Mac ratchets do you like them
- Thread starter Erle385
- Start date
Worsedog
Well-known member
I prefer the Mac ones. I have never broken one of them, but the two Sap-Ons have been repaired a few times each.
Chris83
Well-known member
I like them both but my long flex head snap on ratchet is my fav. I have had all 3 of my mac's rebuilt and haven't had to rebuild my snap on yet.
BackTracker
Well-known member
Matco. nice thin head, comfy grip.
crewchief888
Well-known member
I hate my MAC ratchets, most used is a 3/8" dr long flex, it gets repaired after 4 months of use. now the flex detent is so worn it's like a limp noodle.
i always had better luck with SO, but they've disappeared over the years.
my fav's were old SK.
i always had better luck with SO, but they've disappeared over the years.
my fav's were old SK.
Nuit Damnant
Well-known member
I like the knurled handles on the Macs, I have both snap on and mac, and rebuilt some of both. The macs feel better to me though.
rwhite692
Well-known member
No....Just...No.
...Snap-On FTW!
...Snap-On FTW!
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It depends on the model. I don't really care for the 30 tooth models. The newer Facom 72 tooth clones are nice. Mac also has a few 45 tooth models with a quick release that look kind of like a clone of the new Proto pearhead ratchets. Mac aslo has that two long 1/2 drive flex head ratchet that's made in China and looks just like the Titan version with a different shaped handle. I really like my current Matco and Gearwrench ratchets over any other model but, that's just me.
BackTracker
Well-known member
I don't turn wrenches for a living anymore (injection molding shop) but I prefer (in the 1/2" drive with 18" handles) Mac, but my Mac is over 20 years old. I stripped the guts out of my snapon several times (and the snap on guys are customer no-service around here) and my Williams (now the snapon guy deals them and warranty) as well. I went to Williams because and older man I worked with has a 40+ year old Williams he has used for ever with VERY long cheater bars with out issue. They don't make them like they use to apparently.
ovilla
Well-known member
I've seen the MAC stuff (been on a truck to evaluate them) but just liked the sanp-on stuff better, so that's what I have.
Anyway, for you guys that are buying the long handled versions of ratchets, why do you like long handles? I can understand if you need to reach deep down in the engine compartment for something, but otherwise, doesn't it just take more effort to work with it (since you need to work the handle more)?
Anyway, for you guys that are buying the long handled versions of ratchets, why do you like long handles? I can understand if you need to reach deep down in the engine compartment for something, but otherwise, doesn't it just take more effort to work with it (since you need to work the handle more)?
I used the long handle ratchets to get more torque on 3/4 bolts without using a cheater bar. I work at an injection molding shop making plastic parts. Depending on what is being made, but for even small parts like small plastic bowls, the molds that form the melted plastic may weigh 1,500 - 5,000 lbs and are held closed in large presses ranging from 55 tons (some or smaller) to 660 tons (many are larger - for large automotive parts 5-6,000 ton presses - YIKES!). At our shop we run smaller tools and presses but even at that, a 300 ton press (injection molding machine) will have a a mold that weighs approximately 2,500 lbs and will have 2 or 3 3/4 bolts per side clamping it to the press. The melted plastic may be injected in a 350 - 550 F and 30,000 psi and at about 3-5 inches/sec. We are middle of the road typical molding. There are a lot of extreme pressures/speeds out there not to mention magnesium and other exotics.
The two foot long flex head MAC is nice for lug nuts. No lack of leverage!
it makes it easier for some things because of the more leverage, but also ive used them like a speed handle
Nuit Damnant
Well-known member
x2. I don't even keep a "regular" 3/8's ratchet in my box anymore. I have long, long flex and stubby's. As a matter of fact, the only ones I own are cm raised panels, and those have been sent to the house set. I do own mostly "regular" length 1/4" though, and one 1/2" that I just recently acquired. Maybe I'm just wimpy and like the extra leverage?
I like speed handle deal too. For some reason I just can't get into the habit of pulling out the air ratchet.