Proto Spline Ratcheting Wrenches

[ssdave]

I've been thinking about buying a set of ratcheting wrenches for a while. I've owned Craftsman and Gearwrench, didn't like either and they didn't hold up well (had to warranty out) and passed them on. Had the old style flat proto and snap-on and williams, didn't like them either. Too bulky and not well designed for use. So, I have maybe 3 or 4 ratcheting wrenches that I use. But, with the newer, better ones coming out lately, I've been looking at the Snap on thinner clearance ones.

But, after looking at both snap-on and proto, I decided I'd try the proto spline ones instead. Today was the day. With 25% off at Zoro valentines special, I got both metric and SAE USA made sets for $438. The snap-on was about $475 as I recall for the metric, so I got essentially a bogo deal when compared to the snap-on.

Looking forward to getting them and trying them out.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

I've been thinking about buying a set of ratcheting wrenches for a while. I've owned Craftsman and Gearwrench, didn't like either and they didn't hold up well (had to warranty out) and passed them on. Had the old style flat proto and snap-on and williams, didn't like them either. Too bulky and not well designed for use. So, I have maybe 3 or 4 ratcheting wrenches that I use. But, with the newer, better ones coming out lately, I've been looking at the Snap on thinner clearance ones.

But, after looking at both snap-on and proto, I decided I'd try the proto spline ones instead. Today was the day. With 25% off at Zoro valentines special, I got both metric and SAE USA made sets for $438. The snap-on was about $475 as I recall for the metric, so I got essentially a bogo deal when compared to the snap-on.

Looking forward to getting them and trying them out.

I think that is a boarderline "you ****!" Damn!

 

[gdocktor3]

I have the Taiwan version of the Protos and they're superb. On par with my Kabo made Matco wrenches. I personally am a fan of the spline box ends. They work really well.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Ratcheting wrenches have always been a lower your standards thing for me. Gearwrench despite being generally recommended have always been a disappointment, locking up at the first sign of even moderate hand torque. I too am curently trying proto's attempt at them. I am a little gun shy and am being gentle so far, and all is good. If nothing else they sure are perdy.

 

[4Kings]

I picked these up at a local garage sale a few months back for a total of $40. I'm missing the 11mm and may try to source that. I believe these are Taiwan made. No USA markings on them at all. The only thing that bugs me is the black chrome finish but for the price I paid I can live with that. I've only used them a handful of times but they are nice.

 

[gdocktor3]

I picked these up at a local garage sale a few months back for a total of $40. I'm missing the 11mm and may try to source that. I believe these are Taiwan made. No USA markings on them at all. The only thing that bugs me is the black chrome finish but for the price I paid I can live with that. I've only used them a handful of times but they are nice.

Wow that's a steal. Especially reversible wrenches. Holy smokes.

 

[4Kings]

Wow that's a steal. Especially reversible wrenches. Holy smokes.

I couldn't get the cash out of my pocket fast enough. After I paid him he tells me that one is missing, no worries I tell him...

Both sets are ASD. The SAE sets is non-reversible and also not offset.

The finish is a little worn off a couple of wrenches.

Probably never see a deal like this again.

 

[CatSplat]

I have the full sets (metric/SAE) of the black reversible spline-drive Protos and they're nothing short of excellent.

 

[zeke markham]

I use mine everyday, sometimes beating the snot out of them and never had one give me any problems. Love me some Proto.

 

[IUEC Medic]

I picked these up at a local garage sale a few months back for a total of $40. I'm missing the 11mm and may try to source that. I believe these are Taiwan made. No USA markings on them at all. The only thing that bugs me is the black chrome finish but for the price I paid I can live with that. I've only used them a handful of times but they are nice.

That's an absolute steal.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you're looking for a USA made reversible ratcheting combination wrench the Proto chrome ones are unbeatable. I think that these absolutely kill the SK non-reversible wrenches and the finish is absolutely top of the line. Spline drive rocks.

 

[gdocktor3]

I couldn't get the cash out of my pocket fast enough. After I paid him he tells me that one is missing, no worries I tell him...

Both sets are ASD. The SAE sets is non-reversible and also not offset.

The finish is a little worn off a couple of wrenches.

Probably never see a deal like this again.

I bet. I have the 9 piece sae 0 degree offset spline set. If I'm not mistaken, it was nearly $200 from Grainger. I didn't pay for them of course, my boss did. So for $40, you made out like a bandit.

 

[Sugarfryz]

I have Cornwell double box end flexing spline drive wrenches, only experience I have with spline drive, and I'm very disappointed. Figured they'd be super useful but they round off a lot, my 12 point ratcheting wrenches are better. Does anyone else have this happen to them? Or is it just a bad brand, they don't say USA on them so honestly I assume Cornwell rebranded it. I think it's a bad wrench over all, a few of them didn't work out of the package and sadly by the time I realized I was at another job with no Cornwell guy.

 

[ssdave]

I have Cornwell double box end flexing spline drive wrenches, only experience I have with spline drive, and I'm very disappointed. Figured they'd be super useful but they round off a lot, my 12 point ratcheting wrenches are better. Does anyone else have this happen to them? Or is it just a bad brand, they don't say USA on them so honestly I assume Cornwell rebranded it. I think it's a bad wrench over all, a few of them didn't work out of the package and sadly by the time I realized I was at another job with no Cornwell guy.

As I've researched these, the thing I've seen consistently is that the only spline wrenches that work correctly on hex are the Proto. The feedback on others is that the size is too big, and they only work on spline, not on hex. You're experience is one more piece of data supporting that.

 

[4Kings]

As I've researched these, the thing I've seen consistently is that the only spline wrenches that work correctly on hex are the Proto. The feedback on others is that the size is too big, and they only work on spline, not on hex. You're experience is one more piece of data supporting that.

I can say even with my limited use I have yet to have any fitment issues with my Proto's

 

[PureLeaf]

I have the USA made Proto ratcheting wrenches in my most common used sizes of 10, 12 and 14 mm. The 12 has locked up and had to be warrantied twice now. Both times was in low torque situations just putting a bolt back on for a car. Never had that issue with any of my craftsman, gear wrench or SK ratcheting wrenches.

I want to like them because they cost me a lot. But have not been impressed because of having to warranty that one 12mm twice. I will say Proto replaced it both times, no issues other than it taking several weeks to receive the replacement. Glad I have duplicates.

 

[retDAC]

I have the USA made Proto ratcheting wrenches in my most common used sizes of 10, 12 and 14 mm. The 12 has locked up and had to be warrantied twice now. Both times was in low torque situations just putting a bolt back on for a car. Never had that issue with any of my craftsman, gear wrench or SK ratcheting wrenches.

I want to like them because they cost me a lot. But have not been impressed because of having to warranty that one 12mm twice. I will say Proto replaced it both times, no issues other than it taking several weeks to receive the replacement. Glad I have duplicates.

So how are the 10 and 14mm working for you?

 

[PureLeaf]

So how are the 10 and 14mm working for you?

10 and 14 have been fine so far. Have not had to warranty them.

Maybe they have manufacturing issues with the 12 which is why its had to be replaced twice?

I'm not a professional mechanic. Just take care of my own car in my spare time. So these things see very minimal use.