Matco vs Snap On

[Stick Figure]

you mean that chunk of steel on Matco vs. the plastic cap and tiny screw on Snap On? I'm quite opposite on the head lock. I think Matco is better because it has only 1 single moving parts, less chance to fail. I've seen at least 3 Snap On with missing screws and caps.

I agree 100% and will add that the snap on i often can slip it into unlock if i am putting some pressure on it. Plus if you want to use it in unlocked that snap on is VERY easy to knock back to locked. The matco you aren't really able to accidentally lock it if you don't want to.

Now if you take the flex head out of the equation, i would probably buy snap on, since the matco really isn't that much thinner, and i do like the ratcheting mechanism of the snap on better. To be fair though i haven't upgraded my matco to 88 tooth yet.

 

[Chadro]

student discount is a little different. I had to get a hold of the local "Snap On Industrial Rep". email back and forth few time to verify I'm currently enrolled as full time student. I emailed him a copy of my tuition receipt. then I would wait for his quote on the items I ordered. then he called back for my credit card. finally he places my order with Snap On. but, he doesn't know if these are in-stock or not.

on the other hand, Macto is is just like ordering from Amazon, put the stuff in the shopping cart, charge credit card. normally there'll be an email next day or two notifying me if items are shipped or on back order. I've had 2 pieces on back order, all of them arrived before the promised delivery date.

Wow. I just registered online and had confirmation within a day. I just order directly from the snapon student site.

 

[t100]

here is the list of what I ordered, only thing I can order directly off snapon.com(with discount) is the last one.

RAF80 3/8 dr. low profile ratchet
FCF72 3/8 dr. flex head ratchet

SPP744 ratchet repair tool
FB325A filler gauge
CT4850BOOT impact wrench protect boot
SOEXM10 Flank drive plus wrench, 10mm

 

[BackTracker]

Plus one for the thinner head Matco.

 

[stricht8]

I have the 2009-10 Matco catalog and I don't see any mention of the 88 tooth ratchets. It just compares the 60 with the 36. Is the 88 tooth really so recent that it doesn't appear in the catalog?

 

[BackTracker]

the 60t ratchet is the same handle, just different guts.

 

[billymade]

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2407&page=5&#65534

 

[forceyoda]

I prefer the Matco 88 tooth, the locking flex is nicer on the Matco and I prefer the Matco grips over snap on as well. I have owned both and in use i don't realy feel that one ratchet mechanism is any smoother than the other.

 

[danski0224]

Aren't they both made in China???

 

[stricht8]

Aren't they both made in China???

No. SO has no COO stamping but it has been confirmed that it's US. Matco clearly has USA stamped on ratchet.

 

[BWright]

No. SO has no COO stamping but it has been confirmed that it's US. Matco clearly has USA stamped on ratchet.

Confirmed may be a strong word. And the comfort grip matcos don't have the USA stamp, but that is just because the handle is outsourced.

 

[chadster1]

Confirmed may be a strong word.

Multiple written responses from Snap-on stating that the ratchets are 100% made in the USA is the confirmation. I know for some people that is still not good enough.

 

[BWright]

Multiple written responses from Snap-on stating that the ratchets are 100% made in the USA is the confirmation. I know for some people that is still not good enough.

Your right. I just hope that if that is the case that they are 100% USA that it isn't some sort of scheme to condition their customers to assume that it is all USA that way they don't notice when the stamp starts to disappear from other items because Snap on starts moving their production overseas. That's is the only logical reason I can find for not putting the USA stamp on a USA made tool.

 

[stricht8]

Your right. I just hope that if that is the case that they are 100% USA that it isn't some sort of scheme to condition their customers to assume that it is all USA that way they don't notice when the stamp starts to disappear from other items because Snap on starts moving their production overseas. That's is the only logical reason I can find for not putting the USA stamp on a USA made tool.

I'm in agreement with you on your theory. They might be trying to slowly desensitize us.

 

[danski0224]

Your right. I just hope that if that is the case that they are 100% USA that it isn't some sort of scheme to condition their customers to assume that it is all USA that way they don't notice when the stamp starts to disappear from other items because Snap on starts moving their production overseas. That's is the only logical reason I can find for not putting the USA stamp on a USA made tool.

+2

 

[daveblank]

I have the 2009-10 Matco catalog and I don't see any mention of the 88 tooth ratchets. It just compares the 60 with the 36. Is the 88 tooth really so recent that it doesn't appear in the catalog?

They were released after the catalog was put into print.

 

[Sterff]

How do you like that locking flex head? That was one of the ones I was contemplating buying?

It works very well. Its my go to ratchet and I use it almost every day. The soft grip is very easy to clean too.

The matco locking flex heads are just gross, the switch on the joint makes it look like harbor freight junk. The snap on locking flexes are awesome with the switch being located on the handle.

IMO there is nothing "gross" about them. It works very well

 

[wellstig1]

I mention that its gross simply because the setup looks like a child designed it, just doesn't look well thought out or executed. The extra bulk on their locking mechanism easily over shadows the thinner ratchet head for me.

 

[psychoclaw84]

Some guys like Fords, others Chevys. Some prefer blondes while others like red heads, some people like spicy food, others don't, etc.
It's the same in tools. It's all a matter of personal preference. You argue choices FOREVER and it won't change anything!!!!
Each tool and brand has it's own merits. Buy what you like, can afford, and fits your needs. However, it's your choice and it doesn't make someone else's different choice wrong.
As for me, I prefer the Matco 60 tooth series ratchet especially in 1/4 drive as it provides me with the best balance of fine tooth action, strength, and a thin ratchet head. I also own the Snap on T72, F80, and S80 series ratchets. I don't care for the T72 series as they are too thick, and seem to bind slightly but, that's just me. There aren't really any bad tools it's just that some tools are better than others.

Well Said.

I own both Matco 88 & 60 tooth ratchets & Snap On 80 tooth ratchets. Both work well.

As Fedwrench sated, it is a matter of personal preference and accessibility.