Blackhawk Tools

[skcj213]

Can I get some opinions on Blackhawk Tools?

I am in need of a new 1/4" drive ratchet. I have a Snap-On 1/4" drive, the one with 360 degree swiveling head, circa about 1990. I was using it this weekend and the swivel is a bit loose which can be a little frustrating sometimes. I have a Blackhawk 3/8" drive ratchet from around 1990 as well that is stamped USA and it has been a very dependable tool. Are Blackhawk tools still made in the USA. I found a nice looking Blackhawk 1/4" drive ratchet on Amazon for ~$17, which looked like a good deal.

 

[twertsy]

Far as I know they're still made by Proto in the USA.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

The new ratchets are Taiwan I think. They have good reviews from what I have seen.

 

[kd3pc]

I have quite a bit of Blackhawk hand tools and have used them for years. These are mostly circa late '80's. They have held up very well.

The only thing I could criticize, is that the knurled handles are not near as comfortable, when used for hours, as the "smooth" styles of other gear. They do stay in your hand, when greasy or oily with that handle .

I don't keep up with where tools are made, as I have enough of what I need and use. Others will chime in with COO information.

 

[Kirbot]

I found a nice looking Blackhawk 1/4" drive ratchet on Amazon for ~$17, which looked like a good deal.

That ratchet will be from Taiwan. Still worth every penny though.
Probably one of the nicest your going to find for that price.


Wrenches and sockets are all still USA as far as I know.
It's hit or miss with other stuff. You won't find many lemons as far as quality goes though.

 

[sonvolt]

Some ratchets are made in Taiwain, so you have to go to the Proto website to confirm COO with the part number. Good quality sockets and wrenches for the $$.

 

[skcj213]

Thanks guys for all of the feedback. I just checked the Blackhawk/Proto website and the ratchet I am looking at, GW-9955B, is listed as being made in the good ole USA.

FWIW, I looked at my local Sears Hometown store this weekend and they had a nice looking 1/4" drive ratchet for $25 that was made in China. That just seemed a bit much for a Chinese made tool. I will likely order the Blackhawk ratchet this evening from Amazon.

 

[rusty65]

You could probably warranty your snap on one for being to sloppy.


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[stovebolt6]

I have a set of USA double box end Blackhawk wrenches and they are heavy duty as hell. Very thick and heavy, no nonsense, and they are finished extremely well. I really like them.

 

[Tronyadorable]

If a tool is tagged Stanley-Proto-Blackhawk there is a real good chance it will be a great user. It's one of the very few "world wide" companies.Apex is working to catch up. I doubt they will but they give another choice.

 

[pauls_workshop]

You can also get the made in US Blackhawk sets or tools on ebay for not much as NOS. I view them as very similar to Proto quality but ususally much lower cost. All good stuff. - Paul

 

[Pumpman1968]

I bought a 1/4 and 3/8" shallow set for my son last year. All the sockets were USA made and the ratchet was Taiwan. Still, a VERY nice starter set for the money.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Urrea is another choice. They still use Proto part numbers. Some dorks call it " Mexican Proto". I suppose it actually is.
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Hand-Tool-Sets/URREA/N-5yc1vZc22xZ8om

 

[Tronyadorable]

Here's the twice the price version from identical tooling and steel.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWDM8M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[skcj213]

You could probably warranty your snap on one for being to sloppy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have no idea how or where to find a truck.

 

[John in OH]

I have a set of Blackhawk 1/2" drive SAE sockets .... sockets, long ratchet, long breaker bar, 4" extension and a couple other bits & pieces. All about 10-15 yrs old.

They have served me well, but I won't buy any more of their sockets (unless they've changed the design). The size stamping is so SMALL and shallow it is barely legible and if it gets gunked up with grease and dirt the stamping can't be read at all.

I now pretty much limit my socket purchases to Wright ... or Carlyle if I'm in a pinch.

 

[lbgradwell]

I have a Blackhawk 3/8" drive ratchet from around 1990 as well that is stamped USA and it has been a very dependable tool.

There's a pretty decent chance that ratchet wasn't made in the USA regardless of what is stamped on it; it dates from the time when Stanley was caught intentionally misrepresenting the COO of their tools...

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm a big Blackhawk fan in general, but their USA made round heads **** compared to SK......and I'm not an SK fan. When compared to Williams USA, my Blackhawk sockets have nicer chrome and equally nice broaching. My only gripe with Blackhawk sockets is the super small size stampings mentioned above.

 

[skcj213]

There's a pretty decent chance that ratchet wasn't made in the USA regardless of what is stamped on it; it dates from the time when Stanley was caught intentionally misrepresenting the COO of their tools...

Doesn't really matter on that one at this point. I've had it for roughly 25 years and it has performed well, not like I'm going to take it back.

If it is offshore it was one of the better quality offshore products of the time. I have seen cheap offshore ratchets from that time period and the poor quality is evident. Loose fitting parts, very rough movement and poor finish.

 

[skcj213]

Instead of the blackhawk I bought a 1/4", quick release, Craftsman at the local flea market for $7.50. It looks like New and is made in the USA.

 

[beatcad]

for 7 1/2 bucks thats a good find.
pics are blurry but its problably the last gen of made in USA crftsman.
probably late 90s or early 2000s. i know i had a few back then and they were solid as a rock.
no clue where they are now...sold/traded/given away
the raised panel never felt good to me after i got a hold of the knurled handle of a blackhawk and a husky.
probably good news for you. that ratchet will probably last a lifetime.
i have a smooth handle stubby flex head 3/8 craftsman ratchet that i bought on the early 00s that i really loved. i used it for 4 or 5 years and it started to slip(skip a tooth). i got pissed and just tossed it in the back of my box. i didnt want to "warrenty" it and get a cheaper ratchet. one day i had nothing better to do so i took it apart an cleaned it inside and it's been perfect ever since.
my point is that ratchet is the easiest to take apart w/ snap ring clips.

yes its all personel preferance. i like knurled handles on ratchets.

blackhawk? i aint an expert....just yet...
mid 90s i "discovered" blackhawk from my MAC tool truck.
and i've been a fan ever since.

it took me another 10 or more years to realise that stanley bought up and owns blackhawk, mac, and proto.

damn! did i just type all that?
i gotta take a wizz and grab another brew

 

[skcj213]

Are you sure the pics are blurry.......or is it the build up of urine and the last beer?

Actually my little LG phone doesn't have a very good camera.

 

[hangfirew8]

Some BH are US, some aren't.

I just got their 5 locking plier set off of Amazon, very nice. The tools are made in Taiwan but are unmarked, just the hang tags say Taiwan, but they come with a big plastic tool holder bag that says MADE IN USA in big letters on it. Once you get rid of the hang tags and bag 'em, you look totally domestic!

 

[Conductor562]

Blackhawk Chrome sockets, extensions, Non-Ratcheting combos, flare nut wrenches, crowfoot wrenches, DOE wrenches, and DBE wrenches, are all USA made and are among the best value in their respective categories. Excellent quality.

Screwdrivers are made in France

Anything with a ratcheting mechanism, impact sockets, and pliers are Taiwan. Good Taiwan, but Taiwan nonetheless.

I have a ton of Blackhawk and have been satisfied with all of it.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Blackhawk Chrome sockets, extensions, Non-Ratcheting combos, flare nut wrenches, crowfoot wrenches, DOE wrenches, and DBE wrenches, are all USA made and are among the best value in their respective categories. Excellent quality.

Screwdrivers are made in France

Anything with a ratcheting mechanism, impact sockets, and pliers are Taiwan. Good Taiwan, but Taiwan nonetheless.

I have a ton of Blackhawk and have been satisfied with all of it.

Old Blackhawk by Proto impact sockets are all US. I have a bunch of those. Not sure when they became Taiwan coo on the impact sockets. The US ones are all top notch. Can be found cheap on ebay used or nos sometimes, as well as other US made blackhawk. Also, anyone know when the rachets because Taiwan coo? I think older were US also. - Paul

 

[mikebaker1129]

You can sometimes get Blackhawk at the fleas or pawnshops pretty cheap.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

You can sometimes get Blackhawk at the fleas or pawnshops pretty cheap.

I got a incomplete set of 1/4 regulars,deeps and regular 12 point 3/8 sockets a couple days ago for $3, gotta warranty the 1/4 ratchet though since something is stuck in the head.