Matco 88s 30% until June 27th

[mfa81]

Doesn't look like this has been posted yet, all Matco 88s are on sale 30% ends June 27th

"Save 30% on all 88 tooth ratchets NOW! Every size, color and length is up for grabs. Don't miss out on this limited time deal. Offer ends June 27."

 

[zack20cb]

Doesn't look like this has been posted yet, all Matco 88s are on sale 30% ends June 27th

"Save 30% on all 88 tooth ratchets NOW! Every size, color and length is up for grabs. Don't miss out on this limited time deal. Offer ends June 27."

Example:

> 1/2" DRIVE 25-5/8" EIGHTY8 TOOTH LOCKING FLEX RATCHET
> Part No. CFR248LF

Marked down from $290 to $203.

1/2" DRIVE 25-5/8" EIGHTY8 TOOTH LOCKING FLEX RATCHET CFR248LF | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

 

[liliysdad]

Well this is interesting… thank you

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Any particular ones that are recommended? I tend to be a snap on ratchet guy, any of these better than particular ones offered by SO?

 

[zack20cb]

The locking flex head design is very different from the Snap-On design. Both are good, I’d say the Snap-On one is slicker and more convenient but the Matco feels more robust and durable.

 

[liliysdad]

I prefer the Matco Eighty8s over the comparable SnapOn ratchets in just about every category. Just a great ratchet.

 

[ThePostman]

This is the steal of the century if you want one of these

1/2" DRIVE 33-3/8" EIGHTY8 TOOTH LOCKING FLEX RATCHET WITH ERGO HANDLE - GREEN CFR308LFG | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

I paid 370 plus tax for this thing, if you work on cars, this is now 258 plus tax, now is the time to buy.

 

[j3rf]

Fuuuuuuuuck. This is gonna get expensive.

 

[Steve_P]

The 88s are fantastic ratchets; they're nearly identical to the 90T Gearwrench, but with more options and some longer lengths. You should also check on Ebay as there are usually some deals there on new Matcos at ~half off retail. As said, I also prefer the Matco 88 over the Snap On 72/80, and I have some of each.

 

[zack20cb]

The 88s are fantastic ratchets; they're nearly identical to the 90T Gearwrench, but with more options and some longer lengths. You should also check on Ebay as there are usually some deals there on new Matcos at ~half off retail. As said, I also prefer the Matco 88 over the Snap On 72/80, and I have some of each.

So I should probably just get the Gearwrench 81372T (24” locking flex ratchet) for $100, right? The Matco CFR248LF is just overkill at $200 on sale.

 

[Callelle]

Ordered myself a Purple / Nickle 3/8". Sick of waiting for the new dealer to show and even ebay has a hard time competing with the 30% off.

 

[InsanePyro]

The 88s are fantastic ratchets; they're nearly identical to the 90T Gearwrench, but with more options and some longer lengths. You should also check on Ebay as there are usually some deals there on new Matcos at ~half off retail. As said, I also prefer the Matco 88 over the Snap On 72/80, and I have some of each.

That's because that's what they are

So I should probably just get the Gearwrench 81372T (24” locking flex ratchet) for $100, right? The Matco CFR248LF is just overkill at $200 on sale.

Yes

 

[liliysdad]

That's because that's what they are

Close, not identical.

 

[Fly YX]

Is the Marco one made in America?

 

[Callelle]

Is the Marco one made in America?

Yes, pretty sure it's AJ Manufacturing that makes it for them.

 

[Fly YX]

Yes, pretty sure it's AJ Manufacturing that makes it for them.

That’s what I thought I have seen made in USA in the flyer for the ratchets. I rather buy the Matcos than the Gearwrench then. Just bought a few with the 30% off sale. Mostly have Snap On ratchets. Figure I try a few of Marco to try them out.

 

[liliysdad]

The Matco Eighty*s share a lineage with the Gearwrench ratchets, but they are not the same. Matco ratchets are made in the US. The ratchet mechanisms typically do interchange with Gearwrench, but the cover plates and clips do not.

Gearwrench and Matco once shared the same parent company, but Matco was spun off in 2015 or 2016 under the Fortive umbrella. This saved them, in large part, from being gobbled under the Apex debacle.

Again...similar, not the same.

 

[Fly YX]

First and last Macco ratchet. Did call customer support they’re sending me a new one. Their customer support is great.. Just wish the product was better.

 

[AJHD]

First and last Macco ratchet. Did call customer support they’re sending me a new one. Their customer support is great.. Just wish the product was better.

What happened to it? Looks disassembled, no obvious damage (but used). Did the snap ring just pop out and it fell apart?

 

[liliysdad]

Looks like the Snap Ring wasn’t seated…

 

[Fly YX]

Yes more than likely. Did not inspect it when I used it.

 

[liliysdad]

Yes more than likely. Did not inspect it when I used it.

So Matco is going to replace a ratchet that probably isn’t defective, and you’re swearing them off because a snap ring likely wasn’t seated?

Interesting.

 

[Fly YX]

Yep. Never had this happen on first use of any ratchet. Looks like they are sending up whole new ratchet. I would be good with just the guts. Their customer service seems to be great. I also have never taken apart a new ratchet to the normally come with no grease in the Matcos? When I spun it with my finger, it didn’t feel right for a few turns. And the switch did not move. But then it seems to smooth out and move.

 

[liliysdad]

It happened with the first use because the snap ring wasn't seated in its corresponding groove. It absolutely should not have left the manufacturer that way, but its a pretty minor issue. Sounds like you got two ratchets for the price of one.

No, they aren't greased, they used a light oil. Ratchets don't need grease in them, and greasing them causes far more harm than good.

 

[Fly YX]

Not knocking them it is what it is. I like the ratchet until I want to use it. It’s been 20+ years since I’ve been on a Matco truck when I worked at Midwest Airlines. I bought other stuff from them back then, but don’t think ever a ratchet. Thought I’d try them since they had a 30% off the ratchets. Had a few others in the cart, but I’ll probably hold off for now. Was taking a track break off and it just fell apart.

 

[AJHD]

Did you put the ratchet back together? Does it work or does something not fit correctly?

 

[purplezr2]

Example:

> 1/2" DRIVE 25-5/8" EIGHTY8 TOOTH LOCKING FLEX RATCHET
> Part No. CFR248LF

Marked down from $290 to $203.

1/2" DRIVE 25-5/8" EIGHTY8 TOOTH LOCKING FLEX RATCHET CFR248LF | Matco Tools

www.matcotools.com

I have one new in the package I will sell for even less.

 

[Fly YX]

Did you put the ratchet back together? Does it work or does something not fit correctly?

If it went back together would not have called them. It fell apart working on a streetcar showing to technicians how to replace a part. Did not find all the parts. We all laughed when we figured out what was falling on us. I told them it was the first time using the tool.

 

[AJHD]

If it went back together would not have called them. It fell apart working on a streetcar showing to technicians how to replace a part. Did not find all the parts. We all laughed when we figured out what was falling on us. I told them it was the first time using the tool.

What part was missing? I see the pawl, selector, plunger, anvil, cover plate and snap ring.

 

[Fly YX]

The pusher is there, but there is no spring and I think a o ring but not 100% on that.

 

[mfa81]

anyone still waiting for their backordered ratchets?

 

[Buckgnarly]

anyone still waiting for their backordered ratchets?

Yep, the really long 1/2 flex head in green!

 

[Jarhead0408]

Yep, the really long 1/2 flex head in green!

Ditto.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Arrived. Beast, and only 135 bucks!....student/Instructor discount. Should have grabbed more of the flex locking variety while they were on sale, I really like their lock design.
Pic is next to a Snap On 24" locking, though I will say the SO beam is much thicker....will be interesting when I really pull on the Matco.