Facom vs SK vs Proto

[Weedwaka]

How do these brands compare to each other and to say Snap on . Please rate 1,2,3,4 based on your experience.


:beer:

[hguerrero]

i've read (meaning i don't have first hand knowledge of this) that facom is the european equivalent of snap-on. quality wise.

def. a well respected brand in other parts of the world.

[fordracing200]

only used SK, and I prefer snap on over them. JMO.

[krehmkej]

I have some of each, but not identical bits. Based on my observation/use:

1: SO
2: FACOM
3: Proto
4: S-K

That said, the differences are small. mostly cosmetics and "feel". Others would probably rate them differently. Can't go wrong on any of these, IMHO.

[Garage_Mahal]

S-K and FACOM shared designs for a while when they were both under Stanley. So you could say SK=FACOM

[Merkava_4]

SK is definitely the worse out of the three in the thread title, but I don't like comparing complete brands to one another; I'd rather compare categories, or categories with part numbers are even better. :thumbup:

[tankboy_taylor]

1. SO
2. proto
3. SK

[Islands62]

I have all 3, but no Snap Ons. Each has their strength. Overall I like my Facoms the best, but they are pretty expensive in the US. My SKs are OK. They needed some adjustment to not slip, and machining of the checkering for the grips is sloppy. Good value overall. My Protos are the 5252a and the spinflex. The 5252 is good fir the cost, the spinflex are OK at best. I had a few other Protos from Grainger that I just could not stand. Doubtful I would buy more Proto again.

[Weedwaka]

So SK is the low end.

I have a bunch of SK socket sets and gear wrenches that I am looking to pull the trigger on. Trying to decide if its one of those things where I will regret buying them at a later date and feel the need to replace them.

I almost have all my ratchets now ( snap on ) and have all my torque wrenches ( snap on again ) . Now
Im looking to pick up all my flex socket sets, impact sockets and mid depth sockets as well as replace my main line 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch mastercraft stuff down the road with something nicer.

For socket sets, SK's prices are great and their sets are complete including 5.5 mm etc . Its hard to pass them over.

[posaune]

So SK is the low end.

I have a bunch of SK socket sets and gear wrenches that I am looking to pull the trigger on. Trying to decide if its one of those things where I will regret buying them at a later date and feel the need to replace them.

I almost have all my ratchets now ( snap on ) and have all my torque wrenches ( snap on again ) . Now
Im looking to pick up all my flex socket sets, impact sockets and mid depth sockets as well as replace my main line 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch mastercraft stuff down the road with something nicer.

For socket sets, SK's prices are great and their sets are complete including 5.5 mm etc . Its hard to pass them over.

I wouldn't say that SK is low end, but yes, it might be the low end of those options. It is still a step above Craftsman imo. For 1/2" and 3/8" drive, I use Proto, but my 1/4" is SK and Craftsman. I don't think you'd regret buying those 1/4" drive SK sets. They *are* complete and it isn't like you are really going to be hammering on stuff that small anyway.

As I think someone else mentioned, Facom is Stanley now, so I don't think current Facom is the same quality as the older stuff. Proto is Stanley too, but they seem to keep it US-made pro/industrial grade.

[ultgar]

As I think someone else mentioned, Facom is Stanley now, so I don't think current Facom is the same quality as the older stuff. Proto is Stanley too, but they seem to keep it US-made pro/industrial grade.

Stanley has not changed the Facom line at all. They bought the company back in 2005, decided to bring in 700 Facom part numbers to complement their Proto line and how have reduced Facom offering to 600pc. I'm working outside the Proto list and have managed to get Stanley to bring in a lot of key items for me on large stock orders.

Facom has made changes to several of their key products without telling their distributors. The Ergotwist (red handle) screwdrivers were discontinued and replaced by the Protwist series and the 40 series combination wrenches evolved into the 440 series. Facom quality is still excellent and the finish has improved on many of their ratchets and drivers over the past 3-5 years. Their product offerings are widespread with over 8000 part numbers in their database (28,000 if you include repair parts). They are an excellent value compared to some of the other high end tool manufacturers.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/facomnew/jetlegend.jpg

[Mike83]

I do not own any SK sockets or ratchets. I have many SK wrench sets including the deep offset ratcheting box, large metric set (20mm to 32mm), stubby metric and sae, and stubby offset box. I prefer the thick beam for comfort and ease of handling, with the exception of the ratcheting wrenches which have a weird concave beam design. The chrome finish is very good. Keep in mind that several c-man tools are made by SK, so you get an even better deal there. I have purchased all of my SK at good discounts through deals here and there. IMO they are better than C-man for sure, but as with a lot of tools it comes down to personal preference on feel when the price and performance is similar.

[RRmech]

Proto sockets....and tools in general.....are quite good.
For some reason.....they seem to be selling on flea-bay for WAY less than SO.....and even less than SK and Facom on most auctions?
I really believe that Proto doesn't get near the respect, that the brand has rightfully earned over the last half century.

Steve

[HandyManny]

Have used all that were listed. By far I prefer Proto above the rest. But tha's just me.

[Snappy]

SK is definitely the worse out of the three in the thread title, but I don't like comparing complete brands to one another; I'd rather compare categories, or categories with part numbers are even better. :thumbup:

In your opinion , in what way is SK the worse out of the 3 in the thread title ?

[Bolster]

So SK is the low end. I have a bunch of SK socket sets and gear wrenches that I am looking to pull the trigger on....

My orientation toward SK is: don't buy it online; examine it in person. If it looks good, then buy it. Seems most complaints about SK are regarding finishing flaws.

I own Snappy & Proto, and I'm quite happy with the SK I own, too.

[Monte]

@ultgar:
Some changes Stanley did are the closing of 2 factories in france and 4 distributing centers in europe and releasing of 1020 employees, series 440 wrenches are from taiwan now we was told (older series czech made ?) and the sockets are made in......? Ratchets from italy now ? All that with list prices higher than made in germany products.....

BTW ratchets.....:

Look how much up and down play the socket has. The ball retainer sticks out only about 0,4 mm . Thats not enough, the ball doesn`t engage fully into the sockets groove which is really annoying because of the play. Other sockets are a little bit better on the fitment but it still sucks.

32665

32666

32667

32668

That are the newer type ratchets with release button, looks like they just took the CDX ratchet and installed a square drive instead of CDX drive.

[ultgar]

The play is common in the 171 and 174 series ratchets (the ones with "pushbutton release"). These ratchets were never officially exported to the US (when SK was the distributor). I still import these for customers wanting this feature but have never had a socket fall off. In fact, one customer will only use the S.171 because they had an accident in their plant with legal consequences because a socket dropped off a ratchet (it was not a Facom brand ratchet) and the socket hit a customer on the head.

The popular 161 series ratchets are rock solid...no play. If the torx retainer screw is tighened properly, there should never be play in the ratchet.

I spoke with my contact at Facom UK several months ago and he did mention a few products being sent to Taiwan for production. I've forwarded your posting to him and asked him to update me on any corporate actions regarding the Facom product line.

If I see Facom tools start to take on the yellow/black Stanley color scheme with production in China, I'll bail out on the line too! Until then, I continue to feel Facom is a high quality, high value line supporting a broad range of customer needs and industries.

Steve D'Gerolamo , Ultimate Garage

[Vinko]

Proto sockets....and tools in general.....are quite good.
For some reason.....they seem to be selling on flea-bay for WAY less than SO.....and even less than SK and Facom on most auctions?
I really believe that Proto doesn't get near the respect, that the brand has rightfully earned over the last half century.

Steve

Just from reading this board, I'm starting to think it's because auto mechanics don't use them. What constitutes use or function for auto mechanics and other types of users, like industrial users, seems to be different things. :dunno:

[RRmech]

Autos, planes, trains.....hell, a socket is a socket.....no matter WHAT you're working on?

Steve

[Merkava_4]

In your opinion , in what way is SK the worse out of the 3 in the thread title ?

1. Either their wrenches are the ugliest wrenches on the Earth, or they're missing a good chance of being the ugliest wrenches on the Earth.

2. Lots and lots of complaints about SK on the board, but since the search feature requires you to enter more than three letters, all those complaints go under the radar.

[sasquatchpa]

I've worked at the same place for 29 yrs. they supply us with SK. I have never had a failure. Are they "pretty"? It's a wrench, not a woman!

[Merkava_4]

I have never had a failure.
Photos by - Borrego
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32092&d=1242186417

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32093&d=1242186433

[Mike83]

My personal experience is that SK wrenches are sweet looking - good chrome, bright finish, and I like the shape. Plus I like the feel of them. Again, that is just my experience. I have never used Proto wrenches.

[plinker]

I have never broken/cracked/split an S-K socket( I have seen a couple though).

I have split a few Snap-on and Craftsman sockets.

I have some Facom made mini pliers, very nice.

I dont have much Proto because it's not really available around here, and to me nothing more special than any other tool brand. I wouldnt pass it up if I found some though.

[speed bump]

1.) Proto especially as it relates to wrenches
2.) Snap-on
3.) S-K
4.) Facom

[Weedwaka]

What about just sockets. SK vs Snap on.

I can sure get a lot more SK for my money socket wise. I have all snap on ratchets ( sold on those for sure ).

I just picked up a 1/4 inch shallow and deep metric snap on set but it set me back 135.00 after shipping *gulp*

I am still on the fence about dropping the cheddar on SO sockets. They are beautiful but I could have a more complete set of SK. This is especially true with swivel socket sets. I just don't know wtf to do here :headscrat

[Fedwrench]

S-K and FACOM shared designs for a while when they were both under Stanley. So you could say SK=FACOM

Actually Facom owned SK. Neither were under Stanley during this time. SK became self owned and Stanley acquired Facom around 2005.

Back to the thread topic, it's a matter of personal preference, tool selection, and customer service. For the money, SK is probably the best value overall if you shop around. Yes, there have been fit and finish issues but, I have also had great luck with their sockets and ratchets over many years. I don't care for their full polished combination wrenches but, that's just me. For auto mechanics, SK offers one of the more complete lines of tools with a very wide selection of socket sizes. Proto is a very strong line of industrial tools. However, their pricing through industrial supply houses in my area make Snap on look like a better deal. Facom isn't really available in my area. I have used their ratchets, pliers, screwdrivers, and a few wrenches. It's great quality but, again they're not widely available in my area. Of the three brands, I would opt for SK.:beer:

[Bolster]

Haven't about 99% of the complaints about SK been about minor chrome finish issues? I'm not a big SK owner, so I'm not "supporting my brand" here (I think I have ONE SK ratchet somewhere, can't find it), but it seems that people complaining of broken SK tools is pretty rare.

[sk farmer]

Photos by - Borrego
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32092&d=1242186417

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32093&d=1242186433

merk, don't forget there are many who have much praise for sk also. two sides to every story and brand. i have looked at those pictures and a couple things don't seem right. the obvious is that is not a standard sk rat. it was a short lived lower quality line. it looks to me like that it may have been broken not from rotation but from a vetical movement. no excuses but something it may not have been designed for. to condemn a whole brand on two pics or a personnal preferance is not fair. not everyone likes gwen stefoni either.