new proto vs armstrong sockets

[nathan_454]

I just got the craftsman 299 piece socket set to replace my mixed bag of sockets I currently have at work.

my question is I am wanting to fill the gaps and complete all the sets now,

I have been researching and it seems Armstrong makes MOST (not all) of the sockets missing to complete all socket sets.

1/4, 3/8, 1/2, SAE, MM, Shallow, Deep 6 and 12 pt...

however Proto makes 99 percent of the sockets I want,

so my question is, I know Armstrong is Danaher (apex, whatever they are now).

and Proto is Stanley.

which do ya'll think is the better socket? are the comparable in quality? a guy I work with uses Armstrong tools almost exclusively and they seem nice.

my experience with Proto sockets is with ones that are probably 40 years old.

 

[pipsters]

Proto is a "higher refined" product, both should be similar in actual use IMO. Armstrongs would fit in better with the Craftsman, the Proto will stick out with their chrome.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Armstrong will match better because they are the same exact socket as the Craftsman. The only difference is the name stamped on the side.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Both make quality tools. I will also confirm that the Armstrong and CM sockets are in fact the same thing for the most part.

I would just fill in with the Armstrong so they match for the most part. Then fill in the rest with another brand/s.

Are you filling Hansen trays?

 

[OEXL16B]

which do ya'll think is the better socket? are the comparable in quality?

The square drive end on the Craftsman/Armstrong sockets is goofy as heck. Meanwhile, the Proto socket design is perfect. I won't be buying Craftsman/Armstrong sockets anymore.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have been buying some Armstrong socket also, to fill in Craftsman. Nice quality, but expensive, compared to Craftsman !

What can't you find in Armstrong ?

 

[shoturtle]

proto is the nicer of the two. I have craftsman, armstrong and proto. And proto has the best fit and finish of the 3. But have you gone throw sears website, to see if the missing sized are available. It is allot less then the armstrong or proto.

 

[cbracer]

Warning - The proto uses large detents, and the CM ratchets has a small detent ball. Proto sockets will fit very loose on CM ratchets. I love my Proto sockets way more than any Armstrong or CM.

 

[shoturtle]

Replace the rp ratchet, and problem solved with the proto socket. And you get a much better ratchet.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Replace the rp ratchet, and problem solved with the proto socket. And you get a much better ratchet.

Why? I have 30 plus year old rp ratchets and rp rhft ratchets. They have stood the test of time.

Also have some proto "challenger" sockets about the same age. Haven't noticed any issues regardless of what brand of ratchet I use

 

[shoturtle]

Because they are not comfortable, and not smooth compare to my proto bigdawgs. I brought my master set back in the early 90's. And I did not like the action of the rp's at all.

Replaced them with the proto ratchet and have been super happy with them the couple months later. Just recently made them my second favorite ratchet after my wife got me a set of fine tooth wera zyklop.

 

[EvilWelder]

I have a set of each, and the Proto wins hands down, better chrome, more heft, and just a better product.

 

[5mall5nail5]

I did what you are doing except I Just went through craftsman.com and ordered the sizes I wanted to fill in. That way they ALL match. I like the laser etching on the cman sockets and I like that they now all match.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I did what you are doing except I Just went through craftsman.com and ordered the sizes I wanted to fill in. That way they ALL match. I like the laser etching on the cman sockets and I like that they now all match.

That is what I did then every size Craftsman dose not offer I got Armstrong.