Proto precision 90 and sk lp90 side by side

[Bradc1989]

Picked up the sk on sale recently from their website for like $54. I was aware of the usual complaints, tight mechanism, hard to throw the lever. I figured for the money it would be hard to beat for the house . The proto is mine from work, I do industrial maintenance and machine tool work, so the proto gets used often. I took them both apart at work tonight for a little comparison. If memory serves me correctly, at full price they are around the same price point of $115-$125.

The proto hands down, in my opinion is the higher quality ratchet. It’s smoother in operation, the lever throws flawlessly, is quieter and takes less effort to work. The finishing detail on the proto is also better. The inside of the head is even polished. The sk had a small amount of wiggle in the drive. The proto did too but probably half as much. The fit of the retainer plate was slightly more snug on the sk, however the screws holding it on were barely tight. Behind the plate of the sk had had a teeny tiny dab of grease, on the side die of the head, gear and pawl appeared dry. Can’t comment on the photos factory lubrication if any because I’ve been using the ratchet over a year and has been doused in hydraulic oil several times.

A couple of quick measurements I kind of took randomly, were of the retainer plate thickness, .097” for the sk and .101” for the proto. Kind of oddball dimensions. The width of the pawl on the sk was .275” with 15 teeth engaged and .215 for the proto with 20 teeth engaged. Weighed each handle, stripped of drive mechanism, only scales I could find weighed in lbs but out 3 decimal places. Proto weight was .562 and the sk was .544 despite being, I think .5” longer.

Kind of scattered and random, sorry. Presenting info isn’t my strong suit but I thought some might find the info intereststing. Sorry the proto is so funky, didn’t realize how bad it was till I got home and looked at the pics

 

[M635_Guy]

Interesting pawl and switch design on the Proto - hadn't seen a pic of the internals before. Thanks for posting!

 

[lardy1]

I have examples of both in 3/8" and even though I love SK, Proto gets the nod from me. Other than being slightly shorter, I find everything else about the SK inferior. I truly do like SK and am not bashing the LP90. It's still a very nice ratchet that I reach for a lot. I do wish it switched easier but when I'm actually working, I don't seem to notice that as much as I do when I just hold it and switch it back and forth. lol

 

[Mgdoug3]

I trimmed the spring (about 2 curls) in my LP90 3/8 flex and it made a huge difference. Makes it much easier to switch directions and low back drag. I use that ratchet as much as my Snap-on 3/8. It's hard to pick which one is my favorite, but if I'm working a dirty job I go with the SK because it's easier to clean up.

 

[measuredtwice]

Nice comparison. The Proto is heavily oiled from the factory when new.

Here's the Proto rebuild kit instructions showing the parts.

 

[Rinspeed]

I trimmed the spring (about 2 curls) in my LP90 3/8 flex and it made a huge difference. Makes it much easier to switch directions and low back drag.

I might do that to mine, is it pretty straightforward to get it apart.

 

[measuredtwice]

Btw, the prototype SK had bands of knurling like the Proto.

I might do that to mine, is it pretty straightforward to get it apart.

It is straight forward but in case it helps SK has a video.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NzfOK0u6lpI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[M635_Guy]

The Proto has an impressive amount of sealing.

 

[Rinspeed]

It is straight forward but in case it helps SK has a video.

Thank you sir, I've taken a bunch of **** apart in my life, some of it I got back together.

 

[bonneyman]

Thank you sir, I've taken a bunch of **** apart in my life, some of it I got back together.

Oh man that's funny!

Great post, OP. Nice view inside those rats.

 

[nikerret]

Can you take a picture with the whole tools in frame? Thanks, for the write-up.

 

[Fedwrench]

Didn't the new Proto 3/8 precision 90 tooth ratchet do away with the thin gasket and reposition the gear cover plate screw heads from the bottom to the top of the ratchet head?

 

[Skin]

Didn't the new Proto 3/8 precision 90 tooth ratchet do away with the thin gasket and reposition the gear cover plate screw heads from the bottom to the top of the ratchet head?

Yes.

 

[Bradc1989]

Can you take a picture with the whole tools in frame? Thanks, for the write-up.

I was going to get you when I went to work today but over the weekend I tested positive for COVID so I won’t be back to work for 10 days per company policy. I’ll try to remember when I go back

 

[measuredtwice]

Best wishes, Bradc1989

Gasket #11 was omitted on the newer ratchets. Although the sheet says it is included in the 3/8 rebuild kit, it wasn't --probably hasn't been updated.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I was going to get you when I went to work today but over the weekend I tested positive for COVID so I won’t be back to work for 10 days per company policy. I’ll try to remember when I go back

When I got the virus I got grounded for 2 weeks. Boredom was the biggest enemy I had. You’ll get through it man. Thanks for the post.

 

[Bradc1989]

When I got the virus I got grounded for 2 weeks. Boredom was the biggest enemy I had. You’ll get through it man. Thanks for the post.

Kinda funny thing is, I didn’t realize I was sick until what had to of been a good ways into it, got tested on Friday, fever broke Saturday night, by end of day Sunday I’m feeling decent and eating, Monday I’m pretty well normal feeling and test results came back positive. My work puts you in time out for 10 days from your positive results not from the test so I’m gona be off until the 22nd and I’m already past the being sick. Got plenty to piddle with around the house though, I definitely won’t be fighting boredom. Might finally get this new shop wired up

 

[Kscardsfan]

Kinda funny thing is, I didn’t realize I was sick until what had to of been a good ways into it, got tested on Friday, fever broke Saturday night, by end of day Sunday I’m feeling decent and eating, Monday I’m pretty well normal feeling and test results came back positive. My work puts you in time out for 10 days from your positive results not from the test so I’m gona be off until the 22nd and I’m already past the being sick. Got plenty to piddle with around the house though, I definitely won’t be fighting boredom. Might finally get this new shop wired up

I got it right at the new year, so it was too cold and nasty to be working outside. So I just sat and watched tv and read. It was like being on the set of Groundhog Day. Wake up, go to my chair, get up and go back to bed.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I trimmed the spring (about 2 curls) in my LP90 3/8 flex and it made a huge difference. Makes it much easier to switch directions and low back drag. I use that ratchet as much as my Snap-on 3/8. It's hard to pick which one is my favorite, but if I'm working a dirty job I go with the SK because it's easier to clean up.

Did that tonight to the one I’m giving my dad for his birthday. Pretty substantial improvement over the original mechanism. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Bradc1989]

Here are the innards of a gedore 1/2”. Not sure of the tooth count but it’s fine, gotta be atleast 90t. Extremely smooth. i dodnt take any measurements on this one, sorry. The pawl seems massive, although I’ve never been inside any other 1/2” ratchets, probably right around 6mm wide. The lip on the drive part that goes through the holes in the front and rear of the head, that holds it In, is also huge looking. the lip is probably 3mm I’d say. too Bad it has
wsšlon elf those gaudy rubbe grips that the Germans love to put on all their tools.pretty solid ratchet also, these are what the company supplies the set up techs at my job and I’ve never seen befor fail, threy could break an anvil with a deadblow

 

[Memcdowe]

I made a post about it a bit ago, crazy to hear that the same issues I have with THREE SK LP90’s I just purchased, have been going on for that long. Seems it would have been easy to add a step to their finishing / QC stage. Check / Adjust spring to get proper mechanism functioning and back drag.

Mine are embarrassingly bad. Check my post for more details. As one of our last great American tool companies it saddens me to receive items like these.

 

[Ign]

This thread got me - I ordered the shortest Proto 3/8" flex from Circle C for ~$94

I still have an SK en route, too, but skeptical I'm going to like it

 

[lardy1]

I have and like both types. Proto is the better in my opinion. If not for those prices on Steals and Deals I wouldn't have bought anymore LP90's. I couldn't say no to the deal, though. They are a nice ratchet once you dial them in. And I agree with the sentiment that you shouldn't have to dial them in.

 

[Bradc1989]

the Sk is not a bad ratchet, doubly so if you catch them on steals and deals. i havent clipped my spring yet, sometimes I kind of like that it’s a little hard to throw the other direction. On the other hand though I hate it when Im in a tight spot and can’t get it flipped with the one hand holding it. my buddy at work is using his for work and he’s really enjoying it, also no clipped spring. I’m just usimg mine at home to work on the hot rods. All that said, I would not pay full price for one.

 

[Pontiac787]

The Proto looks awesome but I can’t justify the price.

 

[Bradc1989]

The Proto looks awesome but I can’t justify the price.

I can see that for alot of people. I make my living off what’s in my tool box though. I got the sk during their last steals and deals for like $45-$50 To use at home. I’d have a hard time paying $100+fot a ratchet for home use. Even though it would last a lifetime

 

[Kscardsfan]

I can see that for alot of people. I make my living off what’s in my tool box though. I got the sk during their last steals and deals for like $45-$50 To use at home. I’d have a hard time paying $100+fot a ratchet for home use. Even though it would last a lifetime

It would probably last your kids lifetime too.

 

[Draftpick1]

The Proto looks awesome but I can’t justify the price.

A coworker has the Proto 90 precision ratchet and it’s not good. He does not like it. It came bone dry and even after oiling it’s still rough. Lots of back drag and feels like a 36 tooth, a loud ratchet! I’m waiting on my SK LP90’s to compare them, but right now matco 88, Armstrong 60, 88, and the USA craftsman paint brush 60 tooth are all much smoother with my koken 72 tooth being on top.

 

[measuredtwice]

A coworker has the Proto 90 precision ratchet and it’s not good. He does not like it. It came bone dry and even after oiling it’s still rough. Lots of back drag and feels like a 36 tooth, a loud ratchet! I’m waiting on my SK LP90’s to compare them, but right now matco 88, Armstrong 60, 88, and the USA craftsman paint brush 60 tooth are all much smoother with my koken 72 tooth being on top.

I have a few Proto 90 and love mine. None were dry. All were heavily oiled from the factory. Very little back drag. Not sure why your coworker's experience is so different. Did he buy used instead of new?

 

[Draftpick1]

I have a few Proto 90 and love mine. None were dry. All were heavily oiled from the factory. Very little back drag. Not sure why your coworker's experience is so different. Did he buy used instead of new?

He got it from new from Zoro

 

[Bradc1989]

A coworker has the Proto 90 precision ratchet and it’s not good. He does not like it. It came bone dry and even after oiling it’s still rough. Lots of back drag and feels like a 36 tooth, a loud ratchet! I’m waiting on my SK LP90’s to compare them, but right now matco 88, Armstrong 60, 88, and the USA craftsman paint brush 60 tooth are all much smoother with my koken 72 tooth being on top.

You sure he has the precision 90? Mine is so smooth you almost can’t even feel the teeth, you said it feels IIke a 36 tooth, I’m pretty sure their regular ratchets are 40tooth, maybe that’s what he wound Up with.

 

[Ign]

I just got the Proto J5249HTCF from Circle C supply. They were the cheapest at $94.10 and free shipping. Zoro was the next best at $127 and I've given up trying to use Zoro codes on anything with a brand name, anything made of metal, plastic, wood, or liquid, and anything that you can physically touch. Beyond those exclusions Zoro's sales are awesome .

The J5249HTCF is their shortest 3/8" dr flex (unless there's a stubby version) but this is actually what I wanted.

I will say, the damn thing is ridiculously ****. I kind of want to just display it on the wall, it's absolutely gorgeous. Fortunately I'm not a tool polisher.

I really like the knurled handle design and layout, and the action seems buttery smooth which I imagine will only get better with time.

edit: oh, and inexplicably, the J5249HTCF is going for $170+ on ebay

 

[Ign]

Also this going to muddy the waters and create new arguments but one reason I personally got the J5249HTCF was to replace a Carlyle 3/8" locking flex ratchet I had. Granted, the Carlyle was about 1.5-2" longer.

I really wanted to like the Carlyle but the quick release button drove me nuts. Sometimes I had to depress it so deep it seemed like I'd need a punch to get it below the back of the ratchet. I'm actually a quick release fan, but not when it frustrates me like this.

Furthermore I came to hate the locking flex, it just takes too long to set it to the desired angle, but more than that the button on the locking flex also fought me and often would not depress easily to adjust the angle.

I gave the Carlyle away (shrug) and decided to try the Proto

 

[Draftpick1]

You sure he has the precision 90? Mine is so smooth you almost can’t even feel the teeth, you said it feels IIke a 36 tooth, I’m pretty sure their regular ratchets are 40tooth, maybe that’s what he wound Up with.

It’s a precision 90, I took the cover off and lubed it, it has 90 teeth, adding some made it better but it’s still not as smooth as my matco 88 or craftsman 60’s. I should have my Sk ratchets Monday or Tuesday to compare.

 

[Memcdowe]

The fact that everyone is having different experiences with the ratchets is very telling.

All three of mine are garbage. I’m not rebuilding and tweaking a brand new premium (lol) ratchet. I am approaching 100 ratchets. Bit obsessed haha. My Tektons see FAR more use than any other rather. Followed by Carlyle comfort grip when it’s really cold. And a snapon f80 when I need a semi short 3/8.

These SK are ****. The ones I have anyway. I need to post a better video.

So, 4 warranty claims over last two weeks. The SK about 4 days before the others. Filed with SK, Gearwrench, Channellock, and Irwin.

Haven’t heard a word from SK. Channellock acknowledged receipt and that it was being reviewed. Heard nothing since (week or so). Already have my Gearwrench replacement. Irwin replacement coming in today. Oh, and an old out of production Matco 3/8 finally but the dust so the tool truck is seeing what my options are and has been very responsive.

SK still hasn’t shipped my order from couple weeks ago either.

Y’all can defend them all you like. Very sad to see an American company really screwing up, and it’s things that should be EASILY remedied. Just a little CS goes a long way. And don’t start telling me to call. Learned long ago if it isn’t in writing it didn’t happen. And I’m not interested in a rebuild kit. I don’t want them anymore and don’t even feel right giving these away they are so bad.

 

[Rinspeed]

How is Proto's customer service? I have a couple ratchets I need to send back, will they just send rebuild kits like SK does?

 

[measuredtwice]

How is Proto's customer service? I have a couple ratchets I need to send back, will they just send rebuild kits like SK does?

There was a post a while back in which a guy sent in an older "big dawg" and he got a Precision 90 in return. Iirc, it was best just to send in the whole ratchet rather than ask for a rebuild kit. They wanted him to buy the kit but they warrantied (and upgraded) the ratchet for free when he sent it in.

 

[Rinspeed]

There was a post a while back in which a guy sent in an older "big dawg" and he got a Precision 90 in return. Iirc, it was best just to send in the whole ratchet rather than ask for a rebuild kit. They wanted him to buy the kit but they warrantied (and upgraded) the ratchet for free when he sent it in.

I agree sending them in might make more sense, I did email them today and we'll see how long it takes to get back to me. Sent a 1/4" drive ratchet, that was worn out, and 12" adjustable wrench, that was froze up, back to SO several months ago and they sent me new ones back. Pretty damn good customer service. I have no idea why they didn't try to free up the adjustable.

 

[Draftpick1]

You sure he has the precision 90? Mine is so smooth you almost can’t even feel the teeth, you said it feels IIke a 36 tooth, I’m pretty sure their regular ratchets are 40tooth, maybe that’s what he wound Up with.

I remembered to look at my friends proto ratchet again J5449HTC not a smooth ratchet, It’s 90 teeth, told him to call proto about a rebuild kit the reversing lever moves a good bit when you spin the anvil, decent amount of back drag, loud for 90 tooth. My new Sk LP90 Wins hands down in back drag vs the Proto, only example of the proto I have encountered so it may be a dud!

 

[measuredtwice]

I remembered to look at my friends proto ratchet again J5449HTC not a smooth ratchet, It’s 90 teeth, told him to call proto about a rebuild kit the reversing lever moves a good bit when you spin the anvil, decent amount of back drag, loud for 90 tooth. My new Sk LP90 Wins hands down in back drag vs the Proto, only example of the proto I have encountered so it may be a dud!

For some reason, I thought we were talking about 3/8. I don't have a 1/2 Proto 90 for comparison but my experience with several of the 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets is very different. Hope the rebuild kit sorts it out for him.