Help!!! Proto vs. Wera ratchet

[Bross956]

My ten year old craftsman 3/8 ratchet is finally taking a ****. Nah, no way I'm going to trade it in on a china version. So after looking at ratchet's over a month now I have narrowed it down to Wera/Proto. I'm a DIYer so no heavy use on my end, as of now I'm leaning towards the Wera only for the push button release feature. I can't stand removing the socket from the ratchet just to finish the last few turns when I can just simply finger the push button. Other then that it's a coin toss as I have never held nor used either one. I humbly thank you for your opion's and experience with either ratchet...


Proto J5249XL-45 tooth, 8 1/2", COO USA, $35

Wera 8004B Zyklop-75 tooth, 8 1/2"?, COO Czech Republic, $56

 

[48548]

Having the wera, I would say wera. I only have the older proto the 5249 clunky design. Wera makes top notch stuff in my opinion and the price is right.

 

[chevelle67]

I have both and tend to prefer the proto for heavier wrenching. I find I use the wera on lighter duty stuff, no idea why. Both good rats.

 

[T45]

The wera handles look thin, are they like wrench beams or is that an optica illusion? Just curious about the 3D shape, thks

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have the Proto pictured and it is very smooth,I gave $15 for it at the Flea market. It is a very good ratchet and feels good in the hand.

 

[1950mercury]

You can't go wrong with either.... But if you have the double detent craftsman sockets they work alot better with quick release ratchets...Also take a trip to Sears they will give you a rebuild kit for free or exchange it for a rebuilt USA ratchet....use it as a backup

 

[Spoiled Bradt]

Get the Proto. I have all 5 of the XL. Great pieces.
$32.55 and free ship if you spend 50. Get the 11 inch J5250XL too ;-) or the j5257f Facom -Proto flex head fine tooth for a little over 42. You need flex too right ?
https://www.zoro.com/proto-hand-ratchet-38-in-dr-8-12-in-l-j5249xl/i/G2557755/

 

[Fedwrench]

You can get the Proto in a quick release version.

I also have both ratchets. The Proto is heavier and I think more robust.

The wera ratchet isn't servicable. The ratchet mechanism is press fit into the ratchet body.

I wish the Proto was available in a flex head version.

 

[Bross956]

Thanks guys!!! Great feedback, 48548-does the Wera ratchet feel like a wrench in your hand vs typical rounded handle ratchet?

 

[Bross956]

You can get the Proto in a quick release version.

I also have both ratchets. The Proto is heavier and I think more robust.

The wera ratchet isn't servicable. The ratchet mechanism is press fit into the ratchet body.

I wish the Proto was available in a flex head version.

Fedwrench-Yep, if that style ratchet came in a flex head i would have bought it on the spot.

 

[Ghost11]

Ive never used wera, but it looks good. Ive have some protos, they work great. Youll be happy with either

 

[DPG]

I have the same Proto in your picture that I bought a few years ago. I've used it a lot, it is a quality ratchet and like many things, it will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

 

[davethorik]

I have the Proto in long 3/8 and 1/2, they're some of my favorite ratchets. The Wera being non serviceable, plus the price, would kill it for me.

 

[chevelle67]

The wera handles look thin, are they like wrench beams or is that an optica illusion? Just curious about the 3D shape, thks

Nope, they are thin and a bit uncomfortable if you have to reef on them hard.

 

[PureLeaf]

I have the 1/2 and 3/8 long handled Protos. Its a nice ratchet, robust for sure. But definitely doesn't compare to finer toothed ratchets when you're in a tight spot. Thats the only negative of it.

 

[Ainsley]

Just got 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive proto premium quick release ratchets in black oxide, they're all very nice.
Amazon.ca has killer deals on them periodically.

 

[winlinmac]

How is Original Wera Swivel-based Zyklop different from this?

 

[winlinmac]

Also, is there anything significant in the pear-head Wera Metal ratchets? They look oddly reminiscent to the old Danahar Ratchets (from the top)

 

[T45]

somebody please kill this thread /tks

 

[firworks]

For curiosities sake, how did you come down to those two as your two options as the replacement ratchet?

 

[winlinmac]

Some of Wera's products look gimmicky, from the joker wrenches to these Swivel Zyklops, they use proprietary names to make the products stand out.

Somethings are better off the way they are---in other words don't change what doesn't have to be changed, lol

There's innovation and quality in US-made tools, that's just my view, the feel of SK and Wright ratchets are right in the hand, whereas something in Wera's ratchet design just doesn't feel organic. There's ruggedness and heft in SK's and Wright's ratchets, which are qualities I prefer.

/fin