MAC & Matco Pry Handles

[CHI_Tool&Die]

To those that own one or both, is there any criticism or praise you may have for either the Matco or MAC pry bar handles? I’ve been looking into both but my Matco guy doesn’t have a truck so I can only feel the handles once I buy them. I’ve missed the MAC truck twice in a row. I’d like to upgrade my pry bars and demo drivers but I’m not certain which to go with.

 

[midshipmen89]

They're both better than their respective brands' previous offerings. I'm partial to the Snap-on hard handles; my two MPBS10AOs get daily use.

If Snap-on isn't on your list, I recommend buying from whichever tool dealer you have a better relationship with. Supporting their business and getting better/faster warranty service are high on my list, so I give most of my business these days to my Mac guy - he's a stud of a tool guy. For a tool like this, there's a higher chance than average that I'll snap the tip off, split the handle, or bend the shaft; this makes warrantability more important to me than, say, a pair of pliers.

 

[Callelle]

I have both, I like the Mac design better. The round handles make it easier / more comfortable when not prying in the normal "tip up" kinda way.

 

[Fedwrench]

Just buy the Mayhew versions and be ahead money wise

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

They're both better than their respective brands' previous offerings. I'm partial to the Snap-on hard handles; my two MPBS10AOs get daily use.

If Snap-on isn't on your list, I recommend buying from whichever tool dealer you have a better relationship with. Supporting their business and getting better/faster warranty service are high on my list, so I give most of my business these days to my Mac guy - he's a stud of a tool guy. For a tool like this, there's a higher chance than average that I'll snap the tip off, split the handle, or bend the shaft; this makes warrantability more important to me than, say, a pair of pliers.

Thanks! Honestly, I have the best relationship with the Snap-on driver so maybe I’ll give another look into the Snappy pry bars. I’ve only played with them once or twice on the truck and wasn’t sure how the hard handle would feel when I’m banging away on them. My Wilde bars tend to transfer the shock through the handle so it really wears on your hands over time and the tips are a little too thick for die/machine work. I know MAC has long handles which seems better when I’m actually striking and prying. I’ll take a look next week on the Snappy truck.

I understand what you mean about the trucks. My MAC guy doesn’t service our shop but he is always around the block. Good dude, sometimes has his kid around. He’s a recent immigrant trying to live out the American dream and I try to support him but he’s part of like a team and he doesn’t get to set his own rules which means he’s usually the least willing to work out any kind of deal or run the MAC promos that are voluntary. The Matco dude actually comes to the shop but he’s the least reliable. I always feel bad for him cause he is actually a nice guy with weird tendencies but everyone craps on him. My Snap-on dude is just solid which is probably why I’ve been using him so much.

I have both, I like the Mac design better. The round handles make it easier / more comfortable when not prying in the normal "tip up" kinda way.

Thank you! That was my thought when looking at the designs. I have square handles on my Bondhus drivers and they can feel really cumbersome and that was my fear with the Matco handles. I use my smaller Wilde pry bars a ton and the rectangular hard handles are literally hard on my hands when banging away on them for hours.

Just buy the Mayhew versions and be ahead money wise

I thought about that but I’ve been trying to spend more locally as of late. The tool truck guys are not doing bad, but you can tell business is slowing down and I’m trying to be a small part in keeping them around, if that makes sense. Plus, when I break stuff, I can go to them instead of sending it back to Mayhew or just buying a new one. I used to scoff at warranties but I’ve been using them a lot lately (not sure if it’s the tool quality slipping or if I’m just using my tools harder as I age) and the truck warranties are really good.

 

[rust in the eye]

I'm now slumming with the USA made "HyperTough" from WallyWorld. Tool truck guy can send his kids to public school.
Cheap as chips and strong like bull.

 

[dynode]

I have the hypertough and Mac (actually Proto) and I like the Proto much better. The beams are thicker, the handles are bigger and more comfortable. Hypertough get the job done though.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have the hypertough and Mac (actually Proto) and I like the Proto much better. The beams are thicker, the handles are bigger and more comfortable. Hypertough get the job done though.

Not really a fair comparison in my opinion. One is VERY inexpensive but quality is still there. All Wilde stuff seems to be that way actually.

The Stanley Black and Decker made ones (Proto and MAC in this case) are going to be "better" but how often is that needed for the price to justify it. Especially true if that drastically less expensive one works great as well. Warranty for a tool truck brand is going to be much better though.

 

[jttc09]

Out of the three tool trucks mentioned here. The only time I see pry bars warrantied on the regular is Mac and that is because the striking cap has a tendency to break off the Mac handles. Doesn’t really affect the tool besides you can’t hammer on in it but still warranty issues nonetheless

 

[Hakeem]

I'm now slumming with the USA made "HyperTough" from WallyWorld. Tool truck guy can send his kids to public school.
Cheap as chips and strong like bull.

Yes I just picked up their 36” prybar — $23! I couldn’t believe it.

 

[KnurledNut]

Yes I just picked up their 36” prybar — $23! I couldn’t believe it.

Did you factor in a roll of paper towels and bottle of degreaser to clean the rust preventative off?

 

[FigN⋅m]

Did you factor in a roll of paper towels and bottle of degreaser to clean the rust preventative off?

I let the shop foot that bill

 

[NHtoolguy]

Yes I just picked up their 36” prybar — $23! I couldn’t believe it.

I just bought one too, for $22! What a great deal for a quality domestically-made tool!

 

[NHtoolguy]

Did you factor in a roll of paper towels and bottle of degreaser to clean the rust preventative off?

I did have some grimy black fingers after I carried my purchase to the cashier!