Gear Wrench or Proto?

[Morgan Gooseblood]

Hi there,
New to the forum and having a great time browsing.
Have an opportunity through a new job to purchase tools at a discount. I can buy Gear Wrench or Proto. More tools for the buck with Gear wrench, better quality with Proto?
Looking at 1/4 sockets and ratchets to start.
Any thoughts? Stick to one brand full set or mix and match, Proto ratchets, Gear Wrench sockets?
Thanks in advance.
MGB.

 

[jabberwoki]

Proto...no question. Thread closed.

 

[woody 73]

Even their economy line challenger was top notch...

 

[B_Bimmer]

Proto...no question. Thread closed.

It's tough to argue this. However... Proto at list price can rival snap on, so even with a discount it could be really pricy. There may be better deals if you want to look. Quality wise and as an investment in yourself, there is no question.

 

[Fedwrench]

Welcome to the Journal!!!

I would also recommend Proto because they are excellent quality tools and are US made.
However, Gearwrench ratchets are pretty good with thin heads for improved access.

 

[ssdave]

I have mostly Proto tools myself. They are excellent quality tools, and well designed. Their ratchets aren't the best available, but the older ones are quite durable, and the newer aviation ratchets rival Snap on for nicety. I really like Proto, and have made my choice to invest in them. I don't have a lot of experience with Gearwrench, have owned maybe 20 pieces by them, and only own 4 now, and will be getting rid of them when I get to it. They're okay, but not in any way great. Compared to Proto, they're a Ford Fiesta compared to a Buick Lacrosse. Cheaper to buy and own, but not as nice and won't last as well.

You, however, are the only one that can answer your question. What are your needs, and what is your financial situation? How long will you be using your tools, and how much? Gearwrench may be a decent deal, they're highly regarded in the cheap tool market. Proto will definitely be a lot more durable and better quality overall, but are a lot more expensive. In the long run they may be worth it, especially if you will be using them for hard duty.

In 1/4" I don't think Proto makes the best sockets, I think Williams and Snap-on are a lot better. But, I think Proto is quite a bit better than Gearwrench. I don't think either Proto or Gearwrench makes an excellent ratchet, but the Proto I have is certainly usable enough. They're not Snap-on, but then again, they don't need to be.

 

[Morgan Gooseblood]

Thanks for the advice guys.
My gut was saying Proto, just wanted to make sure extra $ was worth it. Will buy a little bit at a time. That way the better half will never know!

 

[65k10]

If you are buying Proto new, it might be a good idea wait for Zoro to have a 25% or 30% off sale. I think that is one of the cheaper ways to get Proto tools, but more experienced members can chime in on the best way to get Proto.

ETA: oops missed the mention of a discount in the OP

 

[Chief919]

If you are going to be earning a living with the tools then Proto without a doubt.

 

[Missfire]

Hand tools go with gearwrench..quality can't be beat for the money. I own 20k just in snap on hand tools and gearwrench is pretty good. Diagnostic stuff only snap on. And proto only for some mini pneumatic guns new on the market. Anything else go used snapon or gearwrench. Full time tech 15 yrs in. Full rebuilds on a weekly basis. Etc.. oh almost forgot..gearwrench has better finishes and "feels" better in the hand. Only midgrade manufacturer to actually replicate Snap on "flank-drive" well in their wrenches.

 

[Missfire]

Look at the mountain flex head double box end set... 10mm to 19mm. use these daily. Best tool you will ever buy or I'll pay for your tools!!

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Gearwrench or ProTo? Go with ProTo. I have been using mine for over 46 years, and have put in a bunch of 70 hour weeks during that time. I like My SnapOn, SK and some other brands also, but to answer Your question: ProTo.

 

[Ohmthis]

This question is hard since we don't know what these tools will be used for. I have both Proto and Gearwrench. The Proto stuff is real nice and durable, but I only have one Proto ratchet that I like to use. I haven't ever used a Gearwrench ratchet, but the ratcheting wrenches have served me really well. I think I would go with Proto sockets (specialty ones like Allen, torx, and the likes also), extensions, and wrenches. Search around for ratchets that you like and feel good to you, everyone has a different need there.

 

[T45]

The only hesitation here is 1/4 drive....not really the strong point for proto. If you are looking to invest in 1/4 drive, maybe consider other options even. for 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets, I'd say sure if you got the budget.

To some extent, $100 is throway money for a toolset that might be $5K complete and last 10-20 years. On the other hand, $100 is real money and can get you a bunch of useful things.

So it starts, as always, with what is your budget and what jobs do you need the tools to do? :

 

[Empty Pockets]

Thanks for the advice guys.
My gut was saying Proto, just wanted to make sure extra $ was worth it. Will buy a little bit at a time. That way the better half will never know!

I would suggest Pronto, if I am limited to the choice of the two brands. Best thing I can suggest is NOT to go too far in debt, that your tool bill is greater than the house note. Proto makes some good stuff, while GW is less costly, and is serviceable.

If the better half gets upset, a trip to the mall will usually smooth the ruffled feathers.

Welcome to GJ

 

[WittHay]

Maybe get a combination of both. Proto is good for heavy duty stuff like hammers, punches and chisels, impact sockets, 1/2 drive. Gearwrench might be a little nicer in 1/4 and 3/8 drive tools. Like T45 said it depends on what you do with your tools and cost

 

[jo4gj]

are you sure those brands are the only one available for your discount. i have this to say buying new tools when not making a living turning wrenches dose not make sense for me. but used snap on 100% or williams- made in usa stuff and wright tools. if i had to start fresh i would go those routs when considering quality. if quality is not the most important buying tekton might actually still be cheaper then the discount of the gear wrench.

 

[Filson]

Thanks for the advice guys.
My gut was saying Proto, just wanted to make sure extra $ was worth it. Will buy a little bit at a time. That way the better half will never know!

You'll fit in well here.

 

[vssjim]

I would buy Proto and not even think twice, I have alot some new and some forty years old and it will never let you down.

 

[jabberwoki]

Just remember Moose, garage sales / swap meets you can find used Protos for pennies on the dollar.

 

[turnthewrench]

I don't have any experience with Gearwrench, but the PROTO 1/2 sockets sure look well made and solid.

The old design 24 teeth ratchets are basic yet strong, should last a long time. I especially like the palm control Facom clone Proto ratchets. Very smooth action -- 72 teeth -- and strong enough for most tasks.

My 2 cents.

 

[oldtools]

Wrench, socket, breaker bar, punch: Proto
ratcheting wrench, ratchet: Gearwrench

 

[Rarified27]

I don't have any experience with Gearwrench, but the PROTO 1/2 sockets sure look well made and solid.

The old design 24 teeth ratchets are basic yet strong, should last a long time. I especially like the palm control Facom clone Proto ratchets. Very smooth action -- 72 teeth -- and strong enough for most tasks.

My 2 cents.

Another 2 cents...

About 5yrs ago I bought a 1/4" set with the far left ratchet in the above post to see how I liked Proto and the direction switch was terribly stiff regardless of what I did to it, so I sold the set. The switch was also so recessed it made it hard to move. The extensions and sockets were nice though.

Every Gearwrench ratchet I've owned, regular 60t and pass thru had a terrible issue with auto reversing, so bad where you couldn't use them effectively because they would back off or retighten the fastener. I sold every one of them. People have raved about the 84 and 120 tooth models, so I might give them one more shot before swearing off GW ratchets forever.

In terms of overall quality, I felt the Proto was better, particularly the sockets.

 

[turnthewrench]

The direction switch is, indeed, stiff. Somewhat hard to move with the thumb. I usually use the tip of the nail. Not a deal breaker for me, as I'm not a Pro.

Also, that little rat can take some serious torque for a 1/4".

 

[Greg85mcss]

I would definitely invest in some proto if the discount is good. Their combination wrenches are really nice & the impacts like someone else said. It depends what you're doing but I don't buy expensive 1/4 sockets. They're the only thing I ever lose & I always felt like I was working for free if I lost a tool during a job or worse losing money. I really like gearwrench sockets and if you lose or break one $3 for a replacement is a lot better than $20.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[oldtools]

If you are low on cash starting out, then go with Gearwrench. Once you earn enough cash, you can switch over to Proto if you wish to do so. US government use Gearwrench so their quality are pretty good.

 

[hedgehog]

Proto for sure

 

[Jake40]

You have to look past price and look at warranty service. Easiest exchange and speed of exchange to me are more important than the name on the tool. My. Of if full of USA Craftsman and is getting filled in with Gearwrench because I have multiple stores close by that will exchange on the spot or at the longest it's next day.

 

[Rarified27]

The direction switch is, indeed, stiff. Somewhat hard to move with the thumb. I usually use the tip of the nail. Not a deal breaker for me, as I'm not a Pro.

Also, that little rat can take some serious torque for a 1/4".

Yes- the strength of the ratchet was notable. Beyond the switch, it was impressive.

I'm not a pro either, but I found it irritating enough to look elsewhere. I have an Armstrong I enjoy, but the brand just took a **** so I can't even recommend it.

I'm also looking forward to the new SK ratchets, if they're ever released!

 

[M6erfan]

Kia Forte or F150?