MAC Axis 1/4 locking flex head, who has used it?

[Greg5OH]

I have narrowed down my ultimate 1/4 locking flex ratchet to these two candidates:

Mac MR690LFK
and GW 81015T

I have a Matco locking 3/8 12", not interested in a 1/4 version of it (although the GW is very similar is just not a cheaper lock mechanism).
What I like is to use only the 1 drive hand to toggle the lock/unlock . Im imagining with this momentary push button I can use the index finger, flex to desired angle, let go and it stays there.

I don't see that MAC for sale used anywhere. Id have to buy it online for $137, and have 30 days to evaluate it.
Anyone use this exact MAC ratchet?

 

[uncwstudent]

I have used the MAC Axis 3/8" flex head non-locking and thought that it was absolutely phenomenal. Unlike yours, it had a comfort grip, but the flex was nice and tight, the length right, and the ratcheting action was the smoothest that I've had on a ratchet. I don't think that they had come out with the locking flex head around the time that I bought mine.

 

[sparky 1971]

I admit that I have not used that ratchet. I have looked at that one and considered buying it though. The deal breaker for me is that it is too short. If it were 8" long, I would buy it. The 8" locking flex has the comfort grip handle, and I don't want that handle. If I'm going to settle for an 8" locker with a comfort grip, it will be the Gearwrench. Now, that being stated, I do have the Mac 26" locking 1/2" drive with a comfort grip. Phenomenal tool but... I don't like the comfort grip, which means nothing to you, but the fact that it is always locked can be a real pain in the *** trying to use it sometimes.

I don't have, nor have I used the Gearwrench either. I do have the same thing in the 84 tooth version though. I like it, but I don't believe I have ever used the lock on it...yet. I tightened the pivot screw up so it doesn't flop around and that's been all I need so far.

 

[Greg5OH]

an 8" steel handle 1/4 inch would be the absolute ticket for me!
However the 3/8 I have used for the last 10 years has been a 6" so going 6" 1/4 drive should be no issue for me.
The main thing I want from the 1/4 ratchet is lock unlock with 1 hand and minimum force.
Ill see how this one feels vs the GW (which is 7" and probably the ideal length for swing length and torque application), But I fear the flip style lock mechanism may not be ideal for my desires, if its anything like my matco

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I've not used the Mac that you are asking about. I do have a Kobalt 1/4" pass thru locking flex with the same push button. I much prefer the Armstrong/GW/Husky/Matco lever. I have the GW that you are asking about at work. I've used it a couple of times now and like it. I can unlock it with one hand with ease. When left unlocked it works more like a regular flex head which the Mac can't. Plus the lever on the GW is lower profile.

 

[Greg5OH]

ups man dropped it off. A big fan of the push lock. Wish it was 1” longer…dont we all.
Backdrag feels a little high. GW 7” unit coming in tomorrow ill test em both out back to back

 

[SRU1436]

That is a nice-looking ratchet. I am curious how you are going to like it, and the comparison with the GW. I do not have any locking flex heads. I have three tekton flex heads, 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4. I'm not a big fan of them as the heads flex too easily for my liking.

 

[Greg5OH]

Im going to do a video review of these two as they both have pros and cons.

biggest things:
Mac needs to be 1” longer
Gw handle way too thin for my hands. Cramps will surely develop
Backdrag on gw is lower. Mechanism is smoother
Mac lock and on/off mechanisms are far superior.

i meeed a 12” long 3/8 drive locking flex with the button near the handle now

 

[Greg5OH]

Jeez turned into an 11 minute video:

 

[dstblj52]

if you aren't married to the locking flex head you can get the exact same ratchet mechanism with a better handle for 106.34 on zoro (J4750HTCF)

Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish J4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish, J4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[sparky 1971]

if you aren't married to the locking flex head you can get the exact same ratchet mechanism with a better handle for 106.34 on zoro (J4750HTCF)

Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish J4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish, J4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Or $90.20 with free shipping from Circle C. If Mac would put a lock on it I would probably own two of them.

Proto® J4750HTCF 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Flex Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish

90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.

www.circlecsupply.com

 

[dstblj52]

Or $90.20 with free shipping from Circle C. If Mac would put a lock on it I would probably own two of them.

Proto® J4750HTCF 1/4" Drive Precision 90 Pear Flex Head Ratchet 9" - Full Polish

90 tooth count allows for 4 degree arc swing. Double nickel chrome plated for enhanced corrosion protection. Small, pear head design for access in tight, hard-to-reach work areas. Full polish finish for superior comfort and easy clean up.

www.circlecsupply.com

yep but with zoro if you know the abandoned cart trick you can always get 20% of

 

[sparky 1971]

What's the abandoned cart trick? It won't matter on this since it's not a locking handle but...

 

[dstblj52]

What's the abandoned cart trick? It won't matter on this since it's not a locking handle but...

if you put something in your cart while signed in and then close the webpage about 80% of the time within a few hours it will generate a 20% of coupon that can be applied to literally anything sitewide

 

[sparky 1971]

Now this thread is going a little sideways, but since the OP has his ratchet, I think it's ok. I logged into Zoro just to try the abandoned cart. Zoro has three Proto ratchets listed that appear to be the same. The one you posted for $106, another with the same part # for $115, and a third for $140. The difference being that the $140 version has a PO at the beginning of the part #. Any idea what the difference is, if any or is Zoro just trying to collect more money? Also, even with 20% off from Zoro, most of the Proto Precision 90 ratchets would be less at Circle C

Proto 1/4" Drive 90 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 9" L, Full Polish Finish J4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4" Drive 90 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 9" L, Full Polish Finish, J4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish J4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish, J4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Proto RATCHET 1/4" DR PEAR HEAD PRECISION 90 POJ4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto RATCHET 1/4" DR PEAR HEAD PRECISION 90, POJ4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[dstblj52]

Now this thread is going a little sideways, but since the OP has his ratchet, I think it's ok. I logged into Zoro just to try the abandoned cart. Zoro has three Proto ratchets listed that appear to be the same. The one you posted for $106, another with the same part # for $115, and a third for $140. The difference being that the $140 version has a PO at the beginning of the part #. Any idea what the difference is, if any or is Zoro just trying to collect more money? Also, even with 20% off from Zoro, most of the Proto Precision 90 ratchets would be less at Circle C

Proto 1/4" Drive 90 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 9" L, Full Polish Finish J4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4" Drive 90 Geared Teeth Pear Head Style Hand Ratchet, 9" L, Full Polish Finish, J4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish J4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4" Drive Flex Head Precision 90 Pear Head Ratch Long 9" Full Polish, J4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Proto RATCHET 1/4" DR PEAR HEAD PRECISION 90 POJ4750HTCF | Zoro

Order Proto RATCHET 1/4" DR PEAR HEAD PRECISION 90, POJ4750HTCF at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

the 106 and 140 are drop shipped by proto, at different shipping speeds while the 115 is shipped by zoro

 

[Greg5OH]

Darn so seems MAC has the patent/rights to their trick lock mechanism and not available to get a non lac branded version elsewhere

 

[dstblj52]

Darn so seems MAC has the patent/rights to their trick lock mechanism and not available to get a non lac branded version elsewhere

you can get it on a carlyle ratchet just with a pos ratcheting mechanism

 

[Greg5OH]

used the 1/4 ratchet extensively today with a koken wobble-fix extension with nut gripper socket/VIM 1.4 drive stubby triple square. very quick work. Was swapping between it and a matco 3/8 locking flex for the job.
The matco lock mechanism feels very cumbersome and time consuming to use vs the momentary push button.
Havent felt snap ons lock mechanism yet.
I will be selling the matco 12" and moving to a slide/button type unit.

 

[dstblj52]

used the 1/4 ratchet extensively today with a koken wobble-fix extension with nut gripper socket/VIM 1.4 drive stubby triple square. very quick work. Was swapping between it and a matco 3/8 locking flex for the job.
The matco lock mechanism feels very cumbersome and time consuming to use vs the momentary push button.
Havent felt snap ons lock mechanism yet.
I will be selling the matco 12" and moving to a slide/button type unit.

yeah its nice honetly a mix of the mac and carlyle who share the same button is a good way to go although the carlyle ratcheting mechanism isn't great

 

[rick carpenter]

Nice vid. I have the 8" 1/4" drive GW 81016T comfort grip. I thought the unlocked flex was a little too flexy on mine so I applied @ElusiveKandyDC's fix of a few plastic shims under the detent spring. In addition to the spring shims, I had to add a brass shim washer to my 3/8" drive GW locking flex's hinge to eliminate lateral flex. Though I haven't used them yet, they're nice & tight even unlocked and really feel good. Some of these GWs, according to other GJ-ers, do not need the shim fixes... but I'd say don't hesitate to apply a cheap, easy, and not warranty-affecting fix to noticeably improve a good quality yet not terribly expensive rat. Dunno if all that would get you past the handle diameter you don't like, but hey, it works nicely for me.

There's a youtube vid that shows the different internals on the similar-looking Matco and GW locking flex rats.