Proto deals at Grainger

[Big Bad Jon]

Did anyone else see these? I saw them today and picked up one of each. As an added bonus, if you spend over $50 you get free shipping.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5TH38

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5TH06

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5TH37

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5TH07

I have had no experience with any of these. What the heck if all four suck I am not out a lot of money, and can probably make atleast half up on eBay.

[forceyoda]

Man I wish I could order from Grainger. They are nice ratchets- the mechanism is exactly the same as the current Mac design.

[Vulturej]

I bought 6 of them today. I own a couple already and they are nice ratchets.

[speed bump]

Thanks, got a 1/4" for my dad and a 3/8" for me.

[wrenchr]

That is a helluva deal on those!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Big Bad Jon]

Man I wish I could order from Grainger. They are nice ratchets- the mechanism is exactly the same as the current Mac design.

I figured they were the same mechanism. This is going to be great :bounce:

[wrenchr]

yah the mac 3/8 spinflex retail for right under $140.00!!!

[jshillin]

Thanks for the info, I just ordered both of the 3/8's ratchets.

[walrus]

I have the indexable 1/4 drive, its ok. Haven't used it much so.

[-B-]

Grrr no need for flexy heads for me I need to get a 1/4 fine tooth pear head as per the boss says. :mad:

< old tool pro rant mode on> ....... stupid ratchets with on off position printed on them ...... those are for happy harry the home owner not a pro! :mad::mad::mad::mad:

[bchee]

I have the 3/8 indexible. It's too bad it's not a fine tooth ratchet.

Anyway, on the spin flex handle, can it be locked in place?

[fatfillup]

Bought 12 today from an earlier post. Great to hear they are built like mac!

[fatfillup]

Also, BBJon, how did you find out about the closeouts at Grainger. I even called and the guy couldn't find them until a part number was posted here.

Thanks for the info and the looking out for one another!!!

[Vulturej]

Grainger list it's clearance center under Today's Features tab on their web site. They also have Witte screwdriver sets on clearance, price is not as good as the ratchets.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/categories/hand-tools/screwdrivers-and-nutdrivers/screwdriver-sets?noGuide=y&typeOf=clearance

[bmwpower]

Bought 12 today from an earlier post. Great to hear they are built like mac!

12?!? What you gonna sell them or something?

[dfndr]

What do you have to do to be able to buy at Grainger?

[Big Bad Jon]

Also, BBJon, how did you find out about the closeouts at Grainger. I even called and the guy couldn't find them until a part number was posted here.

Thanks for the info and the looking out for one another!!!


I found it while aah.. I was using the internet for "work" related info. Decided to look on their website and about fell out of my chair. Figured as cheep as they were I had to get them and then post on the sight. :beer:

[bmwpower]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but these are on eBay (or were) all the time. That's where I got mine.

[Bustawrench]

Anyway, on the spin flex handle, can it be locked in place?



Yes................

[sk farmer]

i ordered a 1/4 and 1/2 big dawg for 7.34 and 11.12. aded a stanley deadblow ball pein for 38 to get free shipping. not a bad deal. it sounded like there were quite a few 1/4 left but 1/2 were getting scarce. i had a farm bureu discount that worked on any item except clearance.

[posaune]

What do you have to do to be able to buy at Grainger?

Yeah, what he said ^^^^ !

I have heard that people have walked in and asked to buy without an account successfully, but I can't even do that since I am in Canada for the next couple weeks. Is there a way to order from the site without a business account?

[Big Bad Jon]

Yeah, what he said ^^^^ !

I have heard that people have walked in and asked to buy without an account successfully, but I can't even do that since I am in Canada for the next couple weeks. Is there a way to order from the site without a business account?

I just clicked on the locate a local store. Then I put in my zip code, and called the local store. I payed with my ATM/Debit card, and he is going to ship them to my house. Easy as that.

[walrus]

I just clicked on the locate a local store. Then I put in my zip code, and called the local store. I payed with my ATM/Debit card, and he is going to ship them to my house. Easy as that.

I've done this many times

[pirana]

What do you have to do to be able to buy at Grainger?

A few months ago I ordered a Proto torque wrench online from the Grainger website. When filling out the info. when they asked for "name of company" I just used the name of my wifes business which is a second hand store but I used my home address for shipping. They didn't ask for a tax number. I figure you could just make up a company name.

[fatfillup]

12?!? What you gonna sell them or something?

I thought you couldn't have too many ratchet:bounce: Actually, yes I'm going to sell them. I sell pressure washers for a living and I always have truck and equipment mechanics coming into my shop. I started selling tools as a hobby. I have a showroom with 3 or 4 used boxes partially filled with used tools.

My program is to sell truck brand used tools at 50 to 70% off list. I'm not real interested in selling on ebay and have only offered boxes on this site except for a few PM's.

I have amassed quite a collection (ie: 31 SO extensions with about as many mac matco conrwell and sk). Have 3 complete sets of SO line wrenches and the list goes on and on.

I figure if I can offer my existing customers a good value on tools and make some extra money, everybody wins.

I think I can sell those new proto ratchets at a profit. Few people know about the grainger closeouts and I can still offer a great price and make $10 to $15 a ratchet. We will see but I really don't think I'll get hurt.

In these tough economic times, more people should try to find something to buy and sell or make a little side money. You never know what the future brings and something to fall back on is a good thing.:thumbup:

Oh, anyone is wlecome to come visit and check it out, I've got some cool stuff. PM me for info.

[91FE]

...I figure you could just make up a company name.

That's what I did yesterday. We'll see if it works.

[forceyoda]

That's what I did yesterday. We'll see if it works.

Just did it too, i am now the proud owner of Cheap Ratchets R' Us:lol_hitti

[HandyManny]

What do you have to do to be able to buy at Grainger?

They won't sell to me as an individual anymore either. They advertize on local radio stations in my area, but when you try to buy from them they claim they are a wholesaler and only sell to companies. I used to be able to buy from them without an account, just cash. Now they're real jerks about it.

[sk farmer]

this may have already been said but i have almost always done phone orders and paid with credit card. never an issue. i also use my farm bureau membership discount and don't question that either.

[fatfillup]

Just got the 6 1/4 in flex heads in. They look nice, orange handle and nice chrome. One of the flex heads is a little loose and 1 is a little tight. But overall very nice for the $. Does anyone know why the orange handle will push forward, rotate then slide back and lock in place? I can't see the prupose but someone may have an answer.

[sk farmer]

just checked on the status of my shipment. should be here friday . also checked on quantities. 1/2 is getting very scarce. maybe less than 50 nationwide. other models had pretty sufficiant numbers for now.fatfillup, the spinflex has a rotating handle to be used like a speed wrench.

[tube_guy]

What about these ratchets? Anyone use them before? Are they quality?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3UE15

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3UB96

The shape of the half inch drive ratchet reminds me somewhat of an old plomb.

[r0meyrome]

I have that 1/2 proto! Its very nice! Cant go wrong!

[bchee]

Just got the 6 1/4 in flex heads in. They look nice, orange handle and nice chrome. One of the flex heads is a little loose and 1 is a little tight. But overall very nice for the $. Does anyone know why the orange handle will push forward, rotate then slide back and lock in place? I can't see the prupose but someone may have an answer.

Isn't that the "spin-flex" feature that you're describing??

[Mike83]

When the handle is pushed in you can spin the nut on like a speeder. I don't use that feature much, though.

I have the 1/4" spin flex - got it off ebay for $15 shipped :) Nice little ratchet, RLL made it real smooth!

[sputnikv8]

I called up the grainger.com support # and told them I wanted to buy some things but not via a corporate account. She said she'd setup an "accommodation account" and then I just made the order right there. Got a couple of the 3/8 flex (1 for my inlaw, for fathers day) then, after tax and shipping it was gonna be about 52 bucks so I had her throw in the 1/4 index/flex and my total was $54.

Good price for 3 of these ratchets I'd say. Thanks for the headsup!

[fatfillup]

Sk farmer,bchee, and Mike83, thanks for the answer on the spin flex. You would think I would of known before buying, but I can't resist a bargain!

[sk farmer]

any time fatfillup, you are a freind you know!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mr.Nutcase]

Where are they made? I have a old Proto ratchet that is broken, Can Mac repair it?

[HandyManny]

Proto Ratchets are made in the USA. I don't think Mac will repair them, though both Stanley owned, it's a different product line for them. Either send it back to Proto in Georgia or buy a rebuild kit.

[Mr.Nutcase]

So Mac do not sell rebuit kits for the Proto

[HandyManny]

Mac will sell ya what ever you want to buy on the truck as long as you can afford it. I'm just not sure if the Mac rebuild kits are the same for these particular Proto ratchets. If so then you surely could rebuild with an equivelent Mac kit.

I know that the models J5249 and J5449 Proto ratchets are different than anything Mac makes, though they look very similar.

I don't believe that Mac sells anything from Proto. Some things might be interchangeable, but not sure. I own only a few Mac tools. Most of mine are Proto, Wright, S-K, and Craftsman.

[forceyoda]

So Mac do not sell rebuit kits for the Proto

The ratchet mech in the proto spinflex are EXACTLY the same a the standard mac ratchets- i would bet my next paycheck they came of the same line. Any mac rebuild kit for their standard 3/8 drive ratchets will fit the proto spin flex ratchet. If you call MAC up and ask for a rebuild kit they send it out to you for free.

[bushhawg73]

Thanks for the heads up. I just bought three of the 1/4 and 3/8 for my sons. Going to pass them out at Christmas.

[Garage_Mahal]

Where are they made? I have a old Proto ratchet that is broken, Can Mac repair it?
You may be in luck (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3UB95) This rebuild kit was listed in the closeouts with the wrenches.

[bb1970]

You guys keep finding these deals. And I can't resist. I'm going broke! But I can't wait til my stuff comes in. Atleast I didn't buy 12. HeHe

[heffneil]

Yeah thanks for costing me $140 :)

[Garage_Mahal]

Yep, spent $100.

[fatfillup]

You guys keep finding these deals. And I can't resist. I'm going broke! But I can't wait til my stuff comes in. Atleast I didn't buy 12. HeHe

What, are you a pessimist? :lol_hitti

[HandyManny]

The ratchet mech in the proto spinflex are EXACTLY the same a the standard mac ratchets- i would bet my next paycheck they came of the same line. Any mac rebuild kit for their standard 3/8 drive ratchets will fit the proto spin flex ratchet. If you call MAC up and ask for a rebuild kit they send it out to you for free.

True these parts may be interchangeable and are likely even the same mechanism for the spin-flex ratchet (Stanley's attempt to bring commonality between the two brands). But, I'm sure if you jump on the Mac truck and ask the guy for a Proto ratchet rebuilt kit, he'll likely tell you that he doesn't sell any Proto tools.

I think Stanley was trying to get some commonality between Proto and Mac for a while, but it seem like they decided it wasn't a good decision. At least it appears that they are keeping the two brands as seperate tool types with their own unique features and designs. Probabaly a good idea, because if they end up being the same tools, then why would anyone who finds out want to pay Mac prices?

[sputnikv8]

Grainger is fast. I bought 2 of the 3/8 flex and then to get up to $50 got the 1/4 indexable. After I got home I thought that a 3/8 breaker bar would be more useful than the 1/4 indexable but alas, the order has shipped already.

I'm trying to think of a case where I'll use the 1/4 indexable now. I'm hoping to get my sons into ATV's, maybe it's use for those?

[fatfillup]

Got the 1/2 in and !/4 in indexables in today. Really like the 1/2 in. The 1/4 indexables look good too, hope they sell!!

[jshillin]

Got mine today as well.

[sk farmer]

my ratchets came, 1/2 ok after tightening the screws. 1/4 was in peices in the bag. not all there.:( they claim to be sending a replacement and i get to keep the pieces minus the screws lost in shipment. didn't know they would be plastic handle.:)

[Vulturej]

All six of mine came yesterday in perfect condition. Put them away in the extra extra emergency backup drawer. Hard to pass up a good deal.:)

[zuspiel]

Got my 1/4" spin thingy ratchet today. The little plastic tube it came in had a huge sticker saying "Made in USA from global components"... Oh well... I can see where this would come in handy sometimes. I RLLed it but it seems like I'll have to shorten the spring. Ratcheting force is definitely to much for a 1/4". I'm sure it'll be ok with a shorter spring. Still waiting on the 3/8" spin flex.

[Big Bad Jon]

Yeah thanks for costing me $140 :)

No problem. What is a few hundred amongst friends.

[Vinko]

No problem. What is a few hundred amongst friends.

Yeah, especially when it's his few hundred :)

[Shocker]

Alrighty! Got me some ratchets! Thanks for the info!

[bb1970]

Mine came in today. Three boxes for four ratchets and one wrench. I guess they were in different warehouses. I really like the spin flex ratchets.

[Big Bad Jon]

Mine came yesterday. I used the 3/8 spin-flex today when doing a tuneup on a '93 Accord (for the spark plugs). I did not need the spin feature and I am not convinced that it saved me any time. But for the price I payed, my Mac dealer gets like $200 for the 1/4 and 3/8 :shocking:. I am very pleased. Now if I could just figure out a use for the indexing ratchet that I payed less than $20 for :bounce:.

[zuspiel]

I'm still waiting for the 3/8" spin flex... And I haven't performed the spring surgery on the 1/4", yet.

[Garage_Mahal]

I misread the spinflex description. I thought the head locked in place, not the handle. I'm not so sure I would have bought had I know how wimpy the spring action in the head detents are. I hate floppy headed ratchets.

Ah well, the price was right. Maybe I'll give 'em to my kid.

[Shocker]

Got all 5 of mine today. Nice! Well worth the 73 bucks. I think I might get a few other things!

[sk farmer]

1/2 is not listed anymore but my rep said ther was 1 or 2 here and there yet. any hints on how to loosen up the 1/4 inch big dawg. how much do you shorten the spring? it has plenty of rrl. my 1/2 big dawg is sweet!!!!!!!!!!! still waiting on a couple spin flex. and yes they sent me another 1/4!!! garage, maybe you can fit a spring washer in it.

[Elroy]

Those Proto ratchets have been on close out at Grainger now for over a YEAR. Even the SpinFlex stuff has been discounted for some time now. Elroy would imagine that the picking are starting to get rather slim as this subject has been discussed before:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15611

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

And the guts of the situation:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21903

[zuspiel]

I got the 3/8" spin flex and a 1/2" drive today.

skfarmer, both the 1/4" and 3/8" needed the spring surgery. The first cut I tried was about half a "real" turn (not counting the flat turn). That made the 3/8" surprisingly smooth (with RLL). For the 1/4", I had to cut off another 1/4-1/2 turn. Now both of them are quite nice. Before, they were pretty much unusable (especially the 1/4").

The 1/2" one is ok with RLL (plus it's a different pawl/spring design). It somehow sounds hollow. Don't know how to best describe it. Works fine, though.

[bushhawg73]

I ordered 6 of them, 3 of the 1/4 and 3 of the 3/8 spin flex. All 6 arrived on Monday and all worked well. They are Christmas presents for my three sons, I think they will get a lot of use out of them.

[sk farmer]

thanks zuspeil. rrl made my 3/8 big dawgs run like a top. those were ebayed about a month ago. i love my 1/2 with red handle, can't say enough good about that.

[stricht8]

I got the 1/4 inch spinflex ratchet yesterday. I did not know that the handle rotates. Will this feel weird when it is used as a normal ratchet is intended? Otherwise it is really nice and of excellent quality.

[doug.j]

I got the 1/4 inch spinflex ratchet yesterday. I did not know that the handle rotates. Will this feel weird when it is used as a normal ratchet is intended? Otherwise it is really nice and of excellent quality.

Pull on the handle to lock it from turning.

[stricht8]

Thanks! I'm a lot happier with it now!

Pull on the handle to lock it from turning.

[fatfillup]

I got the 1/4 inch spinflex ratchet yesterday. I did not know that the handle rotates. Will this feel weird when it is used as a normal ratchet is intended? Otherwise it is really nice and of excellent quality.

Slide the handle back and it will lock in place. Push it forward and bend ratchet 90 degrees and use as a speeder. That is the spin flex feature. Don't feel bad, SK farmer and others had to tell me.:bounce:

[rhandwor]

Get the Proto numbers and search http://www1.mscdirect.com/
I buy Proto from this company. They will allow you to open an account and buy by charge card.

[Speed-Racer]

Ordered the 1/4 and 3/8 spin flex, really nice ratchets with plastic hard handles. I was also able to find a 1/4 non flex with the plastic handle. These ratchets are nice, anyone debating about ordering one should give them a try before they are gone.

[sk farmer]

is anyone surprised the spin flex rats don't say proto on the head, only the orange handle were it will wear off. it show the name on the head with a red handle in the pics. not a big issue. it would just match the others then. did any one get a red handle with proto on the head.

[curdy]

Oh man, this is perfect timing! I was keeping an eye out for a 3/8 drive long handled flex head AND a longer handled 1/4 drive. I went ahead and got all four of the PROTO's on clearance for $69 shipped. How can you beat that???

I asked the rep if there was any type of list I could sign up for to get notified of clearance items like this. They said there wasn't.

Does anyone think a sub category is in order for clearance items? With some of the deals that come down the pike from places like Grainger, Lowes, etc. it would be nice to have a place to keep an eye out for deals.

Thanks for sharing this deal!