Cornwell, and Nepros (Craftsman Premium are pretty decent too though). The rest just don't feel right or are too thin. I'd happily take a 30 tooth Cornwell ratchet over just about any other ratchet if I couldn't have comfort grips. I can report that this new MAC ratchet is joining my short list, this handle is fantastic and seems to be molded to fit in your palm and the curve of your fingers instead of just making it a pretty shape.
Cons-all very minor:
T6....SIX! Torx for the cover plate. Itty bitty.
Squash gasket for the cover plate is a bit of a pain to reposition during reassembly, although honestly its so well sealed there really shouldn't be a reason to open it.
Roll stamped part number on handle is a bit obscure.
In terms of backlash its smoother than a GW 84 or 120, ever so slightly more resistance than a dual 80. All in all its excellent and worlds apart from their antiquated 30 tooth design.
Looking forward to seeing more from this line. Also really hoping they introduce quick release versions since im a big fan and there are very few choices for QR USA made ratchets. Until then I can see myself getting at least 1 more 1/4" flex.
Few photos below. I didn't take one when I initially opened it however i'll say, yet again, they did a excellent job cleaning and lubricating from the factory. It was practically oozing grease when I removed the cover plate. Not entirely sure what they use, looks almost like petroleum jelly. None the less I cleaned everything during disassembly and re-lubricating with permatex super lube in the process of satisfying both my curiosity, and OCD. Kind of an interesting design utilizing an old school ball detent in the head for the lever and then a floating pawl on top.
Pros:
MAC's excellent chrome.
Small profile head.
Completely sealed mechanism.
Good tight pivot joint with a torx screw. Floppy detents are gone.
Fantastic factory lubrication.
Made in USA, stating as much on an intricate reverse switch.
Nearly 10 teeth engaging the drive gear.
Finally, I don't like most metal ratchet handles. Only 2 brands have caught my fancy. Cornwell, and Nepros (Craftsman Premium are pretty decent too though). The rest just don't feel right or are too thin. I'd happily take a 30 tooth Cornwell ratchet over just about any other ratchet if I couldn't have comfort grips. I can report that this new MAC ratchet is joining my short list, this handle is fantastic and seems to be molded to fit in your palm and the curve of your fingers instead of just making it a pretty shape.
Cons-all very minor:
T6....SIX! Torx for the cover plate. Itty bitty.
Squash gasket for the cover plate is a bit of a pain to reposition during reassembly, although honestly its so well sealed there really shouldn't be a reason to open it.
Roll stamped part number on handle is a bit obscure.
In terms of backlash its smoother than a GW 84 or 120, ever so slightly more resistance than a dual 80. All in all its excellent and worlds apart from their antiquated 30 tooth design.
Looking forward to seeing more from this line. Also really hoping they introduce quick release versions since im a big fan and there are very few choices for QR USA made ratchets. Until then I can see myself getting at least 1 more 1/4" flex.
Few photos below. I didn't take one when I initially opened it however i'll say, yet again, they did a excellent job cleaning and lubricating from the factory. It was practically oozing grease when I removed the cover plate. Not entirely sure what they use, looks almost like petroleum jelly. None the less I cleaned everything during disassembly and re-lubricating with permatex super lube in the process of satisfying both my curiosity, and OCD. Kind of an interesting design utilizing an old school ball detent in the head for the lever and then a floating pawl on top.
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