Pulled the trigger on an Armstrong MAXX 1/4

[BirdMobile]

Hi, all...
I ordered a 1/4" drive locking flex Armstrong MAXX ratchet earlier today. I've been wanting one of these for over a year now, and I've been on the lookout for any of the locking flex MAXX ratchets when pawn shopping and yard sailing. I actually did run into one a few months ago, a 3/8 locking flex at a pawn shop, but it was (quite) used, and the shop owner wouldn't budge on the price (the same as what a new one costs!).

Anyway, I eventually plan to buy both the 1/4 and 3/8 locking MAXX ratchets, and possibly the 1/2 too... but for now I have a Husky locker in 3/8, so I decided to grab the 1/4 first.

For those who already own the 1/4 locking flex MAXX, how do you like it? How often do you use it, and what are its strong and weak features?

Really looking forward to getting this one, I'm usually not this excited about a new tool purchase or this impatient for a package to arrive!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I really like mine....

 

[SASORacing]

I have the Matco version, congrats on your purchase these are nice and the head is slimmer than the competition. 1/4in is a fun and lightweight drive size, I love using 1/4!!!! I would recommend cleaning the head and gears out, then throw some fresh oil in it.

Be sure to fine tune the amount of flop for the flex head. Do this by adjusting the bolt with an allen key. Also be sure to oil the flex area, ball spring, and locking lever.

Lastly you can use some steel wool, or some super light rubbing compound and a cotton buffing wheel to polish the chrome out. Seal it with my favorite Blue Magic silicone based chrome polish to "lock in" your shine and protect the chrome for weeks to come.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's a nice little ratchet. I use mine a few times a week. I don't really use the locking flex head feature. It has nice balance, thin head, crisp 60 tooth action. The only con about I feel is that's it's a little on the short side. It measures only 6.25 inches long, which is probably a good length for most 1/4 drive flexhead ratchets. However, with cars having smaller fasteners on them, I ask more from my 1/4 drive tools and reach for my Gearwrench or Carlyle 90 tooth ratchets that come in at 7-7.75 inches long overall.
The Maxx ratchets are solid performers though!!!

 

[BK13]

Mine's not a flex, but it is essentially the only 1/4" drive tool I use.

 

[BirdMobile]

Ratchet arrived yesterday.
It's everything I wanted, and more! I can see this replacing just about every other 1/4 drive ratchet I use, with the exception of my Carlyle 1/4 Roto Ratchet and my TLL72. This thing is seriously SWEET!!! Beautiful fit/finish (niiiice chrome!), solid tight locking mechanism, and the PERFECT length for a 1/4 drive general-use ratchet. Money well spent!

Quick question - Mine came with 60 teeth. How do I go about upgrading it to 80-ish teeth? I know some kind of tool truck rebuild kit can be used, but for the life of me I can't recall what brand. Thanks!

 

[vandezand]

Marco 88 tooth also I think someone mentioned that the craftsman premium kits would work too. They're all apex anyways

 

[bobcatdan]

I have several different 60 tooth matcos which are the same thing. Overall I like them, but dislike how 75% I can't reverse it with one hand. I have to rock the the drive with my other hand to shift it. All of mine are like that.

 

[BirdMobile]

I have several different 60 tooth matcos which are the same thing. Overall I like them, but dislike how 75% I can't reverse it with one hand. I have to rock the the drive with my other hand to shift it. All of mine are like that.

I experience the same thing with my Carlyle ratchets - I'm used to it now, doesn't bug me much.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Matco kit ups the ante to 88 tooth I believe, at least in 3/8. It's on here somewhere so try searching.

 

[vandezand]

I have several different 60 tooth matcos which are the same thing. Overall I like them, but dislike how 75% I can't reverse it with one hand. I have to rock the the drive with my other hand to shift it. All of mine are like that.

I have to do the same thing with my Armstrong 88

 

[sysfailur]

I have a 3/8 flex MAXX and love it. Very slim head and the handle has a nice feel to it. I'd recommend em!

I'm planning on getting the 3/8 and 1/2 socket sets + 1/2 flex soon. Just waiting till I have a spare $500 laying around.

 

[bobcatdan]

I think it is because of the very large pawl these ratchets use that causes the issues. Still, my long 3/8" with a short lived hard handle design is one of my favorite ratchets.

 

[Hiball]

I experience the same thing with my Carlyle ratchets - I'm used to it now, doesn't bug me much.

Too Much Lube..

 

[BirdMobile]

Too Much Lube..

Thought about that... but they did it from the factory, before I even lubed them.

I think it's just the nature of that particular large single-prawl, spring plunger design.

 

[Hiball]

Thought about that... but they did it from the factory, before I even lubed them.

I think it's just the nature of that particular large single-prawl, spring plunger design.

Possibly.. Ive owned all the Apex/Danaher designs via GW, Armstrong and Matco and anything above 60 teeth has always gave me issues where the Ratchet would seem like it would bind up and wouldn't switch directions. It wasn't always repeatable, but it did it enough times to make me wonder what the hell was going on. I would simply tear it down, wipe it clean, Dab of Super Lube, Reinstall and it would be good till it decided it wanted to rear its ugly head again. Ive read enough posts about Ratchet lube to know that these fine tooth ratchets are particular on What and HOW much lube they are assembled with. Anyone want to talk about clipping springs? Havent read anything on that lately..

 

[Fedwrench]

Anyone want to talk about clipping springs? Havent read anything on that lately..

No but, I noticed the other day when I got a long handled 1/2 drive Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchet that was locked up new out of the hanger, that they've added a second spring loaded pintle under the direction switch. I guess it's to prevent auto reversing.

 

[BirdMobile]

Possibly.. Ive owned all the Apex/Danaher designs via GW, Armstrong and Matco and anything above 60 teeth has always gave me issues where the Ratchet would seem like it would bind up and wouldn't switch directions. It wasn't always repeatable, but it did it enough times to make me wonder what the hell was going on. I would simply tear it down, wipe it clean, Dab of Super Lube, Reinstall and it would be good till it decided it wanted to rear its ugly head again. Ive read enough posts about Ratchet lube to know that these fine tooth ratchets are particular on What and HOW much lube they are assembled with. Anyone want to talk about clipping springs? Havent read anything on that lately..

I've just learned to live with it... I'm even getting pretty good at applying pressure to the socket while hitting the lever - one handed.

 

[Hiball]

No but, I noticed the other day when I got a long handled 1/2 drive Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchet that was locked up new out of the hanger, that they've added a second spring loaded pintle under the direction switch. I guess it's to prevent auto reversing.

I Cringe everything I Hear that Phrase, The Heel of my Palm still hasn't forgiven me for slamming my Hand into the Lift bracket on a Old truck engine I was removing, Every once in awhile ill brush it against something and it reminds me about it.

 

[MaineGuide]

I have all of the Maxx series of ratchets. Love each and every one. I use both 3/8 models the most (flex and standard) followed by the 1/2 flex.

I'm hoping they come out with extra long, non flex versions in each size. If they don't I'll probably go to Snap On for those.