Material for Selector Switch on Current Matco Ratchets??

[MaverickDMD]

Does anyone here know what material is used for the current Matco ratchet selector switch? The Matco site claims it is made from "high metal alloy injection moulding". (WTF, right?). The pictures on the site suggest that the selector could actually be a black plastic or other non-metallic material intended to give the appearance of metal. Any info would be helpful here. I'm tired of seeing plastic-like/non-metal selectors on ratchets from Hazet and Nepros which given their high price tags should absolutely have a durable metal switch like that on the new Mac 90 tooth ratchets. Thanks!

 

[Schurkey]

Since we know from experience that Matco will hang their ratchet customers out to dry, why would you consider buying one?

 

[Skin]

Nepros are metal as are Matco. They're all basically sintered steel. Only domestic ratchet that I can recall using plastic were the Danaher era 36 tooth USA raised panel junk of Craftsman. When those went to China they changed to metal and the Matco 36 tooth "clones" have always used higher quality innards including a metal switch.

 

[davethorik]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_injection_molding

 

[MaverickDMD]

Holy smokes! Thanks for all the informative replies. Just read up on MIM and I feel the better for it having learned something useful - love this place! What chapped my *** initially and hence what created my query was that sinking feeling I got when I received my brand new - and pricey - Nepros 3/8 90 tooth flex head stubby ratchet recently. To my horror the selector is made of black plastic! One good drop and it's done. (Ditto with the flex head Hazet). Thanks again for the helpful insight everyone. G

 

[Skin]

Nepros does not use plastic. I have numerous models in 1/4 and 3/8 drive and they're all metal. You're being fooled by the black paint and lack of texture.

 

[MaverickDMD]

I was still naturally skeptical of the Nepros after reading the above. I took an Xacto to the edge of the selector and could remove a curlicue of black material - no metal below. Still appears to be plastic IMHO. Tell you what: I'll do more tests just to satisfy my curiosity. I'll start with removing it and taking an X-ray. I'll report back soon.

 

[4xdog]

"High metal alloy injection molding" does not sound like all metal, nor sintered metal. It sounds to me (as one who's spent a lot of years in polymer science) like a metal filler in a plastic/nonmetallic matrix.

 

[MaverickDMD]

Well don't I feel like a prize ***. My apologies Skin - once removed, the Nepros selector is cast aluminum on the non-visible portions with a substantial gloss paint on the exterior. A quality construction as it turns out, worthy of the price. Thanks again to all.

 

[M6erfan]

Well don't I feel like a prize ***. My apologies Skin - once removed, the Nepros selector is cast aluminum on the non-visible portions with a substantial gloss paint on the exterior. A quality construction as it turns out, worthy of the price. Thanks again to all.

Yep, Nepros = metal, for sure! Glad you found (and posted) the truth...