WHO MAKES THE BEST PROFESSIONAL 3/8 RATCHET? SNAPON? MAC? MATCO?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2020
- In this video I compare the features in 3/8 locking flex head ratchets from the 3 main competitors of automotive professional tools. Do you own these? What are your favorite features? Are owning these brands of ratchets a necessity in the professional automotive world?
Email me at therustbeltmechanic@gmail.com
Instagram: rustbeltmechanic - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
In my book, they’re all about even. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Which is great b/c it’s an excuse to own more ratchets 😁
Always love more tools!!
sorry to be offtopic but does anyone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account??
I was stupid lost the login password. I would love any assistance you can give me
Snap on ratchet with matco lock ultimate ratchet
Matco for price and locking advantage and the thinner head is better and lifetime warranty
@@WHATDATTOOLDO I know it's been a year but snapon recently made a locking flex head much in the style of Matco
For a mechanic,,not a Harvard educated nerd, you sir,,,have excellent speaking skills. To go thru the whole presentation with just a smattering of ughs,,and nary a u no is a pleasure to sit thru no matter the topic.
My 18" MAC is an animal. 3/8 finesse with 1/2" strength.
I use the matco 12 inch locking flex for my daily 3/8
If you told me I had to cut off my left hand and replace it with a ratchet I'd pick the long handle locking flex head 3/8th comfort grips 88 tooth Matco.
Sounds like a good video
Edward Ratchetooth?
Matco is garbage. Might as well get pittsburg
Snap on bro
If you cut off your hand and install a ratchet might as well just get the regular don’t think you need the comfort grip with out a hand
Love my Gear Wrench 120XP ratchets!
I must say, the best and professional comparison I have ever seen Amigo.
I use the Matco locking flex head everyday and love it. My snap on locking flex head just sits in the box. The matco is just better designed and more comfortable to hold in my opinion.
Me too
I mostly own snap-on ratchets because they've been the most consistent dealer throughout my career. I just recently got a matco truck coming around so maybe I'll give one of those ratchets a shot. I love snap-on's locking flex design especially in the quarter inch drive. I'm a auto body man and that's my go-to ratchet because I can use it with one hand. Once you learn how to use it, it becomes like an extension of your hand. It's hard to describe but when you have it inside of a door panel and you can't see it and you're just locking it and unlocking it and using it as a free flex at will you really appreciate its design.
I use Matco ratchets fairly often.
I bought the locking flex head 3/8, amazing feel to it.
Im trying to get my local truck guys (all of them) number again.
When I saw quarter inch I was wondering where this was going lol.
But that makes total sense. You hardly run into a reason to even step up to a 1/2 inch.
I use 3/8 90% of the time on my 67 mustang.
I own both the Matco and Snap-on. The Matco head looks like it is lower profile but once you put a socket on it it's actually the same as the snap on. Other than that the Comfort handle is a lot more durable on the snapon, the ratcheting mechanism feels much smoother and I also prefer the locking mechanism on the Snap-on
Put the Snap-On and Matco together and that would be my ultimate ratchet, don’t care for the Mac ratchet at all. Slim design and locking feature from Matco, teeth and handle from Snap-On.
Agree - MATCO 88 is so much slimmer, better design and not clunky feeling.
Matco with snap on handle with mac push button lock now that would be a ratchet
Warren, I prefer the Mac ratchets for 1/2 and up applications. The strength of the ratchet and secure lock is what I like. For 3/8 and below Matco. The slimness is why I like them in those sizes
Snap on is coming out with a new design for their locking mechanism, it’s similar to the matco design
I own two of those three ratchets - the Matco and the Snap-On. My 3/8 and 1/4 locking flex ratchets are Matco because I like the accessibility the slim design gets me. 1/2 locking flex is Snap-On because if I’m reaching for a 1/2 ratchet, I’m usually not too worried about access, so the wart on the handle doesn’t bother me. For fixed head ratchets I went Snap-On too, they just give me the most confidence when I need to reef on something with a fixed head ratchet.
I own both the snap on and Matco ratchets in all shapes and sizes but I just purchased my first MAC axis ratchet and I’m stoked to try it out. I have very few comfort grip handles and I love them but Prefer the metal handle because I don’t have to worry about replacing the grip. Great video.
You killed me! I wanted Snap-On or MAC, but had to go Matco for this specific tool. I've found that flex heads are indispensable for wrenching on modern Volvos. Lots of stuff threads from the inside towards the outside so you need a flex handle to get some leverage. Other fasteners have lots of nooks and crannies around them so you need to run without the locking mech engaged so you can "wiggle" the handle around the obstructions. Basically, if you're going to get a locker, you gotta go with Matco's mechanism.
Timely review, as I've been on the fence between exactly these three ratchets!
It’s really interesting to see what matters to an automotive mechanic vs an A&P mechanic. Smaller is better for us (A&P), you never use 1/2 inch ratchet unless your doing tires. 3/8 maybe 10% of the time, 90% 1/4 inch and 12 point.
Pretty much. Just got me a snap on flex 1/4 inch ratchet and it’s very nice. I try to stay off tool trucks but some of my older ratchets are starting to skip. I used snap on in army aviation and rarely had any issues with there tools. If the army buys them then that’s a good reason to trust snap on even thought hey are expensive.
I'm about to become A&P. Would love career advice and also what tools you recommend!
Used the Snap-On dual 80 for a long long time and loved them the whole time, but just in the pat year I started using the Mac Axis. I swear I like my Mac better. I actually do like the comfort grip better on the Mac, and as crazy as it sounds , I like the push button lock better on the Mac, I like the fact that it auto locks. . . but like you said, that really goes down to personal preference. . . as for Marco, I have never used one. . . . However, I did recently get my hands on one of the brand new Orange handle GearWrench 90T . . . . I am very impressed with it. Very low profile head, very smooth, handle is almost identical to Snap-On in it's design, beautiful Chrome finish, but my only gripe is that the flex head does not lock.
*MATCO 88's* for the win!!! in *ORANGE*
Matco ratchets don't come in orange, its mango. I would also have to agree with you on that tho I have well over 60 ratchets in my box and most are matco.
I have a 15in 3/8 locking flex head with an orange handle. Great choice
I'd get the blue one (3/8 only right now)
I have all 88’s but I get different colors for different drive sizes (orange-1/4 blue-3/8 green-1/2) but Matco is the best ratchet I’ve ever used
I got mine in green
Having at least one expensive ratchet of the style in this video is definitely worth it for the professional.
Even for the avid enthusiast buying at least a single nice 3/8 ratchet is probably worth it if you can find a used one. When you get into paying retail it matters a bit less.
I don't own a lot of truck brand ratchets, mostly because I'm not in the business anymore, but I die a little bit when I'm helping someone and they hand me a store brand ratchet to use.
You'd have to pry my Snap-On ratchets from my cold dead hands. Personally, not a fan of the 'soft' butyl/butylene handles. I find the material itself just holds way too much grime.
I am partial to Matco ratchets. The slimness, locking feature, ease of use make most sense to me. Snap on also makes an excellent ratchet, the smoothest in fact. But the bulk was a deal breaker for me.
I have both but I prefer the Matco also. Mainly for the same reasons slim,not so tight in the mechanism, better locking mechanism on the handle.
@@whatfreedom7 for 3/8 and lower I have Matco. But, I changed to Mac for 1/2 and up because it is more tolerant of heavy loads and size becomes less an issue at that size
Great video, very informative! For 3/8 ratchets, I have a Craftsman (junk ratchet) and a Mac Tools. I really want to get a Snap-on because I love my 1/2 Snap-on ratchet and 1/4 Snap-on ratchets.
I’m completely in love with my locking-flex, quick-release, comfort-grip snap-on ratchets
Matco is my choice for rackets. My favorite rachet of all times was a Husky bought early’60 with SH green stamps and lost on job early 2000😢. I’m in the market for Matco 1/4 flex head.
I bought a Gearwrench 120xp, and it's the best ratchet I've ever owned. Doesn't angle lock, but I've never really needed that function. Can't say too much about durability, but It's been used on 3-4 cars a day for two years, and isn't showing any sign of wear.
Had one for 2 years (flexhead comfort grip), best ratchet I've ever had. Ultra smooth and tough as hell, I took off subframe bolts with a 3/8(I know I wasn't suppose to) and not a hiccup still works great til this day and thats with daily use.
Just got my first snap on box yesterday! Super stoked to fill it up. Just starting out in the field, I have knowledge with cars but still stuck doing oil changes all day sadly... would like to learn more from other guysZ
Take your time kid and don't put yourself too deep in debt. I'm not a pro, just a working stiff fixing cars and building hot rods in my spare time over the past 40 years. I know that tools will be your livelihood but, if your tool bill is too high, you won't have much of a life. High quality tools are an investment in your future, just don't forget to have enough money left over to have a life outside of work. Good luck to you in your career!
God dang, another one bites the dust. Did nobody (master techs or old school guys) tell you not to do dumb stuff like buy a Snap-On or other tool truck box when just starting out in the field?? Jezz man, buy a Harbor Freight tool cart like the rest of the newbies so you don’t go into lifelong debt. Someone get the repo paperwork started...
@@connorplassins8693 I actually started with a harbor freight cart. My snap on box is paid off already too...
@@MikeBrown-ii3pt Hey,I would say to you for right now just invest in hand tools: wrenches,ratchets and sockets. All that other stuff you can get as you advance. But buying quality tools is like buying fresh sneakers,you cant just have one pair.
@@jasonserna8762 Why are you saying it to me? I've built my tool collection over the last 40 years with mostly S-K hand tools and Kennedy boxes.
I had the same reaction to the Mac ratchet. Have large hands as well. Favorite handles are either the Matco or the Snap On fhllf.
I have the snap on locking and the matco locking I have the Mac flex axis but not locking I really want to get my hands on one of them Mac push buttons. 👍👍👍
I have acquired 20-30 snap on ratchets over the years & loved them. Had to replace handles, pivot screws, & gear sets, no big deal. I do things with them they were never designed for. It's true every tool has a hammer side but sometimes they have a prybar side too,not a good idea!
Then I found the new matco ratchets. Started with a 15" locking flex 3/8 . Used it for 6-8 months until I could trust my life on its function. Now my snap on are slowly being traded in.
Only issue with matco is for the first few weeks the gear teeth don't seat totaly & pop over once every few days till the grease thins out & it's sometimes difficult to engage the flex lock,that never goes away.
I know I'm late to the party but I agree. My 90t snappy snapped for the last time and I got the 88 flex head. Replacing all the ratchets with time. I am not a fan of Matcos sockets. At all.
My go to ratchets are Craftsman (USA) 3/8 flex head and GearWrench 3/8, 84T (Taiwan).
i use snap on, matco, and cornwell flex head standard handle ratchets on Construction equipment and trucks. I work on Caterpillar and Peterbilt/Kenworths and yes these ratchets are absolutely necessary for my field. I need a strong, dependable, and lifetime warranty ratchet; especially on the 1/2 and 3/4 sizes. I do love matco for 1/4 and 3/8 for the tight ratcheting. I do love Cornwell for 1/2 and 3/4 sizes because out of all the brands they are indestructible. 10 years and still haven't broken one yet. I do like snap on for 3/8 for general use due to the ok teeth count and strength and 1/2 was ok. My snap on 1/2 did disappoint me because it couldn't break what my cornwells could and felt like it was going to snap in half for filters. I tried to remove a transmission filter on a Cat motorgrader with my 1/2 snap on and just couldn't budge it loose, it also started to leak the oil from the anvil after that 1st use. However it still is a great ratchet for other things because it has a higher tooth count than my cornwell one but not the beef and strength. I have used everything from habor freight, husky, tekton, and of course the tool truck brands. Made in the U.S.A is a huge plus for me.
I absolutely believe theyre worth it. I didnt until a few weeks in the industry with cheaper tools. It showed very fast. I love the matco handsdown. Go to it over the snap on i have. But i agree on the action of the paw lever. Leaves a little to be desired.
Matco hands down!
MATCO 88's --- so slim and not clunky
I use the Matco ratchet at work as my “go-to” ratchet. I love it and have had zero complaints after a year of using the ratchet for the correct size fasteners.
On the matco one, my dealer took it about and put a thinner oil in it. He said from the factory they use a thicker one that tends to clog it up. Haven’t had a problem with it since in the last year
Matco because it just fits everywhere you wouldn't expect. I have the snapon which I bought first but I didn't know about the matco before I bought the snapon plus The grip is sooooo nice matco on sale as well was 170$. Hand down best buy
A good ratchet is a must have in any professional mechanics tool box. In fact out of everything it should be a priority before you go out buying any other tools you might need or want. Personally I prefer snap on's chrome handle ratchets cause while the comfort grip ratchets might be fine in automotive use in aviation they can get messed up pretty fast with some of the chemicals we use. Another personal thing of mine is I do not like flex head ratchets but then again I've never been in a position where I need one. My rotating head snap on ratchet however is a different story...
Great video, excellent speaking skills. Wish more YT’ers were like you.
Thanks👍🏻
Awesome video, I look forward to watching these reviews after I get home from the shop! I own both a snap on and Mac flex head, snap on is non locking, mac is the locking. I love them both but I literally have the tiniest hands so the Mac grip doesn’t bother me however some other mechanics with bigger hands say the same as you.
I use Snap-on stuff exclusively
Mac & matco do have some good stuff
but not better than the go-to King!
Love the channel look forward to more stuff
Cheers
Absolutely! You get what you pay for, Maby it’s offered now on the catalog but I had my matco guy build me a custom flex head 1/4 inch fine tooth with a 3/8 anvil inside. Use that thing all the time on tight engine bays. Nice video, first one I’ve seen from you, I Also cut my teeth in the industry working on mopars at a Jeep/Chrysler dealer in CT, then I switched to euro cars for much better pay.
Matco has the 1/4 ratchet with the 3/8 anvil now available.
I’m a snapon guy but matco sure knows how to make a darn good looking ratchet!!!
I don't own any tool truck qualify rachets, but the advice I follow is: Don't by a ratchet unless there is also a readily available rebuild kit. Think I learned that from my dad years ago, amongst other great advice.
Anyway, great video!
Snap on’s ratchets are by far my favorite. I hate the matco handles. But my co worker has a 12 inch 1/4” drive flex head matco ratchet and the amount of torque that little guy can take is just downright nuts.
I love.the review, personally my matco dealer is alot more reliable than my snapon dealer so that's why I bought my ratchet from him, but I sure so love it for the 180 bucks it cost lol
I like Matco’s ratchets. Not to say they the “best” just a personal preference.
I’ve been using my Matco ratchet (same as yours) for over 5 years almost every day professionally. Never had a problem with it.
I picked up a used 3/8" locking flex head off eBay a couple years ago. You are correct. I just did not care for the design. I gave it away to a guy for Christmas last year. I never used it. That locking switch was a major PITA in my opinion.
Really cool video, enjoyed it. All my ratchets are Snap On, but I wouldnt mind any of the other 2. 👍
Was a big Snap-on guy still am just do not get along for my dealer anymore and I have to say Matco makes the best ratchets out there like you said with a slim head makes it a great fit and I was able to put major torque down on it with a 3/8 and I love the matco ratcheting wrenches
I'm partial to Matco ratchets because they are slimmer, bit more cost effective and intuitive. Though bulkier, the snap on is smoother. The Mac, i would like to try, it seems really strong
Old school mechanic here, I've use all three different name brand drive ratchets that you have on display in your video. And personally not quite impressed, more cons then pros, plus very pricey. Until I came across the Gearwrench 90t locking flex head comfort grip. MAN! Gotta say in my personal opinion, that locking flex head gearwrench with comfort grip blows all three drive ratchets the Snap-on Matco, & mactools out of the water. Overall hit has a nice comfort grip, solid sturdy torque, and the locking mechanism is phenomenal, plus not pricey either, the 1/2 is only $81.00 geat deal. So far and by far one of the best locking comfort grip drive ratchet I used by gearwrench. But hay that's just my opinion. But cool review.
I recently found out about a tool brand, SK, who's hq is just a few minutes down the road from where I used to live in Illinois. I suddenly feel compelled to support them. I've got scraps of HF sets that come into my life as I need them, storing in one of half a dozen toolbags. It's served me well from my teenage years to do it this way, but now I'm settled and would like a proper lifetime set I can miser over to make sure nothing get's borrowed .
I bought the Snap-on ratchet online, and it arrived with the flex head locked in place (i.e., the bolt was torqued down so tight the flex head wouldn't move at all). I suspect it was purchased by someone else and the head was loose, so that guy may have torqued it down with an Allen driver before returning it (?). Or, it came that way from the factory. There were minor scratch marks on the hold-down bolt head right out of the box, so something was screwy. I thought there might be other issues down the road with this one, so I returned it to Snap-on. It's a popular ratchet, so I'm still waiting for the replacement to show up.
i would say the snap on has the best quality out of the 3 but the matco is the best for getting the job done.
I have used and owned all of them before and hands down the Snap-On is my favorite and the toughest
After getting the Matco locking flex head at work, it quickly became my favorite ratchet. The locking mechanism can be finicky, but I don’t care for the SnapOn design. The comfort grip isn’t bad, but seems to hold a lot of grime. I just bought a set of GearWrench locking flex heads for home, as they are a similar design. Time will tell if they are any good.
I like the Carlyle ratchets but the locking mechanism is similar to the MAC, it wont stay unlocked but it's an outstanding ratchet for about 1/2 the price
The Carlyle ratchets are such a great option for those of us not having access to the tool trucks and not wanting to pay high prices. The ratchet head on the Carlyle is very small and narrow, like the Matco. The comfort handles are very comfortable too. I actually prefer using the MAC style button on these and don't mind the lower 72 tooth count.
I bought the following ratchets individually on sale at different times last year. Good prices for great tools!
1/2 DR LOCK FLEX - CHT R12LFQR - $74.99
3/8 DR LOCK FLEX - CHT R38LFLQR - $62.39 (extended length)
3/8 DR LOCK FLEX - CHT R38LFQR - $24.99
1/4 DR LOCK FLEX - CHT R38LFQR - $43.12
TOTAL - $205.49
I use mine everyday broken it and immediately call and they bring me a new one best ratchet ive owned
I have Carlyle locking flex heads with comfort grips in both 1/4" and 3/8" - they have worked great for me, and are certainly a lot cheaper than any of the tool truck brands. But I'm not a professional tech, and they don't get used all that hard. The comfort grips seem to be just as durable as the Snap-On ones I also own.
Snap on wins it for me, got supplied Matco stuff for my apprenticeship and the ratchets constantly needed rebuilt! They don’t have a fully sealed head so dirt and grime gets in over time
Is the mac axis made in the USA? It's not stamped on the ratchet and is not stated on their website?
My second favorite is all the mac ratchets quarter up to three quarter. And I like how the lock works I don't like how ratchets that don't have a lock will flex when u need it to stay solid
I LOVE the grips on my Mac Tools ratchets, I prefer the slim rubber grip, I don’t need a friggin’ bike grip on my ratchet! We all used “all steel” handled ratchets that had smooth bumps as their “grip” for years and no one ever said they were “tiny”, the comfort grips on Mac ratchets are much bigger than ratchets without a comfort grip. The slim rubber grips on the Mac ratchets is why I bought them, I’ve had Snap-On ratchets and I honestly think Harbor Freight has eaten Snap-On’s lunch with their Icon ratchets and they’re under $50 😎
I prefer my Mac axis ratchets overall but I have some snap on ratchets to and I like then as well
I'm wanting to get my hands on the 13-inch locking flex head in the black chrome with a blue grip.. Since I'm no longer turning wrenches for a living, since my accident, and only working on my own cars and trucks along with my families and friends it's difficult to justify spending the money when older ratchets still work fine. I do like the way that black chrome and blue grip look though and I know the Matco is a solid ratchet when it comes down to it.
Ive never used the snap on but i'm happy with my mac and matco
i got the matco rachet in blue ive been using it for about 6 months and theyre so nice
Both are great tools 👍
Since I’m a trade school student i get 50% percent off from all the major brands, snap on, s-k, mac etc..., I definitely agree with the professional brands being better and higher quality than harbor freight tools such as the icon stuff, personally I like the snap on ratchets and I have a set of s-k sockets. Couldn’t be happier
In comparison tests, icon, tekton, are just as good as snap on. You’re really paying for marketing and someone’s commission.
@@439530 huh? Icon is made in Taiwan and the Snap-On ratchet is made in the US. The average factory worker in Taiwan makes $1.30 vs $23 in the US.
So, little late to the party- but the MAC ratchet is my daily driver. Personally I use the 1/4 more than anything. I really really love the locking button style instead of the matco switch and the updated snapon switch style. And if it’s a locking flex head I’m buying it for the locking feature. If I need a flex head then I’m buying the normal flex head.
Good honest review. Not a fan of flex head rachets. The only flex heads i like are locking. I prefer the texton rachets. Do not have a regular tool truck so it is hard to get tool truck service. Keep the videos coming.
I've been debating on getting the new Mac locking flex head ratchets, but i'm also a fan of the Snap-on locking flexhead, I must be the only one. Lol. But I prefer straight ratchets for 3/8 drive and flexhead for 1/2 drive.
I actually love the snap on locking flexhead mechanism. They are a little bit touchy but that is my favorite ratchet.
I picked up a black and blue 3/8 ratchet off eBay just because why not. It’s not terrible, but I like snap on ratchets better. I really only bought it just to collect. It looked cool.
Kinda new to wrenching but I think the best tools come from what ever truck stops at your place of employment and also from what ever dealer you have the best relationship with.
The snap on FL80 has been my favorite for over a decade.
I really like that lock button version
Matco 88 I love the head design it's great and I beat the he'll out of mine. Love it never had any issues on my non soft grip that I've had a long time
Been pretty impressed with my 3/8 icon long handle. If I snap it can just get a new one instantly
Snapon all day when is comes to rachets. Good video 👍
Snap-on’s dual 80 mechanism is horse dung in their 1/2” drive ratchets. When you put side pressure on the anvil while turning it binds up and I’ve had mine get caught in between gear teeth multiple times when putting a fair amount of torque on it, but nothing it shouldn’t handle. All my coworker’s 1/2” snap-on ratchets do the same so I’m not alone. One stripped the teeth in his several times and traded it on a matco equivalent and has no complaints since. The 1/4” and 3/8” work great and are tough as nails but for some reason snap-on can’t get their dual 80 mechanism right in their 1/2” drive ratchets. Wondering if anyone else has the same complaints with theirs? I’m amazed I can’t find any more complaints online
I have all three and my favorite is by far the mac it feels the best imo
I just upgraded to the 40th anniversary matco. I haven't had any problems with it.
i am not an automotive tech, i am a Factory maintenance tech and I bought the matco and have used it everyday since i got it. Absolutely love it. Who knows how it'll hold up, but Lifetime Warranty so ya know.... /Shrug
I am a real professional certified ASE master mechanic or auto technician with over 60 years of real experience I' got to agree with you 100% a ratchet is not what a auto mechanic uses all day so I will go with a least expensive ratchet but a ratchet head has got to be really Slim really thin and really small as possible or I will not buy that ratchet and that's what most all real professional auto mechanics are looking for even backyard auto mechanic problem is about a good ratchet a price is always too high they will make much more money only if they will lower there price on their tool's because real folks really would really be buying good ratchets with low prices
Ive seen people complain about the Matco with the detent wearing out the ridges and not locking after a while
I own all three. Compare the ratcheting action. Snap-On wins hands down. Close Your eyes and have your buddy let you feel the ratchet action and you can pick the best one out easily. Matco is second and MAC s third. One mans opinion
I will say to any DIY guys out there 100% order 1 of them online if u work on cars. I have used husty alot and craftman also and a lot of other brands and can tell you having alot of teeth is so perfect and they feel great in the hand and being able to move the head helps you get into so many more areas.
Been wrenching over 40 years and by far snapon has the best rats and wrenches,on a side note i also use a long handle 1/2 craftsman rat thst belonged to my gramps and ill tell uou that rat is a beast ,20 yrs of service with me and still going strong
The snap on gen 2 locking flex heads are the best of the any. Really reliable.
IMO, I’m going with Snap On been using them since ‘85..... fit, finish and function for me hands down.... Thanks for the video Rustbelt!!! Keep’em coming Sir, Also what happened to McBake?
He’s got his channel. He left the shop a few months ago to work at a family golf cart business
Own the matco 88 tooth ergo grip ratchets in all sizes
I’ve never like locking flex head ratchet, all time flex head for me and snap on are the best on those!!!
I like the koken and ktc ratchets
I used s-k for 40 years now i have snappy, craftsman, gw and still use the s-k, its what im use to
Hard to beat an SK! They’re just tanks.
I have all 3. I mostly use the Snap-On because its 13.75" long, but the Matco is VERY good because of the features it has, but has been the least reliable. I ordered a 15" Matco to use daily now. My advice, buy from the best dealer you have access to. My last shop Snap-On dealer was fantastic. Current, my Matco dealer is fantastic.
My most used ratchet lately is a stalhill German made 3 8 the locking flex head I think it's a 16 inch ratchet and I got the 12
Snapons locking flex sucks so bad I just removed the lock and use it as a flex ratchet no lock. so agree with you on that one.
I like my Mac stuff, and I love my SO stuff. I am NOT however into comfort grips. Tried, and traded every single one back in I've tried. Just not a fan, but cool video, well Saud points and all in all well put together.
I love MAC. To me I love the,way they look. And perform. Snap on next. But I don't buy alot a snap bcuz there tools are crazy pricy kinda like MAC. I love GW, and sunex sockets. Best bang for the buck
From my own experience, I like the Snap On locking feature. The Matco on the other hand; the locking feature is hard to engage and tough on the thumb. I bought a Matco recently and without even using it, I found it to be defective right out of the box. It would ratchet clockwise, but when ratcheting it counter-clockwise the ratchet would lock up after a few rotation where the selector switch would work its way into the neutral position. So, I sent it back to Matco and after a week a got a replacement. Ratchets fine, but the locking mechanism sucks in my opinion. I will keep it, but if I knew beforehand that this would be an issue, I would have bought the Snap On 3/8 locking ratchet. I do have the 1/2 Snap on locking flex head and have a high opinion of it.
As for the MAC, I have never owned or used one.
I love my Snap-on ratchets. I however despise their(or any other manufacturers) locking flex ratchets. Just a personal preference.