So I needed a long handled 1/4 flex head ratchet my Mac guy and snap on guy are a few days out so I took a gander on the matco truck. I found what I needed and it worked problem is if had it two months and it's been rebuilt 3 times. Has anyone else had a problem out of matco ratchets?
Matco 88 ratchets
- Thread starter Southpaw
- Start date
The new one that's 12" long? I don't know if theres a way around that. Its technically suppose to be for reach not for torque but that wont stop anyone from leaning on it. If you're stipping it out or shearing it off its just par for the course with these super long 1/4" ratchets.
I have the Snap-On flex one that im not overly fond of since its so easy to bump the flex out of position (yes the joint is very tight).
I have the Snap-On flex one that im not overly fond of since its so easy to bump the flex out of position (yes the joint is very tight).
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Wamsutta
Well-known member
You rebuilt the ratchet 3 times in 2 months? Awesome! I always wanted to wear out one of my Snap-on ratchets but they're too tough. 
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
What is the failure mode? Snap ring and cover plate popping off? Gear slipping? It's a pretty "tune-able" mechanism.
My TLL snap on 1/4 has skipped a tooth or two, but it gets the job done.
My TLL snap on 1/4 has skipped a tooth or two, but it gets the job done.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
You rebuilt the ratchet 3 times in 2 months? Awesome! I always wanted to wear out one of my Snap-on ratchets but they're too tough.
Oh, you can wear one out alright, snap on or whoever. Do it for a living and everything is a consumable. There's plenty of spaces OPs 88 will fit where your dual 80 can't. I'll agree the dual 80 is probably the superior mechanism. But the 88/84 tooth is thinner, they'll always be in my box.
toolenthusiast
Well-known member
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- Jan 21, 2017
- Messages
- 723
I’ll probably be called a fanboy, but... you really shoulda waited for the Snap-on truck. Dual80 1/4” ratchets can handle 100+ ft/lbs.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
If I was doing it for a living, the only part that might wear out is the Loctite on the screws from me opening it up all the time to change the lube.
I've been a body technician for a decade and this is the only ratchet that I had had this much trouble with it just runs the gear down to nothing. Nothing really torqued that high somewhere in the ballpark of 15-40 foot pounds my dual 80s fit anywhere with love pro sockets and my Mac axis fit just about anywhere to I just need a long handled 1/4 and it was Friday matco day snap ons Monday Mac is Tuesday. When your flat rate there is no wait. It gets done or you don't get paid.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
What is "runs the gear down to nothing"? Does it free spin?
When you flat rate and snappy truck late, borrow from a mate.
u better off not getting paid over spending the hard earned on poor tool choices .
Even the mac ratchets are better than those matco.
The snapon long 1/4 is one of those snapon must haves .
You should of called your local napa as the carlyle ratchets great option when no truck option plus my napa will deliver my tool orders on the parts vans any day of week ...
u better off not getting paid over spending the hard earned on poor tool choices .
Even the mac ratchets are better than those matco.
The snapon long 1/4 is one of those snapon must haves .
You should of called your local napa as the carlyle ratchets great option when no truck option plus my napa will deliver my tool orders on the parts vans any day of week ...
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
My guess is the ratchet body is defective if it is free spinning that frequently. Typically those go to intermittent lock up when they need rebuilt.
Do you have issues with the snap ring moving around or loosening up? Is the snap ring being replaced during rebuilds? I'd be talking to matco about a full new ratchet.
shockwave
Well-known member
I have both the snap on and Matco extra long flex head 1/4 drive and 3/8 and I must say I do prefer the Matco do to the locking flex and the snap on is smoother and stronger the pivot joints are always the problem with these for me
And most of my Matco ratchets I have to grease and lube up and slip do to not enough oil new off the truck
I use marvel mystery oil works great takes about 5 minutes to do
And most of my Matco ratchets I have to grease and lube up and slip do to not enough oil new off the truck
I use marvel mystery oil works great takes about 5 minutes to do
I too use marvel mystery oil, I don't know if the head was out of spec but I'll be getting rid of it it's been nothing but a head ache. The snap ring doesn't move at all the plat sits firm with snap ring in solace it just likes to shear teeth I can't explain how it does this. The matco guy is at a loss for words as well. As previously stated as a body technician most of the fasteners I use this ratchet on are not torqued but between 15-40 ft-lbs
As a tool &gun collector it is not lost on me that ever manufacturer puts out a lemon from time to time. I didn't start this thread to bash a brand or hold a brand up on a pedestal; only to share my experience with this particular product
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I own 88's and Dual 80's in the 3 drive sizes and I prefer the Dual 80's. The 1/4" Dual 80 mechanism isn't perfect, but it's still better than the 88. If it wasn't for the locking flex of the 88, I'd have no reason to own them.
Tightening torque and removal torque can often be 2 totally different numbers.
1foxracing
Well-known member
Your local Napa can get the Proto 90T ratchets, they are the same as MAC without any comfort grip options.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I found the perfect replacement.
1/4" Drive Dual 80® Technology Extra Long Green Soft Grip Handle Flex-Head Ratchet
Dimension C, Length, inches (mm) 12-13/32 (315)
1/4" Drive Dual 80® Technology Extra Long Green Soft Grip Handle Flex-Head Ratchet
Dimension C, Length, inches (mm) 12-13/32 (315)
Not the same anymore. I think MAC is revising all the heads by putting screws in from the back.