sktools.com
That's assuming they have any inventory to sell you as they are currently restructuring the brand. And for top dollar, they better be offering more than just the standard flip ratcheting mechanism with no flex head.Put SK on your list to evaluate
12 Piece 6 Pt Metric Combination Chrome X-Frame® Wrench Set
12 Piece 6 Point Metric Combination Chrome X-Frame® Wrench Set
I still have my set of rarely used USA Proto SAE but replaced the metrics with SO. The boxy beams on the Protos isn't particularly comfortable and they're shorter than SO. The Protos are spline, which doesn't really bother me, and both the ratcheting and open ends are a little larger/thicker than SO. Backdrag on the Protos is higher, also.
If that an important point then the snapon is a very good engineering effort balanced against being rebuildable .
This is really impossible to answer largely because, Matco doesn't make anything but, toolboxes
In the early days of modern fine toothed ratcheting wrenches, MATCO's Proswing series were probably the best ratcheting wrenches made. Then the Armstrong factory closed. MATCO sourced their ratcheting wrenches from KABO. KABO probably makes some of the best ratcheting wrenches on the market. Wrench designs changed over the years going from 12 point boxed ends to spline, and ratcheting actions from 72 teeth to 90 or more teeth.
Exactly what I was going to say, you just said it better than me.
This is really impossible to answer largely because, Matco doesn't make anything but, toolboxes
Additionally, there isn't a Carlyle, Icon, or fill in the blank tool company for many brands. The wrenches are sourced from various suppliers like Kabo, Infar, High Five, SATA, or other manufacturers. Although difficult to tell with some versions, I think it's important to determine who the OEM of the wrench set is, rather than the brand name that's on the wrench.
Another factor in determining a pecking order of quality, is the shear number of types, versions, and models. You'd have to compare apples to apples and not mix features. To me the Taiwan made USAG/Facom/Expert/Dewalt/MAC/PROTO wrenches are pretty sweet. I tend to favor the Proto/Dewalt/Expert reversible combination wrenches myself. The older longer pattern Dewalts with the anti slip open ends are very good but, sadly no longer made. My favorite ratcheting wrench of all time, continues to be the Armstrong/Matco proswing model with a 12 point zero offset, 72 tooth ratcheting boxed end on one side, with a 15 degree offset fixed 12 point boxed end on the other side in standard length.
Starting out, it's hard to beat a set of reversible ratcheting wrenches 10-19mm plus 8mm. later you'll probably want some flex heads, and probably some really long ones after that, and then some ratcheting stubbies, followed by flex head ratcheting stubbies, and then larger sizes in what you already have
However, if you only work on Japanese vehicles, you shouldn't miss those sizes. Stalk Lowes.com or Acehardware.com for a sale or coupon. I randomly have the Blackhawk in fixed reversible, fixed non reversible, and two flavors of flex head. Interestingly, I find the difference in length has more to do with which ones I grab more than anything else, though I have had the non reversible ones get stuck a few times.Starting out, it's hard to beat a set of reversible ratcheting wrenches 10-19mm plus 8mm. later you'll probably want some flex heads, and probably some really long ones after that, and then some ratcheting stubbies, followed by flex head ratcheting stubbies, and then larger sizes in what you already have
I would lean towards Expert/Dewalt/Blackhawk first as Proto/USAG/Mac/Facom can be pricey.
On a side note, Craftsman V series has a nice reversible combination ratcheting wrench set that are pretty much the FACOM/USAG wrenches without the anti slip open end. However, they omitted 15 & 18 mm sizes which is a significant oversight
This is not even a comparison. The new snap-on are head and shoulders above the matcos. The matcos I have constantly get stuck in one direction or the other. The snap-on box is smaller and they are silky smooth.
My Matco's are basic box end, non reversible. Never had one bind or slip on me.
Makes since my matco are reversible and the lever gets stuck if you force it you will break the lever ask how I know.
I chose the FACOM due to the compact box end, the finish and the comfort in hand. I have had them for a few years now and love them.
Couldn't agree more - they're the finest ratcheting wrenches I've ever laid hands on. I got a slight deal on my sets, but wouldn't hesitate to buy them again if I needed to replace.
I have a set of Hazet 606 metric that I'm pretty happy with. I surprisingly really like the matte chrome finish vs. the polished. However, they are made in Taiwan (which is 100% fine with me), and what I've read here indicates that a lot of the better ratcheting wrenches you'll find are as well due to patents owed by the Taiwanese ODM's.
. I wouldn't wave anyone away from the XFrame, but they're probably a better second-set for the grippy open end and the zero-offset ratcheting end that seems to have infinite teeth.