Proto 5449

[Jeremy77]

My go to ratchet at work is an Armstrong 10-972 1/2 drive. It is a VERY fine ratchet and I have 0 negative things to say about it. However.....while at the local flea market 2 weekends ago, I saw a Proto 5449 1/2 drive for 15$ at a stall selling all tools. I was looking for a spare 13/16 and 15/16 wrench to begin with and was able to get 2 CM RP 6points (U.S.) and the Ratchet for 20$. Went home, cleaned the 5449, put it back together and played around with it a bit. Not sure the age, it's not stamped Los Angeles, and the internals were good so it may be fairly new but either way.....That thing is strong! Couldn't believe how smooth it was for only being 24 tooth! It's been with me at work since. I've used this model before but those had the spud wrench handle and I didn't care for those but this one with the knurled handle fits my hand very well. While it hasn't and probably won't replace my Armstrong, it will force it to share its drawer in my box at work. It seems a bit large for automotive work to me (I'm definately not an auto tech though) but as an industrial ratchet... It's a beast, I recommend that anyone in the market for a new 1/2 drive give it consideration.

 

[KEH]

They have been good ratchets since the 1930s, AIRC. They get their strength by being made wide. The height is not so thick. Depends on what situation you are in as to whether they will be considered bulky.

I buy used tools and don't remember finding one of them broken.

KEH

 

[Jeremy77]

It's not bulky at all for where I'll be using it and being an amateur DIYer when working on my personal vehicles, my opinion there doesn't carry any weight. It is a fairly low profile as you stated. Just wide due to the dual pawls. I guess a design that's stood the test of time like the 5449's has to be effective.

 

[SMKS]

I've had several broken Proto ratchets. They all had teeth sheared off of the gear. But, I doubt they were broken by hand. Like most quality ratchets, you'll probably need a cheater pipe to break them.

In the Proto design the pawl only engages a single large tooth on the gear while a modern design will have multiple smaller teeth engaging a greater area, which can be a stronger design.

The old Proto ratchets are not bad, but they're very wide and outmatched by modern designs. I'll continue to pick them up and use them, but they are outdated.

 

[wiens80]

I've had a 5249 for a while and just picked up a clearance 5449, and they are my favorite ratchets. I love the fact that they haven't changed them. Old school bruisers.

 

[toolaholic]

I have a 5449 on black oxide. I bought it to drive a spring compresser and a bushing driver.

 

[egdede]

Tengo una negra. Esta hecho en Mexico.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I have a few Proto ratchets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives. They are definitely old school, but they get the job done. Tough as nails too.

I liked mine so much that I gave my brother a 3/8" and 1/2" Proto ratchets.

After I got them I disassembled them and put grease in them. Got to be careful not to over grease them though.

 

[Hootbro]

I've had several broken Proto ratchets. They all had teeth sheared off of the gear. But, I doubt they were broken by hand. Like most quality ratchets, you'll probably need a cheater pipe to break them.

In the Proto design the pawl only engages a single large tooth on the gear while a modern design will have multiple smaller teeth engaging a greater area, which can be a stronger design.

The old Proto ratchets are not bad, but they're very wide and outmatched by modern designs. I'll continue to pick them up and use them, but they are outdated.

+1

The big head and big gearing does not make them stronger. That only one cog engagement does not spread out the load like the newer designs that are actually more stronger.

I have a set and occasionally use then when space restriction is not an issue but uptight newer engine compartment spaces makes the big fat head of a ratchet cumbersome most times.