What to get?

[nevets]

My girlfriend told me she would get me a new tool of my choice for christmas but ill be getting it after sometime after christmas. I have decided on getting my first tool truck quality tool and im gonna go with a 3/8s ratchet. im not sure what to get though. Im thinking either at Snap-On dual 80 or one of the matco 88 tooth ratchets. My max is $100. what would you get? I have never used anything from either brand but i gotta start sometime.

 

[mrholeshot]

Of those two I would get the Dual 80

 

[littlekillertoad]

I'd probably go for the dual 80 too. Snap-On's customer service and my 3/8 dual 80 have been fantastic to me. I've never dealt with Matco's.

 

[rt dak]

Snap-on F80 or FH80.

 

[Seanbev24]

Another vote for Snap-On. F80 if you like chrome handles. FH80 if you like comfort grip, and it's a bit longer. FLF80 if you want a long flex head (my favorite, but it's like $109)

 

[tw33k2514]

Have both prefer the dual 80

 

[nevets]

thanks guys that makes my decision a little easier. for those of you that have both what exactly is it that makes you like the dual 80 better? also i may try to talk her into the flf80 it aint much more and i like the flex head and i dont own one myself.

 

[tw33k2514]

It's a couple things. The f80 just feels smoother, and I just like how it feels in my hand. That's not to say the matco 88's are bad. In fact some would say they are better because of the head size being thinner. All comes down to personal preference.

 

[Seanbev24]

thanks guys that makes my decision a little easier. for those of you that have both what exactly is it that makes you like the dual 80 better? also i may try to talk her into the flf80 it aint much more and i like the flex head and i dont own one myself.

It's a couple things. The f80 just feels smoother, and I just like how it feels in my hand. That's not to say the matco 88's are bad. In fact some would say they are better because of the head size being thinner. All comes down to personal preference.

The dual 80's just feel better and smoother to me also. I currently have 10 different dual 80's and after trying a couple friend's Matco 88's I don't think I'll be getting any.

IMO, the only thing that makes the Matcos better is the thinner head. A lot of people also prefer the Matco locking flex mechanism over the Snap-On, but I think Snap-On's is fine and don't really like locking flex anyway.

OP, since you don't have a long flex head, I say get the FLF80 if you can. It's my favorite and most used ratchet.

 

[diesel research]

Smells like a set up for obligation to return the favor.

Also not sure if my first tool truck purchase would be a ratchet if I was non-professional/daily?

With so many aesthetic clones out there the physical feel may not be a marked improvement, and the real benefit would lie more in reliability. Unfortunately for the average home guy, he may not see those full benefits either.

It would be easy to feel the difference in fit and finish with a quality wrench, but unfortunately that may be above the budget.

 

[tonydanzah]

matco 88 all the way

 

[pep]

HOW ABOUT A DURALAST RATCHET!!

I keed, I keed.


You know, a cool gift would be one of those Nepros adjustable wrenches. Even a garage-shy girlfriend could see the value in one of those things.

 

[Busted Bolts]

go so dual 80 when you get it you'll see why. THEN get her going on the next purchase. Even if your not a daily nut turner like some of us, having a quality tool in your box says something.

 

[pep]

having a quality tool in your box says something.

I'll say...