Which Matco Ratchet??

[Sterff]

I Just signed up for the student program at Matco and was wondering what ratchets you guys would get. I really like the BFR128LFTM and BFR88TM. Are they good every day ratchets? Thanks guys!

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2407&select=&page=5

 

[Fedwrench]

I have both and find myself using the flex head version more. I would recommend whichever ratchet gives you the most bang for your student discount. There was a thread last month about the two foot 1/2 drive locking flex head being on sale to students for less than $100. That would be a deal to pounce on.
On a different note, make sure before your cash and student discount are gone that you have a good 1/2 drive impact wrench, 3/8 air ratchet and enough impact sockets to at least take wheels off. If you have the cash, buy a set of matco 3/8 drive metric impact swivel sockets with your discount.
Lastly, search old posts, there have been many threads about how best to spend your student discount. Stick to the basics, think what you need to perform entry level skills, and good luck.

 

[Sterff]

Luckily I already have a great amount of Craftsman and Matco tools so I will just be adding to my collection. I can get both 3/8 ratchets for $110. I am mainly concerned about ratchets and specialty tools. I will consider the impact wrench too.

 

[Fedwrench]

Yeah, that's not a bad price. The standard handle 88 tooth ratchet with comfort grip was on sale to regular techs last year for about $58 but, I've never seen the flex head version go that cheaply. Are you going to be an Auto Tech? If so, don't skip on needing an impact. You don't have to buy a Matco one. I beat the hell out of my IR2135qtimax on a daily basis. An entry level tech removes and reinstalls wheels several times a day either as part of a rotation or a multipoint inspection in an effort to sell more work..

 

[forceyoda]

If you can afford it, get both. I doubt you would ever regret it at the discount price.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Buy torque sticks..

 

[Sterff]

I am going to be a pipe fitter. I need mostly plumbing tools and basic sockets and wrenches. I have all the plumbing stuff already. While I have a good discount I might as well take advantage of it because I have two diesel trucks I wrench on at home too .

 

[X1 Mike]

I have both and the 12" flex BFR128LFTM is my go to ratchet. If I could only have one ratchet it would be that one.

 

[Sterff]

I ordered both ratchets, a 1/2 socket set, and a door panel tool.

 

[nato]

BFR128LFTM atw! I have the BFR128LF, minus the handle, and it's SWEET! Pretty much my go-to as well for a long handled 3/8"
Sometimes, depending on the job, I definitely have to choose b/t my BFR128LF and my FL80. Nice to have options though
Good buy!

 

[Sterff]

Yeah I can't wait till they get here . I want to get an FL80 some day but for now I have an F936. Here is the socket set I got... http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2208&select=&page=4

 

[Rnz520]

Yeah I can't wait till they get here . I want to get an FL80 some day but for now I have an F936. Here is the socket set I got... http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2208&select=&page=4

Is that a silver eagle or a Matco kit?

 

[Sterff]

Silver Eagle

 

[Rnz520]

do you mind telling us wht price you paid for it, because even at full price its not a bad deal at all.

 

[Sterff]

I think it was around $167

 

[Rnz520]

steal, yousuck

 

[daveblank]

you'll like both ratchets.

 

[Sterff]

steal, yousuck

Yeah I thought it was too good of a deal to pass up

you'll like both ratchets.

I hope. Now I just have to wait for them...

 

[Sterff]

I got all of the tools and really like the ratchets. I went ahead and bought some Hansen socket trays too. Now its going to annoy me that there are empty spots...

 

[Paullew]

Will give you 200 for the set.

 

[Sterff]

Na Ill hang on to them for now . I like them too much. Ill have to take a picture of everything I got.

Edit:

 

[X1 Mike]

You did good getting them with different colored handles. I have nothing but Matco ratchets in my main set and all my flex heads are green while the fixed heads are orange. It makes it easy at a glance to grab the right tool.

 

[bigsteve1969]

i aint never had problems with the silver eagle sockets and if your looking for impact stuff....snap on has the best deals on sets mg325 with short and deep sockets metric and also the mg725 with short and deep sockets wont post a price cause it'll make some guys drool. but i just got the mg325 set and its good stuff i didnt realize how small that impact was.

 

[Sterff]

You did good getting them with different colored handles. I have nothing but Matco ratchets in my main set and all my flex heads are green while the fixed heads are orange. It makes it easy at a glance to grab the right tool.

Yep thats why I got them in different colors

i aint never had problems with the silver eagle sockets and if your looking for impact stuff....snap on has the best deals on sets mg325 with short and deep sockets metric and also the mg725 with short and deep sockets wont post a price cause it'll make some guys drool. but i just got the mg325 set and its good stuff i didnt realize how small that impact was.

Im impressed with the sockets so far. I will be looking at impact wrenches next.