MATCO Locking Flex Ratchets
- Thread starter Wamsutta
- Start date
Yeah, I just feel like due to the ergo grip, the compact head, and the locking mechanism, its simply the best choice among the USA tool truck brands. IME, even the strength should be sufficient. Stronger than Snap-on? I don't know, but seems that some people have gotten duds or just seriously abuse their tools.
Hoping Project Farm's ratchet test part 2 video includes the Matco locking flex ratchets. I commented that he include the Matco and Ko-ken's newer 72-tooth ratchets.
And I dont mind if the Matco isn't the strongest. You have to consider that it's got smaller internals and more teeth than Snap-on, for example. As long as its strong enough for its purpose, then it's just the perfect ratchet IMO. I would be stupid happy though if it was just as strong as the other truck brands.
Hoping Project Farm's ratchet test part 2 video includes the Matco locking flex ratchets. I commented that he include the Matco and Ko-ken's newer 72-tooth ratchets.
And I dont mind if the Matco isn't the strongest. You have to consider that it's got smaller internals and more teeth than Snap-on, for example. As long as its strong enough for its purpose, then it's just the perfect ratchet IMO. I would be stupid happy though if it was just as strong as the other truck brands.
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I like the mechanism a lot on my 3/8", but the lock for the flex is very stiff and challenging to switch. I occasionally think about catching the truck when it's at the shop where I bought it, but it's not ******* me off quite that much. If I used it often I might have a different thought...
javyLSU
Well-known member
^That was the biggest reason I wound up selling my Matco locking flex ratchets and going with Snap-on. The flex switch was a complete pain in the *** to use. A lot of folks hate the Snap-on locking flex design, I really like it. It’s easy to operate, hasn’t failed me yet, and I like that the switch is proud of the handle, because I can operate it by feel without looking at it. It’s come in handy a few times wrenching blind (undoing bolts behind bumpers, wheel well splash shields, and any bolts when working inside door panels comes to mind).
wafrederick
Well-known member
I plan on getting a blue handled one since I know Clay Koon whom came with this idea
New snap on flex is out.
NEW Snap-On 3/8" Drive 20" Long Comfort Grip Dual 80 Locking Flex Head Ratchet | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW Snap-On 3/8" Drive 20" Long Comfort Grip Dual 80 Locking Flex Head Ratchet at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
javyLSU
Well-known member
Only in “super-long” variety. The other lengths are still using the “wart” design.New snap on flex is out.
NEW Snap-On 3/8" Drive 20" Long Comfort Grip Dual 80 Locking Flex Head Ratchet | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW Snap-On 3/8" Drive 20" Long Comfort Grip Dual 80 Locking Flex Head Ratchet at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The problem with the older style locks on the Snap-on is they are so hard to switch without hurting yourself. Plus they got in the way. None of the Matco ones ever did that.
I'm with javyLSU. I like the snapon lock design.
People make it out to be worse than it is. First I've never had the button on snapon's act as an obstruction and I've never had the button jam/stick/rust up or somehow not work, but I don't wrench in a pile of mud. My tools are actually used and kept clean when stored
It really comes down to how often you like to keep the ratchet in the unlocked position. If you like to keep it unlocked most to the time, snapon is not for you, button easily bumps back to locked.
If you mostly keep it locked, snapon is much quicker/easier to adjust from one locked position to another. Matco is a pain lining up the grooves just right so it will flip back to locked.
Snapon IMO has a better feeling ratchet mechanism, matco has a little bit lower profile head. I tend to accidentally unlock my matco instead of reversing the mech when working by feel. Both are good ratchets.
People make it out to be worse than it is. First I've never had the button on snapon's act as an obstruction and I've never had the button jam/stick/rust up or somehow not work, but I don't wrench in a pile of mud. My tools are actually used and kept clean when stored
It really comes down to how often you like to keep the ratchet in the unlocked position. If you like to keep it unlocked most to the time, snapon is not for you, button easily bumps back to locked.
If you mostly keep it locked, snapon is much quicker/easier to adjust from one locked position to another. Matco is a pain lining up the grooves just right so it will flip back to locked.
Snapon IMO has a better feeling ratchet mechanism, matco has a little bit lower profile head. I tend to accidentally unlock my matco instead of reversing the mech when working by feel. Both are good ratchets.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I would have thought by now they'd be offering the non-"wart" design in shorter versions and in 1/4" drives. My bet is they'll be rolling them out very soon.
Shoreline_
Well-known member
The head is very clunking with the new SO locking system. I wouldn't replace my Matco ones with it. I think the SnapOn one would be better if it had a more positive lock. Its like triggered to unlock. The problem is you hit the button bringing the ratchet in and out of hard access area and it unlocks it.
Ton ton
Well-known member
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Just got my first ever long ratchet. 
It's the locking flex with the red ergo handle.
27" 1/2-inch drive.
This particular one has a pretty smooth and relatively-light lock lever. Not bad at all. I had to return a blue 18" 3/8 drive because I basically couldn't move the locking lever unless I used a tool. This 1/2"-drive's lever isn't bad. It could be better! But it isn't horrible.
Obviously loving the leverage of this monster.
The only OCD nitpick I have is the slight curve/bend in the shaft that's noticeable, but you kinda have to look for it. I bet most of you guys with the long ratchets have a slight curve as well; you probably just didn't even think to look for it.
It's the locking flex with the red ergo handle.
27" 1/2-inch drive.
This particular one has a pretty smooth and relatively-light lock lever. Not bad at all. I had to return a blue 18" 3/8 drive because I basically couldn't move the locking lever unless I used a tool. This 1/2"-drive's lever isn't bad. It could be better! But it isn't horrible.
Obviously loving the leverage of this monster.
The only OCD nitpick I have is the slight curve/bend in the shaft that's noticeable, but you kinda have to look for it. I bet most of you guys with the long ratchets have a slight curve as well; you probably just didn't even think to look for it.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Just got my first ever long ratchet.
It's the locking flex with the red ergo handle.
27" 1/2-inch drive.
This particular one has a pretty smooth and relatively-light lock lever. Not bad at all. I had to return a blue 18" 3/8 drive because I basically couldn't move the locking lever unless I used a tool. This 1/2"-drive's lever isn't bad. It could be better! But it isn't horrible.
Obviously loving the leverage of this monster.
The only OCD nitpick I have is the slight curve/bend in the shaft that's noticeable, but you kinda have to look for it. I bet most of you guys with the long ratchets have a slight curve as well; you probably just didn't even think to look for it.
Congrats! I went Snap-On for the 24". almost went Matco because I love my 3/8" Matco so much.
A 24" ratchet is wonderful for ergonomics alone.
-Ryan
Ton ton
Well-known member
What I appreciate is the relatively small ratchet head. Thank you for sharing.Just got my first ever long ratchet.
It's the locking flex with the red ergo handle.
27" 1/2-inch drive.
This particular one has a pretty smooth and relatively-light lock lever. Not bad at all. I had to return a blue 18" 3/8 drive because I basically couldn't move the locking lever unless I used a tool. This 1/2"-drive's lever isn't bad. It could be better! But it isn't horrible.
Obviously loving the leverage of this monster.
The only OCD nitpick I have is the slight curve/bend in the shaft that's noticeable, but you kinda have to look for it. I bet most of you guys with the long ratchets have a slight curve as well; you probably just didn't even think to look for it.
Exactly, sir. I'd probably look elsewhere if it wasn't for the compactness.
Plus, I can't seem to find a super long 1/2"-drive locking flex ratchet from Snap-on.
ThePostman
Well-known member
I have AFR98LFG and CFR308LFG, in 1/4" and 1/2" drive, they see daily use. The super long 1/2" drive is awesome for alignments, which I do a lot of, and is pretty much the lengthiest one of it's kind as the others top out at 24". The heads are very slim and great for getting into tight spots. I have a fixed in 3/8", BFR118M. All 3 are the first ones I reach for, and I have what "normal" people would call a stupid amount of ratchets. I did have to get the super long one rebuilt as the direction lever was binding, and it's been good, if not better than when I got it.
Just an update for those curious:
I somehow ended up speaking to the president of AJ manufacturing, and he was super helpful in explaining that the slight bend or curve in the longer ratchets happen during the cooling or quenching phase of the tempering process. They do use a press to make an effort to straighten after quenching but don't look to make it exactly straight unless it is mission critical to have a perfectly straight tool.
Wanted to share that as I thought it was interesting to learn.
I somehow ended up speaking to the president of AJ manufacturing, and he was super helpful in explaining that the slight bend or curve in the longer ratchets happen during the cooling or quenching phase of the tempering process. They do use a press to make an effort to straighten after quenching but don't look to make it exactly straight unless it is mission critical to have a perfectly straight tool.
Wanted to share that as I thought it was interesting to learn.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
No. It's as bad as people say.
I went with the 24" 1/2" drive locking-flex from Snap-On, and the locking doohicky likes to get knocked... even though I use it more for leverage than in tight quarters. Heckuva nice tool, though.
The MATCO is definitely the winner for compactness. Only way to fly for 3/8", IMHO.
-Ryan
Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you for the heads up.Just an update for those curious:
I somehow ended up speaking to the president of AJ manufacturing, and he was super helpful in explaining that the slight bend or curve in the longer ratchets happen during the cooling or quenching phase of the tempering process. They do use a press to make an effort to straighten after quenching but don't look to make it exactly straight unless it is mission critical to have a perfectly straight tool.
Wanted to share that as I thought it was interesting to learn.
Finance Guy
Well-known member
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It's hard to say. He's a man of mystery. It's possible a shopping cart at Home Depot got the best of him. He'll be back. Hopefully his health is still good. Of course that old Buick of his might have bit the dust.Who is the OEM for the Matco? Is it made in USA or Taiwan?
Also, what happened to @Wamsutta ... he got to 8,000 posts and vanished!
Most of the MATCO locking flex head ratchets are made in the USA.
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