I tipically buy Snap-on and Mac tools, but I really like the MATCO SBUPM106V swivel sockets. I gout them for a pretty decent price. What are people opinions on MATCO vs Snap-on stuff for a small to mid sized automotive shop. I don't have a MATCO truck here but I do have a Snap-on truck. Hopefully the diameter of these will not be a problem either.
Never owned MATCO before
- Thread starter NEK
- Start date
That the taiwan made set, you can find same or better taiwan options for less cost.
Astro for example just released some nice pinless impacts in 3/8 drive
Like most tool brands they got some real gems and other stuff is overpriced rebrands .
If you like the sockets and the price you paid then you happy and all good .
Astro for example just released some nice pinless impacts in 3/8 drive
Like most tool brands they got some real gems and other stuff is overpriced rebrands .
If you like the sockets and the price you paid then you happy and all good .
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vavet
Well-known member
I bought a lot of Matco stuff when I was in auto tech school and working part time. Their student discount was the most generous. Even after I finished school, I tended to favor the Matco purchases. It seemed like the prices were always better than Snap-on or Mac and the service was definitely better on the few occasions I had to warranty things. Even though I didn't buy most of my tools from our local dealer, he was still happy to warranty them with no fuss.
My only issues were with a 1/4" drive ratchet when it was nearly new (fixed by the dealer) and a large flat blade screwdriver when I was using it as a prybar (replaced by the dealer).
The swivel sockets (both impact and chrome) have all held up well.
My only issues were with a 1/4" drive ratchet when it was nearly new (fixed by the dealer) and a large flat blade screwdriver when I was using it as a prybar (replaced by the dealer).
The swivel sockets (both impact and chrome) have all held up well.
1foxracing
Well-known member
You can get the GearWrench models (Exact same product) in a 15pc kit 8mm-22mm for $95. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM68IQU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I can never say I liked any price.... but it was a cheaper option for a good tool.
FakeNewsRealHP
Well-known member
That’s a Taiwan made set that’s just rebranded matco from gearwrench who are also under the same parent company. You can get the Deep AND shallow set for nearly $100 less than just the shallow set from matco. Oh and 5 more shallow sockets too. Gearwrench is replacing those PIN sockets with their new X-core pinkeyes stuff which they have sets in and are still cheaper than just that single matco set.
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They are close, but I don't think they have any warrente eeither.
1foxracing
Well-known member
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
My box is an older Matco. It's built like a tank. I like their current locking flex head ratchets better than any other manufacturers. I don't have a lot of Matco tools. What I do have is a little older and very good quality.
Wrench97
Well-known member
The warranty difference is if you have a truck you call he comes and swaps out your broken tool maybe the same day sometimes the next day. If you buy gearwrench you pay to ship it back to them then they'll ship you another.
FakeNewsRealHP
Well-known member
Except matco will warranty these gearwrench ones just as fast as the ADV off his own truck. I haven’t had a matco guy in 10 years that carried a ADV or formally silver eagle socket set unless it was in the flyer. They would rather sell you the “real” stuff they have on hand when you need it.
Hammer1963
Well-known member
It's good stuff. A lot of the tools are duplicates of other tool brands, but MATCO is responsible for many of the actual tool product designs and financing on "first to street" tools which means what I previously said. They design, finance the design and tooling and have it manufactured by a company (PTP) that also will/can produce the same or similar product for another tool brand. I do not have the metallurgical science to prove it, but the steel formulation would not be the same for a MATCO and Gearwrench. Seems only logical from a business point of view
yep the locking flex is pretty good design and seems pretty strong
I'm a big fan of the older matco boxes, they a great used buy .
coljar
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure I don't have a single Matco tool. I've got everything else, but I've never seen a Matco truck in these parts. I've had this discussion with people I know who are still in the trade and not one has said they've ever seen a truck. No idea why this is.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I like and have a bunch of Matco stuff but dealers in these parts are hard to find also 10 years ago when I worked in NE Philly I had a great dealer but 25 miles south(for those in rural areas that can be an hour+ in drive time) there isn't one to be found.
MarineScott
Well-known member
I also love the Matco ratchets, one in particular is the locking flex head.
I bought the impact swivel at a used tool store at $80/ set and slowly traded to the pinless ones.
woody 73
Well-known member
I like Matco but it would seem that other GJ members have told me that they rebrand most everything they sell. I have a contact and he is going to be a matco salesman, he can sell ice to a person in the north pole so he should be good at it.
ex-x-fire
Well-known member
I never did like matco wrenches, especially after I saw a guy bend one. At least the wrench didn't slip.
I have a few Matco tools and I like them. I have double box end wrenches that I love. As others have said they rebrand their tools so many times you can find the same tools cheaper from other sources.
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Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have quite a bit of MATCO tools and like all that i have very much.
The real MATCO pinless impact swivel sockets are US made just like the original versions from Armstrong, Craftsman, and Gearwrench. However, Do not confuse them with the crappy Chinese made **** Gearwrench is currently hawking these days as their X Core line.
The X core steel isn't as hard and begins to peen more and more with use on a decent impact. Stay away from X Core.
The real MATCO pinless impact swivel sockets are US made just like the original versions from Armstrong, Craftsman, and Gearwrench. However, Do not confuse them with the crappy Chinese made **** Gearwrench is currently hawking these days as their X Core line.
The X core steel isn't as hard and begins to peen more and more with use on a decent impact. Stay away from X Core.Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
Well-known member
See them all over here.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
sweet victory
Well-known member
I have a good bit of Matco tools in my box, but theyve been mislabeled as Gearwrench
I bought a few things for awhile. Still have double box Proswings, double box extra long ratcheting, double flex double box ratcheting, a few ratchets, a bunch of different pliers when they were USA (circa 2012), hose pliers, extra long combos (Armstrong era), and pinless swivels in all 3 drive sizes. Sadly the pliers have mostly gone to China/Taiwan or switched to Knipex and of course Armstrong is dead so any domestic wrenches left also. I think it was ProAmerica that was supplying their pliers, not sure why they changed. They were quite good. Now most of the non-knipex stuff is basically the same as other far cheaper brands like Sunex.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
MATCO manufactures their own tool boxes, but all the MATCO branded tools are produced under contract by various tool manufacturers. If You think of a MATCO truck as a flea market on wheels, You should not be disappointed.. You may find some gems, but You will have to use Your pocket book and try some of the tools to form Your own opinion.
I suggest asking questions on specific tools """""currently offered"""" by MATCO.. What some of US Members praise about MATCO tools from 10 or 25 years ago may not apply to the current offerings.
I suggest asking questions on specific tools """""currently offered"""" by MATCO.. What some of US Members praise about MATCO tools from 10 or 25 years ago may not apply to the current offerings.