Must have Proto tools

[GreaseMonkey45170]

I was wondering how proto compares to the other brands out there. How good are there basic tools such as wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers? All info and pictures are welcome.

 

[GIJoe4500]

I have primary proto hand tools and love them. They are big names in industrial environments. Petrochemical, nuclear power, etc. Tend to be cheaper in the pawn shops and on ebay than snap on, matco, etc. Harder to find full polish stuff though. Most of what i come across is satin finish.

overall great hardline of tools. No reason to hesitate on picking some up.

 

[Deskmechanic]

Everything except the old-school pear head ratchets (for automotive use anyway). I hate 'em.

But I do love the newer Facom-style round head ratchets. As well as everything else they make.

 

[Skin]

I was wondering how proto compares to the other brands out there. How good are there basic tools such as wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers? All info and pictures are welcome.

Proto and MAC share production facilities, many of the tools are identical. Its like buying truck tools at 1/3 the cost. They don't have anything that truly stands out as innovative that comes to mind but they're a very solid tool brand. Excellent fit and finish with a nice old school chrome luster. You could do much worse.

 

[wrenchr]

Proto is top notch!! I prefer their newer 45 tooth ratchets!!
The group of 4 on the bottom in the middle.

 

[oldldh]

The only Proto tools I have are these Classic Professional Screwdrivers...

They are not shown, anymore, on Proto's website, and there are rumors that they have been discontinued...

I hope not...

They are the best screwdrivers I've ever used!!!

They are still available at Amazon, Zoro Tools, Epsteins, and many other outlets...

Hurry, hurry, hurry---before they're all gone...

 

[DTB]

Anymore the MAC and Proto asd wrenches are pretty well the same. Their new line of screwdrivers are the same as well. Sockets are nice.You can't go wrong with Proto, especially for the price. I don't care for the old ancient Proto ratchets some obsess with,there are way better options in the ratchet department these days. The big dawg and Facom copied ratchets are nice though.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have never had a subpar tool from Proto. In fact, I also think their lesser lines, Blackhawk and Challenger, are better than just about any other American tool line other than the truck brands. Proto wrenches are my favorite, and their sockets are second to none. As others have mentioned, their ratchets aren't as sweet as Snap On's, but the rest of their tools are every bit as good in my opinion.

 

[bart1]

The ones I have used are very strong and reliable. Couple negative comments here about the old pear head ratchets, but they are very thin, which is a big plus in many applications.

Here is a Hazet, craftsman raised panel and Proto pear. Proto is the thin one.

 

[highland512]

Proto tools are top notch. Like others have said the old style pear head ratchets are not the greatest. Nearly all of my sockets are proto, and my standard wrench set is also proto. I put the whole set together from 1/4"-1-5/8" for an average cost of $1.75 from auction lots, pawn shops, etc etc.

 

[kippieland]

Have a 45 tooth ratchet and it super tough. I also got a super small pair of needle nose pliers from a local industrial supply shop. They're awesome as well. Dont' think you can go wrong.

 

[littletoes]

Own a bunch of PROTO tools too, and mostly have good things to say. I like the pear head ratchets, they are very strong.

My only complaint would be the newer adjustable wrenches...they seem like clubs compared to all the wrenches I bought in the 80's. They look a lot like the "Crestoloy" wrenches....thick and club-like.

 

[Tinner]

I have several sets of Proto wrenches. The oldest date from the '80s the newest a couple months ago. The old ones are great, the new even better. All my torque wrenches are Proto, and I have a bunch of random Proto. One of the best deals around on top quality tools.

 

[Wamsutta]

Everything except the old-school pear head ratchets (for automotive use anyway). I hate 'em.

Why do you hate the Proto pear head ratchets?

 

[DTB]

Why do you hate the Proto pear head ratchets?

In todays age they are just old fashioned. What 20 tooth gear? And I thought my 30 tooth MAC's were bad. I had a 15" 1/2 drive at work,I will take my SL80 over it any day.

 

[Deskmechanic]

^^^ This. And they just feel clunky.

 

[tweedlestan]

The classic Proto ratchets are much better than some people imply. Stronger than most other ratchets.

 

[3baygarage]

I think anything Proto is good for strength and durability. For sure, no comparison between a fine tooth Snap On ratchet and a Proto pear head, but it's not made the same.
I don't think you'd have to worry about breaking any Proto tool too easily.

 

[Scout Driver]

The older Proto adjustable wrenches are second-to-none. Nice feel and balance. No play or unintentional movement of the jaws.

Scott

 

[fronceyangf]

The big dawg and Facom copied ratchets are nice though.

 

[montanafordman]

I don't understand the hate about the old proto pear heads. Yes they have much fewer teeth than modern equivalents but they are BOMBPROOF! I think they are fairly smooth despite their lack of 60^3rd power number of teeth. They also are low profile so the arc may require a few more degrees to ratchet but it will fit into tight areas. I still think these are better than the new craftsman stuff no matter how many teeth either ratchet has. I inherited this 3/8 ratchet from my Grandfather and the markings put it before 1955 or so. It led a tortured life on the farm and has cheater pipe marks to prove it but the ratcheting mechanism still works beautifully.

 

[DTB]

You won't convince me to own another. In this century there are just so many better options. Sure they are tough, but I've never busted another 1/2" drive ratchet. They may be slim but rarely am I worried about low profile in 1/2" drive.If so I will get out the MATCO,it is fairly low profile. They've got a lot of back drag as well,that's my biggest complaint with coarse tooth ratchets.

 

[Nortonscustom]

I would say Proto "must have's" would be the USA made ratcheting wrenches and their new impact guns. Coworker picked up the new 1/2" drive impact. The thing is a beast!! And one of the best handling guns I've ever held. Both are on my "must have" list.

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

I have to agree, those usa ratcheting wrenches are pretty sweet looking. Great pics to. Keep em coming guys.

 

[zakmartin]

Proto impact sockets are fantastic.

 

[carcajou]

Proto has always had very good wrenches, but i wouldn't trade my Proto 500 wrenches for anything on the market.

 

[John in OH]

Proto tools are an "industrial" brand and play in the same league as Wright, Williams and Armstrong. Excellent hard-line tools at usually less than half the cost of truck brands. You can't go wrong with any of these four brands.

 

[wrenchr]

Proto tools are an "industrial" brand and play in the same league as Wright, Williams and Armstrong. Excellent hard-line tools at usually less than half the cost of truck brands. You can't go wrong with any of these four brands.

Agree 100%

 

[Fedwrench]

Proto tools are an "industrial" brand and play in the same league as Wright, Williams and Armstrong. Excellent hard-line tools at usually less than half the cost of truck brands. You can't go wrong with any of these four brands.

yes and no. many people today forget the autombile racing legacy PROTO had with the INDY 500 back in the 60's. Proto was also filling up the tool boards in many high school auto shop classes then too.
I think proto drifted away from auto repair and motorsports but, now seems to be working toward more automotive fleet involvement. They make great tools. They have an excellent range of metric impact sockets in all three drive sizes. Their chrome is amazing. Their satin won't win any beauty contests but, it wll take a beating and keep on performing.
Their prices can be close to tool truck brand depending on where you shop. I'm not a fan of their old pearhead ratchets but, I love their 45 tooth premium pearhead models.

 

[RM209]

I have to agree, those usa ratcheting wrenches are pretty sweet looking. Great pics to. Keep em coming guys.

Yup, great looking wrenches; the recessed beams remind me of the later style Bonneys.

RM209

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Proto tools are an "industrial" brand and play in the same league as Wright, Williams and Armstrong. Excellent hard-line tools at usually less than half the cost of truck brands. You can't go wrong with any of these four brands.

I have a Wright double ended 1/2" drive breaker bar, and it's probably the finest breaker bar I have ever seen. I was admiring it tonight and it reminded me that I need to start buying more Wright tools.

Proto makes up about 50% of my tools.

 

[woody 73]

I use this set all the time and I have never had any problems...


http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/61987-j2-proto-round-cold-chisel-punch-sets.html

 

[wrenchr]

I use this set all the time and I have never had any problems...


http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/61987-j2-proto-round-cold-chisel-punch-sets.html

I have that same set and use the bejezus out of them.

 

[BFHtime]

What is the part number for those ratchet wrenches? I like the way those look. The Mac wrenches that come in a nice little holder that flips, having 2 levels, looks very similar. They are very light feel great in the hand. If anyone has the part number for that one too, I would appreciate it.

The new US made craftsman professional ratchets look really nice. If I didn't already have Snapon ratchets I would give them a shot. They were not cheap. I am hoping to hear good things about them.

 

[Stokes_]

I have some Proto wrenches and sockets, they're every bit as good as my SO/SK stuff. Can't go wrong. Love their 1/4" speed handle.

 

[Farmall450]

Proto and MAC share production facilities, many of the tools are identical. Its like buying truck tools at 1/3 the cost. They don't have anything that truly stands out as innovative that comes to mind but they're a very solid tool brand. Excellent fit and finish with a nice old school chrome luster. You could do much worse.

Agreed.

 

[Farmall450]

I would say Proto "must have's" would be the USA made ratcheting wrenches and their new impact guns. Coworker picked up the new 1/2" drive impact. The thing is a beast!! And one of the best handling guns I've ever held. Both are on my "must have" list.

Wow, those wrenches look nice.

 

[AV tinker er]

Agree 100%