matco or snap on 3/8 ratchet

[bayoutoolguy]

I had a 3/8 drive, regular chrome handle Matco stolen while out on a job this past week. kinda pissed but theres no way i can prove who took it. I was helping rebuild an engine in a tugboat, went to the galley for a half hour to eat, came back, ratchet was gone, and the deckhands all swear they didnt see it, and i know i didnt misplace it. anyway, im gonna buy a new one tomorrow. question is, should i go for a fixed head, 8 inch Matco, or a Snap on? really dont like a fixed head ratchet, but Matco doesnt make a locking flex in that size. I was also thinkng of just going for the 12 inch, locking flex soft grip Matco, but thats a long ratchet, I would buy if it could be a good all around ratchet. So, would I be better off with a Matco or a Snap on, which one offers more choices?

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Cornwell JR72 ... that contoured chrome handle is super comfortable.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

ive thought about getting a cornwell, but the nearest truck is 80 miles away from where i live.

 

[teletekman]

Personally I have been pretty happy with the Snap-on hard handled ratchets. I traded up my old 36-tooth for the new FDH80. That 80-tooth design is pretty nice. I don't own any Matco ratchets but some of my buddies do and they seem to be liking them as well.

 

[drew03cmc]

I swear by my 36T Snappies, but my co worker loves his Matco 88T. If you want the Matco, get the Armstrong version online and save $60.

 

[kc-steve]

Seems like I read a post a while back about someone that was pissed about his Matco 88 with a sealed head that was acting up like the grease inside was dirty or dried up (slipping?), and he couldn't fix it.

Steve

 

[RKSpeed]

My vote goes to Snap-On, but if your tools get stolen Id just buy the 60 tooth Gear Wrench. When it wears out you can buy an 88 tooth matco kit to replace it.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I vote 936 snap on 36 tooth of some sort, %100 US made not as fine as the dual 80 but I have had just as good of luck. Im not sure what it is but I seem to like my old 936 models better than the 80 unless Im in a tight spot.

 

[mofo62]

.


Snap-On





V!

 

[powertrip]

88t armstrong from epsteins. Less than $40.

 

[Davefr]

If you're in an area prone to theft then I'd get this one for <$20. It's actually very good.:

 

[powertrip]

If you're in an area prone to theft then I'd get this one for <$20. It's actually very good.:

Those duralast are $15 in my area and are 36t snapon 936 clones. Another great choice.

 

[moronmountain]

Cornwell would be first choice, then Snap-on. I've had/have both SO and Matco, and SO is just a nicer/smooter ratchet IMO. If I was going to get a fixed hand Matco, I would just get a Craftsman premium.

 

[kippieland]

88t armstrong from epsteins. Less than $40.

+2 for that. Same ratchet as a matco 88 but for half the price.