Bought an old Proto ratchet

[Nebraska03]

Hello everyone, I purchased a Proto ratchet at an estate/yard sale this past weekend. I went online to try and find some information on the particular model, but I haven't had any luck. The ratchet is marked "N-38 Proto" and "MFD USA." It's cast out of steel, and has a 1/2" drive on it.

I just sent an email off to Stanley-Proto with a couple pics, wondering if they could provide me with a little basic information on this model.

I took a few pics of it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neplains2/5831671140

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neplains2/5831121303

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neplains2/5831121065

I grew up around old tools and thought it looked pretty cool.

 

[SCscoutguy]

It is a pretty common ratchet that Proto put their name on after they bought Penens. They marketed them under Fleet,Penens,Proto and others. It was basically a cheaper made economy ratchet of its time but made extremely stout. They come up for sale here and on ebay a good bit.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pene...Z110700829442QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[lbgradwell]

I'm not sure I ever remember seeing one of those as a Proto proper; they are more common as Pendleton sub-brands...

I also note that the Plomb WF 1/2" model used "38" too...

 

[Borrego]

I have a Penens of the same style. I am of the opinion your Proto is a solid ratchet that has lasted all these years and if not abused, will last many more. Newer style ratchets may have a few more features - quick release button, for example - but the quality in the older ratchets stands up well against those made today.

 

[Nebraska03]

Interesting! Thanks for the link to the ebay sale, the photo provided a good comparison. I've started to try and learn about older tool brands, ones that aren't often heard of these days.

 

[SMKS]

I'm not sure I ever remember seeing one of those as a Proto proper; they are more common as Pendleton sub-brands...

+1

I've only seen these branded as Fleet, Tru Test and others. I've never seen one branded Proto.

 

[Gort the giant robot]

I had one of those about 10 years ago. I always thought it might be a military contrat tool for use in the Korean war in the early 1950s. The screws in the side covers staked, the black chemical finish, the odd part number and no knurling on the handle. I am looking to get another one. Got some Snap-On ratchets to trade for one or more.
Gort.

 

[Gort the giant robot]

I wonder if Proto made any other size ratchets with the dual sideplates like their Plomb & Penens ratchets ?

Gort.

 

[Nebraska03]

I was wondering if there would be a way to possibly seal the face surfaces of the ratchet to the rest of the body (I don't want to use something so permanent that it makes it impossible to repair or take apart if needed), so if I when I put oil or grease in it, it doesn't leak back out?

I've put some oil in it to keep the metal surfaces lubricated (it sits in my tool chest in the garage for now), but I keep it wrapped in a shop rag so any oil that escapes doesn't run all over the inside of the drawer.

 

[woody 73]

I'm not sure I ever remember seeing one of those as a Proto proper; they are more common as Pendleton sub-brands...

I also note that the Plomb WF 1/2" model used "38" too...

I also don't remember seeing any with the proto name but if given enough time I am sure one day I could find one.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I was wondering if there would be a way to possibly seal the face surfaces of the ratchet to the rest of the body (I don't want to use something so permanent that it makes it impossible to repair or take apart if needed), so if I when I put oil or grease in it, it doesn't leak back out?

I've put some oil in it to keep the metal surfaces lubricated (it sits in my tool chest in the garage for now), but I keep it wrapped in a shop rag so any oil that escapes doesn't run all over the inside of the drawer.

I have super lube in mine and it works really well and doesn't leak at all.

 

[lbgradwell]

Here are some examples of the same ratchet as the OP's under different brands...

OP's:

A Penens like Borrego's (with the drive plug assembled properly):

Fleet:

A Tru-Test in 3/8"-drive:

There should be a Challenger out there too, but I don't seem to have an example in my files...

 

[SCscoutguy]

Here are some examples of the same ratchet as the OP's under different brands...

OP's:

A Penens like Borrego's (with the drive plug assembled properly):

Fleet:

A Tru-Test in 3/8"-drive:

There should be a Challenger out there too, but I don't seem to have an example in my files...

They also made them under the Firestone and Wardmaster brand name.

 

[lbgradwell]

They also made them under the Firestone and Wardmaster brand name.

Scott, the only Firestone ratchets I can picture in this head-style always had a different selector switch (think Plomb WF) and the handle was different...:

Although I can picture Ward's tools (WardMaster and/or PowrKraft) made by both Duro/Indestro and Wright, I can't think of an example by Plomb/Proto/Pendleton in any style. Have a picture? I've probably just forgotten...

 

[SCscoutguy]

Scott, the only Firestone ratchets I can picture in this head-style always had a different selector switch (think Plomb WF) and the handle was different...:

Although I can picture Ward's tools (WardMaster and/or PowrKraft) made by both Duro/Indestro and Wright, I can't think of an example by Plomb/Proto/Pendleton in any style. Have a picture? I've probably just forgotten...

I was more referring to the actual head style not the handle or selector. I mistyped I should have typed "Speed Master". I had a ratchet of the same exact head style with the name speed master on the handle a few years ago and sold it to someone here. I do believe they were made for Montgomery Wards though as it had a M/W on the handle as well.

 

[lbgradwell]

I was more referring to the actual head style not the handle or selector. I mistyped I should have typed "Speed Master". I had a ratchet of the same exact head style with the name speed master on the handle a few years ago and sold it to someone here. I do believe they were made for Montgomery Wards though as it had a M/W on the handle as well.

You're quite right. SpeedMaster was a M/W brand...

(I realize that "Scott" is the other Scout guy. Sorry! )

 

[Nebraska03]

@FrankLee- Sorry, it's not for sale right now.

I just purchased a brand new Proto 5249 3/8 drive pear head ratchet, and it seems rather dry inside. My dad has a tube of gun grease (unopened), that he gave me to use for now. Is that suitable for lubricating the ratchet, or should I wait till I can get to the store and find some superlube?

 

[Outlawmws]

gun grease should work fine.

 

[PowderKeg]

Here are some examples of the same ratchet as the OP's under different brands...

...There should be a Challenger out there too, but I don't seem to have an example in my files...

There is, I got one....

 

[lbgradwell]

There is, I got one....

If anyone did, it would be you!

How about a Vlchek? Got one of those?

Post picture(s) Keg...

 

[PowderKeg]

If anyone did, it would be you!

How about a Vlchek? Got one of those?

Post picture(s) Keg...

I wouldn't be surprised if a pear head Vlchek surfaced sometime - I've got a couple of Proto/Pendleton round head Vlchek models. The question is, was Pendleton still using the pear head design when they acquired Vlchek in the late '50s?

Pics will have to wait until either my "smart" phone finds its brain again (and recognizes that the SD card is still in it), or I can pick up another battery for the Canon.

 

[lbgradwell]

The question is, was Pendleton still using the pear head design when they acquired Vlchek in the late '50s?

Yes, without question; I have a 1960 Challenger catalogue that confirms it.