Are Proto Spline Combos Recommended?

[cherrybomb]

Any body have opinions on these wrenches?

 

[Buckgnarly]

I really like my Proto spline ratcheting wrenches (US variety). Spline grips rusted out **** really well!

 

[gdocktor3]

I really like spline. I have the Taiwan made Protos and use them often with no issue. I also have SK, Matco and Expert spline ratchet wrenches as well as SK spline sockets. I haven't had a single issue with any of them either. Spline is the new 12 point.

 

[Stuey]

I own a pieced-together inch set of the USA-made ones. I like 'em. I had initial finish quality issues with 2 small sizes, no problems since.

 

[nbpt100]

I have heard a few general complaints that they are not strong enough, but not much. If made correctly I can see the benefits out weigh the slight weaknesses.

 

[tarbellb]

Might want to check out the Gear Wrench Spline drive XL combos.

Love mine.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290867

 

[Fedwrench]

There are a few different versions from Proto these days. There's the US made reversibles with like an I beam shape. There are also Taiwan made chrome and black versions. I think all will serve you well. Shop around though as pricing is all over the place.

 

[spicyoli]

Anyone have any experience with their taiwan black and chrome ones? Looking for a new metric set

 

[PureLeaf]

I have the US made ones. The 12mm seems to be a weak point as I've blown it out twice now when it was brand new and in light duty work (I just do my own personal vehicles). Had to warranty it twice.

 

[spicyoli]

I have the US made ones. The 12mm seems to be a weak point as I've blown it out twice now when it was brand new and in light duty work (I just do my own personal vehicles). Had to warranty it twice.

Thanks for the input buddy. Other than these i've been looking at the x frame wrenches from SK.

 

[PureLeaf]

Thanks for the input buddy. Other than these i've been looking at the x frame wrenches from SK.

I have the X-Frames too. Protos have an offset, X-Frames do not, hence having both.

Here some pics with a Wera Joker thrown in too (I hate the joker).

Why do I have 2 12mm Protos? Cause they're unreliable and their warranty is slow and via mail. But they're also one of the few USA made options. I used to have Gearwrench, and eventually handed them down to my dad. I'll admit none of my gear wrench ever locked up or had problems.

 

[spicyoli]

I have the X-Frames too. Protos have an offset, X-Frames do not, hence having both.

Here some pics with a Wera Joker thrown in too (I hate the joker).

Why do I have 2 12mm Protos? Cause they're unreliable and their warranty is slow and via mail. But they're also one of the few USA made options. I used to have Gearwrench, and eventually handed them down to my dad. I'll admit none of my gear wrench ever locked up or had problems.

I really appreciate the pics man thanks! Any issues with the sk's? Kinda leaning more towards them due to price. I can get the metric set for alittle over 200. I think the proto set is over 300. Just like you i'd like to also have a set with the offset though. I hear ya with the gearwrench haha i had the same experience maybe i'll get the sk's and the gearwrench ones with the offset.

 

[PureLeaf]

I've not had any issue with the SKs, other than the occasional issue when you have to have the offset so I use the Proto. The SKs are super fine tooth, and that aspect is really cool.

Agreed, I'd probably not spend the 30 bucks a wrench on the Proto again. I wanted to support USA manufacturing, hence buying these, and not the Proto Taiwan even to replace my gearwrench. Hasn't been worth it.

I've noticed the SK metric sets have been increasing in price. Used to be had for 200-220, and now they seem to be 240-250 for whatever reason.

 

[ssdave]

I really appreciate the pics man thanks! Any issues with the sk's? Kinda leaning more towards them due to price. I can get the metric set for alittle over 200. I think the proto set is over 300. Just like you i'd like to also have a set with the offset though. I hear ya with the gearwrench haha i had the same experience maybe i'll get the sk's and the gearwrench ones with the offset.

I bought both the SAE and Metric US Proto's from Zoro on 25% off day. Just a bit over $400 for both sets:

 

[bcexplorer]

I have a black taiwan ratcheting spline 9/16" , i quite like it. The reversing leaver broke off so i pounded it flat

 

[spicyoli]

I bought both the SAE and Metric US Proto's from Zoro on 25% off day. Just a bit over $400 for both sets:

Not a bad deal! Just heard of zoro from this website and will be keeping an eye on that website.

 

[spicyoli]

I've not had any issue with the SKs, other than the occasional issue when you have to have the offset so I use the Proto. The SKs are super fine tooth, and that aspect is really cool.

Agreed, I'd probably not spend the 30 bucks a wrench on the Proto again. I wanted to support USA manufacturing, hence buying these, and not the Proto Taiwan even to replace my gearwrench. Hasn't been worth it.

I've noticed the SK metric sets have been increasing in price. Used to be had for 200-220, and now they seem to be 240-250 for whatever reason.

Yea cheapest i could find the SK ones were around 215. I was going to post a wanted AD see if i get lucky and get a deal or two but looks like i need to make it to 100 posts first since i'm new here. Been ok not needing the offset wrench but pretty dam sure at times it would've been nice to have haha. Finally got a new toolbox with more room and trying to see what to fill it with and researching tools.