Matco EIGHTY8 3/8 Locking Flex Ratchet Reviewed By a Mechanic

A bit of a rant and rave of a review of this Matco ratchet. Hope you enjoy!

[@76kamikazi]

Peoples are sleeping on on Napa Carlyle ratchets they’re as close to tool truck ratchet imo,they’ve never failed me.

[@gerrypatrick]

There is an upgraded pawl free replacement on the Matco ratchets to correct any issue. The ratchets are top notch we do need to remember they are assembled by humans that in today’s world don’t want to work nor care about their work so flaws are expected!!

[@eliezerramosjr1017]

They just did a reconstruction of the gears for this ratchet and they started with the 1/2 gears then now 3/8 drive but IMO I have almost 100 ratchets yeah I know but I have about 7 or 8 of the Matco ratchets 1/2-1/4 and I only had one skip which was the 1/4 but after that never again but again I have so many ratchets the I only use the same one every so often cuz I have so many. But they did a remans on the internals and so far so good with many saying so.

[@rschreck876]

Yeah, tried Matco ratchets. Even traded in a couple Snap On one’s in for them. Let’s just say I’m back to Snap On.

[@victormaholik594]

I have the same ratchet and I haven’t had any issues with it. I use it everyday.

[@pancakemoto7800]

Sorry youve had a bad experience bro. Im a millwright and I went with the Matco ratchet and put it through hell and its held up.

[@lucasmartinez21]

I was a bout to buy the same ratchet on their website but I didn’t. Thank you for the videos

[@andrewd8481]

If a head kit isn't taking care of it ask your distributor to change the whole head, maybe the opening in the head was machined wrong.

[@hectorespudo5565]

Have you checked out the newer ones with the black heads? I dont know if they are the same but im debating on buying the same rachet brand new and found your video. Now im debating if i should just stick with what i know works.

[@ochoarichard73]

I have that same rachet and love it ...have not had a problem w it at all... it's great for doing tune ups...pulling spark plugs...just saying .

[@Night_Monkey]

I bought that same ratchet. It has been working okay, but the locking lever is very stiff. I have to wiggle the head while putting as much force as I can tolerate with my thumb on the lever. It just sits in the cart and I use my icon, gearwrench, tekton, and capri ratchets.

[@ianmcdermitt6295]

I use mostly matco ratchets but I do have other brands, I also rebuild them and I've come to find out you can't over grease them, the locking up part isn't and ratchet fault, it's the grease being to tacky and the pawl not separating from the gear like it should when ratcheting. Matco ratchets use a floating pawl mechanism so it's best to use a light grease and only grease behind the main gear and being the pawl. Try to keep little to no grease and the teeth.

[@mr.orim0782]

That's good advice as I've learned the hard way lol

[@upnorth5465]

They are very picky on how the gears are lubed when installed. They HATE grease and will do that annoying crap constantly. Oil is the only thing that works. Ive broke my 3/8 twice in 5 years and both times i knew i was going to break it. Ive gone back to snap on for both my 3/8 and 1/4" ratchets.

[@Quickwrench75]

The do have an updated paw for there ratchet. Ask your dealer if he has it and have him warranty. I hate my matco ratchet has been a disappointment also. I swear buy Snapon dual 80. Never broke any of them they way smoother than the matco and bulletproof. Strong as hell. I own all kinda of ratchets. Mac-matco-Cornwell GW -SK-Proto. Snapon is by far my favorite.

[@antilaw9911]

Does that have screw in cover plate? In video looks like a snap ring style. I gonna say $120 for that?!!

[@mn4a15]

Get the gear wrench 90 comfort grip. Those are also pretty good and cheaper.

[@antilaw9911]

I went with all Gearwrench 120XP ratchets.

[@pauvrefrance9802]

I bought the same... and not happy at all i must grinding all the parts ,the flex is impossible without à plier, i change the spring ,my fingers are on fire.....😢

[@ikeschrager9903]

Student discount coming through fr that same one you have is $80 for me

[@terrybenallie4871]

Yup I have same ratchet same problems I got tired of it.

[@niallcosgrove5596]

Mine has done the same thing. If you take it apart. The little spring in the side that controls the paw engagement is too long. Casting it to lock up. If you cut the spring down with some flush cuts, one or 2 rings at a time, reassemble it 2 drops of light oil and try it mine has been perfect since 👌

[@andrewscott8892]

Look for an older one that was made by Armstrong or better yet just buy an Armstrong Maxx ratchet

[@brandonthompson5004]

Maybe you need a half inch drive 🤷

[@anthonyacosta5336]

Greatly disappointed in this Ratchet..Only Used it 3 Times and the POS Locks up and Jams..Better off buying the Snap on..