Mac Tools You’re opinion

[bratwurst]

Where is all the love for Mac Tools, I noticed a lot of people are not big fans???

 

[ronr80]

I used to love Mac tools only cause the snap on guys was a ?€£¥. I spent at least $ 10000.00 on our shop , now I'm retired and I'm trying to get 3 tools replaced from Mac and nothing but a 2 year run around. But I still love their tools. But the service *****.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have a fair amount of older USA Mac. It’s nice.

Mac ain’t what it used to be. Nowadays I can buy most of Macs lineup as Proto for a lot less.

 

[dr_clyde]

They also treat their dealers like garbage. I bought most of my Mac from a really great dealer. They screwed him from corporate and put him out of business.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Are Mac closed down. When he did come around he never stocked anything at all. Always had to order. Truck was unorganized and a mess. Don’t miss him or his over priced tools.

 

[Fedwrench]

I like many of MAC's tools.

I think there are a few reasons why there aren't a lot of public displays of affection for MAC tools in the pages of the Journal.
First, MAC was probably the first tool truck to widely embrace and market Taiwan & PRC made tools.
Many people also don't like the fact that MAC is part of the huge tool empire that is Stanley, Black, & Decker even though SBD shall resurrect US made Craftsman But, that's another thread.
There are more than a few you tube videos about unhappy tool truck franchisees, many are from MAC.
Some people don't like the fact that MAC offers rebadged Facom and Proto items as MAC.
Lastly, there aren't as many cult followers of MAC as there are with Snap on. I don't know why.

I think some of MAC's current gems include but, aren't limited to their axis 90 tooth ratchets (although Proto got the better metal handle), their duratec screwdrivers, their Macsimizer tool cart, and their new damaged torx/hex bit drivers/removers.

 

[AA/FC]

MAC is owned by Stanley these days... They still make some MAC hand tools in Stanley's USA factory in Texas where other Stanley owned brands make their USA tools. (Such as PROTO) However, it seems like the majority of their stuff is now made in China or Taiwan. The last time I had a weekly MAC truck stopping at my job, (about 4 years ago) the truck was fairly empty, and if he did have something in stock is it was foreign made. I wanted a set of MAC sockets and he specifically asked me if I wanted USA, or Taiwan. Of course I said USA.... he said no problem, but he would have to order them and they would be considerably more expensive. I said "I know, that's fine... get them ordered." They are damn nice sockets...

As far as the majority of their other stuff? To me it's on-par with HF Taiwan quality. In fact certain items look almost identical, which isn't all that surprising since there is a good chance that certain types of items at HF are made in the same Taiwan factory as certain types of MAC stuff. Which is fine, but I'm not paying tool truck prices for HF tools.

The very first thing I ever purchased on a tool truck was a MAC 1/4 drive air ratchet, and a 12 volt test light.... this was in 1990, 30 years ago. I still have the test light and I'm pretty sure a friend of mine still has the ratchet. It was high quality made in USA stuff back then. The name meant quality. Not so much today unless you specifically go out of your way to order USA quality products.... but be prepared to pay the price.

Don't get me wrong, my last MAC dealer was a great guy! He'd been a dealer for many years. I actually felt bad for him because I rarely ever saw him make a sale and he had a fairly small area. That's a tough living...


The short answer, MAC trucks are basically rolling Harbor Freight trucks, with "tool truck" pricing.

.

 

[Wamsutta]

It depends on the part number. The best stuff has an 'R' at the end of the part number. Check the USA made sockets; they'll have the 'R' at the end. The 'R' stands for Revised when MAC switched to Macdrive for their sockets and box end wrenches. Their sockets are similar to Proto, but not the same. Both are excellent sockets, but MAC narrows down the drive end or the business end depending on the size. Makes for a very attractive socket. MAC also has a very thin wall which was part of the revision. They make excellent tools but you gotta know what you're looking for. The blanket statement that they're not what they used to be comes from someone who is not familiar with the part numbers or MAC's line.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

When I worked in shops in the 90's/2000's, I remember guys saying that MAC was a top brand in the 70's/80's but fell off. I may have seen a MAC truck a handful of times in my 11 years in shops.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I have a fair amount of older USA Mac. It’s nice.

Mac ain’t what it used to be. Nowadays I can buy most of Macs lineup as Proto for a lot less.

They also treat their dealers like garbage. I bought most of my Mac from a really great dealer. They screwed him from corporate and put him out of business.

When I worked in shops in the 90's/2000's, I remember guys saying that MAC was a top brand in the 70's/80's but fell off. I may have seen a MAC truck a handful of times in my 11 years in shops.

Pretty much these 3 things. My hardline tools I bought from a dealer in the late 90's are damn nice, that was about the end of er'. Loved my dealer, he was pushed to quit.

Now that I'm not on the front line of the trade, I will gladly buy ebay older MAC if it's attractive but usually end up with SO because its just more prolific.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Mac tools these days is too watered down as a brand quality wise. The Stanley connection also doesn't help. Snap on at least keeps their made in China and Taiwan tools under the Blue Point brand name.

Mac's willingness to sell some low quality level tools like their made in China pliers under the Mac name is disturbing. As for their USA made tools, it's a mix of rebranded tools from external suppliers like Lang tools or half the time there's a Proto or other Stanley brand equivalent. With Snap on, I at least know that they are a lot more careful about what they rebrand. The way Mac is being managed right now screams identity crisis.

 

[Wamsutta]

Mac tools these days is too watered down as a brand quality wise. The Stanley connection also doesn't help. Snap on at least keeps their made in China and Taiwan tools under the Blue Point brand name.

Mac's willingness to sell some low quality level tools like their made in China pliers under the Mac name is disturbing. As for their USA made tools, it's a mix of rebranded tools from external suppliers like Lang tools or half the time there's a Proto or other Stanley brand equivalent. With Snap on, I at least know that they are a lot more careful about what they rebrand. The way Mac is being managed right now screams identity crisis.

It's only disturbing because you don't know which is imported and which is made in Dallas Texas. I do, and that's why it doesn't other me. I can spot the imported stuff from a mile away.

 

[woody 73]

Mac you got too love them...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278029&highlight=mac

 

[greg13]

We have 3 trucks stop during the week, Snappy, Matco & Mac. Hands down Mac does more in sales then the other two combined. Why? Simple, the rep. takes care of us. If there is a problem HE makes sure it is taken care of. All 3 have the same basic warranty but it is the SERVICE that makes the real difference. His prices are almost always the lowest as well so that helps also. Remember tools are *****'s market, there is ALWAYS going to be someone cheaper but quality counts.

 

[dsimatt]

Steakhouse prices with McDonald's quality.

 

[Fedwrench]

Mac's willingness to sell some low quality level tools like their made in China pliers under the Mac name is disturbing.

Yes, but Cornwell and Matco trucks are hawking the same Chinese made pliers under their names as well.

 

[JVB]

Mac axis ratchets won me over a few years back.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It's only disturbing because you don't know which is imported and which is made in Dallas Texas. I do, and that's why it doesn't other me. I can spot the imported stuff from a mile away.

You seriously think I can't tell? This is more of a matter of brand reputation and whether or not Stanley cares about the brand. If you are trying to use a premium brand name to charge big bucks, there are standards that need to be maintained or long term the brand will become worthless. As much as I like to make fun of Snap on, they at least care to some extent. All the other tool trucks don't even try.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Yes, but Cornwell and Matco trucks are hawking the same Chinese made pliers under their names as well.

And you seriously think I have a higher opinion of Matco and Cornwell? I hate Matco more than Mac just from the Apex tool group connection alone.

 

[Skin]

Some of you are talking about MAC like its 1999. They've come a long way since then. A lot of USA stuff back on the table.

As far as dealer hearsay about being treated poorly, that's all of them. Look at how many lawsuits Snap-on has had filed against them from ex-dealers. Its thousands.

And you seriously think I have a higher opinion of Matco and Cornwell? I hate Matco more than Mac just from the Apex tool group connection alone.

Matco is part of Fortive with companies like Fluke, not Apex. They were never associated with them at a cooperate level.

 

[AA/FC]

It depends on the part number. The best stuff has an 'R' at the end of the part number. Check the USA made sockets; they'll have the 'R' at the end. The 'R' stands for Revised when MAC switched to Macdrive for their sockets and box end wrenches. Their sockets are similar to Proto, but not the same. Both are excellent sockets, but MAC narrows down the drive end or the business end depending on the size. Makes for a very attractive socket. MAC also has a very thin wall which was part of the revision. They make excellent tools but you gotta know what you're looking for. The blanket statement that they're not what they used to be comes from someone who is not familiar with the part numbers or MAC's line.

If this reply was directed at me..... Well, I know damn well the difference between their USA line and their foreign stuff. That's why I said that I had my dealer specifically order their USA sockets for me. Anyone who buys tools on a regular basis, or uses them for a living can tell the difference. If they can't, then they obviously don't care where their tools come from. And that is just fine, too. I'm not gonna tell a guy how he should spend his tool money. To each his own... I try to buy USA made tools whenever possible, and I make sure I know the COO before I purchase.

 

[Mr_B]

I like MAC mainly as I got a great MAC tool guy and dealt with him over 20yrs .
Like any tool brand some tools are real good some aren't . A good dealer helps as keeps prices hard ignore and no issues with trials returns and warranty .

 

[BrandoJames]

Last year I purchased a set of MAC 1/2" chrome sockets (deep) off eBay--very nice, Taiwan made for $125 (new). But MAC has zero local presence in my home town. There's a local Snap-on truck and a local Matco truck--I'll sometimes jump on board when I see either one at a local garage.

I've never seen a MAC tool truck in my town.

 

[Mr_B]

^
That the thing with truck tools, if you ain't got a dealer or a good dealer then it not a great buy .
Only reason I got fair lot of MAC stuff is due to great friendly/helpful dealer .
If buying taiwan/asia online I rather buy rotar toptul, welzch werkzueg, premier, infar, carlyle, tekton, koken, kuani, act, m7 etc at fraction the cost for massive tool and design choice .

 

[BrandoJames]

If buying taiwan/asia online I rather buy rotar toptul, welzch werkzueg, premier, infar, carlyle, tekton, koken, kuani, act, m7 etc at fraction the cost for massive tool and design choice .

Last year I picked up Matco ADV 3/8" impact socket set (deep) for $69 via eBay. Also bought Blue-Point 3/8" chrome socket set (shallow) for around $40 from Snap-on's website. Both sets are also Taiwan-made.

I understand your point above, but figure the tool truck branded Taiwan-made stuff includes some quality control. I doubt Snap-on/Matco/Mac would stamp their brand on cheap offshore junk. But I admit that's pure speculation on my part.

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh truck taiwan tends be safe buy but many times it just too silly priced .
If you little selective on taiwan brands and pick what they best at you get equal/better taiwan tools at great prices . some of my rotar and japan tools are as good as any truck brand yet 1/4 to 1/2 the cost . Most of my modern taiwan air tools make snapon look like it been standing still for 2 decades .
Nothing wrong with buying some taiwan via truck brands but you can make a lot more from your money if want to .

 

[Tbird22]

When I was a student, Mac gave me a discount on every item unlike snap on that has a limited list. I bought stuff that I knew was rebranded-even lisle- but it was cheaper with the discount. I also figured the service would be better. One thing I really disliked was that when they sent me my orders of rebranded stuff, the packaging and labeling wouldn’t even say Mac, it would say wherever they branded it. I was so confused until I would open the package and connect the dots that I bought it from Mac. Another thing about their service. I mostly work overseas and I send my tools there so I don’t have the luxury of having a dealer. With snap on, I file a claim online, send them a picture and they send me a replacement on the spot. Mac requires I send it in. I’ve made so many quick fixes because I would rather use a broken tool that not have a tool for who knows how long. I know that people take advantage of warranty but sometimes they should swallow it. I one time bought a ratchet from snap on with a flex head and the flex head was over tightened. I called to ask if I should loosen the screw or over time it will loosen itself. They apologized and sent me a new one. I pay a price, I want good service. I would still buy Mac but between their service and falling behind the others I always look at them after


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[dsimatt]

Last year I picked up Matco ADV 3/8" impact socket set (deep) for $69 via eBay. Also bought Blue-Point 3/8" chrome socket set (shallow) for around $40 from Snap-on's website. Both sets are also Taiwan-made.

I understand your point above, but figure the tool truck branded Taiwan-made stuff includes some quality control. I doubt Snap-on/Matco/Mac would stamp their brand on cheap offshore junk. But I admit that's pure speculation on my part.

I have a couple of the adv line in both 3/8 and 1/2 and for the price I've been quite happy with them, I won't buy Matco tools to much as they pretty much rebrand everything. Have the blue point socket set plus case for at home and it's nice thou the wrenches feel cheap.

Mac has their expert line and honestly I feel Mac is overpriced Stanley tools to begin with so not wasting my money on their economy line.

 

[USAMatt]

It was never my brand. I was always an SK-Craftsman Industrial/Professional guy. I do wish Craftsman had their impact wrenches though. I remember a few guys in the late 80's who swore by Mac but I don't think the brand carries much weight these days.

 

[Dakkyz]

Older stuff is great newer stuff is mostly overpriced taiwan offerings, but other companies are doing it far better.

Snap-On Service in my experience has been far better, the mac guy took my money and ran.

 

[setfocus]

I'd put Mac and Matco at the same level. Most of their tools are rebrands, some usa made, some not. I feel like snap-on is a step above in some areas. Most of their rebrands are under the blue-point name and they make some tools that are superior to any Mac or Matco IMO.

The bulk of my tools are snap-on from the student program. Now I only buy snap-on if the tool is actually superior to others and if the added price is worth the better tool. I have a fair amount of matco including my box and a little mac, craftsman and misc. I like my matco guy the most.

 

[richfinn]

I like all the MAC stuff I've got (from the late 80s) apart from a Knucklesaver wrench (which is Horrible)

I always felt there was some snobbery involved in certain tool trucks and mechanics being "sold into a brand"

The best tool truck guys I used were brothers one sold Snap On the other sold MAC, both ex-mechanics, very knowledgeable and fairly honest about who's version of a tool was better

 

[Skin]

Older stuff is great newer stuff is mostly overpriced taiwan offerings, but other companies are doing it far better.

Wide range of picks and awls made in Gorham, Maine
Range of 90 tooth ratchets made in Dallas, Texas
Range of screwdrivers made in Cheraw, South Carolina
Line of power tools assembled in Mission, Texas
Line of pliers made in Laissey, France

That's just in the last ~5 years or so with more coming.

What Taiwan they introduce is largely under the Precision Torque brand and is fairly high quality. Their new line of exclusive impacts (made in Taiwan) are very high quality and much nicer than anything Snap-on has put out.

Like I said some of you need to get out of the past. The Walmart exec they got that was running the brand into the ground left 10 years ago.

Stanley employs over 16,000 people with a large portion of that in their 44 manufacturing facilities, all in the USA. While they've been buying up companies and modernizing or opening new factories Snap-on has closed some and begun sticking junky Spain products in their line-up.

As far as "rebrands", lets not pretend Snap-on doesn't blur the lines with CDI, Sioux, Williams, and Bahco.

 

[Sine Swept]

Explains why I do love my Mac picks!

 

[WittHay]

i bought my first Mac tool about 5 years ago and have been buying ever since. Dealer is good and has better deals and discounts than the Snap-on dealer. My Snap-on dealer is also top notch and have bought slightly less Snap-on than Mac in the last few years

Warranty is the best in the business and who cares about rebranded Lisle, OTC and Knipex. Broken tool get a new one. Plus parts and pieces for stuff like pullers is easier to get from Mac than through the parts store. I buy zero tools online

The US,Taiwan and Italian made Mac complements Snap-on. Different lengths, shapes and sizes that Snap-on does not offer. Things like scrapers, prybars, triple square sockets, punches, pliers, ratchets

 

[chris142]

It seems like every Truck repair place here has large MAC wrenches in the shop. I have a couple of their USA made Knuckle buster wrenches and they are high quality. Our MAC guy absolutely burned me and others I am sure. He was banned from our shop. He folded soon after.

 

[Steve_P]

In the 80s and 90s Mac was very popular where I was- NYC. I worked with guys that had nothing but Mac, including boxes (relabeled Waterloo). We never had a Snap On truck stop by, only Mac. I'm now in east TN and have never seen a Mac truck on the road; only Snap on and Cornwell. I think the problem is now that most of their stuff is import tools that you can get anywhere online, but in the truck it's at Snap On pricing.

 

[Jtels85]

We have a MAC truck that shows up to the shop on Wednesday and a SnapOn truck on Thursday. I've personally never hopped on the SnapOn truck for a multitude of reasons. He also doesn't take care of us like the MAC guy does.

Our dealer’s truck is decked to the nines and so clean, you could eat your dinner off his floor. The tools are a hodgepodge of COO’s, but I’ve found most of what I have purchased to be of above average quality.

Most of the Expert stuff is a tremendous value, especially if you can catch it in the monthly flyer. I have purchased quite a few sets of Expert sockets and ratcheting wrenches. The orange, dipped handle pliers are now made in China. Quality wise, I would put them on par or better than Channellock. The MAC Axis ratchets have 90 teeth, are made in the USA and have easily become my favorite go-to ratchet above my Carlyle Power 90’s and Craftsman 84 Tooth’s. The Duratek style screwdrivers are now made in France and assembled in the USA, but I can’t tell a different between them and my USA counterparts I bought off of eBay several years ago.

All in all, I don’t buy into the “imported tools are junk” argument with MAC. It’s apparent that SB&D/MAC manufactures or sources high quality tools. I’ve been using the hell out of them working on my new ‘99 Camaro Z28 project and have been very pleased thus far.

 

[dnschmidt]

This isn't a political statement but it does apply here: My father said to me at a very early age. I don't care if a person is white, black, Asian, or purple. I don't categorized people by race, color or creed. What I do is categorize them as assholes and non-assholes. Many here would benefit by a similar point of view with respect to tools. I personally don't care where they're made I categorize them either as quality tools or ****** tools. I think that's a superior method than brand name. I’ve never been on a tool truck, why would I as I have every tool TOPTUL makes, but if I were to go on tool trucks it would be 80% driver/service and 20% brand.

 

[Jtels85]

I’ve never been on a tool truck, why would I as I have every tool TOPTUL makes, but if I were to go on tool trucks it would be 80% driver/service and 20% brand.

Well said, and I completely understand your point of view.

Driver/service is very important. Our MAC guy goes out of his way to take care of us. In the event I’m busy and can’t make it outside to the truck, he will walk inside and bring me my order or receipt. He will also check in with the service managers and take care of their needs and any warranty issues. The only time I see the SnapOn guy come inside is if he needs to take a piss or show off a $350, 10 piece 1/4” drive socket set that comes with a “free” flashlight.