Evolution of the 5449

[cruiser808]

Yes, 5449 Proto 1/2" ratchet has been around for a long time. Recently, I was able to pick up Proto's latest version, a new 5449XL on Ebay for $15 and $6 shipping. MSC and Grainger are selling them for $70 and above. This is a very nice ratchet with a similar handle design to old Snap-on's and the newer JH Williams ratchets. The chrome is superb and it's made in the USA. What I really like about it is the design of the flush selector. In the past, the selector was a weak point in all 5449's with broken or worn out parts after moderate use. Now, unfortunately, it's advertised at only 45 gear teeth, but when I counted the number on clicks, I counted 52 teeth. I guess I'll have to take it apart sometime to find out for sure. Still, that's not up to standards of modern high end ratchets in my opinion.

Would I pay $70 for this ratchet? No, I'd buy an S80 from Snap-on first. But for the money I paid, I feel I got a great deal. I took a pic to show the changes to the 5449 ratchet from the 40's to the present.

23707

23708

[gotmud13613]

Thats a nice ratchet :drool:

I like my Proto ratchets, they are next inline to my snap on 80 series.

[davestlouis]

That's a little too futuristic for my eyes. I wish they would change model numbers as they change the ratchet so you can tell what you actually have...just because a SNap On F80 has the same place in the line-up as an F720 doesn't mean they should share a model number. If Proto would make a run of retro pebble-style ratchets I'd be all over that...even if they were 24 tooth.

[cruiser808]

That's a little too futuristic for my eyes. I wish they would change model numbers as they change the ratchet so you can tell what you actually have...just because a SNap On F80 has the same place in the line-up as an F720 doesn't mean they should share a model number. If Proto would make a run of retro pebble-style ratchets I'd be all over that...even if they were 24 tooth.

Hi Dave - yup, I know what you're saying. I suppose the point of the thread is that's exactly what Proto does; they change the models, but keep the same number. Good or bad, I'll leave it up to the readers. As far as futuristic, I had the same impression. What they did is smooth the edges on the head and I've never seen that before on any ratchet. Also, the back plate has several tiny holes on it that I don't understand. I do know that the red lube of love would ooz out very quickly on this ratchet. Sorry Merkava. :lol_hitti

[cruiser808]

Thats a nice ratchet :drool:

I like my Proto ratchets, they are next inline to my snap on 80 series.

Mud, I'm pretty much the same way. Most of my tools are indeed Proto, but that's because I got a super deal on a closing distributor's entire inventory back in the 90's.

[Elroy]

You mean something like this:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/EllisofRoy/Proto%20Ratchets/Picture010.jpg

"A complete set of Proto ratchets all purchased from Grainger at close out prices. With sales tax, Elroy has $45.70 total in all three tools."

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19269&showall=1

[cruiser808]

You mean something like this:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/EllisofRoy/Proto%20Ratchets/Picture010.jpg

"A complete set of Proto ratchets all purchased from Grainger at close out prices. With sales tax, Elroy has $45.70 total in all three tools."

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19269&showall=1

I see Leroy has good taste in ratchets and he didn't pay truck prices for them. Leroy is one clever lad. :bounce:

[Elroy]

Who the phuck is "Leroy"

[cruiser808]

Who the phuck is "Leroy"

He's the kid with the backword keyboard. Astro and Bam Bam have fixed it for him. :lol_hitti

[Elroy]

I see Leroy has good taste in ratchets

Don't know about "Leroy". But Elroy thinks his taste is ratchets is just fine.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/EllisofRoy/Proto%20Ratchets/Picture020.jpg

Leroy is one clever lad. :bounce:

Not clever, Just a board member.

[Blacknwhitepit]

I have one of those 5449XL versions. Pretty, but a bit heavy and clunky. Anyone want to buy it?

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/blacknwhitepit/rat4sale.jpg

-BWP

[Bolster]

If Proto would make a run of retro pebble-style ratchets I'd be all over that...even if they were 24 tooth.

Short of that, here's what I could really go for:

A replacement set for vintage Protos and Plombs where the "wheel" had twice as many teeth, and each "pawl" had two teeth instead of just one, as now. (Maybe you could even engineer it with 3x the teeth and pawls that engaged three teeth at a time...)

If I were a machinist, I would try to make this.

[davestlouis]

I think you'd lose the elusive "feel" of the old Plomb/Proto ratchets if you tinkered with the tooth count and pawl engagement, and the feel is what has drawn me to those items in the first place.

[bchee]

Would I pay $70 for this ratchet? No, I'd buy an S80 from Snap-on first. But for the money I paid, I feel I got a great deal. I took a pic to show the changes to the 5449 ratchet from the 40's to the present.

23707

23708

Cool comparison pict. I personally don't like the new style, but you got a great deal for a US made Proto ratchet. Thanks for sharing

[nordstar]

I love my older proto and plomb ratchets. I haven't yet had a chance to use a newer model. I have been looking for deals on ebay and Granger close outs though. The pic you posted of the 5449's all lined up is pretty cool.

[Fedwrench]

The new proto is heavy compared to other ratchets in its class. The 45 or so tooth action is a good compromise between strength and fine teeth. I have the 3/8 model and the long 1/2 drive version. Both are built like tanks. Mac has a similiar version of new Proto ratchet but, it's not US made. It is lighter, a little longer, has a smaller profile, and a quick release though. If they made a 9 inch long flex head version, that would be sweet.:beer:

[mkdive]

thats a nice ratchet!

[eschoendorff]

Thats a nice ratchet :drool:

I like my Proto ratchets, they are next inline to my snap on 80 series.

Same here. I'd really like to get my paws on one of those... How many teeth?????