You learn new things everyday.

[woody 73]

Funny thing but last night I was looking at some tools through a Craigslist post and the guy starting showing me his tools for sale, when he picked up a small 3/8 drive matco ratchet that he was selling; He looked at me and said you know if the the parts inside go bad, then you can just replace the whole insides with a craftsman repair kit.

Now that one kind of hit me for a second but later thinking about it ; he has a good point.

Strange when you think you have seen it all,something else crops up!

 

[bobcatdan]

Thats why I never liked the 36 tooth matco ratchets, I just saw them as overpriced crapsman. Although I never tried to put a craftsman kit in a matco it wouldn't surpise me. Break the thing and see if a you can get a 88 tooth out of a matco guy.

 

[Gabastone]

Thats why I never liked the 36 tooth matco ratchets, I just saw them as overpriced crapsman. Although I never tried to put a craftsman kit in a matco it wouldn't surpise me. Break the thing and see if a you can get a 88 tooth out of a matco guy.

I never understood why so many people believe that a Matco ratchet is the same as a Craftsman ratchet. Does the same apply to cars?? Do you see an Aston Martin V12 Vantage as an overpriced Mazda 3??

Matco’s 36 – and 88 – tooth ratchets are extremely nice. Personally, I prefer a coarse ratchet; they start a little rougher at first but wear smoother. I think that if you actually try one, you might be impressed.

 

[Danglerb]

Its not the handle with a name on it that makes a nice ratchet, its the guts, and if they interchange with Craftsman, how different can they be?

 

[Gabastone]

Its not the handle with a name on it that makes a nice ratchet, its the guts, and if they interchange with Craftsman, how different can they be?

They are not even the same design.

Besides, I would argue that how it handles is just as important, if not more, than the action.

 

[kippieland]

They are not even the same design.

Besides, I would argue that how it handles is just as important, if not more, than the action.

Agreed! I love my Matco 88 and 60 tooth ratchets. I also have the 36 tooth...it is way rougher then the other two mentioned but its now where near as rough as my RP Craftsman....they aren't even in the same league...the HF ratchet is smoother then the RP's. I like my RP's for throwing downing, I don't care work. Just because something is made by one company for another does not mean they are the same. Is a Black and Deck super cheap drill the same as a Dewalt expensive drill??? No way, no how. If your going to replace the Matco part with something else, at least do it with the Armstrong 60 tooth....they're only 20 buck!

PS I love the handle off my 36 tooth Matco....I wish it were smoother but I have yet to find a more comfortable ratchet...even against the 88.

 

[wreckerman5357]

I strong.fly recomend getting an 88 kit for a 36 tooth Matco. Just put an 88 kit in my old Matco.

 

[kippieland]

I strong.fly recomend getting an 88 kit for a 36 tooth Matco. Just put an 88 kit in my old Matco.

I tried but from what I understand is Matco only sells repairs kits through their trucks..true? I don't think we even have one in town. How much are they? I think I might bump it up to 60 (or 88 depending what would show up) with an Armstrong replacement. I do have the new Armstrong 88 coming soon....

It would be nice to find out though.