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mac tool thread

shoggoth80

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Joined
Feb 28, 2013
Messages
854
Location
Seattle
Here's my first Mac socket set. 1/4" Mac Edge/Precision Torque. Got about $33 invested in them. Worth way more than that to me. Don't care if they are foreign produced, they're still pretty nice. I got lucky on them. Functional, and aesthetically pleasing. :thumbup:
 

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Pen3

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Oct 17, 2015
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27
I finally got around to picking up a set of SAE and Metric flare crow foot. The fit and finish is pretty damn nice.
 

BK13

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Mar 1, 2013
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2,692
Location
PDX, OR
Here's my first Mac socket set. 1/4" Mac Edge/Precision Torque. Got about $33 invested in them. Worth way more than that to me. Don't care if they are foreign produced, they're still pretty nice. I got lucky on them. Functional, and aesthetically pleasing. :thumbup:

I'd like to pick up a set or two of those...
 

warmpancakes

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Mar 12, 2010
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8,097
Location
4th letter of the alphabet
walked on my first MAC truck in 10 years yesterday Theres a new truck and owner in Novi Mich, nice guy, seems to know his product well, been in buisness about a month already had trade in tools. i bought a set of trade in torque adapters and got a catalog. Nice guy hopefully he does well
 

superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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Vancouver, BC
that Japan made air ratchet is interesting. Which Japanese company manufactured that for MAC?

SP Air is one company. You're probably not likely to find these in the truck though. If you do, they will be NOS.
 

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martin666

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Apr 15, 2015
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425
Location
New Jersey
Picked up these mini pliers and wobble extentions ( I just happened to have the missing extention ) from garage sales this past week
 

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superautobacs

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Bit ratchet and bit combo. The bits set is branded "Facom" and with their logo.
 

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zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
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16,939
Bit ratchet and bit combo. The bits set is branded "Facom" and with their logo.

O man, that looks handy :drool: Do you know the COO on the ratchet by chance? Never seen a flex head bit ratchet. I have their TINY bit ratchet, very handy, COO Taiwan IIRC.
 

superautobacs

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O man, that looks handy :drool: Do you know the COO on the ratchet by chance? Never seen a flex head bit ratchet. I have their TINY bit ratchet, very handy, COO Taiwan IIRC.

Yeah, neither did I, until I saw a co-worker with one. It was on the wish list for some time. COO is Taiwan, just like the vast majority of bit ratchets with this type of ratcheting mechanism (doesn't matter whether it's a North American, European, or Japanese brand; they all source the mechanism from one company).
 

krc328ic

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Jan 28, 2012
Messages
228
Location
Maine
For some reason MAC uses the same part number for that bit ratchet and this one I picked up off the truck. BWFQ5. No COO markings, but safe to assume its not USA. This a stock photo from their site. OH and yes, it is a handy little guy.
BWFQ5.jpg
 

Gotmayhem

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Feb 12, 2013
Messages
351
Location
CT
For some reason MAC uses the same part number for that bit ratchet and this one I picked up off the truck. BWFQ5. No COO markings, but safe to assume its not USA. This a stock photo from their site. OH and yes, it is a handy little guy.
BWFQ5.jpg

Years ago I managed to find out who made that bit ratchet and IIRC it was an American manufacturer. For some reason I'm unable to find it again so don't grill me too hard if I'm wrong.

Regardless, it's one of my favorite tools. It is as slim as could be and fits absolutely everywhere.The dual flex-head lets you snake it into any tight space that a modern automotive engineer could dream up. It has a really nice fine ratcheting mechanism that can take a beating. I'm sure I've use it for fasteners it wasn't intended for in the three or so years I've had it. Still works like new.

One thing I dislike about it is that the selector buttons are easy to bump. You could be tightening a screw down and swing a little too far and tap the button against something and now you're going in reverse. Happens a lot. But I guess it's preferable to having a bulkier switch. If I lost this tool I'd have one ordered within the hour. Can't imagine working without it and I'm surprised there aren't more copies of this style :headscrat
 

phikshin

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Aug 10, 2010
Messages
44
I own the silver bit ratchet listed above. I debated between that one and the red double flex and went with the single flex. It's got a nice weight to it it locks in position and has s smooth mechanism. Feels like a quality tool. The double flex (at least the one I saw at a tool show) didn't have a lock and was very floppy in the joints. I'll probably still pick it up as I can still see it being useful for things like temp door actuators or for those times when the engineers decided it was a good idea to bury the screw behind some non removable trim, behind tigthly routed wiring sandwiched between the frame and some sort of sharp metal mounting bracket.
 

martin666

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Apr 15, 2015
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425
Location
New Jersey
Finally got my small collection of Mac all in one place today
 

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CRTDI

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Jan 11, 2010
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1,533
Couldn't really find a Matco tool thread, so I'll just put this one here.

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The Stevens Walden ratchet adapter resides here since this is the only 1/4" box I own that has enough space to accommodate it.
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With the exception of the ratchet adapter and one of the extensions, this set contains all Matco pieces with a mix of S.A.E. and metric sizes.
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I really like the ratchet in this set. Nice fine tooth action and a detent positioned flex head. I believed it's sourced from Wright.
IMG_9429_zps6vom5zqi.jpg
 

superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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Vancouver, BC
I saw the photos and thought to myself, 'since when did Matco become a part of the Stanley Black & Decker empire?'

Why not just start your own thread? :)
 
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cgrutt

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Mar 4, 2016
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8,164
OK, back on topic :)

I present my extensive MAC collection:

tmp_29517-IMG_20160319_240354_6641778289478_zpsg7vfj0od.jpg


I also have two MAC rollcabs, a side box and a "collectible" gold wrench set if that counts, LOL...
 

superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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Location
Vancouver, BC
attachment.php


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Found two pieces missing from this set :mad:

attachment.php
 

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MechEngTech

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Mar 15, 2016
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4
Location
Ontario,Canada
Picked up a used 1/4" drive ratchet. I really like the feel of the MAC hard handle, might have to expand the collection to include a 3/8" drive or some screwdrivers.
 

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MrWrencher823

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Jan 24, 2015
Messages
136
How about the original MAC?

is that the original name of Mac tools? I have a old wrench and I believe it says something like "Mechanics Tool and Forge" or something similar to that.
Or do they all say MAC?
I think i'm going to go searching around in the garage for that wrench right now..
 

twertsy

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Jan 5, 2014
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6,725
Location
Reedville, VA
is that the original name of Mac tools? I have a old wrench and I believe it says something like "Mechanics Tool and Forge" or something similar to that.
Or do they all say MAC?
I think i'm going to go searching around in the garage for that wrench right now..
Wrenches say MAC but are very crude, kinda like early Cornwell.

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wafrederick

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Jul 3, 2010
Messages
6,044
Location
Holton,Mi
Mac tools was originally called Mechanics Tools and Forge until the 1960s changed to Mac tools.There were 3 parts of Mac tools,Mac Allied Tools Corperation,Mac Tools Inc and The Clinton Tool Company.The Clinton Tool Company merged with Mac Tools inc in the 1960s.Mac Allied Tools Corperation aka Matco was with Mac 1946 to 1979 and the split happened in 1979.I do have a complete Mac flare nut wrench set from the 1960s that has no gaurentee stamped on them,must had no warranty on them back then.A former Vetronix rep my dad knows has the Dale Earnhardt Sr. edition Mac tools,all of them and know they are worth money now since his death in 2001.
 
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twertsy

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Jan 5, 2014
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6,725
Location
Reedville, VA
Mac tools was originally called Mechanics Tools and Forge until the 1950s or 1960s changed to Mac tools.There were 3 parts of Mac tools,Mac Allied Tools Corperation,Mac Tools Inc and The Clinton Tool Company.The Clinton Tool Company merged with Mac Tools inc in the 1960s.Mac Allied Tools Corperation aka Matco was with Mac 1946 to 1979 and the split happened in 1979.I do have a complete Mac flare nut wrench set from the 1960s that has no gaurentee stamped on them,must had no warranty on them back then.A former Vetronix rep my dad knows has the Dale Earnhardt edition Mac tools,all of them and know they are worth money now since his death in 2001.
There were more than three..........

http://toolarchives.com/node/2389

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Wamsutta

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Jan 8, 2014
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10,857
Location
Amarillo, Texas
Picked up a used 1/4" drive ratchet. I really like the feel of the MAC hard handle, might have to expand the collection to include a 3/8" drive or some screwdrivers.

I want one of those. By the way, those MAC 30 tooth ratchets run very well on Sealed Power #55-400 assembly lube.

844-55400.jpg
 
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Wamsutta

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Jan 8, 2014
Messages
10,857
Location
Amarillo, Texas
You guys can see the new MAC 90 tooth flex head in action from 29:50 to 30:18. I suggest you put it on full screen and slow down the speed to the slowest setting.

 

jimmyin3D

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Apr 15, 2016
Messages
587
Location
southbay, CA
How are the long reach pliers? These are the ones with the metal spring loaded handles? Wondering if they are a hindrance or actually useful.
 

gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
Messages
5,419
Location
Connecticut
How are the long reach pliers? These are the ones with the metal spring loaded handles? Wondering if they are a hindrance or actually useful.

I have the duck bill long reach pliers that have two metal tabs that act as a spring. I like them a lot. They're well made and the grips are comfortable. I actually bought them on closeout from Mac for cheap. A lot of people give Mac a bad reputation because some of their stuff is made overseas, but all the big names now have stuff made overseas. Most of my tools are USA made Mac, with the exception of some air tools. Either way, I personally have never had a problem with any of my Mac tools. Here's a pic of the pliers I have. The spring makes using them in tight places very easy. Rather than finagling with the handles trying to position your fingers to open them, the spring does it.
 

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michjacket

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Apr 27, 2016
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72
Location
SE Michigan
Just posted this in the Garage Sale thread and then found this Mac thread. My wife bought these 5 wrenches at an estate sale for $2. The three Macs look pretty old. Anyone know anything about them? Thanks!
 

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jimmyin3D

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Yeah I wish I could try some of those pliers out I'm in the process of buying long reach pliers and can't decide between the type you posted with the springs or the USa version with the squiggly shaped handles (I think proto/blackhawk have similar looking ones as mac). Matco also have some without springs so I'm so confused haha.
 
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