SnapOn Matco FrankenRatchet?

[RH2]

Hi All,

So let me preface this by saying I don't own either of these ratchets. I like the compactness of the Matco or Armstrong 3/8 locking Flex Head Ratchet. However, I like the locking mechanism of the SnapOn locking flex head better (the matco looks like it's just a lever that engages a corner of metal). So my question is, do you think the matco or armstrong head could be put on the snapon handle? Has anyone tried this?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[JDon99]

I've never heard of it myself. Anything can be done with enough effort. Fwiw, the locking mech on the Matco/Armstrong work great, I don't see why you wouldn't be happy with one of them.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I've never heard of it myself. Anything can be done with enough effort. Fwiw, the locking mech on the Matco/Armstrong work great, I don't see why you wouldn't be happy with one of them.

^ I'm with not-stupid. My BFR128LFT works just dandy, as does my 1/4". Haven't really given the 1/2" a good workout with it locked yet.

My boss, however, bought a nice locking Dual 80, and somehow cocked the head about 5 degrees in the yoke, by hand, within the 1st week of owning it. I have no idea how the **** he did that without a pipe on it.

 

[Askme42]

I have never seen a problem with the armstrong/matco locking mech. Seen lots of force put on them also.

 

[Skin]

They actually lock in the same way by a pawl that engages beneath the head. The lever on the back is not actually doing the locking. The difference is the location of the lever in which case the Matco/Armstrong one is superior/less intrusive.

The only way you can break either design is by pulling the ratchet handle forward or backward, IE not in any direction of normal turning/use. During normal use it takes force just like a standard flex ratchet.

 

[1950mercury]

The snap on locks are no where near as nice as the matco/armstrong. Just buy one and be done with it u will be happy

 

[monomach]

Hi All,

So let me preface this by saying I don't own either of these ratchets. I like the compactness of the Matco or Armstrong 3/8 locking Flex Head Ratchet. However, I like the locking mechanism of the SnapOn locking flex head better (the matco looks like it's just a lever that engages a corner of metal). So my question is, do you think the matco or armstrong head could be put on the snapon handle? Has anyone tried this?

Thanks,
Robert

That Matco is the best flex on the market, hands-down...especially the locking mechanism.

Once you get it and use it, you won't want to add any Snap-On parts to it.

 

[Hammer1963]

That Matco is the best flex on the market, hands-down...especially the locking mechanism.

Once you get it and use it, you won't want to add any Snap-On parts to it.

I agree 100%

 

[efb16acrx]

I used to be 100% dual 80 until our matco guy started making fun of me for that being the only snapon tool in my box. Well, he was right. I like the 88 better. I never liked them on the truck because the heads were always dry. I've even come to like their lock, and I always hated locking ratchets.

 

[tbaggz]

Maybe a handle swap but I wouldn't mess with the business end on either.both are solid.