sweet
Craftsman 3/8 flex head ratchet
- Thread starter johnachak
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Originally Posted By: ag_ghost
Were you able to meet your objectives with the tool?
I bought it to hopefully make the next tuneup on my boat easier. I'll let you know next spring. OK, and to fill an empty spot in my tool chest.
Were you able to meet your objectives with the tool?
I bought it to hopefully make the next tuneup on my boat easier. I'll let you know next spring. OK, and to fill an empty spot in my tool chest.
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Not a bad idea, thank you!
For spark plugs an brake caliper bolts, I prefer my trusty Snap-on F852. It's very smooth and very strong.
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Originally Posted By: ag_ghost
Were you able to meet your objectives with the tool?
I bought it to hopefully make the next tuneup on my boat easier. I'll let you know next spring. OK, and to fill an empty spot in my tool chest.
Well, if it's still new, why not return it while you consider your other options? You could always buy it again when the job gets closer, if you decided a Chinese Craftsman ratchet is what you want.
Originally Posted By: ag_ghost
Were you able to meet your objectives with the tool?
I bought it to hopefully make the next tuneup on my boat easier. I'll let you know next spring. OK, and to fill an empty spot in my tool chest.
Well, if it's still new, why not return it while you consider your other options? You could always buy it again when the job gets closer, if you decided a Chinese Craftsman ratchet is what you want.
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I wish I could spend that much on something I use once or twice a year. I just wanted to make it a little easier to do something that is also do-able by using my other tools. Forgive the grammar.
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Well, if it's still new, why not return it while you consider your other options? You could always buy it again when the job gets closer, if you decided a Chinese Craftsman ratchet is what you want. [/quote]
I'll just hide it till I decide to try it in the Spring (I wouldn't want my other American made tools to get angry at me). Really though, I'll use it and if it seems like something I'll be able to use more often, I'll pick up that Armstrong one and keep this as a spare.
Well, if it's still new, why not return it while you consider your other options? You could always buy it again when the job gets closer, if you decided a Chinese Craftsman ratchet is what you want. [/quote]
I'll just hide it till I decide to try it in the Spring (I wouldn't want my other American made tools to get angry at me). Really though, I'll use it and if it seems like something I'll be able to use more often, I'll pick up that Armstrong one and keep this as a spare.
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Quote:
Well, if it's still new, why not return it while you consider your other options? You could always buy it again when the job gets closer, if you decided a Chinese Craftsman ratchet is what you want.
I'll just hide it till I decide to try it in the Spring (I wouldn't want my other American made tools to get angry at me). Really though, I'll use it and if it seems like something I'll be able to use more often, I'll pick up that Armstrong one and keep this as a spare.
I realize the Armstrong is pricey for a DIY'er, which is what I am. It's actually the single most expensive hand tool I own.
But, there are other ratchets that are better than the Craftsman that are around the same price. I'm not a Craftsman hater. I just recently bought two Craftsman wrench sets and I've been happy with them. But their regular 36 tooth ratchets are way worse than the older Craftsman ratchets and are worse than many other ratchets.
I'd take a look at the Duralast ratchet another member mentioned. Made in Taiwan. I've played with them in the store, but I don't own one. Duralast tools were pretty popular for a while on a tool forum I frequent.
Also, GearWrench has some good stuff. It's made in China, but is high quality. They will be 60 or 84 tooth.
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Well, if it's still new, why not return it while you consider your other options? You could always buy it again when the job gets closer, if you decided a Chinese Craftsman ratchet is what you want.
I'll just hide it till I decide to try it in the Spring (I wouldn't want my other American made tools to get angry at me). Really though, I'll use it and if it seems like something I'll be able to use more often, I'll pick up that Armstrong one and keep this as a spare.
I realize the Armstrong is pricey for a DIY'er, which is what I am. It's actually the single most expensive hand tool I own.
But, there are other ratchets that are better than the Craftsman that are around the same price. I'm not a Craftsman hater. I just recently bought two Craftsman wrench sets and I've been happy with them. But their regular 36 tooth ratchets are way worse than the older Craftsman ratchets and are worse than many other ratchets.
I'd take a look at the Duralast ratchet another member mentioned. Made in Taiwan. I've played with them in the store, but I don't own one. Duralast tools were pretty popular for a while on a tool forum I frequent.
Also, GearWrench has some good stuff. It's made in China, but is high quality. They will be 60 or 84 tooth.
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Menards? Whats that?
None within hundreds of miles of me. I guess thats why I don't see any ads or commercials for them.
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Originally Posted By: stephen9666
Sixspeed beat me to it. The Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets destroy anything else in the price range.
I'll never go back to a non-locking flex. I hate it when a ratchet flexes when you don't want it to. You can use the ratchet locked or unlocked, so it can be used like a standard flex ratchet.
They're pricier than Craftsman, but they're made in the USA and you're getting somethign very, very close to the Matco locking flex that costs at least twice as much.
Here's a review with pics:
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/#comment-115781
It's $56 + shipping at Harry Epstein, one of the best tools stores ever.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/11-994.html
I ordered one of these based on your review. It should be here tomorrow. I bought it from Epstein too.
Sixspeed beat me to it. The Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets destroy anything else in the price range.
I'll never go back to a non-locking flex. I hate it when a ratchet flexes when you don't want it to. You can use the ratchet locked or unlocked, so it can be used like a standard flex ratchet.
They're pricier than Craftsman, but they're made in the USA and you're getting somethign very, very close to the Matco locking flex that costs at least twice as much.
Here's a review with pics:
http://toolguyd.com/armstrong-maxx-locking-flex-head-ratchet-review/#comment-115781
It's $56 + shipping at Harry Epstein, one of the best tools stores ever.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Ratchets/11-994.html
I ordered one of these based on your review. It should be here tomorrow. I bought it from Epstein too.
If anyone is still keeping track, I found the Armstrong at AA.com for $79, I used Big 30 and got $30 off. Needless to say, it's in my box. Sweet tool it is! I'll just leave the Chinacraftsman in the box in my trunk as a spare or a loaner if someone needs one (they come to me a lot, no one gets the Armstrong). It is really good looking too (If you like wrenches that is).
Originally Posted By: SIXSPEED
Originally Posted By: johnachak
If anyone is still keeping track, I found the Armstrong at AA.com for $79, I used Big 30 and got $30 off.
I assume that price is for the 1/2" and not the 3/8"?
Nope that's for the 3/8. Amazon and HEpstein get almost $70 with shipping and tax. This was $61 complete to the door. I have an Armstrong 1/2 breaker bar from the 70's that I can use if I need to. I would LOVE to have the 1/2" but I really can't justify it right now.
Originally Posted By: johnachak
If anyone is still keeping track, I found the Armstrong at AA.com for $79, I used Big 30 and got $30 off.
I assume that price is for the 1/2" and not the 3/8"?
Nope that's for the 3/8. Amazon and HEpstein get almost $70 with shipping and tax. This was $61 complete to the door. I have an Armstrong 1/2 breaker bar from the 70's that I can use if I need to. I would LOVE to have the 1/2" but I really can't justify it right now.
I paid 65 for il with shipping but I like to support Epstein. I plan to order the 1/4 version soon.
I know what you mean but, AAP is my local guy.
Well I did some playing around this morning with my new 3/8 88 tooth aero space ratchet, my locking flex handle 3/8 and my 3/8 craftsman premium and they all have interchangeable parts and work just fine.
I never heard of an AeroSpace ratchet, never mind one with 88 teeth.
Originally Posted By: johnachak
I never heard of an AeroSpace ratchet, never mind one with 88 teeth.
The Aerospace line is Armstrong's new line of tools, which includes the 88 tooth line of ratchets. The Maxx ratchets were 60 tooth before. But, only the 1/4" and 3/8" non-flex ratchets have been upgraded to 88 teeth, as of now, at least.
Armstrong is a brand aimed at industrial customers, which is why you probably have to be a tool nerd to know about them. The new line is aimed at the aerospace industry. They upgraded the ratchets to 88 tooth, but otherwise the tools appear to be basically the same as the regular Armstrong tools.
http://www.armstrongtools.com/ABT_AerospaceFlier_FINAL_Lo.pdf
I never heard of an AeroSpace ratchet, never mind one with 88 teeth.
The Aerospace line is Armstrong's new line of tools, which includes the 88 tooth line of ratchets. The Maxx ratchets were 60 tooth before. But, only the 1/4" and 3/8" non-flex ratchets have been upgraded to 88 teeth, as of now, at least.
Armstrong is a brand aimed at industrial customers, which is why you probably have to be a tool nerd to know about them. The new line is aimed at the aerospace industry. They upgraded the ratchets to 88 tooth, but otherwise the tools appear to be basically the same as the regular Armstrong tools.
http://www.armstrongtools.com/ABT_AerospaceFlier_FINAL_Lo.pdf
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