gdocktor3
Well-known member
Does Kabo offer any oem ratchet wrenches? I know they make them for Carlyle, but I don't care for the 6 point box end, and the Matco's are too expensive for me.
Matco vs. Snap-On Ratcheting Wrenches
- Thread starter Chadro
- Start date
I got the largest double box set for 154 on jet
I have a set of older Blue Point fixed and flex head ratchet wrenches that have served me well and still do. I did splurge on a set of the new D80 SO fixed heads they just came out with and used them this past weekend. Absolutely love them. Excellent feel and super fine smooth movement. Paid stupid money for them but are the best I personally have ever used.
Picked up a set of the new Snap-On ones, figured i'd throw up a few more photos.
Note spiral external spring retainer holding the ring in place. Basically the wrench cant fall apart even with the cover removed but it also means to complete disassembly is a bit more involved than a normal ratchet.
Good:
-Ratcheting action is excellent, very little back drag especially on the smaller sizes.
-Thickness is indeed on par with Taiwan offerings now which is a big improvement over the prior SOEXR series.
-Size for size the max width is about 1-1.5mm thinner than the fattest point on any Taiwanese offering (I think 120XP improved on this but I don't own any).
-Of course FD+ open ends actually make these dual purpose comparative to a standard ratcheting combo.
-Finally stamped USA.
Bad:
-Reverse lever is not finger friendly. Prior design was a bit large and prone to breaking but these new levers are probably too far in the opposite direction. Far from un-usable and they are low profile though which was probably the ultimate goal.
-Because they're almost literally miniaturized dual 80 ratchets they cant taper like other ratcheting wrenches so you'll lose swing arc in very specific tight access locations.
-Of course price, but if you can score a set for $200-$300 i'd say they're worth that comparative to other brand offerings.
Neutral:
Apparently the ultimate goal was to make them field rebuildable. Almost assuredly free repair on the truck however service kit cost may be a con for those of us who want to keep parts on hand. I'd wager $20-$25 for all the guts.
Note spiral external spring retainer holding the ring in place. Basically the wrench cant fall apart even with the cover removed but it also means to complete disassembly is a bit more involved than a normal ratchet.
Good:
-Ratcheting action is excellent, very little back drag especially on the smaller sizes.
-Thickness is indeed on par with Taiwan offerings now which is a big improvement over the prior SOEXR series.
-Size for size the max width is about 1-1.5mm thinner than the fattest point on any Taiwanese offering (I think 120XP improved on this but I don't own any).
-Of course FD+ open ends actually make these dual purpose comparative to a standard ratcheting combo.
-Finally stamped USA.
Bad:
-Reverse lever is not finger friendly. Prior design was a bit large and prone to breaking but these new levers are probably too far in the opposite direction. Far from un-usable and they are low profile though which was probably the ultimate goal.
-Because they're almost literally miniaturized dual 80 ratchets they cant taper like other ratcheting wrenches so you'll lose swing arc in very specific tight access locations.
-Of course price, but if you can score a set for $200-$300 i'd say they're worth that comparative to other brand offerings.
Neutral:
Apparently the ultimate goal was to make them field rebuildable. Almost assuredly free repair on the truck however service kit cost may be a con for those of us who want to keep parts on hand. I'd wager $20-$25 for all the guts.
Last edited:
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
One of the reasons I shelled out the cash for the previous snapon design is because the blue point ratchet end is so meaty. It wont fit in confined spaces for quick work. I would not spend the same chunk of change on this new design, sure they look cool but as you've pointed out, the smaller sizes are ridiculously bulky.
I realize this thread is old but my 2 cents on what ratcheting wrench set I would purchase is either Snapon's older style or the Proto full polish set, both of which are made in the USA.
jo4gj
Well-known member
I know this is a old thread but I have to ask is there even a snap on flex head ratchet wrench or is the person talking about referring to blue points
I have the Snap-on reversible set (offset), the stubby/midget Snap-on set (no reverse control, zero offset), and the GW flex-head non reversible. Both SO sets, I have in metric and SAE. They are my number 1 or 2 most used wrenches.
The Snap-on set is terrific and bulletproof. I prefer the offset reversible when there's room, but glad to have both. The flex head non-reversible design is annoying, I'd pass.
ETA: Ugh, bit by a 9mo old thread and not reading all the way to the last page!
The Snap-on set is terrific and bulletproof. I prefer the offset reversible when there's room, but glad to have both. The flex head non-reversible design is annoying, I'd pass.
ETA: Ugh, bit by a 9mo old thread and not reading all the way to the last page!
the intimidator
Well-known member
Might be a useless reply but another got on gearwrench I've been beating on my 10-19 set for a couple years now never had a issue in fact I was just using a 12mm with a 17mm wrench stacked removing the bolts on a f150 front driveshaft just one small divet on the open end from stacking. I've yet to have one skip or lock up on me I do wonder if the quality is still their on the china gearwrwnches?
Brandon_Lutz
Well-known member
From my experience.. No. Particularly in larger sizes. I purchased some recently that were advertised to be made in Taiwan. However what I got was the newer made in China ones. Compared to my previous gearwrenches, the selectors are harder to move, and on a couple of the wrenches, sometimes they would lock up. Also it appeared that there was little to no lube from the factory on the ratcheting end of the wrenches. I soaked them in ATF and worked them in over a couple of days but it only improved them a little.
I sent them back to Amazon and I purchased some Blackhawk ratcheting wrenches to replace them. Made in Taiwan, much better quality IMO. The selectors are easier to move and I've yet to have one lock up on me.
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JohnDeere1
Banned
Why not blue point I have the stubby version and love them , Mac also has nice offerings.
the intimidator
Well-known member
Brando-Lutz
Thanks the style I have is the fixed non reversable wrenches mayby that's why I have such good luck with them less to break sad to hear the quality is down in looking into a set of sae think I will try the sk-x frames out pricey but I have wanted a set to try since they came out a few years ago
Thanks the style I have is the fixed non reversable wrenches mayby that's why I have such good luck with them less to break sad to hear the quality is down in looking into a set of sae think I will try the sk-x frames out pricey but I have wanted a set to try since they came out a few years ago