Proto 90-Tooth Precision Pear Head Ratchets

[outdoorspace]

I was browsing the Proto site earlier and noticed a listing and PDF brochure for a line of 90-tooth pear head ratchets that look very similar to the Mac Axis. No one carries them. Have these been formally announced?

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the PDF you linked is the formal announcement.

There has been talk of a PROTO version of the MAC Axis ratchet since the MAC versions were released. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on them. I'm liking the shape of the PROTO handles and the fact that PROTO is offering all metal versions in some lengths that you can't get MAC versions in.
Thanks for sharing

 

[M6erfan]

Very cool. No QR

 

[Loscaldazar]

Interesting- means these should be easier for me to get my hands on and try them out!

For those who have had the mac versions, how is the backdrag compared to the D80 from SO? So far I've heard the 3/8 is just slightly higher than the SO...

 

[Skin]

For those who have had the mac versions, how is the backdrag compared to the D80 from SO? So far I've heard the 3/8 is just slightly higher than the SO...

Only had a 3/8 but its pretty similar. Both very nice ratchets, the MAC head notably shorter/smaller.

 

[R_einan]

Would love to get a chance to take one for a spin

 

[gdocktor3]

You have to wonder, how far will they go with these tooth counts. I thought the dual 80, Maxx 88 ratchets were the pinnacle of high tooth count pearhead ratchets, then they hit us with the 90 tooth from Mac and it's only fair to mention the true 160 tooth Steelman ratchets. Roundhead ratchets are understandable, but what's next for the pearheads? One can only imagine.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I'm going to be needing one or several of those.

 

[MattVette89]

Interesting- means these should be easier for me to get my hands on and try them out!

For those who have had the mac versions, how is the backdrag compared to the D80 from SO? So far I've heard the 3/8 is just slightly higher than the SO...

I think that's too hard to distinguish or quantify. They are really close, I think it comes down to on user feel. I prefer the 3/8" Mac over the 3/8" Snap On but I don't use it 8 hours a day. So far I think I like the 1/4" Snap On over the 1/4" Mac. Go figure.

 

[thor80]

hmm, when are these going to be available? any word? I'll bite...

 

[B_Bimmer]

I doubt it'll take long. I do wonder how list will compare to Mac. Also it will be interesting if these replace or supplement their current premium pear heads and round head fine tooth overseas ratchet.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I doubt it'll take long. I do wonder how list will compare to Mac. Also it will be interesting if these replace or supplement their current premium pear heads and round head fine tooth overseas ratchet.

Best case they replace the premium pear head ratchets (45 or 48 teeth) and are about the same price.

I hope they keep the Italian made round head ratchets, as I'm a real big fan of the 3/8 drive version of that.

 

[bobcatdan]

You have to wonder, how far will they go with these tooth counts. I thought the dual 80, Maxx 88 ratchets were the pinnacle of high tooth count pearhead ratchets, then they hit us with the 90 tooth from Mac and it's only fair to mention the true 160 tooth Steelman ratchets. Roundhead ratchets are understandable, but what's next for the pearheads? One can only imagine.

I find anything over 60 is pushing pointless. I can't say I have found anything my higher tooth count ratchets can do over my normally grabbed first 36 tooth ratchets. I work on some of the most hated machines, skidsteers and telehandlers and I find if a 36 can't swing, neither will a 60, 72 or 80 tooth.

 

[davethorik]

I'm glad they have more of a lineup than the Proto XL ratchets. I own 2 and love them, but they never offered a flex head. I see they offer long versions in all sizes, as well as extra long in 1/2.

 

[gdocktor3]

I find anything over 60 is pushing pointless. I can't say I have found anything my higher tooth count ratchets can do over my normally grabbed first 36 tooth ratchets. I work on some of the most hated machines, skidsteers and telehandlers and I find if a 36 can't swing, neither will a 60, 72 or 80 tooth.

Well, Mac, Snap On, and some other truck brands that have really tight 36t ratchets will do the job most of the time, but cheaper Craftsman, BluePoint and like brands that have that large gap in between the teeth/pawl on the ratcheting swing tend to waste a lot of space when in tight areas. I don't know how else to explain it, but the teeth don't always engage right away on those cheaper ratchets. Lots of play. I've pretty much retired all my 36t ratchets for dual 80s, 120xp, and round heads, but obviously won't sell them.

 

[shockwave]

I am really liking those knurled chrome handles might have to budget for more ratchets

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm liking the USA on the direction selector.


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[ku17]

Just take my money now! I've been hoping for something like out of Proto for a very long time.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Awesome! I don't need any more ratchets, but those knurled grips are perfect looking!

 

[PureLeaf]

I'd love to buy this. I have the current Proto Premium Ratchets are 45 tooth and leave something to be desired.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'd love to buy this. I have the current Proto Premium Ratchets are 45 tooth and leave something to be desired.

Say it ain't so because I just purchased a 1/2" Proto XL quick release ratchet off eBay. I can't justify a 1/2" dual 80 qr and I'm sick and tired of my Craftsman qr ratchets, so after quite a few decent reviews, I opted to go with the Proto. While I wasn't expecting "smooth as silk" (quoted from another thread) I was hoping it would be better than my 36t ratchets. I'm wondering if I should have went with a 45t Gearwrench with qr for $10 or whatever from Cripe....

 

[Fedwrench]

Say it ain't so because I just purchased a 1/2" Proto XL quick release ratchet off eBay. I can't justify a 1/2" dual 80 qr and I'm sick and tired of my Craftsman qr ratchets, so after quite a few decent reviews, I opted to go with the Proto. While I wasn't expecting "smooth as silk" (quoted from another thread) I was hoping it would be better than my 36t ratchets. I'm wondering if I should have went with a 45t Gearwrench with qr for $10 or whatever from Cripe....

It isn't so...

The PROTO Premium Pear Head Ratchet is a little on the heavy side but, they are quite strong and durable. They are excellent ratchets but, they don't have real fine teeth. They get smoother with use and can take a beating. It will be a vast improvement over any 36 toothed ratchet.

I think the 45 toothed Gearwrench ratchet is a piece of **** and should be removed from the Gearwrench line. It is truly the dog in an otherwise great lineup of ratchets.

 

[Fedwrench]

I checked the GW site. Only saw 84 and 120 toothed regular ratchets and 72 toothed Pass-Thrus. Did I miss something?

http://www.gearwrench.com/

81014 1/4 drive, 81218 3/8 drive, 81219 3/8 drive flex head, and 81309 1/2 drive.

 

[retDAC]

You are correct FW. However, if you simply go to "Ratchets and Drive Tools" http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchets-and-drive-tools , there is a box titled "Category" at the top of the left column. Clicking on one of those categories will only get what I mentioned before. The only way to find these 45 tooth models is either by part # or looking at all within one of the applicable drive sizes. Maybe GW is not proud of them either.

 

[Ruger_556]

I've been waiting for this day... I have one MAC version and have been waiting for the Proto's to come out.

 

[tlpatter]

Hopefully they will be released before Black Friday or Cyber Monday when Zoro has a flash sale. I'd buy an entire line up.

 

[Pumpman1968]

Think the release of the Proto ratchet has anything to do with SK releasing a pic of their new pearhead prototype?

 

[Jarhead0408]

Suweet!

 

[Loscaldazar]

Think the release of the Proto ratchet has anything to do with SK releasing a pic of their new pearhead prototype?

The release of the SK photo was probably due to the announcement of the Proto ratchet actually haha

 

[Fedwrench]

Think the release of the Proto ratchet has anything to do with SK releasing a pic of their new pearhead prototype?

No. I think it's getting close to SEMA/AAPEX show the first week of November and SK wanted to stir up interest in a product that has been in development for more than a few years now.

 

[T45]

The Proto already has some progressive shape in the head and multiple versions and hopefuly a proven 90T mechanism. SK always dissapoints for some reason, and that photo is a plain jane headshape (hopefully its a bad angle). The mechanism tho is where they are hopefully focused.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Apparently these were announced all the way back in June. Pro Tool Reviews has a tweet about them date June-22. So they aren't exactly being speedy in getting them to market either!

 

[DSLTRK]

The Proto already has some progressive shape in the head and multiple versions and hopefuly a proven 90T mechanism. SK always dissapoints for some reason, and that photo is a plain jane headshape (hopefully its a bad angle). The mechanism tho is where they are hopefully focused.

I agree, it's a very, VERY rough prototype. The logo is milled, and we all know it would be embossed in production, and the lever looks crude, almost hand shaped, so the zinc mold isn't even completed.

With that being said, it looks awesome! The only thing I don't like is the exposed reversing lever, looks like it can be caught and sheared off when wrenching.


As for the Proto, really liking the super long 1/2" ratchets, wished they would offer the long flex like mac does.

 

[Wamsutta]

Looks like they're using a Snap-on handle but replaced the grooves with some knurling.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Exactly, and I'll take knurling all day long.

 

[M6erfan]

Say it ain't so because I just purchased a 1/2" Proto XL quick release ratchet off eBay....

Well, I think you did good, I like those Proto XL ratchets. And, doesn't look like the new ratchets will be avail in QR. So, if that's important to you, no go with the new offerings anyway...

 

[Autoguy]

I have PROTO 5249P , it looks similar to this new model

 

[Empty Pockets]

Interesting..... I don't need any new ratchets, but want some

 

[tshetter]

Requested and received quotes on these today from our Proto distributor:

J5249HTC - PROTO® 3/8" DRIVE PRECISION 90 PEAR HEAD RATCHET STANDARD 7"- FULL POLISH
89.74

J5250HTC - PROTO® 3/8" DRIVE PRECISION 90 PEAR HEAD RATCHET STANDARD 13"- FULL POLISH
98.72

J5449HTC - PROTO® 1/2" DRIVE PRECISION 90 PEAR HEAD RATCHET STANDARD 11"- FULL POLISH
134.63

J5450HTC - PROTO® 1/2" DRIVE PRECISION 90 PEAR HEAD RATCHET LONG 18"- FULL POLISH
148.09

J5426HTC - PROTO® 1/2" DRIVE PRECISION 90 PEAR HEAD RATCHET EXTRA LONG 26"- FULL POLISH
206.44

 

[brooksdr]

I like Proto and used there stuff before when the shop provided the tools. They really do have some quality stuff. How is the warranty service? Can you just turn it in no questions asked? Do you mail it or take it to a dealer?