Matco vs Snap On

[stricht8]

Is there a reason why anyone would buy a Matco ratchet over a SO? The price is essentially the same and the action of the Matco 88 tooth ses coarser than the SO dual 80s. The Matco seems to have a slightly thinner profile but it seems like a clunkier, heavier ratchet nevertheless. Their 60 tooth models do have a nice light feel to them however. Anyway, from my cursory evaluation of the Matco ratchets today on the tool truck I just wasn't all that impressed. There was even a 30 something tooth 1/4 in new ratchet that was all bound up. Makes me question the quality.

 

[Hiball]

Oh Boy......

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

The Snap On are thicker and the Matco are thin, the matco are good for tight spaces..
The 88 are good, and the 80 are too.
Snap On came out with 100 tooth ratchet(FHNF100).... it a nice ratchet.........

 

[stricht8]

Oh Boy......

I know. This should be interesting!

 

[48548]

I have 3 FHNF100's and I love them and also love my 28 dual 80's as well.... So I would say no, buy Snappy!!!!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Buy both........................................

 

[stricht8]

The Snap On are thicker and the Matco are thin, the matco are good for tight spaces..
The 88 are good, and the 80 are too.
Snap On came out with 100 tooth ratchet....

What about those sweet low profile SO ratchets that just came out. Another concern of mine is resale. I know that I could turn around and resell a SO ratchet for only a small loss. Is this the same with a Matco?

 

[stricht8]

The Snap On are thicker and the Matco are thin, the matco are good for tight spaces..
The 88 are good, and the 80 are too.
Snap On came out with 100 tooth ratchet....

What about those sweet low profile SO ratchets that just came out. Another concern of mine is resale. I know that I could turn around and resell a SO ratchet for only a small loss. Is this the same with a Matco?

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

What about those sweet low profile SO ratchets that just came out. Another concern of mine is resale. I know that I could turn around and resell a SO ratchet for only a small loss. Is this the same with a Matco?

I would buy to use it... not to sell it.....
What low profile did snap on come out with, got links?

 

[48548]

Here is a picture of the 3/8 and 1/4 that I have...

 

[stricht8]

Buy both........................................

I might. I honestly don't need any more ratchets and I stepped on that Matco truck just to get my weekly tool fix. Like many on this forum, I'm never satisfied and always want more tools even though I have duplicates in other brands. I was all set to buy a Matco 88 but just wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's a subjective thing about the way it feels or something. Then the other ratchet he had on the truck bound up and I was just turned off. Probably just a fluke or something but he forced it free with a pair of pliers but it still would not turn freely by hand.

 

[stricht8]

I would buy to use it... not to sell it.....
What low profile did snap on come out with, got links?

No links but I saw one on the SO truck a few weeks ago and it was really, really thin and had a fine action. Probably a dual 80.

 

[Mickey O]

Both have nice ratchets, buy one of each.

 

[stricht8]

Here is a picture of the 3/8 and 1/4 that I have...

That's the low profile one right?

 

[t100]

What about those sweet low profile SO ratchets that just came out. Another concern of mine is resale. I know that I could turn around and resell a SO ratchet for only a small loss. Is this the same with a Matco?

I bought more Matco than SO simply because Matco's student discount program is miles ahead of Snap On, I can just order on the website.

I just placed my very first Snap On order after setting up my account over a year ago. it was for a Low Pro. ratchet, a flex head 3/8 drive in 1/4 body ratchet, also the $0.95 ratchet repair tool. hopefully they will come in couple weeks.

 

[48548]

That's the low profile one right?

Both sets the one on the right is the 1/4 and the one still sealed is the 3/8.

 

[hilld]

I might be in the same boat, all I have are the older 72 tooth ratchets (SO), might have to jump ship and try a Matco, too bad no truck in my area.

 

[Sterff]

I personally like my Matco ratchets better than my Snap-on ratchets. I have 2 of the 88 tooth ones and they work great.

 

[stricht8]

Both sets the one on the right is the 1/4 and the one still sealed is the 3/8.

Are the handles comfortable? They look flat.

 

[Sterff]

Here are my ratchets...

 

[Old Donn]

Oh Boy......

Here we go again!!

 

[nato]

I have both Dual 80's and *88's. LOVE them both equally. The only ratchets I will now own!

 

[stricht8]

Here are my ratchets...

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

 

[stricht8]

I have both Dual 80's and *88's. LOVE them both equally. The only ratchets I will now own!

Hmmm. It seems that a lot of you like these Matcos. I might have to jump in the truck again for a second look. So of all the 88s is there any one that is superior. Does on feel clunkier than the other (I guess I'm talking about drive size), are the flex heads any good? And what do you all think s out the 60 tooth models?

 

[chadster1]

I prefer the Snap-on ratchets.

 

[stricht8]

I prefer the Snap-on ratchets.

I bet you do!

 

[stricht8]

I prefer the Snap-on ratchets.

Ok, besides supporting a GJ member which I would like to do, is there a difference between ordering from you, the SO website or just plain old pickig it up off a truck? Do you charge shipping?

 

[chadster1]

Ok, besides supporting a GJ member which I would like to do, is there a difference between ordering from you, the SO website or just plain old pickig it up off a truck? Do you charge shipping?

The prices are the same. The website is set up for free shipping on orders up to $500. If you do not have a dealer then please click on the link in my sig to set up your online account. Once you have registered you can then order anything in the Snap-on catalog and it will be shipped direct from Snap-on. I have also started sending out occasional emails to my customers with some of my truck specials.

 

[Rnz520]

One thing I must say is that the Matco softgrip is better than SOs, just easier to clean and fits MY hand better.
The Matco locking flex head is awesome, especially in the 1/2 inch drive 24 inch long version, just hands down best 24 inch ratchet out there in 1/2 in drive.
Either one you cant go wrong, my SO dual 80 and my GW with 88 tooth head are my go to ratchets, the GW is used in tight spots and where I think it'll be tight because its a bit longer than the snap on, but in wide open spaces the SO comes out.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

The prices are the same. The website is set up for free shipping on orders up to $500. If you do not have a dealer then please click on the link in my sig to set up your online account. Once you have registered you can then order anything in the Snap-on catalog and it will be shipped direct from Snap-on. I have also started sending out occasional emails to my customers with some of my truck specials.

I thought one of yall told me you couldn't sell on the internet. I don't remember who it was. I had asked about buying something and was told it was against the contract to sell over the interent. Perhaps I misunderstood...

 

[BZstang]

both tool's are great, Im a snap-on kind of guy. Bottom line is what feel's good in your hand's, thats the tool for you.

 

[chadster1]

I thought one of yall told me you couldn't sell on the internet. I don't remember who it was. I had asked about buying something and was told it was against the contract to sell over the interent. Perhaps I misunderstood...

All internet sales have to go thru my website. In most cases the orders are shipped directly from Snap-on.

If you have a local dealer, you should be able to get better service from him.

 

[06wt]

I bought more Matco than SO simply because Matco's student discount program is miles ahead of Snap On, I can just order on the website.

I just placed my very first Snap On order after setting up my account over a year ago. it was for a Low Pro. ratchet, a flex head 3/8 drive in 1/4 body ratchet, also the $0.95 ratchet repair tool. hopefully they will come in couple weeks.

couple weeks?

3-4 days tops any time ive had to order somthing off the website

 

[48548]

Enough said.

 

[t100]

couple weeks?

3-4 days tops any time ive had to order somthing off the website

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.

 

[wellstig1]

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.

 

[06wt]

oh i forgot u wer talkin about student discount.
Hopfuly ill be getting the student discount prices soon, my buddys brother is going to school now so im gunna buy what i want through him, since he has no money for tools while going to school

 

[t100]

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.

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.

 

[bindernut]

I have 2 Matco Ratchets and at least 16 Snap On ratchets. The matcos are good ratchets, I just like the SO better, not to mention that I've never worked at a shop that had a Matco dealer.

 

[Fedwrench]

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.