Are Master Mechanic picks made by Pratt-Read?

[n8n]

Got these from an Amazon seller, I'm a little perturbed, but based on the fact that they are Made in USA and look similar I am guessing that they might actually be the Pratt-Read with a different label? I am done with cheap picks after trying to get a lock ring out of a really miserable Garrard turntable with some Harbor Freight picks and stabbing myself in the hand. I would rather not open the package if I should send them back.

The original Pratt-Reads I bought to replace the HF cheapos are in my girlfriend's toolbox and it'd be kind of **** of me to ask for them back I think.

I did compare them side by side and the handles are subtly different, but I bought the Pratt-Reads maybe 4-5 years ago. Otherwise they do look very similar.

 

[jumbojak]

I believe they are. At TrueValue Pratt-Read and Master Mechanic seem to be interchangeable on the pegs. I don't have their picks but the Master Mechanic hard handle screwdrivers are very good.

 

[Minnesota Steve]

I have a lot of Master Mechanic tools from over the years... as True Value was nearby. The quality is decent, good middle range. I'm sure they subcontract out a lot of this stuff, so they very well may be pratt-reed as that's one of the few US makers any more.

The pick set you bought looks like this one... https://www.truevalue.com/precision-hooks-picks-4-pc-set

 

[n8n]

yeah unfortunately I don't have a TV store anywhere close... convenient to me are several locations of the Orange Colored Store, one Lowe's, and two Ace Hardwares. Was hoping to get "real" Pratt-Read as I already have used those and they seem acceptable.

 

[Robinson1]

Before the local True Value became Ace Hardware a few years ago I ordered some 16 inch long cabinet tip screwdrivers and was shipped Pratt Reed instead of the Master Mechanic brand.

Also wasnt uncommon for Master Mechanic and Pratt Red to be mixed on the same hanging peg. I think it just depended on what the warehouse had at any given time.

Master Mechanic socket sets were pretty much the same as Husky and were marked Apex on the fine print on the back.

Master Mechanic grinding and cutting wheels were Norton

And alot of the Master Plumber stuff was made by Oatey and Fluid Master.

I really miss having a local True Value as they really tried to stock USA brands and sourced many of their house brands from US companies. Ace Hardware is a sea of China Craftsman and other imports. No different than Lowes

 

[n8n]

OK so that's two. guess I'm keeping them, they do look decent. Hope I'm not disappointed, stuff like this is hard to find quality but I'm not sure I'm ready to splash out on Snap-On.

 

[Farmall450]

Yes. I stocked up a Menards before they offshored their house brand (sad) a few years back. That was the last place I could locally get Pratt Read.