Mac Precision Torque wrenches... You're thoughts?
- Thread starter Fusion13
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ptabatcher
Well-known member
I have a set of the Facom 440XL that I got from Ultimate Garage. Same basic style as the Macs. I think the Mac are all longer than the regular Facom 440, comparable to the XLs.
I like them. Fit nice in the hand. I like the more satin finish of the Facom over normal shiny chrome. Haven’t used them a ton. Just a home-gamer. I like the offset of the box end. Has come in handy a few times. Especially handy replacing some end links.
Craftsman V-series are also similar.
I like them. Fit nice in the hand. I like the more satin finish of the Facom over normal shiny chrome. Haven’t used them a ton. Just a home-gamer. I like the offset of the box end. Has come in handy a few times. Especially handy replacing some end links.
(440XL.JP8-High Torque Comb Wrench Clip Set-8pc (8-19mm)(Facom)
Facom XL Series Long Combination Wrench Set (with Storage Clip)(440XL.JP8) - n - auto parts for your vehicle at Ultimate Garage
www.ultimategarage.com
Craftsman V-series are also similar.
Mac, Craftsman, and Facom are all under the Stanley Black&Decker umbrella, hence why their products are related. There is also the Usag branded version too. I believe all four are made in Taiwan although some versions might be France? If you are looking to save money and don't need the truck brand, you could just buy the Facom XL's and avoid the Mac markup.
No personal experience with that particular model but I think the pattern is pretty cool if that's what you are asking. The box end gives a fairly high vertical clearance below the handle and ASD (on the longer Mac and Facom XL, not the shorter models) is my preferred anti-slip feature because it doesn't chew up fasteners.
If you like that shape but don't mind a shorter length, Beta also has a similar pattern wrench made in Italy.
No personal experience with that particular model but I think the pattern is pretty cool if that's what you are asking. The box end gives a fairly high vertical clearance below the handle and ASD (on the longer Mac and Facom XL, not the shorter models) is my preferred anti-slip feature because it doesn't chew up fasteners.
If you like that shape but don't mind a shorter length, Beta also has a similar pattern wrench made in Italy.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I find the box ends are not as tight as they should be. If you have a really rusting bolt and its good to the last drop getting the nut off the box end wants to pivot on the nut because of the looser fit and offset. My wrights and snapons will just set on the nut if you take your hands off but not the 440's/Macs
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Yea, the guy did say torque wrenches didn't he. I was wondering how this thread got derailed too.
mac precision torque wrenches is the name mac for there cheaper mainline combination wrenches that they sell.
Attachments
They call their Facom style wrenches "precision torque":
Precision Torque Metric Combination Wrenches - 12-PT.
Innovate I-beam design for maximum strength and comfort .Non-slip open end design prevents rounding off of fastener edges; keeping the wrench firmly on the fastener .Double-offset heads for ease-of-use .Polished finish for easy clean up and superior appearance
www.mactools.com
Which makes them precision torque... wrenches (vs precision... torque wrenches).
They brand their Proto wrenches "knuckle saver" which is perhaps a little less confusing.
ultgar
Well-known member
USAG also came out with the same wrenches branded in their name. 4 more sizes than Facom (8-19mm without skipping any sizes). Stanley recently eliminated 50,000 sku's but they still offer many identical products across multiple brands (Facom, USAG, Mac, Proto, Sidchrome, Craftsman & Stanley). If it weren't for protecting brand loyalty, they could easily eliminate another 20,000 sku's across these 7 companies.
why skip 9/11/12/18mm?
Andres26tnt
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All the precision torque wrenches are great, they offer excellent features. they are all made in Taiwan, with slightly different finishes, lengths, and thicknesses.
if you want a complete set 9-19mm you can only get them from USAG 285X/12 for about 135€ or Mac(not sure on current pricing).
if you do not care for skipped sizing you can get them from Facom 440XL for about 70$ skipped 9/11/12/18mm
the regular short 440 or Mac wrench versions aren't the precision torque, that "moniker" is reserved for the long pattern wrench.
if you want a complete set 9-19mm you can only get them from USAG 285X/12 for about 135€ or Mac(not sure on current pricing).
if you do not care for skipped sizing you can get them from Facom 440XL for about 70$ skipped 9/11/12/18mm
the regular short 440 or Mac wrench versions aren't the precision torque, that "moniker" is reserved for the long pattern wrench.
Andres26tnt
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The wrenches come from Europe so they mainly use the DIN standard. euro cars mostly skipped those sizings.
Thanks for the tip on this deal - I had been eyeing them for a while. Called customer service and ordered them Thursday. Received today and based on initial impressions I am very impressed with fit and finish.
Just got my sets in SAE and metric. Nice wrenches. Beams are thick, gentle on older hands. Length is comparable to my Snap on OEX B series wrenches. Tiawan is not stamped on the wrenches either
My only complaints, not USA made and why chamfer the bottom side of the box end and leave the top side squared off and sharp? I frequently use both sides of the box end to change wrench beam angle to clear obstacles and the sharp side of the box end requires "precision" placement to get on the fastener.
My only complaints, not USA made and why chamfer the bottom side of the box end and leave the top side squared off and sharp? I frequently use both sides of the box end to change wrench beam angle to clear obstacles and the sharp side of the box end requires "precision" placement to get on the fastener.