MAC tools Spinflex Ratchets

[Mike306]

Just wondering if anyone use or have an opinion on these?

Bearing in mind the SnapOn gear in the UK is crazy money, and our MAC man is pretty cool, i'm in two minds about making a purchase as he'd have to order it in.

Basically i'm in need of a flex headed ratchet, Snap on is crazy money, but want something durable, as the Teng ratchets haven't been the same quality for a few years now. Plus i like the solid handles on ratchets and screw drivers.

Cheers in advance guys and girls!

 

[Matt018]

Interesting according to the manufacturers websites the mac is more expensive than a comparable snap on. I dont have personal experience with that ratchet but you will find that most every hardline truck tool is good quality. just choose the style of each tool you like the best. like say snap on vs mac screwdrivers. They both are excellent quality it just comes down to personal preference.

 

[warmpancakes]

those were made by proto, you can get them very inexpensive branded proto

 

[fflintstone]

IMO the spinning handle is a gimmic. I picked up an NOS one for $5 and dont use it much. Mine is the proto model though.

 

[Mike306]

Cheers for the heads up.

I'll see what I get for proto over here, wish me luck!

Cheers guys!

 

[warmpancakes]

Cheers for the heads up.

I'll see what I get for proto over here, wish me luck!

Cheers guys!

If you cant find them let me know They should fit in small flat rate so shipping across the pond wont kill you

 

[ridervfr]

I have a Mac Spin-Flex and forget to use the handle feature most of the time. However, when I do use my other flex-head ratchets, I loosen my grip on the handle and kind-of use it as a spin/speeder feature. A little difficult to illustrate with words, I like speeders and T-handles btw...like my magnetic hex drivers too, as they can use different tips.

I like the 3/8 spin-flex from Mac, dont get me wrong, it may be a bit of a gimick though.

 

[bart1]

What about Armstrong Maxx? Locking flex heads that everybody seems to be happy with. I have the 1/2" version and like it. Maybe also look into the German brands, don't know how they are priced over there, but tradesmanchoice.com is a good seller I have used and a member here.

 

[richfinn]

I,ve had a Spinflex for about 20 years, its the only flex head 3/8 ratchet I have and its been very good

 

[wrenchr]

They are very nice and I would disagree with these being gimmick tools.

 

[PinkLinc]

They are very nice and I would disagree with these being gimmick tools.

I'll have to agree with wrenchr here. I have the Proto version in 1/4 drive and it's pretty handy.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

I have two of the spinflex 1/4" drive models and I too agree that they are very handy, especially when working on valve bodies, many smaller bolts and some detail work.

Adam

 

[Syndicate]

They are not gimmicks! When used properly they save you time and energy!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk that iTyped with my ****** iThumbs

 

[bobcatdan]

I got one used. I really have never found a use for the spin other then it is kinda nice where you can make big wide swings, to have the handle rotate back and forth. Not completly usless, but pretty gimicky

 

[genevabuck]

I have wanted to buy one for years, but never saw one on a truck and confused by the catalog description. What do these ratchets actually do? Does the handle spin or something?

 

[AndyA]

I have the 1/4" and 3/8". I usually reach for the fixed handle flex head instead of the spinflex. Save your money for other tools.

 

[quattrojon]

I have the Proto version in 1/4 and it works really well.

 

[MattT]

those were made by proto, you can get them very inexpensive branded proto

That's odd since they use MAC ratchet heads, MAC handles, and Spinflex is a MAC patent.

Yeah you can find them branded proto cheaper but they damn sure ain't proto ratchets.

 

[warmpancakes]

That's odd since they use MAC ratchet heads, MAC handles, and Spinflex is a MAC patent.

Yeah you can find them branded proto cheaper but they damn sure ain't proto ratchets.

Spinflex is a stanley patent.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...5,941,141.PN.&OS=PN/5,941,141&RS=PN/5,941,141

 

[joedodge]

I didn't have the spin flex but the standard hard hanle loved them till I lost my mac dealer and broke them lol

 

[volaredon]

IMO the spinning handle is a gimmic. I picked up an NOS one for $5 and dont use it much. Mine is the proto model though.

want your $5 back? (plus shipping of course) I thought they were gimmicky too at 1st, now is my go-to ratchet

 

[volaredon]

That's odd since they use MAC ratchet heads, MAC handles, and Spinflex is a MAC patent.

Yeah you can find them branded proto cheaper but they damn sure ain't proto ratchets.

Like Hell they aren't... I have a Proto and have owned a MAC version... just bought 2 more Proto's 15 mins ago on Ebay gonna hafta keep a lookout for the 1/4 version

 

[kams1973]

I use my 3/8 spinflex on a regular basis. It's turned out to be go-to ratchet for me now that I'm used to using it.