Proto 1/4" Big Dawgs @ Grainger

[Stuey]

Grainger has some decent prices on Proto's 1/4" Big Dawgs.

$13.87 for the short version (4749P) and $14.68 for the longer version (4749PG).

I picked up the 1/4" one for myself, but cannot find the longer one at any Grainger near me, and for lack of a legit company account I cannot order it online.

Anyways, I wanted to share this info in case anyone was looking for this, and to see if anyone has any suggestions as to how I could get the 4749PG for less than $20 anywhere else.

 

[64merc]

Cool, I don't no why I thought they were discontinued. Maybe they still have some left. Does anyone have a list of the "Big Dawg" model #'s in the 3 drive sizes by chance?

Now that everyone has had a chance to use them, is the consensus that they are as good as first thought?

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have never had one in my hands but I bet they are great. I have always been a huge Proto fan so I guess that makes me biased!

 

[Stuey]

Cool, I don't no why I thought they were discontinued. Maybe they still have some left. Does anyone have a list of the "Big Dawg" model #'s in the 3 drive sizes by chance?

Now that everyone has had a chance to use them, is the consensus that they are as good as first thought?

They have been discontinued, hence the lower than ordinary price and "limited availability". I have been able to find it elsewhere online for $17 or so plus shipping, and a few of them popped up on ebay as well.

The 3/8" drive ratchet has a model # 5249P and they don't carry it at Grainger anymore.

 

[wrenchr]

I might have to pick one up!!!!!!

 

[Elroy]

You mean something like this:

<a href="http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/EllisofRoy/?action=view&current=L1000790.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/EllisofRoy/L1000790.jpg" border="0" alt="old and new proto"></a>

Elroy read here these were being discontinued at Grainger. A quick call to the local office confirmed the short #3UE15 was $14.68. They had three in stock in Lexington, KY. Elroy requested that one be transfered into Louisville. Picked it up the next day. It's OK. I like my Snappy better but then again it cost like 6 times more.

So there you have it: a 1944 "Proto" and a 2008 "Proto". Elroy wonders what that plastic handle will look like in 64 years. Not as good as that "War Finish"

 

[cambell]

After reading on this board about how great these ratchets are, a few weeks ago I picked some up. They have a nice pawl design but they are sloppy in my opinion, expecially the 1/4 drives. I have both the plastic handle and the all metal handle and they are both sloppy. If givin the choice I would get the full metal one, its alittle shorter than the plastic but I like the use brake cleaner on my tools, it will melt the plastic handle. Your gonna flame me but I just picked up the new craftsman ratchet set on clearance for $25 and they blow away my protos and have the same floating pawl design.

 

[PoorOwner]

I have the 3/8 and 1/2 but I heard the 1/4" have a low teeth count. I like the craftsman polished (professional) 1/4" one better

 

[ratchet_gear]

Does one need an business account to by from them, or does it very from state to state?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Does one need an business account to by from them, or does it very from state to state?

It varies, I buy them stuff at my local counter with no account at all!

 

[jay50]

It varies, I buy them stuff at my local counter with no account at all!

I notice that when the economy is bad, places will sell to anyone to stay in business; espcially if you walk into their store with MIF (money in fist)..

 

[ratchet_gear]

It varies, I buy them stuff at my local counter with no account at all!

Yea, I just spoke with a third person and they told me that I would be able to make a one time cash purchase since I don’t have an account. She also said that Grainger is now requiring purchasers to have a business account and that they are going to be moving away from allowing people to just walk in and buy.

 

[ratchet_gear]

But on the bright side I was able to order the two ratchets that the OP is speaking about.

 

[keywestjack]

Yea, I just spoke with a third person and they told me that I would be able to make a one time cash purchase since I don’t have an account. She also said that Grainger is now requiring purchasers to have a business account and that they are going to be moving away from allowing people to just walk in and buy.

Gee what a great marketing comcept, turn away business.

 

[ratchet_gear]

If anyone still wants a 4749p and can get there hands on one from Grainger, they have them for $9.84 now.

 

[dxdexter]

If anyone still wants a 4749p and can get there hands on one from Grainger, they have them for $9.84 now.

Thats an excellent deal. I wish they were that cheap here in Canada. Grainger sells the the closest model for $57.17.
http://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI...alProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=PRT4749XL

 

[ratchet_gear]

Thats an excellent deal. I wish they were that cheap here in Canada. Grainger sells the the closest model for $57.17.

WOW!!! That *****.

 

[Junkman]

Yea, I just spoke with a third person and they told me that I would be able to make a one time cash purchase since I don’t have an account. She also said that Grainger is now requiring purchasers to have a business account and that they are going to be moving away from allowing people to just walk in and buy.

Just do as I do when a company wants to only deal with another company. I use Junkman Associates. as a business name, along with my home address if they want a street address, or my P.O. Box for a mailing address. If there is tax, I tell them that I prefer to pay the tax to them rather than do the paper work for a tax exempt sale. Works every time for me, and I do have a commercial account at Graingers under my legitimate business name.

 

[dxdexter]

Just do as I do when a company wants to only deal with another company. I use Junkman Associates. as a business name, along with my home address if they want a street address, or my P.O. Box for a mailing address. If there is tax, I tell them that I prefer to pay the tax to them rather than do the paper work for a tax exempt sale. Works every time for me, and I do have a commercial account at Graingers under my legitimate business name.

I bought a few shields for my headband and they asked the business name. I always use the company I work for because they have an account and I paid with my personal credit card. They still sent my company an invoice looking for payment even though my copy showed "paid in full". Needless to say they didn't pay.

 

[Junkman]

I would be more inclined to believe that they sent your employer a copy of the invoice, and the person that received it at your company failed to realize that it had been paid for by cash or credit card. All invoices are generated by computer, and at the end of the day, all cash sales have to balance with the cash invoices, or someone gets to stay and search till they find the error. If the books don't balance at the end of the night, it is a major problem that they have to resolve. When I make purchases for myself and pay for it with cash or credit card, the business will get a copy of the invoice in the mail within a few days. If you don't scrutinize the printed invoice, it is easy to think that there is money due. It is not stamped in red "PAID".
What do you think happens when they are $10 off.... a cashier throws $10 into the drawer so everyone can go home? Not a chance. The money has to balance, or the error has to be found. Today, business's that handle cash are very concerned about employee theft, and they don't let mistakes get by them very easily. Most have a specific dollar amount that they will "exempt", but it is a very low amount, usually under $3.00 / $5.00 and if it happens very often, they start searching for the reason. Ever wonder why so many places have video cameras? They are there for more than the security in case of hold ups. They are in place to find mistakes and dishonesty of both employee and consumer.

 

[dxdexter]

I would be more inclined to believe that they sent your employer a copy of the invoice, and the person that received it at your company failed to realize that it had been paid for by cash or credit card. All invoices are generated by computer, and at the end of the day, all cash sales have to balance with the cash invoices, or someone gets to stay and search till they find the error. If the books don't balance at the end of the night, it is a major problem that they have to resolve. When I make purchases for myself and pay for it with cash or credit card, the business will get a copy of the invoice in the mail within a few days. If you don't scrutinize the printed invoice, it is easy to think that there is money due. It is not stamped in red "PAID".
What do you think happens when they are $10 off.... a cashier throws $10 into the drawer so everyone can go home? Not a chance. The money has to balance, or the error has to be found. Today, business's that handle cash are very concerned about employee theft, and they don't let mistakes get by them very easily. Most have a specific dollar amount that they will "exempt", but it is a very low amount, usually under $3.00 / $5.00 and if it happens very often, they start searching for the reason. Ever wonder why so many places have video cameras? They are there for more than the security in case of hold ups. They are in place to find mistakes and dishonesty of both employee and consumer.

Junk, your on quite a roll today. I operated a small business, so I understand basic accounting. The invoice was obviously mistakenly marked as a credit purchase on my companies acount. Our accounting department notified me when the invoice arrived at accounts payable.

I merely noted this instance because it could be a problem when purchasing items under a company account. I made no assertions of any wrong doing on anyones part.

 

[Stuey]

It wasn't enough that my employer has an account with Grainger, the Grainger rep for them wanted me to use an account number. He said that too many people were making personal purchases and that as a result the employee received many additional invoices that they erroneously double paid on. Since I cannot use an account number for personal purchases, I'm stuck unable to order from Grainger online, and my local branch doesn't carry what I want. I'll try calling up next time to see if they can transfer merchandise to my branch for me.

 

[eschoendorff]

It wasn't enough that my employer has an account with Grainger, the Grainger rep for them wanted me to use an account number. He said that too many people were making personal purchases and that as a result the employee received many additional invoices that they erroneously double paid on. Since I cannot use an account number for personal purchases, I'm stuck unable to order from Grainger online, and my local branch doesn't carry what I want. I'll try calling up next time to see if they can transfer merchandise to my branch for me.

Then screw Grainger if they don't want your money. Buy Proto from MSC instead (I know.. not as convenient as walking into Grainger)

 

[Stuey]

That's the thing though - nobody but Grainger and a few high priced small internet storefronts carry the big dawgs anymore. I think I'm set now though since a buddy found a 1/4" big dawg at his local grainger for me, and I bought a 3/8" version off of wrenchr.

Now, all I need is a nice long handled 1/4" ratchet, maybe I'll give Armstrong a try. although I can't find one too easily. Maybe I'll just do as I should and just wait until I actually need it. Phew, thought that would work, but it didn't.

 

[PoorOwner]

Stuey, I think ebay's got quite alot of these proto ratchets, a quick search shows a 3/8" #5249 for $20 after shipping.

 

[Stuey]

Stuey, I think ebay's got quite alot of these proto ratchets, a quick search shows a 3/8" #5249 for $20 after shipping.

Yes, but nothing in the 1/4" sizes, at least with the "p" suffix/big dawg designation.

 

[fatfillup]

Put this in the wrong place, sorry.

 

[justinmc]

Hmm gonna have to hit up the local Grainger today. Luckily we have an account. Maybe there is some left in the local DC!

 

[bgott]

Since this was brought up...Join the Farm Bureau. They have great deals on all sorts of insurance, auto, home, equipment, and a bunch of other benefits. One of the benefits is the ability to buy at Grainger's. You use the FB account number that is on your membership card. And you also get a 10 percent discount. FB membership is like $50 or $55 a year. I joined because my regular insurance guy wanted $1300 a year to insure my tractor against theft. FB, $150 or so a year.

 

[sk farmer]

sorry guys.i have tried that. i had a gal at grainger look up every big dawg number i could put my hands on. no luck in any location. now you may get lucky and find one at your local grainger that slipped through a crack, but chances are slim to none. the fb discount only works on regular priced merchandise only, not on closeouts.

 

[John the theologian]

Does anyone know if Proto has the repair kits for the Big Dawg ratchets available and what the cost typically will be? This is going to be important if they're discontinuing the line.

 

[48548]

The kits should be free as I am have gotten them from proto for free, now that was the older xx49 series, but I would assume any of them would be the same.

 

[petty4243]

proto customer service.... they have sent me several kits, never paid for any, they will ship to your address at no cost.... 1-800-800-(tool)8665

now, you guys realize this post was started a year ago....