The Truck Tool Equivalents Thread - Gathering Data

[Xcursion88]

they have somethings they designed in house, but they subbed out the manufacturing mostly to AJ but their are a few other contract manufacturers in the mix making things designed by matco for matco

Again I'm not sure what you're saying.
If you are agreeing ok...but if you've a different point I'm lost.

Matco makes boxes. That's it.
The rest is all made for them.
Doesn't mean it's garbage. It's just not made by them. Made for them....yes. Made by them...no

I don't have much from Matco.
Their non slips are good and i use them for customers who've ruined their oil drain plugs by using the wrong size.
I just noticed they're made in Taiwan from the bottom tag on the rail. I'll be selling them *******.

My box and tools are used professionally every day is mostly made of SK and SO. I'd say 55/45 with SO as the 55 percent.
I have a rule of no Asian tools if it can be helped. Electronics sadly are impossible unless you know something I don't.

My pliers are all Knipex with a couple USA SO in there.
I just ordered a Swedish Knipex so I can rid the Spanish made SO

 

[dstblj52]

Again I'm not sure what you're saying.
If you are agreeing ok...but if you've a different point I'm lost.

Matco makes boxes. That's it.
The rest is all made for them.
Doesn't mean it's garbage. It's just not made by them. Made for them....yes. Made by them...no

I don't have much from Matco.
Their non slips are good and i use them for customers who've ruined their oil drain plugs by using the wrong size.
I just noticed they're made in Taiwan from the bottom tag on the rail. I'll be selling them *******.

My box and tools are used professionally every day is mostly made of SK and SO. I'd say 55/45 with SO as the 55 percent.
I have a rule of no Asian tools if it can be helped. Electronics sadly are impossible unless you know something I don't.

My pliers are all Knipex with a couple USA SO in there.
I just ordered a Swedish Knipex so I can rid the Spanish made SO

there sockets for example are made by aj but designed by matco,

 

[corn chip]

Again I'm not sure what you're saying.
If you are agreeing ok...but if you've a different point I'm lost.

Matco makes boxes. That's it.
The rest is all made for them.
Doesn't mean it's garbage. It's just not made by them. Made for them....yes. Made by them...no

I don't have much from Matco.
Their non slips are good and i use them for customers who've ruined their oil drain plugs by using the wrong size.
I just noticed they're made in Taiwan from the bottom tag on the rail. I'll be selling them *******.

My box and tools are used professionally every day is mostly made of SK and SO. I'd say 55/45 with SO as the 55 percent.
I have a rule of no Asian tools if it can be helped. Electronics sadly are impossible unless you know something I don't.

My pliers are all Knipex with a couple USA SO in there.
I just ordered a Swedish Knipex so I can rid the Spanish made SO

im same way. i wont buy asian hand tools but electrics theres hardly no choice in the matter. after using a corded german metabo grinder i was excited about their cordless stuff but sadly i think its just rebranded asian stuff.

 

[67CarGuy]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this, so feel free to move / delete if necessary: I'm looking for a thin-wall 5/8" socket, preferably 1/2" drive and 12 point, although 3/8" drive might work. I'm trying to fit a socket into a thin gap allowed by the webbing on the big end of a Chevy V8 connecting rod. The webbing is raised, leaving me with very little room to fit a standard chrome Craftsman socket. I'd really rather not buy a full set of sockets, as I only need the one size. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Deep well is okay but not necessary.

The photo below is as far as I can get my current C-man sockets on, which doesn't allow me to properly torque the rods. I've also got a rod bolt stretch gauge, but can't get a box wrench on either.

 

[Cruzan80]

Would a 5/8" 12pt flare wrench or flare crowfoot work better? Would allow you to access the area without webbing.

 

[WordMan]

I just noticed they're made in Taiwan from the bottom tag on the rail. I'll be selling them *******.

I have a rule of no Asian tools if it can be helped. Electronics sadly are impossible unless you know something I don't.

im same way. i wont buy asian hand tools but electrics theres hardly no choice in the matter. after using a corded german metabo grinder i was excited about their cordless stuff but sadly i think its just rebranded asian stuff.

I don't mind Taiwan as I've found most stuff produced there to be very durable and high quality. Stuff from China? I avoid that like the plague if I can.

 

[Mallen]

The trick is, check which rebuild kits for which ratchets. Actually, the current low end craftsman ratchets share internals with the Stanley ratchets. The both carry a lifetime warranty too. The Stanley ones cost less and have a better finish. But you can take the craftmans into Lowes when they break. The nearest sears to me is a hundred miles away though.

Not high end tool truck stuff, but kind of interesting. The two look totally different.

 

[wafrederick]

There are people out there saying Matco ratchets are rebranded Gearwrench which isn't true.Look the same and are different 100%.The lengnth of them,handle,head thickness of the ratchets,anvil,pawl,selector,spring are the differences of the two.The gold air hammer bits Snap On sells,made by someone else with the Snap On name put on them.The regular Snap On air hammer bits are made by Snap On.I have read this on Facebook,know it alls saying Snap On tools are Chinese made which isn't true at all too.

 

[Mallen]

External appearances are deceiving in ratchets. For example the Stanley ratchet you get you at Walmart shares internals with the low end Craftsman ratchets. But externally they look very different. In a ratchet, generally, that's all that matters. At least most of what matters. (Not that either of those ratchets is any good, but they are a great example of two very dissimilar looking ratchets that from a performance standpoint are pretty much identical) obviously Williams vs Snap On or Mac Vs Proto rat gets are more inline with what we are talking about on general. The same internals and different, but actually somewhat similar externals.

 

[dstblj52]

There are people out there saying Matco ratchets are rebranded Gearwrench which isn't true.Look the same and are different 100%.The lengnth of them,handle,head thickness of the ratchets,anvil,pawl,selector,spring are the differences of the two.The gold air hammer bits Snap On sells,made by someone else with the Snap On name put on them.The regular Snap On air hammer bits are made by Snap On.I have read this on Facebook,know it alls saying Snap On tools are Chinese made which isn't true at all too.

their not but the 84 88 trick is still a great way to get almost as nice as true matco ratchets at a real discount

 

[wafrederick]

their not but the 84 88 trick is still a great way to get almost as nice as true matco ratchets at a real discount

Shown in this video on Koon Trucking's youtube video,

 

[67CarGuy]

Would a 5/8" 12pt flare wrench or flare crowfoot work better? Would allow you to access the area without webbing.

Hadn't thought of using either of those, so thanks! I'll give them a try.

 

[Mallen]

Would a 5/8" 12pt flare wrench or flare crowfoot work better? Would allow you to access the area without webbing.

Not sure if this is the right thread for this, so feel free to move / delete if necessary: I'm looking for a thin-wall 5/8" socket, preferably 1/2" drive and 12 point, although 3/8" drive might work. I'm trying to fit a socket into a thin gap allowed by the webbing on the big end of a Chevy V8 connecting rod. The webbing is raised, leaving me with very little room to fit a standard chrome Craftsman socket. I'd really rather not buy a full set of sockets, as I only need the one size. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Deep well is okay but not necessary.

The photo below is as far as I can get my current C-man sockets on, which doesn't allow me to properly torque the rods. I've also got a rod bolt stretch gauge, but can't get a box wrench on either.

A high quality 3/8 will be a better choice than a 1/2. Or even a high quality 1/4" drive. Maybe with a 1/4" breaker bar or a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter if you think it's too much torque for a 1/4. But a high quality tool should handle it and if it breaks it should have a warranty and they will send you a kit. My thought would be to try my 1/4" impact driver with a 1/4" impact socket. Then if that doesn't work go up to a larger impact gun with asone adapters. Worst you can do is break the tools.

Getting it back on won't be such a chore as you won't have to worry about the torque to busy it loose, just to tighten it to spec.

 

[j3rf]

Shown in this video on Koon Trucking's youtube video,

Yeah the 120XP ratchets are quite different now. The older 84 tooth Gearwrench ratchets you could upgrade with the Matco 88 tooth rebuild kit.

 

[67CarGuy]

A high quality 3/8 will be a better choice than a 1/2. Or even a high quality 1/4" drive. Maybe with a 1/4" breaker bar or a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter if you think it's too much torque for a 1/4. But a high quality tool should handle it and if it breaks it should have a warranty and they will send you a kit. My thought would be to try my 1/4" impact driver with a 1/4" impact socket. Then if that doesn't work go up to a larger impact gun with asone adapters. Worst you can do is break the tools.

Getting it back on won't be such a chore as you won't have to worry about the torque to busy it loose, just to tighten it to spec.

That's just it, I'm trying to get them on and torqued to spec and nothing I currently own will fit down over the nut (and between the nut and the connecting rod webbing) enough to get a good purchase.

 

[wafrederick]

Yeah the 120XP ratchets are quite different now. The older 84 tooth Gearwrench ratchets you could upgrade with the Matco 88 tooth rebuild kit.

Can't put the gearwrench rebuild kits in the newer Matco ratchets,will lock up if done

 

[dstblj52]

Can't put the gearwrench rebuild kits in the newer Matco ratchets,will lock up if done

well those gearwrench 84 kits lock up all the time anyway and im not shocked matco cared more about it going the other way then put their rebuild kit in a gearwrench ratchet

 

[jimnickol1986]

anyone know who the OEM is for these matco bits?I really want a set but can't justify the $150 price tag

 

[Xcursion88]

anyone know who the OEM is for these matco bits?I really want a set but can't justify the $150 price tag

Do you have a matco truck service? Are they warranted?
Then it's worth it as you'll undoubtedly wear some out. That said you'll probably lose some which wouldn't be warranted.

Sssoooo...

My suggestion is this...

Find any brand that has the long bits similar here and buy it for a fraction of the $150 price tag.

Like this thing..

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-Impact-34-Piece-Shank-Screwdriver-Bit-Set/1003189104

 

[Mallen]

I bought wiha bits where I used to work and they were really good.

But I agree, if your not interested in the warranty, then just buy anything that's good quality. If you ARE interested in the warranty either **** it up and pay the 150 bucks or find a used set..

 

[aheroicdose]

Speaking of tool truck alternatives, I've been trying to find a few Nupla sledgehammers but they're either ridiculously expensive or out of stock everywhere. Is that normal or just the Thanos-snap ******* that we're just gonna have to endure the next couple of years? I got a 6lb, 32" and was hoping to get a 12lb and hopefully a couple heavy shorties (27123, 27059, 27073).

 

[jkesselr]

That's just it, I'm trying to get them on and torqued to spec and nothing I currently own will fit down over the nut (and between the nut and the connecting rod webbing) enough to get a good purchase.

3/8 drive 12point or thin wall 12 point wrench with stretch gauge. Torque specs should be about 50 ft/lbs. Hit a pawn shop and look for an old craftsman, SK, New Britain, Carlyle, etc. many pawn shops have a bucket of sockets for like $0.50 each. You just need thin wall. Otherwise, bite the bullet and buy a snap-on and be done with it.

 

[67CarGuy]

3/8 drive 12point or thin wall 12 point wrench with stretch gauge. Torque specs should be about 50 ft/lbs. Hit a pawn shop and look for an old craftsman, SK, New Britain, Carlyle, etc. many pawn shops have a bucket of sockets for like $0.50 each. You just need thin wall. Otherwise, bite the bullet and buy a snap-on and be done with it.

Appreciate it. I've got the stretch gauge, just need the right socket. I'll keep my eyes open for a good socket. I've found at least one 10mm socket abandoned, maybe I'll get lucky with this one...

Thanks!

 

[CentenIJ]

Lang 1409 - is equivalent to Proto, SK tools, and Wilde lock ring pliers

Tools (KAS1409) 9IN Right Angle Tip Lock Ring Pliers​

 

[Mc8541ss]

T

Anyone know if the Williams line of screwdrivers is the same as Snap-On?

The hard handled Williams are the exact same as the older hard handle Snap on. I have heard rumors that Williams has their old tooling. I have some of both and if you put the name down you can’t tell the difference.

 

[PiperCub49]

T

The hard handled Williams are the exact same as the older hard handle Snap on. I have heard rumors that Williams has their old tooling. I have some of both and if you put the name down you can’t tell the difference.

I will second everything said above.

 

[dstblj52]

T

The hard handled Williams are the exact same as the older hard handle Snap on. I have heard rumors that Williams has their old tooling. I have some of both and if you put the name down you can’t tell the difference.

but honestly the best pic for screw drivers are the proto durateck which are the mac ones exactly at a good sized discount

 

[CGarage]

im same way. i wont buy asian hand tools but electrics theres hardly no choice in the matter. after using a corded german metabo grinder i was excited about their cordless stuff but sadly i think its just rebranded asian stuff.

Ignorant post.
The latest and greatest hand tool technology all originates in Asia today. They are 100 years behind US development and this is why the major manufacturers are relocating production to address the rise and industrialization of Asia. The market potential is huge and unrealized. It is like the US 100 years ago, but much larger based on population volume. Taiwan, Japan, etc are all first rate manufacturers. If India can make a wrench and a ratchet, you can bet that Japan and Taiwan can do so as well.

 

[CGarage]

Speaking of tool truck alternatives, I've been trying to find a few Nupla sledgehammers but they're either ridiculously expensive or out of stock everywhere. Is that normal or just the Thanos-snap ******* that we're just gonna have to endure the next couple of years? I got a 6lb, 32" and was hoping to get a 12lb and hopefully a couple heavy shorties (27123, 27059, 27073).

I called Nupla head office (I think in California or Chicago, one of the two) and spoke to a guy named “Mike” who was excruciating to deal with. Had a few reasonable technical questions and not only did he not have the answers, he didn’t know who he could ask to find the answers and failed to comprehend simple questions about how to buy and who to order from. I have a few of their dead blows but I was completely turned off by this experience. He is not firing on all cylinders, that is for sure. It was so bad I asked if he was intoxicated or “on something” because of the answers he came up with that had nothing to do with the questions I was asking.

 

[aheroicdose]

I called Nupla head office (I think in California or Chicago, one of the two) and spoke to a guy named “Mike” who was excruciating to deal with. Had a few reasonable technical questions and not only did he not have the answers, he didn’t know who he could ask to find the answers and failed to comprehend simple questions about how to buy and who to order from. I have a few of their dead blows but I was completely turned off by this experience. He is not firing on all cylinders, that is for sure. It was so bad I asked if he was intoxicated or “on something” because of the answers he came up with that had nothing to do with the questions I was asking.

Mikes are known to have bad coilpacks from the factory, they're usually toast by 30 I did end up finding a 27091 on ebay for $50 and a 27805 for $42 on Amazon, so it looks like stock is trickling out again. Reminds me of the time I goofed off and ordered some SK wrenches >.<

 

[AJHD]

Again I'm not sure what you're saying.
If you are agreeing ok...but if you've a different point I'm lost.

Matco makes boxes. That's it.
The rest is all made for them.
Doesn't mean it's garbage. It's just not made by them. Made for them....yes. Made by them...no

I don't have much from Matco.
Their non slips are good and i use them for customers who've ruined their oil drain plugs by using the wrong size.
I just noticed they're made in Taiwan from the bottom tag on the rail. I'll be selling them *******.

My box and tools are used professionally every day is mostly made of SK and SO. I'd say 55/45 with SO as the 55 percent.
I have a rule of no Asian tools if it can be helped. Electronics sadly are impossible unless you know something I don't.

My pliers are all Knipex with a couple USA SO in there.
I just ordered a Swedish Knipex so I can rid the Spanish made SO

Agreed. Same goes for MAC, although with SB&D owning MAC, they kinda make some of their own stuff. Depends on how you look at it I guess. But with both Matco and MAC, a lot of their inventory is rebranded. Rather it be Gearwrench/Apex, Lisle or even Knipex. Just because it has a tool truck brand on it or in tool truck packaging, doesn't mean it was made by or for them exclusively.

I'm also not including their "budget brands" in that statement... Blackhawk, Silver Eagle, Blue Point, etc.

However "no Asain tools" must be difficult. So many things are made in Taiwan.
I buy USA as much as possible, mostly Snap On. Other solid quality tools come from Japan and Germany (for example).

I don't own and won't buy made in India or Pakistan... I avoid made in China whenever possible, but literally buying everything else made in USA is a tall order. Most specialty and diagnostic tools are Taiwan, you already mentioned electronics. It also depends on to what extent you take that "no Asia" rule.

 

[WordMan]

Agreed. Same goes for MAC, although with SB&D owning MAC, they kinda make some of their own stuff. Depends on how you look at it I guess. But with both Matco and MAC, a lot of their inventory is rebranded. Rather it be Gearwrench/Apex, Lisle or even Knipex. Just because it has a tool truck brand on it or in tool truck packaging, doesn't mean it was made by or for them exclusively.

I'm also not including their "budget brands" in that statement... Blackhawk, Silver Eagle, Blue Point, etc.

However "no Asain tools" must be difficult. So many things are made in Taiwan.
I buy USA as much as possible, mostly Snap On. Other solid quality tools come from Japan and Germany (for example).

I don't own and won't buy made in India or Pakistan... I avoid made in China whenever possible, but literally buying everything else made in USA is a tall order. Most specialty and diagnostic tools are Taiwan, you already mentioned electronics. It also depends on to what extent you take that "no Asia" rule.

MAC makes all their own hardline (sockets, ratchets, etc).

MATCO means MAC Allied Tool Company. MAC Allied was the portion of MAC Tools that made the boxes and brought in the tools sourced from outside vendors. They split back in the late 70s or early 80s as I recall.

All tool companies rebrand stuff. But as @Xcursion88 said, MATCO only makes boxes and contracts out the rest of their tools including their hardline. Snap On makes their own hardline, as does MAC, and Cornwell.

 

[CGarage]

I don't own and won't buy made in India or Pakistan... I avoid made in China whenever possible, but literally buying everything else made in USA is a tall order. Most specialty and diagnostic tools are Taiwan, you already mentioned electronics. It also depends on to what extent you take that "no Asia" rule.

Agree.
I avoid Indian and Pakistani products because they are not known for quality control. Ever seen stainless steel medical scissors that are “made in Pakistan”? Notice the rust? Not proper stainless steel alloy!!!

Taiwan makes superb tools and I will happily buy from Taiwan.

I try and avoid “Made in China” especially after these last two years. But I know that if China wanted to, they can produce a first rate product. It is hit or miss.

 

[javyLSU]

MAC makes all their own hardline (sockets, ratchets, etc).

MATCO means MAC Allied Tool Company. MAC Allied was the portion of MAC Tools that made the boxes and brought in the tools sourced from outside vendors. They split back in the late 70s or early 80s as I recall.

All tool companies rebrand stuff. But as @Xcursion88 said, MATCO only makes boxes and contracts out the rest of their tools including their hardline. Snap On makes their own hardline, as does MAC, and Cornwell.

MAC makes a lot of their hardline, but they do have much more MAC-branded imported hardline than Snap-on. Perfect example is the knuckle-saver wrenches:

 

[WordMan]

MAC makes a lot of their hardline, but they do have much more MAC-branded imported hardline than Snap-on. Perfect example is the knuckle-saver wrenches:

Agreed, and Cornwell has even more. Still, Snap On is headed that way. They have to in order to compete.

At least the Knuckle-Savers are made in Taiwan and not China.

Know who makes them?

 

[dstblj52]

Agreed, and Cornwell has even more. Still, Snap On is headed that way. They have to in order to compete.

At least the Knuckle-Savers are made in Taiwan and not China.

Know who makes them?

they are made in the stanley churo plant so in house for sbd and are also sold as facom and in australia as sidechrome

 

[WordMan]

they are made in the stanley churo plant so in house for sbd and are also sold as facom and in australia as sidechrome

I thought they looked like Facom.

 

[Bmxkelowna]

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Anyone know who makes this neck light? Looking for a cheaper option in Canada

 

[dstblj52]

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Anyone know who makes this neck light? Looking for a cheaper option in Canada

I think ezred has that same light

 

[CGarage]

Who makes the Mac pocket pry bars?

Thank you!