Matco 88 Handles

[RedOak]

I was wondering if anyone on the board knows if the comfort grip style Matco 88 ratchets are made in the US?

I'd also like to read some productive comments about how folks who've actually used the Matco 88 ratchets feel about them.

Thanks for your time ...

 

[Subyroo651]

The handles are NOT made in the US that's why the comfort grips are not stamped USA.
Although the rest of the tool still is US made. I bought both a Snap-On FHX80 and a Matco BFR128LFTG at the same time. I kept the Matco for a few reasons. Mostly the lower profile head which would come in handy for tight spaces(since it is a flex) and also the locking mechanism was more user friendly and unobtrusive. The racheting action of the Snap-On is slightly smoother but the large head just sort of killed it for me.

I have since bought an FX80 so I don't get my BFR128LFTG or my other comfort grip ratchets all beat up. I have a problem lol

 

[tkonetzke]

I have both matco 88s and dual 80s, but I prefer to avoid soft handles/comfort grips. Subyroo is right on with the pros and cons of each. If you clip the spring in a matco you can make it almost as smooth as a dual 80. I have 4 of the matcos, one is locking flex head, and I have no complaints.

 

[Skin]

Do not snip the spring in a matco 88 or any floating pawl design. Low spring tension is what causes them to self reverse (i learned this the hard way). I like them better than the dual 80. The only advantage the dual 80 has over the 88 is the former is sealed far better, other than that the Matco feels just as smooth, has a better directional switch and is overall a bit slimmer.

As stated the handles are imported. All chrome = USA stamp, comfort grip = no stamp.

 

[cammok5]

i love my matco comfot grips. i use the so ones at school and just wernt as nice in my hand.

 

[marcusicp]

I believe the Matco handles are made in Canada. I'm not 100% sure but I think that's what my Matco guy told me 2 years ago when I asked.

 

[CWP1616L]

The handle is too toxic to make in the USA.

 

[Quick01GT]

I have a chrome handle CFR248LFT that is not stamped USA, was it not made here?

 

[tkonetzke]

Do not snip the spring in a matco 88 or any floating pawl design. Low spring tension is what causes them to self reverse (i learned this the hard way). I like them better than the dual 80. The only advantage the dual 80 has over the 88 is the former is sealed far better, other than that the Matco feels just as smooth, has a better directional switch and is overall a bit slimmer.

As stated the handles are imported. All chrome = USA stamp, comfort grip = no stamp.

I have clipped all 4 of mine with excellent results, so?

If you have common sense and clip a little at time until you achieve the desired feel you will be fine. Dont pull it apart and cut the spring in half....thought that went without saying. Perhaps not.

 

[Skin]

I have clipped all 4 of mine with excellent results, so?

If you have common sense and clip a little at time until you achieve the desired feel you will be fine. Dont pull it apart and cut the spring in half....thought that went without saying. Perhaps not.

and I'm saying don't clip them at all or you run the risk of making the ratchet annoying as all hell to use, essentially broken. It doesn't take much to ruin it.

 

[RCStocker]

Tools are engineered for strength and the kind of use that they will be put through.
When you change a tool you only mess it up and open the door to problems. I must have a hundred ratchets of all brands, types and makes. I have 65 year old Craftsman ratchets that are smoother than my Matco and Snap-on fine tooth ratchets.

I have a Craftsman ratchet form the late 60's that I got new. I have used rebulding machinery, on the construction site and many repairs. The ****** thing will not give up and it is smooth. I always go for it, evern over my Snappy 80 1/2" drive.

The hadle is a flat one with the raised pannel. I like it better than the round handled Snappies because when it is your hand it does not want to rotate in your hand. When it is in my had it does not slip. The handle to me means very little. I find the regular Snap-on ratchet to be very rough, The 80 Tooth are smooth. I have an old Wards ratchet that is smooth. I am not impressed by most ratchets. I like the quick release of the Craftsman and you can find them all the time for $5.

Does it really matter where the handle is made? The materials come form all over the world.

 

[tkonetzke]

and I'm saying don't clip them at all or you run the risk of making the ratchet annoying as all hell to use, essentially broken. It doesn't take much to ruin it.

I guess I'm just that damn good! You buy them, they are yours you are free to do as you wish. I am only sharing my experience, yours may vary.

 

[RedOak]

RCStocker: You've made it fairly clear that the origin of the handles and the other construction "materials" doesn't matter to you. Obviously, it matters to me, so I'm wondering why you would've posted here? Why does the question bother you enough to post on this particular thread? I'm a greying veteran who wants to keep Americans in their jobs, so I choose to spend my hard-earned on US-made tools. If you choose to contribute to the growth of the Asian world markets, that's your right ... but you might think about how you got that right from time to time.

 

[TwoInch]

Tools are engineered for strength and the kind of use that they will be put through.
When you change a tool you only mess it up and open the door to problems. .

while somewhat true, that last sentence is all wrong. engineers design for strength, and cost effectiveness. hypothetical example - like the springs in the ratchets, they could source a lighter and very strict tolerance spring for the mechanisms, but if it costs twice, or three times as much, they wont do it. they might go with a slightly stiffer, lower tolerance spring that is much cheaper.

some tools can be tweaked to a much better working condition than a company puts out. their only consideration is NOT strength and durability.

grab you a duralast snapon knock off, and see if a little spring clipping doesnt make that ratchet about 1000% nicer to use.