Matco Tools: Is it the same ratchet, just rebranded? Gearwrench VS Matco, let’s tear them apart!

Let's See What Is Different Between The Gearwrench and Matco Locking Flex Head Ratchets. We Will Break Them Down And Take A Look. Rumor is Matco is arebranded Gearwrench, but is it? Let's see!
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[@natea1042]

History lesson time. Matco and Gearwrench were both companies of Danaher until 2010. During that time they shared a lot of cross development so things like ratchets and ratcheting wrenches shared similar, if not exact, design specifications. Gearwrench largely maintained production in Taiwan and China while the Matco stuff was made in Danaher's USA facilities along with Armstrong Industrial. The design of the heads of the ratchets was such that Gearwrench, Armstrong, and Matco kits would all fit into each other from 60 tooth to 84, and 88 tooth and they would even fit into Craftsman ratchets that Danaher made however the Cman ratchets were unique as they were generally all quick release. The only exception to this was the Gearwrench 120XP which is a fatter head to accommodate a double alternating pawl. In 2010 Danaher decided to spin off their hand tool companies (Matco was retained), and this spin off included brands like Armstrong, Allen, and Gearwrench, and as part of the sale also included all their physical manufacturing locations, both domestic and abroad. So together with Cooper Industries they spun off these companies making Apex Tool Group in 2010. In 2012 they then sold Apex Tool Group to Bain Capital and when that sale happened Matco lost any direct connection to their domestic manufacturing partners and instead had to rely on contracts with a new company. This probably would of been fine but Bain Capital had different plans and slowly began to shut down all domestic tool manufacturing eventually eliminating Armstrong entirely in 2017. This manufacturing shuffling caused some debacles for Matco like when no one could get any 88T ratchets for over 6 months in 2015-2016. It also lead to sweeping product changes such as almost all of Matco's wrenches switching from USA made by Armstrong to Taiwan made by Kabo or Lea-Way. During this same time (2016) Danaher was taking the rest of their industrial and scientific tool companies, including companies like Matco and Fluke, which they retained, and spun them off into a new company called Fortive. Matco operates under the Fortive company to this day. Matco has since sought new domestic suppliers for many of their more iconic tools and as a result has tapped smaller companies in the USA to make things like their ratchets, extensions, pinless impacts etc.. Since roughly 2017 the ratchets are made in Elmhurst, Illinois by a company called AJ Manufacturing. Hope that clears things up for anyone that wanted to read this far.

[@timm5970]

Dope read

[@app4902]

Thank you for doing all the research buddy

[@jvh22a]

That was awesome info.

[@tylerdarr1456]

I read it all. Appreciate it

[@eod4usa]

BLUF: Matco lost its quality recipe

[@michaelwright1602]

Project Farm did a video on over a dozen ratchets, the Gear Wrench beat out both SnapOn and Matco, and overall, was the top ratchet at a lowly $34. My GearWrench 120XP's aren't going anywhere. No issues working on semis and or autos, and I own most of them, 1/4" through their 3/4", flex heads and standard.

[@chriswebb3018]

I'll explain this for the people that don't already know. Matco and gearwrench aka apex tool group at one point they were sister companies and shared design of there tools and thats why there are so similar. Neither one is a rebrand ratchet, the major difference is matco is made in the USA with U.S. steel and gearwrench is made in Tiawan. They do have different lengths and handles as well as teeth count. It's just that macto has such a similar design to gearwrench with a snap on price tag is what bugs people about it. But always buy what you like and who cares about anything else.

[@lynyrd583]

APEX Tool Group still produces and procures Ratchets and other tools for Matco. One other thing most Matco tools are no longer made in the USA, including Ratchets. Look at any new Matco Ratchet including those in this video, where is the "USA" stamp? There isn't one - so it isn't Made in the USA.

[@chriswebb3018]

@@lynyrd583 although i dont own any matco tools, not even there ratchets but im almost positive there top of the line ratchets are still made here in the U.S.A. At least thats what it says on the Matco website about there ratchets from them. If its not then they are lying to everyone. But dont really think that's the case.

[@josefelix4152]

@@chriswebb3018 I actually have a flyer in front of me and when I look up the part number for a ratchet on their website like bfr188lfm down in the specification it says made in USA

[@bo-boboski4118]

No such thing as american steel anymore. It's all mixed

[@TheClapClappaaaaaa13]

Gearwrench is what i like and for the price you cant go wrong and a plus factor. It does the job without failing. Beautiful warranty service

[@311rooster]

I have Matco guts in one of my gear wrench ratchets that’s how much they are alike

[@timm5970]

As do i. The matco stuff is clearly better. They feel the same but one feels lile its from china and the other feels like its from the us

[@ryanwhalen3378]

These longer videos are always awesome ! Keep the great tool truck content coming !

[@AdriftAndAtPeace323]

I’ll say there’s a huge quality difference in my Matco ratchet vs my gearwrench ratchet. It doesn’t matter how tight you tighten that set screws, the head is real loose on the gearwrench. I’ve swapped the guts over to my Matco on more than a few occasions when it broke and I was waiting on a warranty. That being said, give it a few years and they’ll be the same as Matco continues to push more and more products to overseas suppliers

[@therealtech833]

Another thing to keep in mind is gearwrench products have been steadily improving, as they've already replaced and improved the 120 ratchet. The newer model is slimmer stronger and overall more reliable. My friend Eric, who works in a shop, recently purchased gearwrenches new half inch remove full head digital torque wrench. At just under $600 estellar product, 100,000 cycles before recalibration needed, compensation within the display to compensate for whatever head you attach. Similar products are well over $1,500. I recently received the newest 90t ratchets and have been impressed with them myself. There's no doubt that snap on and Mac tools have some quality products, and for some particular tools, there's no replacement. In many other cases the cost differential versus the quality is negligible at best.

[@dieseldr58]

Matco’s flex head lock is the best. Ratchet head strips out too easily. Mines 6months old and has had two kits put in it. Same length Snap on is my go to ratchet has had one repair kit in several years of service.

[@daveN2MXX]

No doubt....Matco ratchets are really nice. So are the Gearwrench. This is a great video to show they are not both identical...the Matco appears to be a slightly refined version of the Gearwrench.

[@whatfreedom7]

I’m wondering if they are still made by the same company just the Matco is a beefed up commercial version. Or gearwrench may have knocked off the Matco. I’d still take either.

[@stickiestring]

They are not the same company. Apex tool group underwrites gearwrench and many other Taiwanese brands. Matco is Matco and their hardline tools are USA made.

[@cheyenneobregon184]

stickiestring MATCO and apex tool group had a falling out that’s why gearwrench is similar

[@88FCRX7]

Yeah Matco used to be owned by the Gearwrench parent company Apex and they had a falling out

[@natea1042]

Just to correct you guys, Matco did not have a falling out with anyone. Gearwrench and Matco were owned by a company called Danaher. Danaher spun off their hand tool companies together with Cooper Industries and made Apex Tool group which was then sold to Bain Capital. When this happened Matco lost their direct connection to Danahers tool manufacturing capabilities. Danaher retained their industrial and scientific tool divisions, including companies like Matco and Fluke, eventually spinning them off into a different stand-alone company called Fortive in 2016. Since the spin-off Apex and Fortive are 2 entirely different companies with no direct connections.

[@hunterXhamster]

the Gearwrench 90t ratchet is different. the 84t is closer to the Matco

[@kevinavery2518]

I DONT KNOW ABOUT THE GEAR WRENCH/MATCO BATTLE, BUT I CAN SAY THIS, MY NAPA DIGITAL TORQUE WRENCH, THAT I BOUGHT 10 YEARS AGO, WAS THE SAME EXACT DIGITAL TORQUE WRENCH THAT MATCO WAS SELLING FOR 259 BUCKS MORE, LITERALLY THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THE LOGO ON THE HEAD OF THE RATCHET

[@killyouwithfire]

WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME!!!?

[@mattsprayberry0]

*"WHY ARE YOU YELLING!!!!!!!*

[@onesikm3]

@@mattsprayberry0 😂

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

Bruh

[@jimhaines8370]

Gearwrench and Matco were design back in the Danaher day, one made here one in Taiwan but since Danaher/Apex quit US production Matco had to go the a contract builder in Chicago there is a KZbin video showing production. If you remember a few years ago Matco could not sell ratchets because Apex had a flood in Sumter SC and there was no production The parts were interchangeable between a Gearwrench 84 and Matco/ Armstrong 88 tooth ratchet that is what people are talking about 90 tooth are a little different

[@01firstlast]

That’s the kind of info I crave I like to know where my money goes.

[@_P0tat07_]

If I could get a snap on ratchet with a matco locking flex head mechanism, that would be the perfect ratchet.

[@pillcosby3949]

Your wish has come true

[@user-vn1di4oq4w]

@@pillcosby3949 when?

[@infernoeagles5812]

Just recently announced

[@Toolaholic7]

Matco ratchets are made by AJ Manufacturing here in the USA.Matco is no longer part of Apex,Apex sold Matco to Fortive in 2016 whom is not part of Apex.There is a video on here,youtube called ABCs of hand tools that was made during WW2 with a character in it called Primetive Pete whom uses the tools incorrectly.A guy from Texas sells it on DVD for $20.00.Did fix my 1/4 drive Matco locking flex head ratchet myself.Locked up on me a year ago.Found nothing broken taking the cover plate off,a part came out of place and put it back in place.Works good now

[@PaganWizard]

22:05 Black Ratchets with BLUE handles...........HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!!

[@steevest-gelais4679]

Definitely Matco Ratchet is a beast!

[@leelavinder2231]

I just bought a used 1/4” 12v and I love it.

[@joshcraven9781]

Those Matco ratchets are amazing, i have one with the grip and one without. The only problem i have is that the one with the grip for whatever reason is constantly needing the head kit replaced in it.

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

Tell Michael we need the 1/4” locking flex head with blue handle now to make a set. 😉

[@azael831]

Its a lexus vs toyota dilema. They do look very similar in form and functionality. And the gearwrench will do everything the Matco can.

[@johnb1121]

Best explanation...

[@ashtonlyons2139]

This comparison isn’t valid because Lexus is owned by Toyota.

[@guacamoleweiner69]

But a lexus is a toyota but gearwrench isn't a matco

[@SpeedDemon88X]

Very poor analogy, Toyota and Lexus are literally the same company lol.

[@williamwalker4029]

I have both Snap-on Matco and Mac. I like the new Mac ratchets with the Locking Flex. I have the Matco in the quarter inch long Comfort grip handle Flex head locking. The slim head design is incredibly tough and gets into tight places

[@gregcothrum4045]

Great video y'all have a great one and stay safe 👍

[@VDC_EDC]

Best cordless soldering iron I have ever used is from Aussie Irons.. hot enough to melt solder in 3 seconds or less.. unfortunately they have stopped distributing them in the US though. Hopefully they’ll be back some day.

[@ryanridgely7807]

Good gawd, I just got a brand new Matco *today*! Literally still in the shipping box! My stomach was in my throat for the first 10 minutes of this video! Thanks for the vid! The fully decked out GearWrench is still a big chunk of coin. I figured if I was willing to spend that much on GearWrench, the Matco wasn't that much further away.

[@billschoolcraft1454]

Stull same tool

[@billschoolcraft1454]

As long as you got warranty any tool is ok

[@scottedwards3403]

@@billschoolcraft1454 yeah you don’t wrench for a living brother

[@neildayton1]

I just got a new Matco ratchet and it work for less than one day before it literally just exploded after it dropped 3ft from my hand while I was using it on a job at work

[@neildayton1]

My Matco ratchet looks like it was made in a Hot Wheels Factory from diecast

[@yarbrouc1]

I have the tray, love it. Also have the 12x12 panel on the top of my slide top roll cart. Works great!

[@niteninja0133]

Thanks for adding more to my bill haha. I'm ordering that black 1/4" ratchet to go with my other one I got

[@scottsmrcka2769]

I laugh at all the comments about being a copy or identical. Even after you show them they still don’t believe it’s different🤦🏻‍♂️. Even if it were made in the same plant, which it isnt, why would it matter? It’s not the same. Lol. All tool companies rebrand some tools. Matco has just found a way to get tools made to their standards without the headache of running a manufacturing plant. Good for them.

[@Terry_Baker]

Got both 3/8 and 1/4 inch drive flex head Matco for my home and work boxes. They're the best

[@ericvazquez6766]

I was watching Detroit muscle and I’m about 99 percent sure I seen matco Michael on a a matco commercial lol

[@jasonsechrist1]

I got one of those blue ones, I love it.

[@ParkerOviedo]

Cause this guy has unbiased opinions lol

[@Maauro02ko]

I also thought for a while that they were the same, thanks for the video, I have always believed that Gearwrench is a very good option for Many people who do not have a tool truck, or on a budget, and are also of very good quality, both their Ratchets and their Wrenchs Ratchets. I have a set of GW 120xp Ratchets, and the double box ended wrench ratchet and I cannot say anything else that I am more than content with them. How always very good video Mr. Koon! 👌🏼👍🏼

[@tobbytownsend9968]

Armstrong & Matco were owned by the same company, & Armstrong made Matco's American made ratchets. From what I've heard Armstrong is no longer with them, so I don't know who makes them now.

[@rex3451]

Ok after further research its different just enough not to get into a court battle over pattens it has to be atleast 15 percent different

[@Awegner176]

Almost bought this exact gearwrench ratchet. Ended up getting the snap-on because the industrial supplier at my job got me a discount closed the price gap between it and the gearwrench. Never had the pleasure of using the Matco.

[@arenaissanceishman6689]

Really wanting blue Matco ratchets in all sizes, waiting to purchase until then, fingers crossed. Black and chrome, please please please

[@upnorth5465]

So tired of hearing matco is re branded gear wrench. Especially from people who have never owned both. Must be a jealousy thing. All my gear wrench flex heads are bent slightly at the joint from medium use. None of the 6 matco ratchets i own, use and abuse are bent and i have never broken one to this day and I pull waaay harder on them. I baby my gear wrench 120 xps because I have broken them a couple times and Ive been gun shy ever since. Thankfully my Fastenal guy warranties all of my gear wrench for me because it is on a regular basis.

[@justinsmet]

I own husky wrenches and ratchets and I ain't disappointed in them and I can take them apart also. dewalt ones from my old set I use because if they breaks can't fix them so they are my throw away set. I'm a person who likes things that work and not pay to much for them. So other hand tools I would buy are sunex, Tekton, and others as long as it has lifetime warranty that's what I care about and are cheaper than 70.00 per rachet.

[@yarbrouc1]

You can drive a Kia also since it’ll get you A to B but most like comfort, durability and pride of ownership of a quality product over cheap and good warranty.

[@Garage732]

My understanding was that they were both a design of Apex tool co.

[@JSellz-cm6bg]

Great vid. This is also why Michael is the best.

[@AlexConnor_]

Gearwrench locking switch is definitely a step up on the Matco, same idea but easier to lock/unlock, can be switched from both sides and more positive engagement. Matco you often need to move the angle to find that locking point, Gearwrench just snaps in. Got the 3 piece GW set and then the standard 88 in 3/8 and 1/4, used to want the flex 88 really badly but we don't have a Matco truck anymore so I started switching over to the other Apex brands. Really happy with the GW, whole set in 3 drive sizes retails for about the same price as the 3/8 flex 88 and quality is really high on the Taiwan made GW tools.

[@michaelwright1602]

I have that set, and the 120XP set, along with many other 120XP ratchets from their largest to smallest, flex and standard. No issues at all with any of mine, and that is working on semis and autos, along with other projects. Best bang for the buck in ratchets, at least in my mind.

[@justinoff1]

Gearwrench has so much slop in the hinge. Matco is a way better hinge and lock

[@connorbroyles3369]

Gearwrench is just imitating greatness

[@markkinney5030]

Yes Matco ratchets are the best I'm so happy that I got mind.

[@elserpiente]

For the guys that don’t have a tool dealer, Home Depot sells those magnetic panels.

[@stevelapointe140]

Love my Matco ratchets, 1/4 locking flex head the "perfect size", 3/8 stubby flex head, 3/8 locking flex head, 1/2 with the comfort grip handle locking flex head, 1/2 30" . Can't beat them. Clay thanks for another great video, Have a Happy 4th

[@luketrochinski3954]

That 30" 1/2 Matco comfort grip ratchet still working out?

[@Fedwrench]

If you were to compare the older Gearwrench 60 & 84 tooth series, they are a lot more similar to the Matco 60 & 88 tooth series than the new 90 tooth series. The Gearwrench 90 tooth ratchets changed slightly from their 84/60 platform because the ratchet internals come from their SATA plant in China, people's Republic of and are assembled in Taiwan. They even have a different shaped gear cover that is also common to SATA and some Husky models. The Gearwrench locking mechanism can be accessed from both sides whereas, you can only access the Matco from the top. At the end of the day, the ratchets have basically the same internal floating pawl design but, they aren't the same. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Thanks for sharing,

[@KoonTrucking]

That was before Matco started having them made here in the US now it’s a totally different ballgame.

[@Fedwrench]

Nope, MATCO 60 & 88 tooth ratchets were made in the USA by Armstrong tools. The comfort grip handle wasn't hence, the comfort grip ratchets weren't stamped USA. the all metal version were. The only things that have changed with MATCO ratchets is that they're not made by Armstrong because Armstrong tools are gone, and the comfort grips are US made. I believe AJ manufacturing is making Matco's ratchets currently.

[@none8258]

Especially on the 4th, and especially after seeing all the differences, Made in USA is NOT the same as made in taiwan. Done, end of discussion.

[@mt1885]

Agree but people like to repeat 'fake news' about how they are the same. Matco is 100% USA made.

[@TylerSnyder305]

@nobodys home Doesn't make them the same. I prefer made in USA no matter what, but I don't need to buy from a tool truck.

[@24BLUEELMO]

It's doesn't matter where it's made. It's what the company wants to spend in production. And if you want quality tools get Japanese

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

@@24BLUEELMO I try to support white owned businesses and companies that hire mostly whites.

[@scinto23]

I absolutely prefer made in USA tools and buy them when I can, That being said tools made in Taiwan are noticeably better quality than tools made in China and cost less than USA tools.

[@EXPENDABLE50]

I love MATCOs tools. Very sleek and high quality

[@davidpangburn2421]

You have a nice show

[@jamesbond-pr5jl]

I wonder if the older ones from like 2010 ish were closer to gearwrench because i got rid of all my matco after i could not do oil changes on ISX engines with out ripping the guts out of the ratchet every time.

[@trknick16]

Just ordered me a green handle black 1/4” ratchet

[@fomocore]

Love my Matco ratchet but the difference is gearwrench all Taiwan. Matco is globally sourced components. Believe it don't scratch the scab or it will bleed

[@stevenpope9304]

Good video. It’s nice to see them actually compared side by side. To bad all the “Their the same” people still won’t shut up.

[@chryslertechnician3439]

Thank you for doing this video, you can tell they are complete different ratchets, thanks Matco Michael and Clay for taking the time to do this video

[@jdmleno1409]

Be careful how you buy your tools guys rebranding is at a all time high

[@davidwalle5025]

Good to have bill back. I fixed an ir 1/4 air rachet using hf parts because that is all i could get that does not mean that the ir air rachet is a rebranded hf. Matco and gearwrench are different.

[@trx450rguy1]

i know this video is a couple years but i have the 1/4" drive flex head in black with a blue handle and its definitely my favorite ratchet!

[@ricowill4982]

Finally got my blue ratchet today

[@KoonTrucking]

Cool!

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

So basically the same ratchet... 🤣🤣🤣🍻Just kidding. They don’t have any similarities. Great Video & Subject

[@jimhaines8370]

Search on KZbin Matco Tools - ratchet factory

[@claytonscheiber3493]

I've been waitin 3 weeks now for my 18 inch ratchet and under hood light from Cornwell. Micheals right, it's a truck thing with backordered stuff. And, thanks for the breakdown of the ratchets. I'm probably gonna end up with one of them Gearwrench ratchets. I'd still love a Matco, but the price, kind of a no brainer for a guy like me, shadetree graduate.

[@buildingwithtrees2258]

I got the 3/8 gearwrench, but swapped out the guts with matco. A huge improvement. But you can't swap the 1/4" gearwrench like the hack you showed in a past video.

[@joshgreen2164]

S-K superwrench. I've never seen anything like them.

[@216mechanic2]

Matco is awesome when it comes to the ratchets. That gearwrench isn’t a bad ratchet. I jus ordered the comfort grip set off amazon. Clay what do you think off those ratchets so far?

[@m.geisel]

They’re different, but the whole time I kept thinking “You can copy my work, just change it up so they don’t know you copied”. I’ll still stick to my S-O ratchets though.

[@peteh4312]

Would love for you to compare the matco 12v 1/4" impact wrench to the Mac 12 1/4" impact wrench I think both your dealers wouldn't mind helping you do one.

[@adrianmedina3625]

Keep up the great work brother I love all of your videos! Just some food for thought, might wanna invest in a stabilizing camera. I really like to watch all of your videos but some of them I can’t get all the way through them because of the shaking. But seriously keep up the great work I love your content.

[@ethanheestand935]

Thanks for the differences I definitely like the Matco rachet better

[@haidaguy1436]

Best tool channel on KZbin!

[@KoonTrucking]

Thank you

[@jeramy2398]

Gearwrench and Matco were both owned Danner tools until apex split off. Ive had a 1/4 flex matco since 08 have kit up to 9/16 and may have put cheater bar on it never striped a gear. I do open it up and put synthetic brake grease in it when sounds dry.

[@gonzalomontes7984]

Whats it going to take to get a yellow handle? Maybe purple? Matco needs to bring out the colors! They already compete well with snap on all they need to do now is get the different colors going!

[@11hendrixx]

The Mechanics Time Savers magnapanels are ok but they will only hold on to certain types of tool metal and they don't hold much weight. And they are cheaper on eBay, but I love mine!

[@Wjones450]

Hey great vids partner! I can not believe how well that Q bond super glue stuff works. im not much for super glues because they seem like a cob job repair, but that Q bond really got me out of a pinch the other day. give it a try if you havent already...

[@larryborkstrom3580]

I got a couple things on back order guess it's everwhere a small pair knipx cobra and 1/2 12 point swivel drive line impact sockets

[@donaldhollums3278]

I used to think, a couple of years ago, Matco and Gearwrench were the same. I don’t mind admitting when I’m wrong.

[@CoyleTools]

They were the same when Apex and Matco were owned by Danaher and Apex provided the manufacturing capability. Apex was since spun off and now owns Gearwrench. Matco is now manufactured by AJ Manufacturing, which also manufactures for Snap-on, MAC, Sears, and Wal-Mart, according to their web site. Matco has a video about "the Matco factory" and you can see in it the workers are wearing AJ patches on their shirts.

[@donaldhollums3278]

Coyle Tools thanks for the clarification. It appears nowadays tool manufacturers swap parent companies as fast as they can.

[@CoyleTools]

@@donaldhollums3278 It's all about doing it for as little as possible with the highest possible quality. And yes, there is an advantage among some consumer segments for saying a tool is made in the USA, so they enter into manufacturing contracts that last however long. When those come up for renewal, they'll bid them again and award it to someone else if it suits them. That's why you find quality differences over the years within the same brand. Truly, many times, they don't make 'em like they used to because once manufacturers change, so do their materials and processes that can result in that quality difference. Craftsman is a great example of seeing how the tools they make now sure aren't what our fathers and grandfathers used.

[@jeffcuevas5918]

Seems like gearwrench is just copying matco as some will do. But they are both good ratchets

[@bryanmoran3751]

Wish I had a matco dealer that would come to my shop

[@lovemym16]

They are both excellent ratchets. But I perfer the matco. Has to be the best 3/8 flex design.

[@niallcosgrove5596]

The way I see it, gearwrench are pretty smart.. the see how much people like the matco ratchets & snap-on.. so the make a ratchet that looks almost similar to matco. and put a handle on it that's similar to snap-on.. that's my thoughts on it.. Another example of gearwrench making copy toos is the X-core universal sockets the look just like matco painless design but the are mead in China not Taiwan the are rubbish.. the matco set is USA Mead and I've been told the are really good.. So my point is gearwrench is taking ideas from other tool company's and making copy's that look similar If the can make tools that look and feel similar to matco or snap-on people will automatically assume the are the same, and buy them due to price also I believe APEX tools was making tools for both tool brands or at least designing them ..

[@codyrobertson4630]

They say it's the same but it's not the same

[@johnnygiesbrecht2973]

Is a top locker on the revelx a lot to ask for?

[@WHATDATTOOLDO]

The play in the anvil of Matco and gearwrench causes them to eat the teath uneven they feel good and are smooth but if you turn wrenches every day keep a rebuild kit on hand it takes about a min to rebuild it lol

[@shiningstaer]

Ya well I had one, realized I could get a three pack of gearwrench with all the three size drives in the comfort grip locking flex head for the price of one matco. So I sold it and got the set. Theyre both lower on the scale. Proto, sk. Mac tools over snap on truck if you have them both. This info wound up costing me 30$ loss in selling the matco. You’re welcome

[@KoonTrucking]

To each their own and everyone is entitled to their opinion but there’s a difference in the ratchets. I own a bunch of Snap On ratchets, Mac ratchets, etc but I prefer the Matco over them all. The main thing I do not like about the Gearwrench is the lock is backwards to me and also when it is unlocked it isn’t smooth as far as flexing goes. It is clicky and you can feel it

[@chadcramer4024]

I've broke/rounded off the teeth on 3 of my matco ratchets in the past 3 years, but there great

[@danielhurt5680]

I have both Matco and Gear wrench locking flex ratchets. Similar design, but definately not the same. The gear wrench flex lock is loose and releases unexpectedly. Bought the gear wrench ratchets to keep in a tractor tool box and a service truck. They don't get regular use, so at their lower price point they were the right tool for the job. The creeper pad is great. Light, carry anywhere and throw down on gravel to crawl under a truck in the yard. Also great for padding on a Bone creeper

[@rebellaxbro]

Do people not realize it’s just the same design? one is made in USA with the highest quality components, and the other is value engineered and made in Taiwan.

[@Metalstorm56]

The first week I had my matco rachet I took apart a gear box that was on a 1980 70D drag line 10 years older than me I put that rachet through hell on that job and not once did she falter Matco probably has the best 3/8s locking flex head rachet on the market

[@juandef4115]

Come to the UK and try Halfords Advanced Ratchets. They're rebranded Gearwrench and lifetime warranty too

[@josephhopkins2851]

Have both ratchets, Matco is definitely my choice for most things. GW is a great ratchet, but I only grab them if I'm using them for something I really shouldn't. They're in the truck most of the time waiting to be abused and they take it pretty well tbh, all in all a great ratchet for a fair price. But people claiming the Matco is rebranded GW need to take a hike, they're just cheap.

[@LvLdGhost]

You’re wrong but okay.

[@josephhopkins2851]

@@LvLdGhost explain to me how an 88 tooth ratchet and a 90 tooth ratchet are the same "rebranded" ratchet.

[@LvLdGhost]

@@josephhopkins2851 that just means you have two different ratchets idiot. They were both made by the same company for the longest time. Do your research.

[@mikey358976]

Old school mechanic here, I ve use matco flex head drive ratchet before, my opinion not bad, the grip can be a bit better, like that the flex head is a bit narrow. helps get in tight places, but far as putting some hands on pressure torque, I got a feeling the Matco flex head will probably snap or wear, out over time. Plus for the price of $292.95 for a 1/2 drive ratchet is kinds pricey. But on a Gearwrench to me the handel comfort feel better, the 90t design feel that it has a better torque then the Matco when unfastening, and strong at the flex head were the fear of not snapping off when unfastening a bolt over many use. Plus the flex head locking 1/2 drive ratchet by gearwrench only cost $ 84.99 thats a deal. Overall my opinion for budget and a bit better performance, I go with Gearwrench. But hay thats just my opinion. But overall AWSOME! Review on the similarity of both ratchet and to understand there functions 😊👍👍

[@ranchhandrandy3213]

Why is the Matco better than the comparable Mac? Serious question. I'm not a pro so I've never dropped the cash on a tool truck brand.

[@KoonTrucking]

There’s several differences. If you watch the video I did kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX_QiqJ6aayspq8 It will shed some light on them for you. The Matco can be locked (hence the name locking flex head) or unlocked (like a non locking flex head) the Mac is locked only you can not use it in an unlocked position it has to be locked meaning the head will not flex. I explain it in the video and cover pretty much every aspect of them.

[@josephriddle2772]

Clay, i got my MATCO 3/8 dr blue handle part no. BFR158LFB locking flex head rite in my hand now, i got it from my MATCO dealer Dan Fagan here in Montgomery Co Pennsulvania.

[@KoonTrucking]

Heck yeah

[@dennisrieger1508]

Those wrench's that were on sale ,my dealer said I won't have them until September

[@HondaMechanic1]

I have 21 Snap On ratchets from 1/4 to 3/4 .. Different lengths , regulars and flex heads .. 1/4" body with 3/8 drive , 1/4" body with 1/4" screwdriver bit drive .. I've been a mechanic 40 years .. Love every one ..

[@timnewby115]

This is a really good video to squash the rumor mill. I was a believer that they were the same. I see the difference!!! I own gearwrench and really like them. I own one Matco and plan on buying more and even want to get rid of some of my Snap On. Thanks again Clay for the good informative video. Thank you Matco Michael for doing this as well.

[@KoonTrucking]

They are both good ratchets. The locking mechanism is the best there is if a guy wants both locking and non locking and doesn’t want to be hitting it and unlocking all the time.

[@joshdane5657]

@@KoonTrucking yea I'm glad u did this video clay ! I always knew they was different just by eyeballing them Ive never got to use a matco but I have a gearwrench 84t locking flex and can clearly see they are not rebranding them for matco lol totally diff ratchet gearwrench just copied ther design

[@ILwoodsman]

Clay, I appreciate all your videos. I enjoy all of them. Question? What is the part number to the 3/8 locking flex head ratchet you were pointing to on video with the time stamp of (27:33). Thank you for answering my question. Matco Michael seems like a great guy and a good salesman for sure.. he handles all the questions with diplomacy!

[@SIG226Y]

Yeh i want the blue in next length shorter. Hang in there bill

[@efuuccckkkknvvvvvvatglenwi5042]

Try the GEDORE gearless ratchet screwdriver. Hard to find but you won’t touch anything else. I have it with & without bits in the handle

[@empiesidbury1573]

I think the old 84 tooth gearwrench and the 88 matco are a closer match than the 90t. I know my older 2011 84t is better than my comfort grip 90t.

[@scottmingersoll]

Agree 100% on the similarity comparison to the 84 tooth models but as far as quality goes imo the 90t have proven to be superior overall to the 84 as I’ve had to warranty 3 84 tooth 3/8 locking models due to the grooves on the locking head completely wearing out not to mention the annoying habit of the switch reversing direction when in use something, the 90t seems to have cured both these issues from my experience.

[@goldhunter9641]

I Own Different Brands Of Ratchets And Any Tools In General And I'm A Fan Of Snap-On Tools But Matco Makes A Helluva Ratchet And Tools All Together But Gearwrench Is Damn Good Stuff And I Can Do Any Types Of Work I Do, With Gearwrench Brand Hand Tools And Not Have Any Worries, Also We Now Have A Couple Different Sets Of The Milwaukee Brand Socket And Ratchet Sets And So Far I'm Impressed With Them And I'm Wondering, If Milwaukee Has Any Types Of Hand Tools With Any Kinds Of Comfort Grip Handles Because I'd Buy Some To try Them Out!!!

[@KoonTrucking]

I haven’t seen any Milwaukee with comfort grips ? They should for sure make them