Broken Proto ratchet 5457A - Please help!!

[64merc]

I just picked up a used Proto 1/2 drive flex head ratchet that's in great shape except that the head just flops around with no resistance at all. Upon further inspection it looks like it is missing a little bearing or something between the handle and the head.

I don't know if I can repair this myself or if I should attempt to get it warrantied. Do you think I would have to mail the whole thing in? I would hate to do this because the shipping costs would kill the deal I got. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I just bought it on my lunch break and I already love it. :bounce:

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

http://www.protoolsdirect.com/product.asp?sku=27607

[wrenchr]

You will need to mail it to proto. You are responsible for the shipping one way, I think.

[dxdexter]

I would think that warranty would cover the repair . Hopefully you can find a local Proto distributor. Check their website.

[Merkava_4]

This is not it, is it?

http://www.stanleyproto.com/catalog_images/mid_res/J5457A_mid_res.jpg

Stanley-Proto (http://www.stanleyproto.com/default.asp?TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=J5457A&strSiteName=PROTO&strDefaultCatalog=PROTO)

[eschoendorff]

http://www.stanleyproto.com/default.asp?TYPE=STATICLEFT&PAGE=warranty.htm&LEFT=left_warranty.htm

[64merc]

Merkava, that is the correct model number but mine does not look like that. The link I posted has a bad picture but it looks more like the one I have. I think either they have the wrong picture posted or mine is an older version. The one I bought has a different switch, push button, and seems shorter.

I read the warranty page but it's all just mumbo jumbo. Has anyone actually every had any Proto stuff warrantied? Does Grainger do exchanges by chance? (just wishful thinking)

[Uncle Buck]

Has anyone actually every had any Proto stuff warrantied? Does Grainger do exchanges by chance? (just wishful thinking)

I have bought a few Proto tools that were beat and had excellent luck with warranty service. The most notably being a 3/4" chrome wobble, I simply turned it into the guys at Knope Bros Contractor supply in KCMO and no problemo; I got a brand new one! As you said, check Grainger or your local construction contractor sales companies. I am always prepared to hear no way from someone, when that happens I just keep bangin on doors till someone gives me what I am lookin for! Persistence always pays in such matters.

[RAYJAY]

This is not it, is it?

http://www.stanleyproto.com/catalog_images/mid_res/J5457A_mid_res.jpg

Stanley-Proto (http://www.stanleyproto.com/default.asp?TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=J5457A&strSiteName=PROTO&strDefaultCatalog=PROTO)



wow that looks like a facom head ...

[Merkava_4]

Merkava, that is the correct model number but mine does not look like that.

I knew it!! I knew Stanley screwed that up but I wanted to be sure.

wow that looks like a facom head ...

Yeah. . . if we only knew the real part number to goes with that picture. . .

[64merc]

Wouldn't it be something if they had a picture of a Facom ratchet on the Stanley website :lol_hitti

It's probably just a similar design, but who knows, stranger things have happened

By the way, I was kinda hoping that someone would tell me I could try and fix it myself, but oh well. I guess I'll just try and get it warrantied.

[Merkava_4]

Wouldn't it be something if they had a picture of a Facom ratchet on the Stanley website :lol_hitti

I'm thinking Stanley stole some designs from Facom when they acquired Facom; that's just a guess though.

By the way, I was kinda hoping that someone would tell me I could try and fix it myself, but oh well. I guess I'll just try and get it warrantied.

I guessing that if it's anything like a MAC flex-head, you would have to press out the wrist pin in order to replace the plunger spring and the steel ball; that's something the factory would have to do, but they won't bother; they'll just replace it for you.

[64merc]

I've got an update. I called Proto and they said I could either mail it in or take it to any one of their distributors and they will replace it without a problem. Today at lunch I took it to Grainger and they swapped it out for me no questions asked. :thumbup: It went smoother than it does for me at Sears. The guy just had to use my employer's account number to process it.

Now the bad news: I know I shouldn't complain, since I got a good deal on the used ratchet, but this new ratchet just doesn't feel as nice. I can't explain it except to say that everything feels lighter and more "plasticy". The quick release button now appears to be plastic and has a cheaper feel to it. Also, the ratchet assembly (round head) kind of wobbles within the head more than the older one did. It is still a nice tool and all, just not the same.

[Fedwrench]

Now the bad news: I know I shouldn't complain, since I got a good deal on the used ratchet, but this new ratchet just doesn't feel as nice. I can't explain it except to say that everything feels lighter and more "plasticy". The quick release button now appears to be plastic and has a cheaper feel to it. Also, the ratchet assembly (round head) kind of wobbles within the head more than the older one did. It is still a nice tool and all, just not the same.

Ok, let me make sure I got this right, Proto replaced the flopping head ratchet you bought cheaply with a brand new flexhead ratchet, and you miss your old floopy head ratchet? How did you grow so attached to it in a short period of time? This is the risk you run turning in old broken tools for new maybe not as good as the old version of tools. Hopefully the new ratchet will grow on you.:thumbup:

[64merc]

Well, it's not really so much that I was hurt because of the attachment, it's more that I'm dissappointed in the quality decline. I'm sure this goes for every company....err....ok maybe not Snap-on (disclaimer so I don't get attacked by all the Snappy fanatics :) )

[Merkava_4]

http://www.grainger.com/images/products/enlarged/XL-1AM27.JPG

Is this it?

[64merc]

That's the one!!