Deep Dive in Choosing a Ratchet

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[@ronaldjohnson1474]

To those that break ratchets - learn the "feel" for torque. Try snapping a few fasteners with a breaker bar, then never approach that "feel" with a ratchet. I've never broken a ratchet in 58 years!

[@caucasianafrican1435]

Breaking ratchet is not something to brag about.

[@mramseyISU]

After buying a locking flex head I’d never go back to any other style. Mine are snap on because he’s the only truck that stops by work. I’d like to try a Matco but I’m not paying truck prices for a tool when I don’t see the truck.

[@fordtechchris]

Yep. We're stuck with snap on twice a month. It's fun living in bfe... Haha

[@Sagittarius-88]

The only tool truck that comes to our shop is snap on, which is fine. The second rate guys would never make it there anyway. There's comes a point in your career that you realize snap on actually does make the best tools, and there's no point in wasting your money on second rate, unreliable tool trucks.

[@nunzo44]

Same, snap on guy comes every week. We haven't seen the Matco guy for months.

[@mramseyISU]

@@nunzo44 I’ve never seen a Matco truck in the wild where I live. It’s too bad because I would like to try out one of their ratchets but I’d never buy something full retail price off their website. I’d rather support the guy who shows up where I live.

[@davidhull1610]

Following your reviews, I took a leap of faith and got a set of Matco 3/8 Soft grip ratchets. They are hard to get over here in the U.K so I couldn't try it before I bought it, but they are my favourite ratchets now. The grip is perfectly comfortable, the heads slim and the action is really smooth with very little drag as you ratchet back. 10 out of 10👍

[@everydayfleettech2286]

I’m one of the guys that can’t have a Matco. Kill them in a week. My go to is a Snap-on non locking flex head with comfort grip or a MAC non comfort grip (too small and odd shaped) with locking head. The flush MAC locking feature beats the Snap-on hump style lock

[@anthonypoltes7413]

I love the snap on hard handles, but hate that they refuse to make the long ones with a locking flex head. I went with a matco even though I hate locking method on the head

[@ronjohnson8119]

Absolutely LOVE my Matco 88 tooth flex heads.Thin head, great locking mechanism, and high tooth count.

[@Blazer02LS]

I've got a lot of ratchets in the box PowrKraft, Snappy, Cornwell, Proto, Matco, Craftsman, and a couple others. I prefer the hard handles simply because they allow me to get into tighter spots than the larger grips. Like you said though, it is a lot dependent on the individual. I still have coarse tooth ones that get used all the time because the pawls seem to be stronger overall. Flex heads - prefer either detent or locking, on the open styles you can add a thin o-ring in the joint to keep them from being very floppy.

[@KCDW83]

Definitely prefer the matco. Being able to have the head unlocked without holding a button is where is at. Fixed head to speed handle in less than a second.

[@guyconnell2250]

Good job on this. In reality though, we all get enticed by a new "truck brand" ratchet. Especially if they are on sale. And we all have needed to "try" each brand. But that is how we decide on a favorite. The net result is drawer in the box that just holds ratchets, maybe two or three of which we use. At that point we have become "collectors" LOL. It's kind of like buying a motorcycle seat. You can't really tell if you like it until you've used it to the point where it is, well used. Ratchets are very enticing on the shelf. Hard to resist.

[@jrbpit1]

I bought one of the new blue handle Matco 3/8 locking flex head ratchets, and I used it for the first time last week. I think it has become my go to. I have a locking Mac flex head, it works very well. I bought a 1/4” flex head Mac, and I think that is my favorite. It is butter smooth.

[@93sundance]

I love my Mac bent handle. For some reason a regular flex handle is more likely to slip off the bolt when flexed.

[@zannusx]

I have a mix of ratchets, my go to for years was the old craftsman flex head, then I got a snap on and that's been my main go to, but I also have others depending on what I am doing.

[@matthamilton0081]

I have a dozen rachets, they are all Snap On. But no matter who makes the rachet i absolutely hate any kind of grip! It's all chrome for me...

[@franknelson9721]

Thought I was alone with that

[@ronjohnson8119]

I’m the same way.

[@and0pand0]

I've had a match orange handle 3/8 ratchet with medium tooth count for like 15 years and it's never let me down. Also have a long handle 1/2 and a super long handle 1/2 all matco.. has them all for years and years. Now I have a bunch of snap on ratchets and honestly I can't tell a huge difference but I still use the matco orange handle 3/8 for any general stuff. It's my baby!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

My go to is the Snap On flex heads, but I also use ICON, GearWrench and Matco. I’ve broken the Snap On and had it rebuilt twice, but I use it 90% of the time, so…

[@mikemorse8592]

One thing I like about the Matcos is no little tiny screws to come loose and fall out

[@danielhenderson5258]

I’m a huge snap on guy but I love matco ratchets. The handle fits great and they don’t break.

[@ryanridgely7807]

The Matco locking-flex mechanism is good enough to be the priority for me. Fortunately, the other attributes fit me fine!

[@lovemym16]

I've got a couple of the Matcos and some Kobalts....haven't broken either one. If I feel too much flex I step up the drive size or light whatever it is on fire.

[@MrDrewmcfly]

I have been trying out jonnesway tools made in Taiwan. And I also am trying my t&e flex head rachets with comfort grip my only fault with it is the bolt that holds the flex ratchet backs out and comes loose but nothing but a bit of locktite don't fix

[@colemanbonner]

Last year, snap-on changed the soft grip on the 3/8 handles, and they got about 50% thicker. Since then they’re just perfect for me.

[@valleygrown_dieseltech3444]

I’m the complete opposite I miss the old handles that’s why I stick with hard handle now

[@jondurrett9277]

My ratchets are pretty much all snapon with the soft grip. I have straight and flex head in 3/8 and 1/4 and the long flex head in 1/2. The only reoccurring issues I have with them is that I keep breaking the grip and screws tend to work their way loose. I've had to tighten the screws on both of my 3/8 ratchets. Other than that, no serious breakages. You're right about handling them before you buy.

[@altonbarbee8864]

Every tech where I work love the matco ratchets so i bought the long blue handled 3/8. I have warranted it 3 times in less than a year. I went back to my cornwell ratchets that are 15 years old and have never been warranted. Different strokes for different folks i guess.

[@Trex6767]

I have a couple Matco ratchets. I use the straight handle for oil changes and and the locking flex head for essentrics on alignments and I have no complaints. Like you said different strokes for different folks. My personal go to is a flex head snap on ratchet with the green hard handle grip. Only broke it once, stripped the teeth out, trying to take brembo caliper off an sti

[@JJ-iw7nh]

That's funny because I bought the new 15 in blue handle matco and it has broken 2 times. I have the 12 in and never has been broken. I'm thinking different materials

[@Trex6767]

@@JJ-iw7nh Could’ve been a fluke. I bought a longer handle 1/4 and asked for a 3/8 rebuild kit to make Subaru spark plugs easier and the repair kit wouldn’t engage the paw. So my Matco dealer gave me a new head and the ratchet worked. Fluke quality possibly. Idk

[@kansaschance]

I've got to say- I wish I worked with a guy like you that was so incrediby passionate about sharing knowledge and tips. Respectfully, I would have talked so much shit haha.. thanks dude.

[@SuperTrent131]

I love my matco ratchets but I've broken 3 of the locking flex head but none of my snap ons. I think sometimes you just may get a defective one and it just so happens to be one brand over the other

[@StoneColdStrah]

I have similar locking flex head ratchet but the snap-on brand...there are nice

[@evanperry3699]

I use tekton for fluids, my go to short 1/4 3/8 are matco locking flex. Long 1/4 3/8 are snap on, and 1/2 are snap on flex. Have a few other snap on and one Mac for just in case. I don't like snap on locking flex.

[@foodskewed9197]

I’m not a comfort grip guy. I prefer the regular ones. My go to is snap on. That’s the only thing I won’t buy anywhere else. Hearing you talk about the Matco ones though, I might buy one

[@chrischiampo7647]

The Snapon Gimbal Style Ratchet is My Go Too Ratchet in 1/4 , 3/8 & 1/2 in

[@johnbadal7319]

What's you favorite length for 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 locking flex head comfort grips? 6" or 7 3/4? 12" or 15"? 24"? Respectively. Or if you had one tool truck ratchet for each drive size what length would you get vs China for all other lengths?

[@donaldfinley2829]

I have matco locking flex head in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2. Love them. Hate my snap-on. The chrome tear drop craftsman are probably the worst ones I have.

[@codysallander581]

So I have the milwaukee m12 and I was wondering if I can use a 6.0 battery 🔋on it

[@austinclark1511]

Have literally broken every single Matco ratchet I’ve owned in every drive size. Although the the Matco soft ha does fit my hand better than snap on, I’ve yet to break a snap on

[@davidkanengieter]

I am a fan of of the Matco locking flex heads. Only problem is we haven't had a Matco rep for 4 years and I need some of them warranted. I'm considering trying one of the HF Icon ratchets.

[@ryanramirez9739]

I personally like the icon ratchets not bad for the price.

[@STORM_1800]

I prefer the snap on handle. But the Matco locking flex head. I believe the Gearwrench locking flex head ratchets with the comfort grip is a great middle ground

[@technoman53]

My dream ratchet though would be a ratchet with a Wright knurled handle, a Snapon 80 tooth head, and a Matco locking flex.

[@colemanbonner]

You’re not wrong.

[@epicragegaming2016]

for me the snap on comfort grip fits my hand perfectly. mac makes the absolute junkiest crap ratchets ive ever used. i've warrantied my mac ratchet more than all other tools i own combined.

[@Sagittarius-88]

Being an old school guy, I was always a little skeptical of the comfort grip ratchets. My main concern being the extra bulk at the end of the handle could potentially cause interference issues in tight spaces. I was in the market one day for a half inch flex head ratchet, and the only one the snap on guy had on the truck was a comfort grip. So what hell, let's give it a shot. Yeah, that thing kicks ass. Built like a goddamn tank, and I warmed up to that comfort grip real quick. I've owned Mac and Matco ratchets in the past. They're not at all built to the quality level of snap on. Expensive? Yup. Worth the extra money when you're beating the piss out of them on a daily basis? Absolutely.

[@juansimon5802]

the button on the mac will strip out too. u can move the head without pushing the button

[@carterthiessen2664]

Soft grip dual 80s for me, except for stubby and 1/4 drive stuff where the soft grip gets in the way. Have one mac axis 90t, the 24 inch 1/2 inch, and I like it, just not as much as the snap on. Don't have any other trucks come to the shop so given mac or snap on I give a slight edge to snap on but it's personal preference.

[@brad3741]

I have been considering a long handle 3/8. Something to supplement a 1/2 inch. I recently could not break loose the banjo bolt on my power steering pump. I had to acess it through the wheel well, didn't have much room, and my 12.5 inch Matco like yours really didn't give me enough torque. Matco makes a 18" version, but I wonder about the flex, and overall strength of a 3/8 that long.

[@upnorth5465]

I have one and I've put out quite a bit on it, one time I swear I knew for sure it was gonna break I was pulling way too hard but it didn't. I mostly use it breaking wheel bearing bolts loose. It flexes more than the snap on extra long handle but it's held up fine.

[@brad3741]

@@upnorth5465 Ok, thanks for the feedback.

[@patrickleonard5034]

When i started out in the early 2000s my first Pro ratchet was a matco and i had good luck with them Definitely broke them from time to time but i liked them! Then in like 07ish they came out with the 88 tooth! And that my friends is an amazing ratchet! Ive one for 13 years and never had it rebuilt’! Unfortunately shortly after that My Matco dealer went independent so I haven’t been able to get a new Matco ratchet in years and if that wasn’t the case they would probably been the only ratchets id use. But in recent years ive been using Snap-On and honestly ive had really good luck with them too. Most of the ones I’ve got are the comfort grip i do have a couple with out a grip! I dont have any hard Plastic handles! I did have to get my Big boy 1/2” rebuilt one time but never any of the 1/4” or 3/8”! My 1/2 is a locking flex head and its ok… but id really like to try a matco locking flex! It looks like a way better design for sure

[@dillon3355]

You gotta check out the new VIM HD Ratchets. Theyve got Snap On SGDX style screwdriver style handles...and I wanna know if theyre decent lmao😂

[@blakewaddell451]

Like many tools I have several ratchets and a lot of different brands. My go to are Snap-on hard plastic handles and honestly I really like Capri ratchets too. I especially love the color from Snap-on that I think is called teal if I remember correctly. I’m working on building a full set of the hard handle ones. So far I have a Combat Tan 1/4 flex head and a 3/8 long in teal. For locking flex heads definitely the Matco is a far superior design in my opinion. The Snap-on gets in the way and I know several guys who have broken off the lever on the Snap-on ones. I also love the variety of colors the Snap-on offers that is part of the reason they are my main go to. And we don’t have a Matco or Mac guy anymore so now the only truck tools I can get are Snap-on. I’m looking forward to the new Power Blue color coming I’ll definitely be buying some in that color.

[@P.A.C.E.automotive]

The spark plug ratchet shape is so you can tip it vertical and spin it like a speed handle, definitely an old school master mechanic type of ratchet. Personally I don't like any kind of comfort handle, but in the same vein there are different shapes of bare handles.

[@colemanbonner]

Snap on calls that one “bent handle” but they also offer another, slightly shorter handle with an opposite bend in it, that they refer to as “offset handle.” I’ve got both and I swear by them.

[@raider762]

Yep. That is what use mine for.

[@garrettarney2903]

I have one Matco warranty it 3 times in about 2 years I own 9 snap on ratchet I’ve had to warranty 3 different ratchet 1 time each in about 7 years, I love my snap on’s most comfortable grip in my opinion

[@StilettoSniper]

NEWS FLASH: if you want your ratchet mechanisms to last forever, use a damn breaker bar when breaking tight fasteners loose. Then switch over to the ratchet. This is more important now with very fine tooth, low profile thin head ratchets than ever. Oh, and use an impact wrench instead of putting a pipe on the end of the ratchet or banging on it with a hammer. Been following that advice for over 40 years, and it is truly rare that I ever have to send a ratchet in for warranty service. It is absolutely incredible how many people abuse the shit out of their ratchets, and then go around whining about what a piece of shit they are and how Brand X is so much better. Oh, and btw: I don't give a shit that it takes me 30 seconds longer to break the fastener free properly without abusing my tools. Taking the trivial amount of extra time to do the job properly without abusing the shit out of your tools is just one of the differences between being a true craftsman at your trade and or being a grease monkey imposter purporting to be an automotive "professional".

[@cowboy41231]

dude i'm exactly the same as you (i had a longer reply but accidentally deleted the damn thing and im not typing another paragraph!)

[@kylesonsalla7620]

My ratchets are 50/50 between Snap On and Matco, and a bunch of old craftsman I dont use anymore. I prefer chrome over comfort grip, and either non-locking flex head Snap On or locking flex Matco, I keep my snap ons tight and they don't flop around. Definitely prefer the mechanism in the Snap-Ons for tight spots, and they're stronger for me, I've broken all 3 drive sizes of Matco ratchets I have.

[@carlbyington5185]

I always thought that the finer more tooth count would be weaker, and the course ones to handle more torque ? Not sure.

[@ajcz]

I have ratchets from all the trucks. But I find I prefer different brands in different sizes, depends on 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1. When you get into 3/4&1” it doesn’t matter at all to me and what I’ve found

[@technoman53]

I've noticed that above 80 teeth or so there's not really a difference due to the slop in the drive square and the socket.

[@colemanbonner]

Yup. When you’re that far, it’s all about smoothness to me.

[@bryanyazzie3552]

Love my mac axis ratchets

[@elmoz71ls15]

I’m weird, I break Matco, but had the similar style gearwrench flex head 3/8 for years. Currently prefer the snap on locking flex comfort grip. We had a new guy come in with Mac ratchets (we don’t have a Mac dealer) I wasn’t impressed with them but he loves them, and drives 30 miles to meet a Mac guy for warranty. It’s a preference thing I guess

[@zachfinn-dunn9309]

I don’t own any Mac ratches, but I own a bunch of snap on ratches and a few Matco ratches and in my opinion, your silly if you buy anything but a locking flex head, does the work of all 3 styles of ratches. I also prefer the snap on plastic hard handle over their comfort grip, but Matco’s comfort grip takes the cake 👌🏼

[@jamesu]

When I bought my AFR128LFM, my dealer said, let me know when you break it?? Apparently a lot of his clients have broken them. Mine has held up fine!

[@mightyclos1984]

Personally I’m a snap on snob 🤣 but I also like the gearwrench 120 tooth ones

[@Ken-wu6hr]

I Like my Matco’s but my Snap on 3/8 with the huge handle is my Favorite. Had a long one when warranted it smaller handle came back. It sucks. Matco long Flex head is my go to. Warning, don’t use a cheater pipe on it

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

The first expensive ratchet I got was a Matco locking flex head and I got to where I hated it. I actually traded it in for a SnapOn non locking flex and it’s my go to for 3/8. I think a ratchet should either flex or not. I hated when I locked it, couldn’t get it to fit, pull it out, rest it, yadda yadda. I use non locking flex, swivel head, and fixed. Right now, I’ve got SnapOn and Gearwrench, but SnapOn is far superior. Much stronger, smoother, and I feel confident I won’t bust my knuckles or face when I putting real pressure on it.

[@waterloo123100]

Snap on ratchets are just the best. But you can’t go wrong with Matco or Mac either

[@snapmac5547]

I hate the knurled handles, they bite into my hand. Dad is old school and loves only that type.

[@su8pack13]

What Do you think of quick release? Didn’t see any.

[@colemanbonner]

Among my snap-on collection are the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 locking flex comfort grip quick-release. They’re fantastic as long as you have the room for the added height. Nice to not need to pull out the pocket screwdriver to get a socket off

[@notorioussk6374]

I have Hazet, Facom, KS Tools, Tekton, Gearwrench and Berner. My go to is Gearwrench 120xp

[@nachos_70firebird66]

I have a ratchet addiction Snap-on, Matco and Mac Tools.

[@SLPCamaroLT]

I've had my 3/8 long handle flex Pittsburgh for a long ass time now. I had only replaced it once. My one tech gets his snap on fixed every week. It really is all how you use and abuse the ratchet. But most beat the piss out of any tool and abuse them. If you take care of it Know it's limits and it'll last. Know your tools limits whether it be a ratchet, socket, or wrench "including ratchet wrenches" Seriously if you can't feel it about to give, my guess is you shouldn't be near a car.

[@youtubeuser5424]

Same here, that ratchet seems indestructible, I’ve even used it to remove Lugnuts And it still keeps going LOL

[@chekelley6861]

I hate snap on ratchets. I use and love Carlyle long locking flex head. Most people are using ratchets and wrenches only as a last resort if they can’t fit a power tool, so they aren’t as important as they used to be.

[@cnf6045]

I will say this for tooth count. The 72’s and 88’s are really nice for having a low back drag, but they’re not as strong as the 32’s.

[@mecalpsha4473]

MATCO as well - slim and got the best feel like the comfort grip. Got Snapon ratchets the head is to clunky and heavy excellent quality just feel unbalanced.

[@donaldpainter956]

I like a thin head on a rachet to give as much room as possible

[@johnb1121]

Flat rate master please do a review of the astro an gearwrench pinless impact swival socket set 😍😍😍

[@tiffanyhwang1738]

My favorite is harbor freight... Affordable and lifetime warranty.

[@johnnyramirez9082]

I don’t mind both Matco or Snap on, I have to agree on the Mac ratchet

[@UNEEK_LOGIK]

That’s what I tell my wife you need to put the MEAT in your hands so you see how it feels.. 😆

[@topherd1011]

Snap on for ratchets. Snap on for wrenches. Snap on for ALL hand tools. I won’t buy any other, either. Worth every penny and it supports your fellow countrymen just trying to make a living manufacturing quality product.

[@brandonkelsey4676]

In 22 years wrenching never seen a matco guy so I like snappy

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

I know a thing or two about ratchets. Matco, Snap-On, 44mag, 357mag, Trisha, Chelsea, and Meg the stallion.

[@rlenoxIII]

Snap On all metal, old school for me. I think it’s because it’s what I started with 30+ yrs ago LOL

[@DeuceReggs]

As long as it's Flex Head 💪

[@robindabank4089]

Dam right !! Mac is very underrated too

[@PhillyDee215]

Now of days as long as it ratchets it work for me😎

[@waterloo123100]

That doesn’t fly in the professional field though

[@PhillyDee215]

@@waterloo123100 i hear u👍but it does apply when all u have is what u have til u buy something fancy😎

[@fordtechchris]

I might be the only mechanic who hates tools. They do nothing for me. I can't stand spending money. I needed a long handle 3/8. I bought the first one I saw on the truck and didn't care if it was flex head, comfort grip, pink, green or orange. Made zero difference to me.

[@TheMRSTEVEN]

Is there much point spending big money on ratchets these days the electric tools can do the job more often than not.

[@StilettoSniper]

Until you can't fit the fat head of an electric tool + the socket into a tight space. Or try to do it anyway, and find that once the fastener is loosened and backed out, you can't remove the wrench, the socket and the fastener. This is where a low profile, flex head high tooth count ratchet with a shallow depth socket will save your ass.

[@Jester_1]

I own both Matco and Snap on ratchets. My go to is Snap on. The ratcheting is far smoother on the Snap on than Matco. I do like the Matco locking mechanism though.

[@bobthompson4133]

Line wrenches (brake lines) snap on

[@daveN2MXX]

Matco vs Gearwrench 🤔

[@alenmihelcic8267]

Stahlwille, Gedore, Hazzet... Kobalt is for drill, not for rachet.

[@TechMay]

I’ve broken my fair share of ratchets.

[@daltonwilson2105]

Steel handles forever

[@1337penguinman]

I fell in love with the Milwaukee ones the first time I ever held one. Been slowly replacing all my ratchets with them. My only gripe with them is they don't make a flex head. Really love the oblong handle design.

[@niteninja0133]

Matcos lock sucks, I love cornwell flex heads they have a ball detent

[@BubbaAyers1969]

Great video, I’ll tag you one IG 😄

[@EE-vh1gc]

I see you’re a Matco tool sales person

[@brianmason8400]

#16.... earliest I think I've ever been 😁

[@DonLu01]

As long as it’s made in America I’ll use it

[@ronaldanderson4185]

Cornwell Mac snap on and Matco work and last those old school craftsman Amazon and harbor freight nope

[@waterloo123100]

I have a USA Craftsman 3/8 short handle that works just as good as my mac ratchets but the Chinese ones are garbage

[@keithmerce3863]

Ratchets are like pick ups everyone has their preferences.

[@cbmech2563]

Tools are all about personal feel. It has to fit and feel good in your hand ( and your head) I've been screwed over, lied to and verbally abused by tool truck drivers with an attitude. I will not and have not stepped foot on a tool truck in a long time. I don't need my wallet raped while I'm getting abused. (Rant done)

[@Jangus]

FLLF80 every day ftw

[@niallcosgrove5596]

The handle's on the new MAC ratchets are horrible, the old type it much better that I bought around 15years ago now. My go to ratchet is a 30tooth Cornwell flex head hard Handel ratchet or my old MAC

[@inverseuniverse5727]

Low profile , or thin head is my baby.

[@upnorth5465]

#1 reason ratchets break is people who YANK on them instead of pushing or pulling. That and dum asses that use a hammer or their fist and hit the hadle to break things loose.

[@romanbellamy1933]

I live by my Mac locking ratchet. Can take some Hella abuse

[@carlm2590]

Just stay away from Harbor Freight. Those things break EASY.

[@SLPCamaroLT]

Depends on how you use and abuse it. I've had mine forever and only replaced once. I used it on a daily basis and it's my go to.

[@carlm2590]

@@SLPCamaroLT HF tools lije wrenches, ratchets and sockets do not beling in a busy pro shop. Bad quality. Cheap.

[@SLPCamaroLT]

@@carlm2590 My shop is constantly busy. Actually as of now just like every shop out there. We are about 2 weeks out. And I never said I have harbor freight everything. My tools range from Snap on Mac Cornwell and harbor freight My opinion on my choice of ratchet makes me money