MAC tools ratchets

[eschoendorff]

Anyone have any MAC ratchets? If so, whaddya think of them? I just had a XR11F 3/8 drive MAC flex head warrantied because the flex head was floppy. Well, MAC's customer service was good and all - they promptly FedEx'd me a new one. But the ratchet is rather coarse (even after lubricating it) and the flex mechanism has to be one of the least positive in the business. Doesn't want to stay put. At all.

Now I also have a Taiwanese Husky ($20 special) extendable locking flex head that seems to be in many respects nicer than the $95 USA made MAC. I'm talking about ratchet smoothness, flex head detents and overall fit and finish.

Or, maybe I'm nuts and just don't appreciate MAC ratchets. In any case, it's shiney and pretty and makes my ratchet drawer sparkle, so I'll keep her. I was just expecting a little more from a "premium" brand.

BTW... here is the ratchet. Mines doesn't have the bent handle, though. Anyone else have any experience with this particular model?

http://mactools.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ItemNum=XR11FS

[wythors]

I have one like that with the Comfort Grip handle. It's been my "go to" ratchet for twenty years and is still going strong. I also have a 3/8 drive stubby ratchet from them that is all of four inches long. They are two of my favorite tools in my box. You may (or not) recall that I bought a new SnapOn ratchet that I promptly sold to another member of this forum. My disappointment with it stemmed from the fact that, in my eyes, it couldn't compare to my Mac from a "feel" standpoint. I have ratchets from Mac, Craftsman, S-K and SnapOn in my box and the Mac's are my favorite overall.

[eschoendorff]

Originally Posted by wythors

I have one like that with the Comfort Grip handle. It's been my "go to" ratchet for twenty years and is still going strong. I also have a 3/8 drive stubby ratchet from them that is all of four inches long. They are two of my favorite tools in my box. You may (or not) recall that I bought a new SnapOn ratchet that I promptly sold to another member of this forum. My disappointment with it stemmed from the fact that, in my eyes, it couldn't compare to my Mac from a "feel" standpoint. I have ratchets from Mac, Craftsman, S-K and SnapOn in my box and the Mac's are my favorite overall.

Damn.... maybe I'm just a tool retard. Maybe the ratchet's fine and it's just not what I'm used to. I'm gonna use it for a while and get a better feel for it and see if I think differently about it then.

[evildky]

I's suggest a SK, I've been waiting almost a year for the "kit" to fix my new Snap on ratchet that lasted all of a month, the Sk does have a more solid feel than the craftsmans and a a better price than the truck companies

[Katbird]

I have 12 ratchets made by mac and the one that you are talking about. so far mine has worked well. my last 1/4" ratchet was made in tiawan but the mac man told me that he guaranteed every tool on his truck.

[Thumper]

I've got one...a 3/8ths flex with bent handle and comfort grip that is 10 years old and mine works fine. Maybe its just the newer stuff thats quirky.

[BOSS351C]

My dad has an old Snap on 3/8 flex head with the bent handle. I always liked the flex head, but it has NO detent, just flops around. Rachet action is smooth but it has been rebuilt about a dozen times. I bought a Craftsman recently that does have the detents I like it much better, although I have had my fair share of cman rachet problems.

I can't speak to MAC though, so I guess my post is irrelavent here

[Katbird]

I bought one of the latest mac tool ratchets. its a 3/8 with locking swivel head and very slim line. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. cost was 118.00

[eschoendorff]

Originally Posted by Katbird

I bought one of the latest mac tool ratchets. its a 3/8 with locking swivel head and very slim line. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. cost was 118.00

I've got the el-cheapo Husky version of that one. Not nearly as pretty and only goes to 5 positions, but better than nothing.

[wrenchr]

The snap on flex head does not have the spring loaded indent. When the shaft wears out then the head flops around. That ratchet is in need of service. I prefer the locking flex head..

[Deafautotech]

i have mac tools spinflex 1/4dr ratchet that i bought new from my same mac tools guy for almost 4 years. i bought it for 100 dollars in 4 years ago. i did destroyed the mechanical inside because i used it much and little over torque on it. but flex head are still strong to me. but when i won mac tool round head flex ratchet from ebay for 10 dollars and i got it cracked the round head frame. then i did gave to my mac tool guy and he said will have it replacement for me but i found that mac tool said it is back order and i had to wait for four months to get it new. so i took it to home where i dont use it much but still need use it for my harley to do tight area.

i bought all three snap on ratchet (standard length, flex head ratchet, and long handle ratchet) all prices was reduced by my snap on guy because he had it sit in his snap on tool truck longer. so i had to bought it because i know it will last longer because i use most 1/4dr than 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets....