Info on two new PROTO combos please.

[manoverboard]

Bought a couple of PROTO wrenches today that I couldn't pass up for a couple bucks a piece at a local antique shop. I am just now starting to build up my collection with some PROTO pieces. So if anyone wants to take a look at these and give me some feedback then it would be much appreciated. I would certainly like to know the age of both as well.

 

[devoncoolman]

Nice piece's i have a ton of older dayton wrenches whole sets too. I should sell them off i dont use them anymore. The challenger wrench i belive is late 70's i may be wrong probably early 70's

 

[manoverboard]

Just as you posted that I found some info on the challenger by proto. Seems to be a nice wrench for a value brand, I didnt suspect it to be any lesser quality than the other proto wrench when I was comparing the two. Thanks for the info stephen9666 , much appreciated!

 

[Mike14k]

My first full and nice set of wrenches were Proto Challenger... 1975.

Still have them. Always worked just fine. I happen to like the thin spline and matte finish.

 

[vssjim]

They just didn't shine them as much overall as the Proto line but they were great tools. I really like the Proto finish of that era as well I wish they still had it.

 

[RM209]

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/proto-empire.html

Much more info at the above link.

BTW - Proto Challenger was their value brand. It has since been replace by Blackhawk.

I've got quite a few Challenger wrenches; they're very good quality. I like the satin finish; a bit less slippery if you're changing a water pump and you're hands are covered w/ coolant.

RM209

 

[manoverboard]

Anyone have info on the 5/8" 1220 wrench? age wise too?

 

[rusty65]

I would say mid to late 70s because proto was bought by Stanley in the 80s and the wrenches made in the 60s were marked proto la.

 

[manoverboard]

Thanks for the reply rusty!

 

[turmlos]

Keep an eye out for Tru-Test tools as well. They were made for the True Value hardware store chain. I have several of their wrenches and sockets. They appear to be rebadged Proto Challenger, and can be had for next to nothing.

 

[manoverboard]

I found a couple of other things in the box that I found these in. They were Ford stamped double ended wrenches, that apparently came with every model T/A that rolled out of the factory (So I have been told) but I may bite on them, although they appear to be "Common". and there were some old Cman speeders, and a bonney combo.