New indexing ratchets

[daveblank]

I'm just spreading the word. Matco has just released indexable head ratchets.

1/4 dr AIR6
3/8 dr BIR10
1/2 dr CIR12

They have a 72 tooth count & are made in the USA.

I just thought that I'd spread the word. I've had a few customers ask about them, so I figured some members here might be interested too.

 

[BB26]

I have the Armstrong version in all three drive sizes. Same ratchet, different grip design. They are really handy. Kind of like half moon or "s" wrenches. Not used a ton but they can really get you out of a jam. Let me know if anyone wants to see pics of them. I believe SO made a similar ratchet earlier in the decade, but they were discontinued.

 

[krusty the clown]

pics please

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Pics!!!!!!!

 

[Bolster]

Pics?

 

[MotoDave]

they're up on the website:

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2353&page=2&#42820

https://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2407&page=1&#35974

https://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2426&page=2&#52231

 

[krusty the clown]

looks to be the same head as others with the matco handle. IIRC the original design was from champion. glad to hear it's made in USA

 

[Hiball]

Im assuming you push the button to set the desired position? It kinda looks like a gear.

 

[Merkava_4]

What kind of a situation would you use a sideways indexing ratchet like that? Just curious.

 

[Hiball]

What kind of a situation would you use a sideways indexing ratchet like that? Just curious.

Oh i can think of few times when it would come in handy working on the firewall side of a engine, Instead of having to swing the ratchet handle you would essentially just push and pull.

 

[BB26]

looks to be the same head as others with the matco handle.

Correct. My ratchets are identical, but with the Armstrong hourglass handle.

Im assuming you push the button to set the desired position?

Yes, you push the button on top to disengage the 20 (approx) small pins that are in a circular pattern. You can see the pins if you look closely in that first picture. Holding the button down, you rotate the ratchet head to select the desired position. Release the button to engage the pins and you are locked in place and ready to go. I believe there are 11 or 13 unique positions. The indexing mechanism/pin design is really tough. I cannot see myself ever breaking it.

If you guys still want some close up pics of the mechanism let me know, otherwise I will let the Matco website photos suffice.

 

[BB26]

Oh i can think of few times when it would come in handy working on the firewall side of a engine, Instead of having to swing the ratchet handle you would essentially just push and pull.

Exactly.

 

[Hiball]

I cannot see myself ever breaking it.

Looks tough, I have a Stanley that i have used occasionally but its a completely different design of course.

 

[Hiball]

Exactly.

Merk needs to get out more and actually use his tools and then he might understand the greatness of invention.

 

[krusty the clown]

huh.........i believe that quote was BB26's. i can break anything

 

[sk farmer]

can you guys say sk tuff1 or facom.

 

[Hiball]

can you guys say sk tuff1 or facom.

I dont get it.

Ru saying that the head is the same as the tuf1 version that sk has? I see they are both 72teeth but dont see a indexible version.

 

[krusty the clown]

can you guys say sk tuff1 or facom.

it looks very similar, IIRC even the snap on indexible ratchets had the same head.

 

[BB26]

can you guys say sk tuff1 or facom.

I have SK Tuff1 and Palm Control ratchets, as well as Facom sourced Proto round heads. The guts/mechanism style is the same on all of them, but the heads on the Armstrongs/Matcos are smaller, particularly in 1/4'' drive. It is ridiculously TINY! That thing is great for dash work, even just using it as a regular ratchet.

Merk needs to get out more and actually use his tools and then he might understand the greatness of invention.

I know, Merk can't even get on board with ratcheting wrenches.

 

[Danglerb]

For something rarely used, why not HF for $19?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96090

 

[Hiball]

For something rarely used, why not HF for $19?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96090

You have been around this forum long enough to know the answer to that question. However tools that you or me use rarely might be someone elses daily workhorse. I dont mean to rain on anyones parade but my personal opinion on tool manufacturers have changed drastically in the last 6 months, I CHOOSE whenever possible to support USA made tool companies who keep jobs here and dont sell out to to make the quick, bigger buck. The above statement is my opinion and i dont judge anyone on what tools they are buying or from whom, But im so sick and tired of watching the unemployment rates climb and seeing jobs shipped overseas. I only wish it was easier to determine the good guys from the bad. Rant over...

 

[bchee]

Mine is better. US made. Indexible AND flex head AND red handle
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15934

 

[chadster1]

it looks very similar, IIRC even the snap on indexible ratchets had the same head.

I was thinking the same thing. I do remember that those round head ratchets were a MAJOR PITA to rebuild.

 

[Merkava_4]

You have been around this forum long enough to know the answer to that question.

I'm sure his comment was an attempt at a joke; or at least I hope so.

 

[Danglerb]

If I use a tool frequently, or its quality is somehow critical to its use, then I buy a premium tool, otherwise I don't.

 

[joenero]

What kind of a situation would you use a sideways indexing ratchet like that? Just curious.

Top transfer box bolt on a 2005+ Land Rover LR3 and 2006+ Range Rover/RR Sport. It's damn near impossible without it.

 

[Hiball]

I picked up a couple ratchets today off ebay, 1 Armstrong 1/4 indexible ratchet the head looks very similar to the matco.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110433914783&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:MOTORS:1123

And a 1/2 drive armstrong, both new same seller to save on shipping, not to hijack the thread but will this 60tooth armstrong accept the matco 88tooth kit?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110433914837&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:MOTORS:1123

 

[daveblank]

not to hijack the thread but will this 60tooth armstrong accept the matco 88tooth kit?

I highly doubt it. The heads look like a totally different design.

 

[Hiball]

I highly doubt it. The heads look like a totally different design.

Thanks dave, I was just going buy what another poster had posted in your initial thread about the 88 tooth ratchets. It probably pertains to only a certain 60 tooth models. I will get a better idea when i receive my ratchets.

Received my 88 tooth Matco ratchet today. Thanks, DaveBlank!!! For those who are interested, the 88 guts interchange with both Armstrong and GearWrench 60 tooth ratchets. The transplant worked flawlessly. The 88 mechanism feels very smooth and strong.

 

[BB26]

I highly doubt it. The heads look like a totally different design.

They may appear different in those pics, but they are the same.

And a 1/2 drive armstrong, both new same seller to save on shipping, not to hijack the thread but will this 60tooth armstrong accept the matco 88tooth kit?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110433914837&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:MOTORS:1123

Thanks dave, I was just going buy what another poster had posted in your initial thread about the 88 tooth ratchets. It probably pertains to only a certain 60 tooth models. I will get a better idea when i receive my ratchets.

Yep, an 88 Matco kit will fit that 1/2'' 60 tooth Armstrong ratchet. As I said, I swapped the 3/8'' and it worked perfectly. But don't take my word for it, try it yourself.

I picked up a couple ratchets today off ebay, 1 Armstrong 1/4 indexible ratchet the head looks very similar to the matco.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110433914783&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:MOTORS:1123

The heads are identical between the Matco and Armstrong indexing ratchets. Only the grips are different.

 

[daveblank]

Yep, an 88 Matco kit will fit that 1/2'' 60 tooth Armstrong ratchet. As I said, I swapped the 3/8'' and it worked perfectly. But don't take my word for it, try it yourself.

The heads are identical between the Matco and Armstrong indexing ratchets. Only the grips are different.

The heads in our 60 tooth, which is upgradeable to 88 tooth, & this indexing ratchet are different. Look at the pics in post #7 & you'll see the difference.

 

[BB26]

The heads in our 60 tooth, which is upgradeable to 88 tooth, & this indexing ratchet are different. Look at the pics in post #7 & you'll see the difference.

I think we have our wires crossed a little here. My fault for not being very clear.

I am not suggesting that an 88 tooth upgrade kit will fit an indexing ratchet from either company. You're right, the heads are not even close.

I am saying that the regular (non-indexing) 60 tooth Armstrong ratchets will accept the 88 tooth upgrade kit from Matco.

I am also saying that the Armstrong and Matco indexing head ratchets have the same 72 tooth head. The pics from Matco’s website (posted earlier in this thread) are identical to the Armstrongs in my box. Only the handle/grip design is different.

 

[daveblank]

Actually, all my bad. I didn't check the link that he had posted when asking the question. I assumed that he was referring to the indexing head ratchet.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

The Napa ratchets handle look almost the same handle as Matco......
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPag...eCode=NHT&PartNumber=NS53&Description=Ratchet

 

[benjamming]

If you guys still want some close up pics of the mechanism let me know, otherwise I will let the Matco website photos suffice.

Would you mind? I would certainly appreciate it.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

If you guys still want some close up pics of the mechanism let me know, otherwise I will let the Matco website photos suffice.

Yes...... show some....

 

[BB26]

Would you mind? I would certainly appreciate it.

Yes...... show some....

I'll take and post some tonight.

 

[olds88]

I got this one from Blue-Point:

 

[bchee]

Yep, an 88 Matco kit will fit that 1/2'' 60 tooth Armstrong ratchet. As I said, I swapped the 3/8'' and it worked perfectly. But don't take my word for it, try it yourself.

I know you swapped the 3/8 drive.
Right now the 1/2" 88 tooth isn't out yet, so MAYBE there is a SMALL possibility that the 1/2 isn't interchangeable. I'm sure it probably will be, but that would **** if it didn't.

 

[Hiball]

I recieved my 1/4" Armstrong index ratchet today and my 1/2 armstrong maxx drive ratchet today... Very impressed with fit and finish of both ratchets, These are the first Armstrong ratchets ive owned and i was very suprised how heavy they are compared to my snap on dual 80's, First rate no doubt.