Non tool truck USA tools Proto vs SK

[jhark123]

I am sure this has been beat to death but lets talk about it again! I have been filling a tool cart with mostly Matco used tools now that I have a permanent shop setup (the vast majority of my tools live on service trucks for my construction business). For what I can't find used do you guys lean SK, Proto or something else. No, I won't pay new Snap-On/Matco prices. Where do you warranty sk or proto?

 

[lardy1]

Both excellent choices. I like SK but I'm not convinced they're any better. It can vary from tool to tool and application to application.

 

[Wamsutta]

Comparing Proto to SK ?

No contest there. Slam dunk.

 

[davethorik]

Unless you have a nearby brick & mortar dealer, like an industrial supply, warranty will be by mail.

 

[Georgewerr]

I prefer SK but I have not bought anything from either of these two in about 15 years and things do change over time. I have never warranty any tool except for truck brand tools

 

[measuredtwice]

The Proto 90T "precision" ratchets are smooooooth operators. It has been redesigned. If you buy used, make sure you get the newer one. It is easy to check because the new ones have the screw heads on the same side as the Proto logo (it's the opposite on the old ones). The Proto sockets are also quite nice.

The SK stuff that I've used is very old. Haven't seen the current stuff so I can't make a fair comparison.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Proto sockets seem to be a bit thicker on average, clearance can be an issue. I prefer the new proto 90tooth to the SK 90 tooth ratchets.

My SK stuff has done well for me; so has my proto. Check out USA williams too. No real warranty to speak of though.

 

[RCBS08]

Big Proto fan here. Love the new ratchets and you can't beat the prices with the Zoro discount.

Although, I do have a favorite SK 1/4" impact set (shallow, deep and swivel) that is a match made in heaven with the M12 impact.

Just get the best of both and be happy!

 

[Shane6377]

Both SK and Proto are great and I would throw Williams USA in there too. I have sockets, ratchets and combo wrenches from all three and you can't go wrong with any of them.

Personally I love the SK roundhead ratchets but I know many don't.

The SK blow molded cases are great if you have to travel with your sockets.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[jhark123]

Both are excellent tools. SK are a bit more consumer oriented, they make better looking designs and maybe better finish on some of their stuff. Proto is industrial market, and TOUGH. Some isn't finished as nicely, but I prefer their socket finish over anything else I own, even the almighty Snap-on. Their Proto 500 wrenches in full polish are the exception to the not finished nicely comment, those wrenches are the equal of Snap-on OXE's and SOEX.

Warranty on both is by mail-in. Not a huge consideration unless you're deliberately abusing the tools to gain efficiencies. Normal use will have zero, or very few failures. If you're abusing stuff enough to need warranty, buy Snap-on from the truck to make use of the warranty factor.

Keep in mind if you buy used, that different times have had different qualities of both Proto and SK. Most are good, but there's some SK sockets that are prone to failure, and some of the Proto wrenches are quite crudely finished. You just have to watch out for what you buy used.

If you buy Proto, buy it from Zoro at 20 or 25% off sale; that's almost always available.

Well....

 

[bobcatdan]

My opinion is when there is something you want, look between SK, Wright, Proto and USA made Williams. All are good tool. See which one offers what you think looks best.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the only real difference between the offerings of SK and Proto, is that SK will have a wider selection of chrome metric six point sockets. Take 1/2 drive deep metric chrome six point sockets for example, SK has them but, PROTO doesn't offer them in six point.

I think Proto's chrome sockets are finished much nicer than SK's. Proto tools aren't that inexpensive though. You have to shop around for the best deal.

On a side note, not everything Proto sells is US made. Fleet tools, most ratcheting wrenches, and locking pliers are few items wearing the Proto name but, are made elsewhere.

 

[The Fall]

SK for flare-nut wrenches (there is a difference).

The 90-tooth 3/8 SK ratchet would be my workhorse. Williams makes a great roundhead too for 1/2" drive. Long-handled Proto pearhead in 1/2" drive is legendary.

Sockets are a toss up. Both Proto and SK are excellent. I have a mixture of SK, Proto and Williams USA sets in SAE and metric.

Long-panel SK for combo wrenches.

Honestly, SK and Proto are both awesome tool lines.

 

[Super Sport]

I've never been a big SK fan but I have a few of their tools. Overall, I think Proto has better ratchets and nicer sockets. I wouldn't really go with either for most other tools since for the most part, they're mediocre or rebrands. Wright and Williams are both good options as well.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I personally prefer Proto for ease of warranty, more consistent QC, and some of their tool designs like longer wrench lengths. Proto overall is more consistent quality wise and has a stronger distribution network. SK has had questionable quality control since before they went bankrupt. Every now and then a thread gets started on this forum for the purpose of complaining. Both brands are worth buying used if you can get a good deal or new if significantly below list price. I know two local suppliers that will warranty my Proto tools no questions asked. SK is mail in for me.

 

[DerekV]

Without question, Proto.

Zoro and a coupon is a good place to be.

 

[four.cycle]

I think Proto's chrome sockets are finished much nicer than SK's.

I own at least 3 or 4 S-K 1/4" drive socket sets, and 2 or 3 Proto 1/4" drive socket sets, and I will concur with Fedwrench on fit/finish and plating.

I can't offer comment on any other parts of either product line as the 1/4" drive sets are all I have in either brand (other than an OLD set of S-K SAE combos.)

 

[The Fall]

SK flarenut wrenches. I've had an SK break a line nut free that a Proto flarenut wrench was starting to round off. (I have both sets and would use whatever brand's set was closest.) That sold me on SK line wrenches.

Proto is a great brand. But if you're not dumping money on Snap-on, go SK on the line wrenches. For me, that's a no-brainer. The rest is a toss up.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Proto and Wright are a little better than SK IMHO but that doesn’t mean SK is a slouch either. All will serve you well. Proto and Wright are easier to get larger sizes second hand, lots of ex industrial stuff floating around so most of my larger wrenches are from them.

One of SK’s downside is the multiple owners and such issues have created varying levels of quality out there.

The thing I like about Proto is so much of Mac’s line can be had from Proto too. Snap On is a little more hesitant to put the latest developments (such as fine tooth ratchets) into the Williams line.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I would go Proto but SK is excellent too.

 

[cherrybomb]

I would go Proto but SK is excellent too.

I also agree,Proto has been getting it done for a long,long time.Ask someone in the tough industrial section,if they only had one choice.

 

[Robinson1]

What few pieces of Proto I own are excellent.

SK while nice I personally think is over priced

 

[logical]

I bought sets in 3 sizes maybe 8 years ago, had to mail in a few sockets for peeling chrome but for my DIY use I am satisfied with SK. I upgraded to what I think are better SK ratchets and sold the ones that the sets came with. Honesty though, I use many different ratchets.

Sent from my garage.

 

[Firebrick43]

I know you said proto and Sk but wright grip wrench’s woop them both. Wright in 3/4” sockets is superior as well. In 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2” socket I prefer sk over the others. Ratchets I like snap on the best but have quite a few sk fines from the facom era that I love
I have one Wright dual pawl 12” 3/8 ratchet that I have abuse the **** out of but my coworkers do make fun of its looks(smooth handle)
The best hex(Allen) sockets however are proto. Sk and snap blow in comparison. Working on machine tools they are my most used tools and after three years I have manage to wear out a 4 and 5 mm last month. Snap one I would twist it seemed every month and sk snap off every 4-6 months.

As far as flare wrenches. I have tried them all and sk is ok but snap on spread less/non ex’s instant compared to the sk.

Proto, sk, and Wright deep offset box end wrenches ****. Snap on pretty good but hazet bar none the best and a decent price.

None of them make screw drivers worth a damn. Williams USA identical to the old snap on ones and wera win there. Pliers with owning by snap on or better yet knipex if they offer the style.

 

[putergod]

Proto VS SK.... That's a tough one. I have many tools from both, and love them all.
Though, some talking about the Proto socket "finish" being "better"... well, that's subjective. I feel the Proto sockets are a little too much "bling". They are freaking shiny. More-so than Snap-On, Williams, SK, Craftsman, Armstrong, MAC, Matco or Wright (I have some sockets from every one of these). My absolute favorite sockets are the laser-etched Armstrong. Easiest ones to read. The only sockets I have ever broken were cheap chinesium ones. Never broken any of the brands mentioned here.

SK makes the best non-reversible ratcheting wrenches. Super strong, and less than 2 degree arc. They do not make reversible ratcheting wrenches. VERY reasonably priced for what you are getting (especially when compared to the others talked about here).
Proto makes awesome reversible ratcheting wrenches (make sure you get the no-slip, high polished, spline ones - the rest are chinesium). They are far from cheap, though.

As far as just normal combination wrenches, I honestly think they are all (the good USA brands that is) virtually the same. Yea, there's differences, each has their own "technology" on the box and/or open ends, they all have their pros and cons, but at the end of the day, they are all great - Specifically referring Snap-On, SK, Proto, Wright and MAC. I haven't had many of the other big brands in combo wrenches. Heck even old school V series Craftsman are perfectly fine wrenches, but not quite at the quality level of the aforementioned five brands.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I Still have a lot of my dad's old SK & Williams tools, they were ridden hard starting some 70 years ago up until how we kids abused the hell out of them, and show little wear... the ratchets still work, the wrenches aren't splayed... I understand SK is going downhill of late (and comparing those to a recent purchase of mine concurs with that) but their older stuff is sterling IMO.

 

[2Busy]

I’m almost done replacing my Craftsman China sockets with Williams USA. I wanted good quality and USA made, chose Williams over SK, Wright and others bc it seemed to be good bang for the buck (Williams USA is considerably less expensive than those others, particularly if you buy through ToolsDelivered.com). From what I’ve read on this forum and elsewhere, the Williams USA sockets are made in the same factory with same forging on the same machines as Snap-On, just with different stampings. Wrenches are very close cousins too, as I understand. Be careful when ordering as Williams also has made in Taiwan versions (good quality tools as well and even less expensive but not USA if that matters to you). Typically the USA line has letters and numbers in the product number, Taiwan is all numbers. If OP isn’t set on either SK or Proto, I’d definitely give the Williams USA line a look.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I bought sets in 3 sizes maybe 8 years ago, had to mail in a few sockets for peeling chrome but for my DIY use I am satisfied with SK. I upgraded to what I think are better SK ratchets and sold the ones that the sets came with. Honesty though, I use many different ratchets.

Sent from my garage.

What’s that dual handled thing in the third picture?

 

[dnschmidt]

I bought sets in 3 sizes maybe 8 years ago, had to mail in a few sockets for peeling chrome but for my DIY use I am satisfied with SK. I upgraded to what I think are better SK ratchets and sold the ones that the sets came with. Honesty though, I use many different ratchets.

Sent from my garage.

You do realize the ratchet you've shown in the first picture is a FACOM ratchet I hope.

 

[M6erfan]

You do realize the ratchet you've shown in the first picture is a FACOM ratchet I hope.

I like those Palm Control ratchets. I have a 1/4" Facom and a 1/2" SK branded version.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

You do realize the ratchet you've shown in the first picture is a FACOM ratchet I hope.

Weren't Facom and S-K married for a while?

 

[Schurkey]

They were. Now it's Facom and the evil Stanley Empire.

 

[Ton ton]

I would probably go with Proto if you have a Napa close by.

 

[Schurkey]

I have a NAPA close by; I don't think they've ever heard of Proto.

They've got a half-wall of Carlyle, a big isle display of Evercraft, but all their publicity goes into Crapsman. Tough deal--they've got three brands of import--cheap, cheaper, cheapest, I guess. I had some USA NAPA-brand tools that I returned for warranty; they were not happy about it. I got Carlyle as replacements.

And don't look for Carlyle tools on the www.napaonline.com web site. It's so disorganized I get run around in circles--Carlyle tools becomes brake rotors for my K2500.

 

[cherrybomb]

I have both,there both very good.Proto has an excellent reputation in the industrial segment.I have found Proto to have a much better price on zoro than anything I can find on SK.I would do the Proto and be extremely happy.

 

[Ton ton]

Look in the Napa real deals paper catalog. I think I have seen proto sets advertised in the real deals. I know some Napa's are lousy when it comes to tools.

 

[Fedwrench]

You do realize the ratchet you've shown in the first picture is a FACOM ratchet I hope.

Actually No. That's a SK made in the USA copy of the world famous FACOM palm control ratchet. For some reason, the SK version's head is a lot thicker than the French original. I think it's the thickness on the knurled direction ring that makes it taller. It's also on the hefty side weight wise.

 

[Draftpick1]

I’m almost done replacing my Craftsman China sockets with Williams USA. I wanted good quality and USA made, chose Williams over SK, Wright and others bc it seemed to be good bang for the buck (Williams USA is considerably less expensive than those others, particularly if you buy through ToolsDelivered.com). From what I’ve read on this forum and elsewhere, the Williams USA sockets are made in the same factory with same forging on the same machines as Snap-On, just with different stampings. Wrenches are very close cousins too, as I understand. Be careful when ordering as Williams also has made in Taiwan versions (good quality tools as well and even less expensive but not USA if that matters to you). Typically the USA line has letters and numbers in the product number, Taiwan is all numbers. If OP isn’t set on either SK or Proto, I’d definitely give the Williams USA line a look.

Be care with your Williams Usa sockets if they are on a service truck, multiple sets at work have rust inside

 

[ChevyEFI]

Actually No. That's a SK made in the USA copy of the world famous FACOM palm control ratchet. For some reason, the SK version's head is a lot thicker than the French original. I think it's the thickness on the knurled direction ring that makes it taller. It's also on the hefty side weight wise.

I had heard of this on the 1/4" models, seen PNs (1 digit off) of thick and thin. Wonder what inspired the thicker variant? Any more info? Did 3/8 and 1/2 get thick and thin?

 

[Rinspeed]

Be care with your Williams Usa sockets if they are on a service truck, multiple sets at work have rust inside

I have a whole safe full of guns, if I get lazy some of them will get a little surface rust on them once in a while. I don't know how many sets of impact sockets I have but it's a bunch, same thing.