Anyone tried the new PROTO ratchets?

[forceyoda]

Has anyone tried the new Proto pear head ratchets that just came out? I am torn between getting one or the new armstrong MAXX- it is basically a Matco/Gearwrench/Craftsman 60 tooth with an armstrong handle. Looking for a low profile/slim head ratchet and have narrowed it down to one of the two.

Here is a pic of the Armstrong:
http://www.armstrongtools.com/ECommerce/Category.aspx

And the Proto:
http://www.stanleyproto.com/xhtml/LITERATURE/PROTORATCHET_T20520.PDF

 

[VOMA07]

I have the Proto at home and the Armstrong at work. I have the best at home. I like the feel of the Proto better. The Armstrong have more teeth and are smooth, but the Proto feel much more substantial, and the grip is much more comfortable in my hand. The Proto are less money as well. Also the Armstorng is not as durable. After the first use with it I have two dents that I didn't do anything to get. Just used in an area that was a little tight and lightly bumped into a bracket on the side of the bolt I was working on. I have never had that problem with any of the Proto that I own or that the shop owns.

 

[forceyoda]

Thanks, i was leaning towards the Proto. Are they about the same thickness?

 

[DetroitDIESEL444]

I used one of those proto ratchets when i was in kuwait, i dont recall liking it very much compared to their others. I did think the handle was comfortable.

Matt

 

[HandyManny]

Haven't used the new PROTO pear shaped head ratchets.

I swear by the older style Proto Ratchets. They may not be as fine toothed or as glamorous as other style ratchets, but they are strong and tough, and not terribly expensive for an industrial/professional grade hand tool. I've never broken one of those old Proto ratchets, though I do keep rebuild kits for both 3/8 and 1/2.

Armstrong is nothing more than Dahner product anymore, but more pricey, very pricey. A lot of the same mechanisms in the ratchets are the same as MATCO and Craftsman. Armstrong used to be it'sown unique tool, no longer. Even the wrenches are from the same forgings as the Cman Pro wrenches.

 

[GrantMLS]

I just picked one up few days ago - I love it.. Though i am very bias towards proto

 

[cnyeco1]

Website says they are made in MEXICO? Really?

 

[forceyoda]

Website says they are made in MEXICO? Really?

Are you talking about the PROTO? That would change everything.

 

[redsky49]

I have had one for a couple months. 3/8", marked "Proto USA"
Nice feel in the hand. Not quite as smooth as some of my other ratchets but it is relatively new, and it hasn't had the luv lube modification.
Certainly worthy of consideration.

 

[Paladin]

Website says they are made in MEXICO? Really?

Maybe by Urrea (Proto Mexico)?

 

[v8garage]

Maybe by Urrea (Proto Mexico)?

Urrea is a totally seperate company now.
V/8

 

[vssjim]

I have a new Proto 3/8 like above and many many of the classic style and the new style is smooth and quite and has more than enough teeth to make it work. I would recomend it if you want a fine tooth ratchet and I always talk up the Proto Classic style ratchets .

 

[Elroy]

If anyone has one of these newer Proto ratchets. Would you please confirm if their internal construction is similar to what is shown here:

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

Elroy has found that the ratchet mechanism design shown above thread results is a very fine, smooth action. Especially in the 3/8" and 1/2" versions. Our experience is the 1/4" version is a little rough when it comes to shifting directions.

 

[vssjim]

I think that is a Big Dog?

 

[HandyManny]

Website says they are made in MEXICO? Really?

Not sure about the new pear shaped PROTO ratchets, but the current classic style Proto ratchets still are stamped USA on them with the word "PROFESSIONAL" included. As far as I know nearly all modern PROTO hand tools are manufacured in the old National Hand Tool facility in Dallas TX after Stanley acquired both Proto and NHT. Of course Proto does rebrand some tools from other manufacurers as well. For example the Proto battery terminal puller is actually Lisle battery terminal puller.

Urrea had some affiliation with Proto at one time, not sure of the connection anymore. I think the relationship between Proto and Urrea is the same type of relationship that Beretta had with Taurus a decade or so ago, if anyone here is into guns they'll know what I'm talking about.

I believe long ago when the company was still Plomb Tools, they had established a facility in Mexico using the Proto name as well.

 

[vssjim]

My new Proto ratchet says USA on it, its not made in Mexico.

 

[forceyoda]

If anyone has one of these newer Proto ratchets. Would you please confirm if their internal construction is similar to what is shown here:

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

Elroy has found that the ratchet mechanism design shown above thread results is a very fine, smooth action. Especially in the 3/8" and 1/2" versions. Our experience is the 1/4" version is a little rough when it comes to shifting directions.

No, that is the old "Big Dog" design that is not made anymore. I do not know how similar the new ones are to it though.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the new style Proto ratchet and Matco 60 tooth ratchets which are basically the same as trhe Armstrong Maxx series with a different handle. I prefer the Matco version because its head is thinner and it has 60 teeth instead of Proto's 45. The Proto ratchets are very strong but, they are also heavy. Both ratchets will serve you well. Proto doesn't make a flexhead ratchet in the new style though. Attached is a picture I posted before in a different thread about the new Proto ratchets. It's of the inside of a long 1/2 drive model. If you're looking for a thin head ratchet< I would look at the Matco/Gearwrench/Armstrong 60 tooth models.

 

[Elroy]

Looks like it is a sealed mechanism as well.

THANK YOU for the photo and clarification

 

[forceyoda]

Thanks for the pic, I ended up getting the Armstrong because it was $10 cheaper and it's head is thinner.