PROTO's big reveal 7/9/13

[gagreen]

Quote from PROTO's facebook

"Hey PROTO fans! We are one day away from the big reveal. These new tools will blow your mind…you won’t be able to break away from it. Keep an eye out tomorrow as we will be announcing our latest creation."

What could it be? And how uncool have I become for getting more updates from tool companies than friends lol

 

[TheGr8erG00d]

I follow a lot of tool companies on facebook. You're not alone. As for what it is? Not a clue. Hopefully it's something really good and not simply gimmicky. PROTO doesn't tend to be gimmicky that I know of, though. So we'll see.

 

[DanCo]

They might announce they are moving production back to the USA.

Dan

 

[Rickster]

They might announce they are moving production back to the USA.

Dan

...... Or maybe they'll be opening "Proto Freight" stores!

 

[jmm]

Or a budget line. Ugh.

First thing that came to mind, don't mean to be a downer. Here's to hoping for the best.

 

[Bustawrench]

Last two proto ratchets I bought (new from Graingers) ended up in the trash, so they've lost me as a customer.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Or a budget line. Ugh.

First thing that came to mind, don't mean to be a downer. Here's to hoping for the best.

Already here...Expert
And I don't say that in a bad way...IMO the Expert stuff I've laid my hands on (Fondled on truck( and bought have been very nice for the money.

 

[Bull]

Has their quality gone down or something? Over the years on here they have been a brand people have consistently praised. There used to be a lot of talk about the Big Dawg ratchets, for example.

 

[gagreen]

Has their quality gone down or something? Over the years on here they have been a brand people have consistently praised. There used to be a lot of talk about the Big Dawg ratchets, for example.

I don't think so... All my new proto have been great. I have recently been turned into a blackhawk socket believer. My 1/4" 12pt standard blackhawks are made in the usa, thin, and strong. idk.... I'm going to be a proto guy for a while to come.

 

[TheMonge23]

Would love a great big clearance sale or something. Their 270 pc intermediate set looks pretty legit. Depending on what you could get it for and the quality would be a great all-around set to build a toolbox around.

 

[Skin]

Or a budget line. Ugh.

First thing that came to mind, don't mean to be a downer. Here's to hoping for the best.

They already have a few budget lines so I sincerely doubt it. As mentioned Stanley introduced the "Expert" line not too long ago which both Proto and MAC offer. Then theres Blackhawk by Proto, and there use to be the Challenger line which they axed back in the 90s.

Last two proto ratchets I bought (new from Graingers) ended up in the trash, so they've lost me as a customer.

What ratchets were these? The 45 tooth models they offer are excellent.

 

[CWP1616L]

Has their quality gone down or something? Over the years on here they have been a brand people have consistently praised. There used to be a lot of talk about the Big Dawg ratchets, for example.

I don't know why Proto is not talked about more. They make the best sockets next to Snap-on and Williams IMO. Maybe it's because of the price. The prices for their tools are midway between HF and Snap-on, but the quality is closer to Snap-on.

 

[Bull]

I don't know why Proto is not talked about more. They make the best sockets next to Snap-on and Williams IMO. Maybe it's because of the price. The prices for their tools are midway between HF and Snap-on, but the quality is closer to Snap-on.

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

 

[CWP1616L]

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

They're only sold at industrial supply stores and Amazon. A lot of guys will have an industrial supply store in town, but they don't know it because they won't open the phone book and look.

 

[jakemac]

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

In my experience, there is nothing convenient about Granger.

 

[flippin]

Comparing Williams sockets with Proto, which would you give the nod to. Williams can be had for some pretty good prices on ebay. That said I just received a set of 12pt deep 1/2" Protos that are great.

 

[CWP1616L]

In my experience, there is nothing convenient about Grainger.

Same here. Grainger is akin to a Soviet Russia era industrial supply.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

MAC Tools Truck. I've asked my MAC Guy about it...He usually always has Blackhawk items on the truck, I guess he's got a loyal following of Blackhawk ratcheting wrench lovers on his route...and can order anything from the Stanley family I believe.

Same here. Grainger is akin to a Soviet Russia era industrial supply.

Places like Grainger & Fastenal are not "Customer Friendly"...but once you get or have access to an account there, they are EXCELLENT.

 

[wrenchr]

I found a new set of metric full polish proto wrenches at the pawn shop and might grab them up this week. They are very nice!!!!

 

[03protege]

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

Zoro

I found a local machine shop supplier that will order any of the industrial brands: Proto, Williams, Blackhawk, Armstrong....

I would look around for one of them and see what they can do for you.

 

[Fedwrench]

They might announce they are moving production back to the USA.

Dan

Seriously? aside from their black chrome ratcheting wrenches, the grip on locking pliers, and their 72 tooth Facom clone palm control ratchets, the line is US Made.

Last two proto ratchets I bought (new from Graingers) ended up in the trash, so they've lost me as a customer.

which models? How did they fail?

Has their quality gone down or something? Over the years on here they have been a brand people have consistently praised. There used to be a lot of talk about the Big Dawg ratchets, for example.

NO! Their quality is outstanding these days. In fact, at work I'm buying more Proto than Snap on. Fit, finish, and durability are are all top notch. You guys always ***** about not buying US Made tools and yet, I'm reading posts complaining about Proto.

 

[CWP1616L]

They might announce they are moving production back to the USA.

Dan

Dude, you got busted by Fedwrench.

Looks like I dodged the bullet this time myself though.

 

[dave12b]

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

Walmart online. I think they have free shipping to store.

 

[Farmall450]

In my experience, there is nothing convenient about Granger.

Grainger likes to molest the wallet too

 

[Skin]

Comparing Williams sockets with Proto, which would you give the nod to. Williams can be had for some pretty good prices on ebay. That said I just received a set of 12pt deep 1/2" Protos that are great.

Proto/MAC have a better overall finish and a superior (more consistent and more cosmetically appealing) chrome plating to Williams/Snap-On. That said you cant go wrong with either as far as functionality goes.

 

[CWP1616L]

Proto/MAC have a better overall finish and a superior (and more consistent) chrome plating to Williams/Snap-On. That said you cant go wrong with either as far as functionality goes.

It's the detents that I'm most concerned about. Proto has well defined and matching detents; that's of most importance. And... they have the detents in the right place!

 

[J HAV]

I guess all of our questions will be answered tomorrow then...

 

[Conductor562]

Moving Production back to the USA? When did it ever leave? They made the ratcheting combos and a few odds and ends in Taiwan, but the vast majority of their stuff has always been made in America and as of the first of the year, the ratcheting combos are as well.

I'm guessing 75% of my tools are Proto (some Blackhawk) and for my money they offer the best cost/quality ratio in the business. I'd put a Proto pear head ratchet up against any rat on the planet in terms of torque tolerance. With Proto you get truck brand level quality for half the price.

Bustawrench: The next time you decide to throw away any Proto tools, PM me for my address. I'll gladly pay the shipping.

BTW: Those Proto/Facom Palm Control rats are awesome. A 72T round head with 13 tooth engagement. Who else offers that? They're stout. If Proto tools aren't good enough for you, perhaps you need to re-evaluate.

 

[gagreen]

Price could be an issue, and maybe availability? I know they are big with Grainger, but where else can Joe Shmoe pick them up conveniently?

Trident... I'm on the trident bandwagon. Those guys are quick to get you a price and get the tools to you relative to other industrial supply places. I had a 1 or 2 week lead time on my last proto and blackhawk order (got some of both). Guys not used to industrial supply places may get annoyed by this but I've had multiple months lead times with other places waiting for them to get enough orders together to make it affordable/possible. As mentioned amazon, zoro, and a few other places online stock proto, but Trident is just so much more personable lol for me that counts for a few dollars or days of waiting.

 

[cheechi]

In my experience, there is nothing convenient about Granger.

Same here. Grainger is akin to a Soviet Russia era industrial supply.

The Engineering department at my school that had a Grainger account. We went by once a week to pick things up and they were really convenient in that context, saved us time & trips by us doing the work to plan ahead. We stayed pretty well stocked on basic stuff too, that helped.

If you work someplace that has crazy hoops to jump through to get a PO or approval to buy stuff, Grainger is going to be more patient with you than a lot of other places. Especially if you call them for quotes, then 3/4 of those quotes don't turn into sales.

 

[byoungblood]

Grainger likes to molest the wallet too

Maybe its just the guys I've dealt with, but I've never had a problem buying anything from them. Usually I just get a "you work for so and so, right?" when I make a purchase.

Shoot, they even warrantied a Proto ratchet for me, no questions asked, when all I wanted was a rebuild kit.

 

[John in OH]

Maybe its just the guys I've dealt with, but I've never had a problem buying anything from them. Usually I just get a "you work for so and so, right?" when I make a purchase.

Same here, never had a problem buying anything from Grainger ... and I'm only an occasional, private purchaser. Friendly folks and easy to work with.

Also, if you are a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau, you get a discount on many Grainger items including Proto tools.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

A lot of guys will have an industrial supply store in town, but they don't know it because they won't open the phone book and look.

What's a phone book?

 

[CWP1616L]

What's a phone book?

C'mon... open the phone book under I for Industrial Supply. You might find a cool store in there.

 

[rasman57]

Dude, you got busted by Fedwrench


OH MY....Now that is just flat out funny!

 

[skeletonizer]

What's a phone book?

I think he means that app for smart phones that you can download books to. Kindle, is it?

 

[Mike-Trident]

Trident... I'm on the trident bandwagon. Those guys are quick to get you a price and get the tools to you relative to other industrial supply places. I had a 1 or 2 week lead time on my last proto and blackhawk order (got some of both). Guys not used to industrial supply places may get annoyed by this but I've had multiple months lead times with other places waiting for them to get enough orders together to make it affordable/possible. As mentioned amazon, zoro, and a few other places online stock proto, but Trident is just so much more personable lol for me that counts for a few dollars or days of waiting.

Hey Gagreen, thanks for the compliment. We do try. The good thing about us is that we rarely wait more than a day to build up an order. If we are close, we may just add a few more of the same item you are ordering to keep in stock.
A) it gets you your product faster
B) It helps build our stock levels so the next person does not wait.

WE WILL SEE what Proto is offering. Frankly, I won't know before anyone else.

Mike

 

[CWP1616L]

I think he means that app for smart phones that you can download books to. Kindle, is it?

I wouldn't know. I've never owned a cell phone and I wouldn't know how to work it if you handed it to me.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

my Blackhawk set at work the sockets are all USA and the chrome is perfect. The fit finish is just as good as my Sk and snap on stuff. The Blackhawk ratchet is clunky and annoying to use but its the only one that will fit in the case. This set doesn't get used much though but it is very nice.

All my other proto stuff is top notch I have some industrial finish sockets, pliers, extensions and hammers and nothing has let me down. I also have some proto wrenches that i prefer over my snap ons. They are a bit thicker and its easier on my hands since I use them as a backup a lot.

 

[gagreen]

my Blackhawk set at work the sockets are all USA and the chrome is perfect. The fit finish is just as good as my Sk and snap on stuff. The Blackhawk ratchet is clunky and annoying to use but its the only one that will fit in the case. This set doesn't get used much though but it is very nice.

All my other proto stuff is top notch I have some industrial finish sockets, pliers, extensions and hammers and nothing has let me down. I also have some proto wrenches that i prefer over my snap ons. They are a bit thicker and its easier on my hands since I use them as a backup a lot.

My Blackhawk sockets are very nice, only a few weeks old and made in the U.S.A. The blackhawk 1/4 rat I got because of how obscenely tiny it is. It will go places and spin that others won't. The rat is taiwan made i believe and I would not consider it for constant use, but normal use is what my snap on and armstrong ratchets are for.

Blackhawk sockets are my new favorites, they fit price wise, fit and finish are damn near flawless and are outstandingly tough. I was mildly disappointed with the ratchet but I won't trade it, it has gotten my nuts out of some tight spots.