Proto or Wright

[spencejm]

I've pretty much narrowed down my new wrench and socket purchase to Proto or Wright. Is there a consensus as to which is best or are there a broad range of opinions. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Joe

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Wright has their "Wright Grip" in Standard, soooooome day in metric too.

I like Wright more, when presented with the two choices. The least viable reason being Wright is actually indie.

 

[Indy_500]

Wright!!!!

 

[mjozefow]

Wright, all of my Wright tools have far exceeded expectations.

 

[HandyManny]

For wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and extentions I've always prefered Proto. I own both brands though and a little of many others. I will say that Wright wrenches are more comfortable and have a beefier cross section on the beam, but many of the newer Wright wrenches I've bought weren't made right it seems. All in all it's a lot like asking Ford or Chevy?...when it comes to pickup trucks.

 

[Skin]

Proto is every bit as good, i'd just be worried about the future of the company as they're very niche to everything but industrial/professional. But for wrenches and sockets who cares. You wont break a wrench unless you mis-use it and if you manage to actually break a socket you probably wont waste your time cashing in on the warranty.

Personally, i'd go with whatever is cheapest.

 

[GrantCee]

Wright. Top quality all the way.

Besides, they're not made by a global conglomerate, but by a family owned company using American workers and American steel. (If that kind of thing is important to you, which I assume it is otherwise you'd be buying GearWrench! )

Wright has their "Wright Grip" in Standard, soooooome day in metric too.

Talked with a Wright CS person the other day, and she said the metric ones will be shipping the end of January.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Wright. Top quality all the way.

Besides, they're not made by a global conglomerate, but by a family owned company using American workers and American steel. (If that kind of thing is important to you, which I assume it is otherwise you'd be buying GearWrench! )

Talked with a Wright CS person the other day, and she said the metric ones will be shipping the end of January.

Awesome... I figured it would happen sooner or later, my cat. from a couple years ago has a WGrip metric combo in a pic, can't remember the size. Just figured they had 10 years of metric wrenches to move before getting to the WGrips... Even though I'm all metric these days, my favorite wrench is still a Wright 2 3/4" combo, left over from my OTR service days.

 

[HandyManny]

Wright. Top quality all the way.

Besides, they're not made by a global conglomerate, but by a family owned company using American workers and American steel. (If that kind of thing is important to you, which I assume it is otherwise you'd be buying GearWrench! )




Talked with a Wright CS person the other day, and she said the metric ones will be shipping the end of January.

Careful! There are some Wright tools that Wright doesn't actually manufacture themselves, but are actually made by and rebranded for them by companies like Channellock and Western Forge, etc. Still USA made though, but we don't know if there are any global components with other companies for them.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Careful... Stanley employees foreigners

 

[Hiball]

Careful! There are some Wright tools that Wright doesn't actually manufacture themselves, but are actually made by and rebranded for them by companies like Channellock and Western Forge, etc. Still USA made though, but we don't know if there are any global components with other companies for them.

Any Tool Stamped "Wright" is 100% made in the States, With the exception being there toolboxes who i believe are made in Canada and there Cougar line "Boxes" which are imported sadly. They do have some tools made for them with Wright Stamped, the Screwdrivers come to mind and they were made by Pratt Read. They also offer many different companies in there catalog including the forementioned Channellock, Knipex, Witte, Vice grip and Ridgid to list a few but they Carry there own Manufacturing stamp. In regards to the OP's Question, I believe both brands to be Quality Tools and its just personal preference. I can tell you from personal experience that Wright makes a Damn fine tool and i own a slug of New/Old/Second hand stuff and its never let me down. Its relatively cheap and can be picked up via Secondary markets for pennies on the dollar.

 

[a390st]

Wright! The Wright made items are excellent, there are just too few of them.

 

[HandyManny]

Careful... Stanley employees foreigners

Of course they do, Stanley is a global corporation. The also employ foreigners in foreign countries as well. Who's to say that some of the makers for Wright don't employ foreign workers too, even if it is on our soil. Not sure it really matters so long as quality if employed. Of course some of the Wright combo wrenches I bought last years were less than I expected in the quality department. Not blasting Wright as all tool manufacturers miss something occasionaly. Proto makes great tools where wrenches, sockets, and ratchets are concerned, but that's a matter of opinion. Like everyone else in the business, some Proto stuff is rebranded for them too.

 

[T56 Impala]

I have to vote for Wright also. The tools that I own, some from my father's time in the USAF in the 50's, are simply fantastic tools that stand the test of time. I'm not saying that Proto aren't good. Not at all. Heck, I own many modern Proto tools. (I collect the old Plomb stuff though ) They are as good as anything I have in my boxes. Just when it comes down to it, if buying new, I have to go with Made in the USA stuff. Its simply the right thing for *ME* to do.

 

[woody 73]

Both tools companies are very good,I never liked the tootsie roll like grip of the ratchets or breaker bars, but some people swear by them. Wright comes from Northern Ohio and they do employ Ohio workers which I like very much.

 

[GrantCee]

Both tools companies are very good,I never liked the tootsie roll like grip of the ratchets or breaker bars, but some people swear by them. Wright comes from Northern Ohio and they do employ Ohio workers which I like very much.

You know that they make other types of handles too, don't you?

 

[LincolnCont.]

They BOTH make great USA MADE TOOlS(although A few months ago I did see a set of PROTO feeler gauges that were "ASSEMBLED IN THE USA"). This is how i feel. IMO

1. Wright's sockets and wrenches are the same great quality as Proto and about the same price through company discount (pretty even in that respect) BUT Wright seems alot more pro USA than Proto so...1000 vote's for Wright right off the bat.

2. I Hate Proto ratchets and although I'm not a fan of Wright's regular style ratchet(except for the 3/8 flex head) Their contured handle's are awesome... Plus they're the only Company i know of that makes a solid 3/4 ratchet with a 4ft. handle. 2 more vote's for Wright

3. Proto makes some tools that either I was told Wright didn't offer or are not listed on their Online Catalog including 15/16, 7/8, &24mm 3/8 dr impacts in deep and shallow. Or locking impact Ext.'s. Or 30 and 32 mm 1/2 dr. chrome sockets in 6pt. So a couple Votes for Proto.

I will def. buy Proto if I cant find the tool i want from Wright, they make great USA handtools just as good as Wright but they are Owned by Taiwan happy-loving Stanley so I choose Wright before Proto.

 

[seagravedriver]

I bought a Wright ratchet and it is one of the best I have ever owned. I will have more of them in the future. I am no pro, but I know what I like.

 

[GrantCee]

2. I Hate Proto ratchets and although I'm not a fan of Wright's regular style ratchet(except for the 3/8 flex head) Their contured handle's are awesome...

I'm definitely a Wright fan, but I actually prefer Proto pear head ratchets. I like the little lever to change directions!

 

[otis66]

Wright tools. 100% made in USA made with 100% USA steal.

 

[TheGrooveking]

With only last year I bought Proto imapct sockets, 1/4" std & deep SAE & Metric, 3/8" drive std & SAW & Metric and 1/2" std & deep SAE & Metric, all together over $2,700 worth of impact sockets for my work box. For home I bought Wright impact sockets for my Service cart so I could leave my made in the 80's Matco impact sockets (which were actually made by Wright) in the main tool boxes.

With that, if I was to do it again, I buy all Wright, a few of the Proto impact sockets don't look to good after only 20 or so fasteners, one, the 7/16" 6 pt 3/8" drive shallow impact socket looks like hammered **** after running in 20 self drilling screws into some 12 gauge steel tubes (I'll post a picture tomorrow). This alone makes me worry about the Proto's heat treating.

A big +1,000,000 for the Wright contour grip, IMO the most comfortable ratchet handle made.

TheGrooveking

 

[spencejm]

Thanks for all the comments! I was leaning towards Wright and this just confirmed it. My only problem looking through their catalog was the much smaller number of metric tools available. I'm pretty much all metric now but I'll probably just get anything I can't find in the Wright catalog from Proto.

Thanks again.

Joe

 

[Elroy]

If you're looking at box ends Elroy would recommend Blackhawk

Full Polish Blackhawks made in the USA.

And you thought your Bonney's and Cornwell's had nice thick beams

Made in the USA by our good friends at Stanley. The pouch ***** but these box ends are nothing but nice

NOT made in China

 

[Bolster]

I'm a Protonaut, but if all my swag were Wright instead of Proto, I'd still be happy.

Proto is more of an industrial tool, whereas Wright is more automotive, thus you'll get more Wright votes on a board like this.

 

[Elroy]

I'm a Protonaut, but if all my swag were Wright instead of Proto, I'd still be happy.

Proto is more of an industrial tool, whereas Wright is more automotive, thus you'll get more Wright votes on a board like this.

Very true

Elroy votes Proto even if they're 30 years old

Elroy prefers his set of full polish Proto 500. This set is 30 years old and has seen a lot of use.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I would go with Wright, I like them better........

If you're looking at box ends Elroy would recommend Blackhawk



NOT made in China

What is the part number for those? And the metric ones?

 

[Elroy]

What is the part number for those? And the metric ones?

If you click on the original post Elroy made there is picture of the part numbers. Proto offers full polish box ends in metric.

Why would you ask?? You're a Wright kind of guy

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

If you click on the original post Elroy made there is picture of the part numbers. Proto offers full polish box ends in metric.

Why would you ask?? You're a Wright kind of guy

I like both brands.. I buy both......

 

[Elroy]

I like both brands.. I buy both......

There is a man with an open mind and good taste.
Elroy would assume you're lacking in the Gearwrench department as well

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I have owned both brands (and had some of both stolen), and would use either. My personal preference is for Wright, SIMPLY because it is MORE READILY AVAILABLE locally. That to me is the bigger difference.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would go with PROTO. It's trully a matter of personal preference though. I recently picked up a rack of 3/8 drive Proto metric six point sockets. The chrome is flawless, the size markings are large and deeply stamped. The sockets have off corner engagment, and are finished well inside and out.

 

[jsonic6]

Proto's are readily available. Wright's are awesome but not a lot of places carry them. I personally prefer Proto's due to that reason.

 

[WHT]

I've pretty much narrowed down my new wrench and socket purchase to Proto or Wright. Is there a consensus as to which is best or are there a broad range of opinions. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Joe

Proto or Wright? The answer is yes.

I grew up near Barberton Ohio and my first tools were from Wright (a metric ratchet and socket set when I was 12). Still have them today after years of use and abuse and I will always have a soft spot for Wright tools.

Wright and Proto make quality "made in the U.S.A." tools and you should consider tools from both manufacturers IMO as others have posted when purchasing tools. For example, Wright hot forged 4140 impact sockets are as good as they get and I would buy them over Proto. Proto cold forged chrome sockets are excellent and I would choose them over Wright. Both companies make good wrenches and I have several sets from each that are used for "heavy lifting" (most of my wrenches are Snap-on and I don't want to get them dirty or scratch them ).

I work at the research center of a large oil company and we have box after box of Snap-on tools in the machine shop to impress American and foreign dignitaries when they tour the center. However, we also use a combination of Wright and Proto tools in the field under some of the worst conditions you can imagine. They may not be as "pretty" as Snap-on, but they function every bit as well (or better in some cases). People can be seriously injured or die in the oil field when a tool fails so we select tools based on quality, durability and function (not how "pretty" they are).

 

[oldtools]

I am not too impressed with the Wright tools I saw at the store several years ago, so I vote for Proto.

 

[jteck75]

Of the two,I have mostly Proto,but I do have a litlle bit of Wright stuff as well. Either of them will be dependable and trouble free. The smaller scale of Wright distribution compared to Proto would lead me to lean slightly to Proto as far as availability is concerned. But either brand is about as rock solid as you could ask for.

 

[cheap bastard]

I've used Proto for years and have since my first years with my own tools. The local rep, at the time, gave me a super cheap finance deal to get a kid working. I was paid off in no time and the tools are still used regularly. That was '81 and no broken sockets, wrenches or extensions. One ratchet has needed to be rebuilt....once. I also have some Wright impact sockets. I broke one in 15 below 0 temps with a 500 ft lb Snap On impact. They are about a year newer than the Protos. Wright is just hard to get for me locally. The local Mac guy carries Proto so it's a matter of convenience one might suspect.

 

[GrantCee]

I am not too impressed with the Wright tools I saw at the store several years ago, so I vote for Proto.

What specific tools did you see, and what specifically was wrong with them?

 

[HandyManny]

I'm a Protonaut, but if all my swag were Wright instead of Proto, I'd still be happy.

Proto is more of an industrial tool, whereas Wright is more automotive, thus you'll get more Wright votes on a board like this.

Actually the reverse of what you said used to be true, especially until the mid 1980's. Now they are both marketed as industrial tools. The key word being marketed. You can use any proper sized wrench on an automotive, or aircraft nut or bolt and a whole lot of tools that are used on industrial equipment are right at home when crossed over to use in the automotive, rail, and aerospace industry.

 

[HandyManny]

I'd probably have a bit more Wright wrenches if they made longer patterned combo wrenches as their standard length. I think their so-called long pattern wrenches are a bit short if you ask me. I'm also not impressed with some quality conntrol issues I've seen on a couple new Wright wrenches I bough last year and on some new Wrights I've seen in a friends tool chest. The box-end lacked the 15° or so offset angle in relation to the beam. Some were shallower and some didn't even have an angle at all. That's inexcusable if you ask me, especially from a company who main marketing point is about quality made in the USA. Sorry, gotta be able to walk the walk if you're going to talk the talk Wright, right!!

As I said before, about the only benefit I see with Wright wrenches is the more comfortable cross section beam of the wrench. It also results in a bit heavier of a tool. But that's not a big deal to me. I've always prefered and have owned Proto wrenches and that's what I favor, they just feel better in my hands. Never had or seen any quality control issue with Proto wrenches, and I've seen and handled a great many in my lifetime. Also Proto screwdrivers are the better end Stanley scewdrivers and I've always prefered the higher end of the Stanley screwdrivers, but I don't buy the Proto branded ones I just buy the Stanley branded one, they're more reasonably priced. Proto pliers and diagonal cutters on the other hand? Nicely made, but in performance and durability, they **** compared to Channellock. Proto pliers even **** compared to Blackhawk, even though Proto owns Blackhawk, their pliers are totally different. Proto pliers even **** compared to the cheap Chinese made Stanleys. I'm talking the Proto pliers made within the last 20 years or so. But I have hear recently and have seen some very new Proto pliers that appear to be rebranded Knipex. My older ones are not. On a side note it appears in a side by side comparison that the current Blackhawk slip-joint pliers are the exact same pliers made for S-K, just one has red handles and one has green. Not sure who actually makes them, but both are USA made.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

...
I work at the research center of a large oil company and we have box after box of Snap-on tools in the machine shop to impress American and foreign dignitaries when they tour the center. However, we also use a combination of Wright and Proto tools in the field under some of the worst conditions you can imagine. They may not be as "pretty" as Snap-on, but they function every bit as well (or better in some cases). People can be seriously injured or die in the oil field when a tool fails so we select tools based on quality, durability and function (not how "pretty" they are).

Probably for this reason, alone, we were not allowed to use SO or any other brands but Wright, Proto or Armstrong during my OTR days... our PM's were adamant about only acquiring those three for their "Industrial Capabilities"...

I'm all metric these days too, and have yet to really have a problem w/ Wright not offering the sizes in sockets/wrenches that I need. Look in the back of the cat. at their open stock listings for mm part numbers.