T to B: Indestro 2850, Proto 4766, Herbrand 23006 1/4" drive breaker bars by four.cycle, on Flickr
T to B: Snap-on TM739, Thorsen 77MC,Proamerica 4150 1/4" drive ratchets by four.cycle, on FlickrTop to Bottom:
#2850 Indestro 1/4" drive breaker bar (probably 1950s vintage)
#2766 Proto 1/4" drive breaker bar (purchased a couple years ago)
#23006 Herbrand 1/4" drive breaker bars (recently acquired NOS)
The only markings on the Herbrands are the part number, "Herbrand" and the small triangle logo.
While they appear to be fairly well-made and nicely finished, they are considerably thicker through the shank and handle compared to other makes, as well as being heavier. (Although compared to some of the Craftsman models I'd say that it would be a toss-up.)
I haven't received the sockets yet. I hope they look as nice as the breaker bars do.
I've sold cheezy tools: Globemaster, Oxwall, Zomax, Wilmar (now "Performance Tool"), and I most definitely would not put these Herbrand specimens into that same category by any means.
(* The old Indestro and my new Proto were the only ones that were immediately at hand. I've got many others but they're kind of buried right now.... girlfriend made me move tools out of the kitchen because it was Christmas.)
not my auction, but this is a hoot!
if you ever wanted a real $42 genuine Snap-On OEXM170B 17mm long profile wrench, here is a brand new one with no markings for $10
I have bought these from this auction in the past, and as someone who owns the genuine OEXM170B - I can assure you they are the real deal, and first quality, just completely unmarked.
They provide hours of evil fun exposing folk's brand bias!
here is what you do, take this wrench to your local Snap-On fan boy professional mechanic, and ask him to try it out, telling him that it is Harbor Freight's new "Stealth" line and you would like his impression of how well it works vs. his Snap-on, and he will come back say something like, "it seems adequate for China ****, but cannot touch my real Snap-On wrench" (little does he know that he is holding a real Snap-On OEXM170B in his hand!)
PS - don't try this with some tool guru like Fedwrench, he will see right through your ruse as soon as the wrench hits his hand.
