Challenger wrenches

[nbpt100]

I have a few challenger wrenches in my collection that I have acquiered over the years.
These do not say Proto on them. I have seen some on eBay that have the Proto logo on them.

In peoples experience, what is the over all quality of this brand?

 

[gdocktor3]

They're good. On par with Proto, Thorsen, and other similar big name brands of years past. I still use Challenger wrenches regularly at work.

 

[woody 73]

Just saying the search function on the GJ *****...
Grasshopper they are the economy line, like the snap on blue point, but do not be fooled they are very nice tools.

I have not seen one not marked by proto but you never know.

So an old post to look over for you, along with some of my pictures notice the tiny proto logo.

Hope this helps you out.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=295331

 

[B_Bimmer]

I used to think they were the same as proto based on the appearance of the older ones, not too long ago I had to disassemble a large number of rusty, seized 3/4 bolts. I wore a few cheapo wrenches out in short order to the point where the bolt would spin almost as soon as the trigger on the impact was pulled. I then tried a challenger, it lasted significantly longer but eventually gave up as well. At this point I was down to better wrenches I really didn't want to unnecessarily abuse in this manor, but I did have one proto 3/4" wrench that had been modified with a bend for a one time job. It easily finished the project, well over half the total fasteners, with much less visible wear. There was a difference.

Don't get me wrong, challenger wrenches are very good and I buy every one I find cheap. i am hopeful the blackhawk wrenches that took their place become the new craftsman. Time will tell.

 

[nbpt100]

Thanks for the link Woody. It is good to have an appreciation of the history and what is out there.

 

[AZ Pete]

I bought a set of Challenger wrenches in 1966, still using them.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[nbpt100]

I double checked and mine definitely do not say Proto on them. They do say made in USA.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Challenger was Challenger originally. May have been part of the Proto family, but the product didn't say anything about it.

 

[Mecha]

Used to have them in the late 90's in the machine shop. No mention of proto on them back then. Good stuff, took a lot of student abuse with no problems, had like a Matte finish.

 

[Cope]

I have not seen one not marked by proto but you never know.

Woody, I have a couple of 3/4" drive Challenger sockets with no mention of Proto. I got them in a mixed set in 1980-81, so they're pretty old. My other Challenger tools have Proto on them somewhere.

 

[nbpt100]

^ Challenger was Challenger originally. May have been part of the Proto family, but the product didn't say anything about it.

theu sure look the same from this view.

My box wrenches are matte finish.

Does anyone know if they have a lifetime warrantee that may be honored by Proto? Not that I plan on breaking anything.......... but who knows?

 

[B_Bimmer]

They will send you a blackhawk.

 

[four.cycle]

"theu sure look the same from this view."

Yes, they do look quite similar: same jaws, same pattern on the handles, same size and shape. Noticeably different is the way the outer edges of the jaws are finished: the Challengers are fairly "rough" - like they came right off the forge, whereas the Protos have been worked and smoothed down and polished (not really visible in the photo above.)
Both perform equally well - they are usually the first pair I grab out of the box.

 

[HandToolGuy]

Longtime Proto sales rep here...

We have not made the Challenger brand for ~15 years. Before the brand died we called it Challenger by Proto to make it sound better. It was typically made in the same facility as where we made Proto. The differences were mainly cosmetic, wrenches may not have as good of a finish, etc.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I've acquired a few Challenger tools over the years. No complaints