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mreisner

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Messages
911
Location
North of Detroit
pfbz said:
Matco BFR128LF locking flex head arrived today. First impressions? Not blown away by it. Especially for the price. I'll give it some time and a bit more of a chance, but hmmm... I thought these were pretty highly regarded?

The flex head lock engages somewhat easily, but man it's tight to release. like Two hands, one to wiggle push on the lever and the other to wiggle the head back and forth. Tried lubing the locking mechanism a bit, and just operating the lever as much as I could thinking it might loosen up. Perhaps a bit, but not really what I expect.

Admittedly I don't have any other locking flex heads to compare it to, but I was just at HF and the G2 flex locks certainly don't have that issue.

So is mine just a random bad ratchet? Are they all like that? I kind of don't want or expect a $185 list price ratchet to need breaking in or massaging to get working properly.

It also felt a bit coarse on the ratchet itself with WAY more backdrag that my latest copy of Snappy dual 80, and of course in a different league all together than the Koken. Sort of 80 tooth gearwrench-ish? (is that too harsh? ;-)

Planning on doing a video review comparing it to my Snappy, Koken, KTC, etc. soon, and also have a 60 second intro video going live tomorrow morning at the link below :

Matco 88 - 1.jpegMatco 88 - 2.jpeg

Click to expand...
I have the same problem with my Matco, took it apart and a couple of passes with a three cornered file on the locking mechanism teeth made a world of difference. They had a couple of slight Burrs on them eventually they would have worn off, but not before the ratchet flew through the wall at great force. For what they want for those ratchets it shouldn't have been that way but it made it very nice after I fixed it. Wish I could find that type of locking mechanism with a dual 80 head. The Dual 80 mechanism in the G2 Harbor Freight Flex head comes pretty close being an ideal ratchet. I hope Snap-on comes out with one like that later this month at the sfc.
 
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mreisner

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Messages
911
Location
North of Detroit
I always wanted an oscilloscope, this will fill the yearning and do a few other things. And before anybody says anything yes I have a few dump trucks around that still have points. This is much newer than the dump trucks are! With all the adapters and everything for a hundred bucks I couldn't pass it up.20250730_155610.jpg
 
P

Pinne

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 8, 2024
Messages
338
A few little things from Amazon today - couple of generic bicycle brake bleed kits, some DOT fluid, a hose barb tool / cutter, and a pair of 11mm hex bits.

The generic bleed kits will go into a little travel tool kit or to be loaned out. There is really very little difference between these and the branded ones in terms of functionality - little bit nicer fitting for the SRAM Bleeding Edge on the OE kit but all the syringes, hoses, and o-rings are consumables anyways IMO.

The twin 11mm hex bits are a new one, needed them to get axle end caps unthreaded. Never touched an 11mm hex before in my life, but leave it to bike industry brands to use nonstandard tooling rather than just putting wrench flats on the outside of the axle caps like most brands have done for an eternity.

IMG_1792 Large.jpeg
 
Y

YesIHaveAHammer

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2025
Messages
842
Olfa Serrated-Edge Stainless Steel Scissors 5" SCS-1
Actual length 5.5" / 14cm. Thickness at the joint 4.8mm, for comparison electrician's shears (C.K.) are 6.8mm, and Ikea cheap scissors are 3.2mm.

Olfa Multi-Purpose Scraper 25mm/1" SCR-S
The storage guard is welcome, but seems easy to knock off, or lost due to being transparent.

o - Copy.jpg
 
M

moemc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Messages
356
This cheapass little vise from Amazon turned out to be an impressive value for $26. Obviously it’s super light duty, but the finished quality of the parts was surprising to me. Anodizing is well done, everything nicely deburred. The rubber jaw covers fit real nice. The table clamp has pretty decent grip with those rubber pads. I’m sure I could explode it with a single swing of the hammer but I think it’s going to hold up to reasonable expectations.
 

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P

pfbz

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
957
mreisner said:
I have the same problem with my Matco, took it apart and a couple of passes with a three cornered file on the locking mechanism teeth made a world of difference. They had a couple of slight Burrs on them eventually they would have worn off, but not before the ratchet flew through the wall at great force. For what they want for those ratchets it shouldn't have been that way but it made it very nice after I fixed it. Wish I could find that type of locking mechanism with a dual 80 head. The Dual 80 mechanism in the G2 Harbor Freight Flex head comes pretty close being an ideal ratchet. I hope Snap-on comes out with one like that later this month at the sfc.
Click to expand...

IMHO, it is absolutely unacceptable for a $180 ratchet to need to be 'tuned' by the purchaser when new. $10 rachet? Sure, I'll take it apart, file/polish/grease it no problem. But for a premium price, I expect a perfect, premium product.
 
O

Ohio Andy

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Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,303
Location
Columbus, Ohio
pfbz said:
IMHO, it is absolutely unacceptable for a $180 ratchet to need to be 'tuned' by the purchaser when new. $10 rachet? Sure, I'll take it apart, file/polish/grease it no problem. But for a premium price, I expect a perfect, premium product.
Click to expand...
I was on a snap-on tool truck 2 weeks ago buying one of the new 100 ratchets a 3/8 in and I was looking at a quarter inch ratchet and it was locked up and the driver said oh you just need to take it apart and grease it I'm like. Yeah no not interested. I'm going to pay over a hundred bucks for a ratchet. I'm not taking it apart to tune it brand new.
 
A

Andres26tnt

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Joined
May 11, 2018
Messages
994
Ohio Andy said:
I was on a snap-on tool truck 2 weeks ago buying one of the new 100 ratchets a 3/8 in and I was looking at a quarter inch ratchet and it was locked up and the driver said oh you just need to take it apart and grease it I'm like. Yeah no not interested. I'm going to pay over a hundred bucks for a ratchet. I'm not taking it apart to tune it brand new.
Click to expand...

That is unacceptable from the brand and the dealer.
 
C

CHI_Tool&Die

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
1,387
Location
Chicago, IL
pfbz said:
IMHO, it is absolutely unacceptable for a $180 ratchet to need to be 'tuned' by the purchaser when new. $10 rachet? Sure, I'll take it apart, file/polish/grease it no problem. But for a premium price, I expect a perfect, premium product.
Click to expand...
Eh, I have had many, many expensive tools come from the trucks that have needed a little something-something from me to get them right. Inconvenient, yes. I wouldn’t say unacceptable though. Manufacturers have tolerances for a reason and sometimes you just get a dud. Luckily warranty covers it. As far as the Matco, I think it’s the design. My 1/4” locking flex switches are so silky smooth but they are not flush to the ratchet handle. My 3/8” ones are all super stiff but sit inside and flush with the handle.
 
O

Ohio Andy

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Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,303
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Andres26tnt said:
That is unacceptable from the brand and the dealer.
Click to expand...
Yeah I was really confused. I could only spin the ratchet in One direction. I'd throw the selector switch and I still couldn't spin it in the other.... the selector switch was hard to use. I just noped out on that.

I know this was not like my regular snap-on guy because I don't have one. I was visiting my mother and I saw the truck and I just popped on.
 
O

Ohio Andy

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Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,303
Location
Columbus, Ohio
CHI_Tool&Die said:
Eh, I have had many, many expensive tools come from the trucks that have needed a little something-something from me to get them right. Inconvenient, yes. I wouldn’t say unacceptable though. Manufacturers have tolerances for a reason and sometimes you just get a dud. Luckily warranty covers it. As far as the Matco, I think it’s the design. My 1/4” locking flex switches are so silky smooth but they are not flush to the ratchet handle. My 3/8” ones are all super stiff but sit inside and flush with the handle.
Click to expand...
Yeah this wasn't just stiff. This was straight up not usable. I didn't think that was acceptable.

My snap-on needle nose pliers you guys talked me through working the kinks out and it came out working real nice and now one of my favorites.

I bought two matco, 1/4-in, ratchets and man. Those things are really nice. I was going to buy one and I just was feeling it out on the truck. So I bought two
 
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M

merkyworks

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2016
Messages
587
Location
Texas
CHI_Tool&Die said:
Eh, I have had many, many expensive tools come from the trucks that have needed a little something-something from me to get them right. Inconvenient, yes. I wouldn’t say unacceptable though. Manufacturers have tolerances for a reason and sometimes you just get a dud. Luckily warranty covers it. As far as the Matco, I think it’s the design. My 1/4” locking flex switches are so silky smooth but they are not flush to the ratchet handle. My 3/8” ones are all super stiff but sit inside and flush with the handle.
Click to expand...

Just cause they came that way doesn’t mean it should be acceptable. Tool truck brands are constantly preaching premium quality, well then you actually have to deliver on that.

Like @pfbz said. $10 ratchets, sure I’ll fiddle with it. $180 ratchet, I expect near perfect out of the box. It would be like buying a brand new Porsche that only goes into drive but To get into reverse the dealership tells you just pull the trans and grease it up a little. :wtf:
 
P

pfbz

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
957
Todays tool haul... This great little bit and socket set from Wurth. It was $45, and man, I am impressed with it. German manufacture (evidently not all Wurth tools are made in Germany, so beware), low-profile pass through sockets (interchangeable with Astro 1/4" nano impacts) super low profile on the bit and socket end, even a nice case! It is literally too nice to throw in a go bag or glovebox, I want to keep it in my main box!

Wurth it? - 2.jpeg

quick video review below...

 
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,719
Location
Southeast
Ohio Andy said:
Yeah I was really confused. I could only spin the ratchet in One direction. I'd throw the selector switch and I still couldn't spin it in the other.... the selector switch was hard to use. I just noped out on that.

I know this was not like my regular snap-on guy because I don't have one. I was visiting my mother and I saw the truck and I just popped on.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's a full-service Snap On man!
 
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S

Squankum

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Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,719
Location
Southeast
IMG_3787.jpg

Saw for my mobile tool bag. Somebody posted a nice folding saw like this recently, I think a Bosch. The price of that one scared me, so then I found this.

Blade storage? No.
Folding? No.
COO: Vietnam
Price: $14.99
Handle has the grippy? All of the black surface, yes, acceptable. Yellow, no grippy.
 
F

F-22

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2022
Messages
1,830
pfbz said:
German manufacture (evidently not all Wurth tools are made in Germany, so beware)
Click to expand...
Are you sure? Bit ratchets and ratcheting wrenches are tools that are most typically made in Taiwan, even by the German top end brands like Hazet and Stahlwille. Gedore seems to be the only one to manufacture ratcheting wrenches in Europe. The Gedore bit ratchet is also made in Germany but it is nothing like this (it's just a 1/4" ratchet but with a "male" bit anvil inside of it).

It looks similar to what you see in the Facom/USAG set (Taiwan made I believe). The Facom pivots but this one has the stronger pass-through wrench on the other end - both are very smart designs and I know the Facom one is very good quality too.
 
A

AJHD

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 4, 2020
Messages
3,025
Location
AZ
pfbz said:
Todays tool haul... This great little bit and socket set from Wurth. It was $45, and man, I am impressed with it. German manufacture (evidently not all Wurth tools are made in Germany, so beware), low-profile pass through sockets (interchangeable with Astro 1/4" nano impacts) super low profile on the bit and socket end, even a nice case! It is literally too nice to throw in a go bag or glovebox, I want to keep it in my main box!
Click to expand...

It's a nice set, but it's $55 not $45 (plus whatever shipping costs). Also, I doubt it's made in Germany. There is no mention of it on the website or what I can see the tools and the case either. Typically that's something they're going to advertise.
 
N

NitroExpress

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 13, 2024
Messages
70
Location
Texas
four.cycle said:
^ It's not really clear if you're referring to the trademarked brand name "Channellock" - a manufacturer of pliers in Meadville, PA, or possibly the generic term "channellock" that has been globally assigned to any brand of "tongue-and-groove" (aka "groove-joint") pliers.
Click to expand...
I’m Referring to Wright Tool manufacturing pliers for the Channellock Brand.

based on this:

Pliers

www.wrighttool.com www.wrighttool.com

Perhaps I’ve mis-interpreted and Wright just catalogs Channellock produced pliers, but Google AI tells me Wright is the manufacturer, FWIW.
 
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K

KnurledNut

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Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
8,147
Location
n/a
@NUTTSGT
I feel for you guys trying to keep this thread on the tracks. It just lends itself to discussion. Sigh... :see:

@pfbz
Reverse gear mechanism = Taiwan

@NitroExpress
They are both USA based manufacturers. Channellock makes pliers and Wright makes drive tools and wrenches. Both companies rebrand products they don't produce. It can be confusing who makes what but usually the official company websites will be more reliable and informative than GoogleAI.

Back to the regularly scheduled program...:willy_nil
 
E

ETJ

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2023
Messages
126
During the last 3 weeks I got these. Two hammers and two dollys from Dowidat, 3 hammers and 3 dollys from Picard (old-logo), one Gedore dolly, one unbranded german body hammer with habero handle, one unbranded toe dolly.

IMG_0731.jpg
 
N

Nobody-named-Olli

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2025
Messages
1,608
Location
North Rhine-Westphalia; Germany
Concerning the pass-through feature on (all of) those low-clearance/pass-through kits that have the 1/4” drive compatibility, it only works up to 10mm, it’s limited by the 1/4” drive feature.

And, I agree, not Made in Germany. But it is very good quality as all the differently branded kits that are available show. I have this from KS Tools. The Würth kit excels on space/box though. VERY nice!

Kind regards,
Olli
 
M

Mr.zippy

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 27, 2020
Messages
2,219
Location
Wyoming
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