MAC RATCHET - WHAT A SHOCKER!

[chief38]

Most Tuesday afternoons (if I have the time) I'll drop by my friend's Auto Repair Shop, bring him some coffee and a slice of Apple Pie and wait for the Snap-on truck to come by. I don't buy all that much anymore because I have plenty, but once in a while he has something I just can't refuse. I just recently purchased two sets ( 1/4" & 3/8" ) of Wobble Plus Extension sets that were less than half price.

This past Tuesday he came in to my friends shop with a few new Snap-on Ratchets (3/8") that were on special and he brought in a used Mac with a broken ratcheting mechanism that someone traded in (as an example of the junk he would take as a trade in). I picked up the Mac Ratchet and was in shock at the very poor quality. I don't remember the model number but it was a 10" flex head model. The Gear or Pawl was completely stripped (that in itself is no big deal as the rebuild kits are free from the manufacturer) but the Chrome plating actually look amateurish and the Head Pin was so loose I was able to push it out with a finger. The Snap-on guy offered it to me for $25 bucks as he told me that is what his Company would give him for it as a trade in. After looking at it for a minute or two I actually said that Harbor Freight probably makes a better unit and he even agreed with me.
Truthfully I do not know when Mac Tools lost their quality! The Snap-ons are head and tales way better and the price isn't all that much more. I actually own a few Mac Tools and they are pretty high quality. WHEN the heck did they stop caring?

Was this just a fluke or has their quality gone down the tubes?? I need another Ratchet like I need another Hernia - but for $25 bucks I would have gladly taken it (just to throw in my SUV tool box) and gotten the free rebuild kit if it was at all worth it - - - it was not!

 

[Zipdog]

So what do you think now that Snap On has started making some stuff in China?

 

[chief38]

So what do you think now that Snap On has started making some stuff in China?

I would NEVER buy Chinese Tools from ANYONE! If a Company no longer makes a product that I want, made in the USA, I'll get a NOS or gently used one that was. Just the way I am. I do NOT own Chinese tools.

About 4 or 5 years back I purchased all new Corded Power Tools (Jig Saw, Circular Saw, Rotary Drill, Right Angle Drill, Angle Grinder, etc.) and I found them all either as NOS or ANIB / used, but they are all USA made. I was happy to pay more to get what I wanted.

PS: Unfortunately, the Mac ratchet I was referring to WAS made in the USA! Now that's REALLY SAD!

 

[30-30remchester]

I would NEVER buy Chinese Tools from ANYONE! If a Company no longer makes a product that I want, made in the USA, I'll get a NOS or gently used one that was. Just the way I am. I do NOT own Chinese tools.

About 4 or 5 years back I purchased all new Corded Power Tools (Jig Saw, Circular Saw, Rotary Drill, Right Angle Drill, Angle Grinder, etc.) and I found them all either as NOS or ANIB / used, but they are all USA made. I was happy to pay more to get what I wanted.

PS: Unfortunately, the Mac ratchet I was referring to WAS made in the USA! Now that's REALLY SAD!

You saved me quite a bit of typing as you took the words out of my mouth. A few, very few, things I buy are from outside the US and I would rather have a used Porter-Cable power tool made in the USA over a brand new one built outside our borders. I support the home team. I do not need to support some sweat shop worker from overseas.

 

[1955joe]

I'm a mechanic and my Dad used to sell Mac tools back in the late 70's. I was shocked at some of the junk they sell now. I buy Snap on and they make excellent tools. I have a old impact gun Dad gave me and it says Taiwan on the side. so sad ... Mac used to be a good tool

 

[Rastoff]

I have a MAC ratchet that needs to be rebuilt. How do you contact the company?

 

[1955joe]

did you try googling it? or put it in your vehicle and when you see a truck ....stop I might have a old catalog around or Dad may know

 

[jag312]

Besides my US-made tools, I have tools made by Beta, Stahlwille, and Facom. I even have a caliper and a micrometer made by Mauser. I prefer US-made tools and support American workers, but sometimes there are European tools that I just can't get here.

My son has measuring tools made in Switzerland.

 

[snubbyfan]

My most used tools are Craftsman's that I inherited from my Dad.
He had them from as far back as I can remember and they still work great.

 

[chief38]

I have a MAC ratchet that needs to be rebuilt. How do you contact the company?

Mac Tool Cust. Svc. Phone # (800) 622-8665

Just give them the model number and they will send you a rebuild kit free of charge.

 

[Hillbilly77]

WHEN the heck did they stop caring?

Was this just a fluke or has their quality gone down the tubes??

No fluke. A lot of Mac hand tools are complete trash anymore.
It's been that way for at least a few years. Chrome sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers...... They bend, strip, break, etc. with what seems like very little effort.

I agree, they even look cheap now.

It really is a shame. They used to be quality on par with Snap-on but no more.

 

[chief38]

My most used tools are Craftsman's that I inherited from my Dad.
He had them from as far back as I can remember and they still work great.

I have plenty of Craftsman Tools also (all at least 20 - 50 years old) and they are damned good quality tools that were purchased at reasonable prices. Their new stuff is a different story.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I have plenty of Craftsman Tools also (all at least 20 - 50 years old) and they are damned good quality tools that were purchased at reasonable prices. Their new stuff is a different story.

And it won't get any better.
Don't forget, Mac's parent company, (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.) bought the Craftsman name earlier this year.

 

[Jinglebob]

The problem with tools made in China is Chinese steel doesn’t have to go through the rigorous testing that American steel goes through. It’s usually not held up to the same standards, specifications or regulations, and it’s often not quality controlled the same way.

 

[Rastoff]

Mac Tool Cust. Svc. Phone # (800) 622-8665

Just give them the model number and they will send you a rebuild kit free of charge.

Thank you. I will give them a call Monday.

 

[Frank46]

Most of my wrenches, sockets and ratchets were the OLD Craftsman brand when they were still made in the USA. Still have a few breaker bars T handle and some longer ones. Needed the longer ones cause John Deere probably put the bolts on their belly mowers with an impact gun. All of my precision measuring stuff is mostly Starret with a couple Mitutoyo thrown in. But I must confess to having a 300 piece Kobalt wrench and socket set as I found a bunch of my old Craftsman sockets had taken a walk. Even have a old craftsman socket set with wrenches that I bought over 25 years old. Have an old Craftsman air compressor close to 20 years old still works, But just recently bought one of the Kobalt hand carry air compressor just for tires. Bad knees limit my walking so keep it in the sun room next to the car port for tires and blowing out the radiator fins on my Kubota L3000 tractor. Keeps the radiator clean and engine runs cooler with no junk stuck in the fins. Also have a large roll around tool box in the garage, I do remember having a bunch of Armstrong open end and box wrenches. The stuff one puts together over the years can be truly amazing. But then again I was always a tool freak. Frank

 

[chief38]

Oh, just want to mention something for those who are not Professional Mechanics (myself included). On the rare occasion that one of my Snap-on products (such as a Ratchet or Socket) needs to be replaced or repaired a quick phone call to Snap-on will usually get you a part or replacement within two days. There is no need to wait for your Truck Guy's following week visit and if you are not a Pro like I am not, the Truck does not come to my home which means I have to go where he will visit. Sometimes that's great and sometimes I don't have the time but just wanted to mention that. Usually most of the other "premium tool Co's" will do the same.

 

[wingriderz]

Mac back in day was ok

 

[wingriderz]

So what do you think now that Snap On has started making some stuff in China?

Crazy I am now retired but have a ton of Snap On stuff all bought new 70's , 80' & 90s Snap On lead the indursty with there pattent on flank drive sockets. And they worked very well. Premium price but worked when others didnt. If they are building junk now dump them.Only thing I can say some dealers where your best friend when you where buying high dollar stuff tools and boxes yes some tool boxes go for prices of cars. But if you only had warranty items to give them they hated you