Wamsutta
Well-known member
I just now found out about the new PROTO 90 tooth. Attractive!
PROTO 90 Tooth
- Thread starter Wamsutta
- Start date
1foxracing
Well-known member
I have the 1/4" & 3/8" flex-heads, good stuff for sure!
xin
Well-known member
Musicinabottle
Banned
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I always did like Proto even though I don't own anything but SK, but I'm thinking that that might make it in to my tool box, especially if it is American made. That is one sharp looking ratch.
Musicinabottle
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No kidding? SK makes something similar?
Yes, the LP90: https://www.harryepstein.com/index....ooth-8-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html
I just looked at some prices on the Proto and it's significantly more expensive than the SK. More like a Dual 80.
Jaysreal
Well-known member
You guys are a lil late.
17 tooth engagement. They have multiple versions in all three drive sizes.
13 tooth engagement. This 3/8 drive standard length is STILL the only version SK makes.
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Musicinabottle
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That's a nice ratchet for sure, but that Proto sure looks more dialed in my opinion, this coming from a 30 plus year SK owner.
I wonder if more versions are coming soon. Amazon has listings for other drive sizes and flex head versions:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6AX6D5/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N59FZW3/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077NYSK5K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7CBAOI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I don't know if a listing like that really means anything, but that's what came up when I searched for "SK LP90"
The Proto's are the same as Mac's Axis ratchets, although both brands offer different length and handle configurations. There has been some issues with these ratchets (the seal being one specifically) but they are still pretty nice. If I knew there was a solution for the seal problem I'd have a few of these at the house already.
alexb2000
Well-known member
The Proto's look nice, but $290 for a 25" 1/2 non-flex ratchet?
No way.
I'll stick with my Snapon dual 80 flex head for the same price.
No way.
I'll stick with my Snapon dual 80 flex head for the same price.
davethorik
Well-known member
Snap-on's version, the SLL80A, msrp is $240.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Where have you guys been? I've been bitching about the price of the Proto 90 tooth ratchets for well over a year. 
I'm a little late responding because I went through two T6 bits removing the gear cover of the MAC 3/8 drive ratchet. The MAC Axis 90 tooth is the same as the Proto Precision 90 series internally. The Proto has the better shaped handle though.
although probably already answered, here's a crappy picture comparing the internals of a Mac 90 tooth with those of an SK 90 tooth.
Note two things: first there's the very thin & delicate red gasket that has caused issues on some MAC 90 tooth ratchets. Secondly, the SK is an early production model with the green direction switch.
Lastly, a couple of replies up, someone linked Amazon prices for possible SK 90 tooth flex heads. If those prices are real, SK must be smoking the same thing Proto is.
I think I'll stick to carlyle for 90 tooth ratchets. : beeer:
I'm a little late responding because I went through two T6 bits removing the gear cover of the MAC 3/8 drive ratchet. The MAC Axis 90 tooth is the same as the Proto Precision 90 series internally. The Proto has the better shaped handle though.
although probably already answered, here's a crappy picture comparing the internals of a Mac 90 tooth with those of an SK 90 tooth.
Note two things: first there's the very thin & delicate red gasket that has caused issues on some MAC 90 tooth ratchets. Secondly, the SK is an early production model with the green direction switch.
Lastly, a couple of replies up, someone linked Amazon prices for possible SK 90 tooth flex heads. If those prices are real, SK must be smoking the same thing Proto is.
I think I'll stick to carlyle for 90 tooth ratchets. : beeer:Attachments
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Even though the last thing i need is another ratchet, i do have my fingers crossed that SK will release other 90 tooth ratchet styles in time for Epstein's day if we're having one.
The best part of $3-hunge for a ratchet will slow sales. They would wanna be super high quality without issues for that money. The only Proto tools I have are some nos hex bit sockets and they have 'Challenger Proto' written on them. Decent bit sockets though.xin
Well-known member
Did MAC change the seal design, is it the same seal design on the Proto looking at getting 1 of them?
thanks
Jaysreal
Well-known member
Recently got confirmation that SBD had issues with the 3/8 models and redesigned all of them. The 3/8 now no longer has the gasket and is fastened from the opposite side of the head.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Interesting to hear. I have the 18" long 3/8 Mac flex and its been a PITA. Mac dealer sounded like once a fix was out they'd just swap the whole ratchet.
If you're ordering a Proto ratchet online though, how would you know if you were getting the old style or the new style?
Strouty
Well-known member
not cheap is an understatement... the proto versions are more expensive than their mac counterparts
mac axis/proto 90t have similar head thickness to the dual 80
LP90 is closer to matco 88
mechanism... the LP90 is a lot like the matco 88/armstrong maxx but with a much stiffer switch.. the mac/proto basically are an evolution of the 45t proto
according to their facebook the 1/4" and 1/2" LP90s are currently going through durability testing
I'm thinking about buying another 90 tooth 3/8" drive, flex ratchet. I have 90 tooth examples of the SK LP90 which I love but will likely never like the stiff switch, a couple of Tekton's which are damn nice ratchets for the money and a couple Carlyle locking flex ratchets which I believe are actually 72 tooth.
I see the Proto 90 tooth flex is available for around one fifty. Still a bit steep for my home game but I'm dying to operate one of them. It seems the Mac version was discontinued.
This is an old thread but I'm not finding much input on these Proto 90's from actual users. Who has them? Do you like them? Are there any inherent problems buys should know before buying? I trust a good portion of the opinions in here. I'd like to hear some on this ratchet.
I see the Proto 90 tooth flex is available for around one fifty. Still a bit steep for my home game but I'm dying to operate one of them. It seems the Mac version was discontinued.
This is an old thread but I'm not finding much input on these Proto 90's from actual users. Who has them? Do you like them? Are there any inherent problems buys should know before buying? I trust a good portion of the opinions in here. I'd like to hear some on this ratchet.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I have some but they're fixed so I can comment on the ratchet mechanism but not the flex head. Mine is very smooth. No problems.
Be aware there was a change in the design. The old ones had a thin gasket and some ham handed individuals took their ratchets apart and bungled putting them back together. The complaints that I've seen were from people who couldn't reassemble the old ratchet. The new design is idiot proof. The new 3/8 have the screw heads on the same side as the Proto branding so it is easy to tell them apart from the old ones.
$150 is Snap-On money. You could bring it down a little with a 20% off at Zoro. I fell onto a crazy good deal for mine.
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
Very low back drag. Nothing has lower drag than Ko-ken but I don't think anyone would complain about the Proto 90.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I looked at the Mac website and see the ratchets in stock. --> https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratc...-Drive-Axis-Flex-Head-Metal-Handle-Ratchet-13
They're actually cheaper from Mac for some reason. The Proto version has a better metal handle IMO. I don't have the Mac.
I didn't look at the Mac website until now because I thought I read somewhere they discontinued it. Interesting. That Proto handle would be worth the difference if everything else was equal, though. 20% off brings the Proto down to about the same price.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
No problem. The only real thing is the Proto 90 price is in the ball park of a dual 80...a dual 80 might even be cheaper on Ebay.
toddmorr
Well-known member
quite helpful when a relative statement is made like that, thx.
would you care to rank these only in terms of back drag and feel of the mechanism?
Carlyle 72 tooth
Tekton 90 tooth
Koken ** tooth, whatever unfortunately low number it is
Gearwrench/Matco 84 tooth
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I still say PROTO is price fixing their Precision ratchets even if they got a nicer handle than MAC
The MAC/PROTO heads are also thicker than Gearwrench or Matco ratchets. Since this thread first appeared, Gearwrench launched their own 90 tooth ratchet line. there are several You Tube videos that borderline on infomercials to watch for more information.
If you buy a Proto 3/8 or 1/2 drive Precision 90 series, make sure you get the updated version with the screw heads on top of the ratchet head.
The MAC/PROTO heads are also thicker than Gearwrench or Matco ratchets. Since this thread first appeared, Gearwrench launched their own 90 tooth ratchet line. there are several You Tube videos that borderline on infomercials to watch for more information.
If you buy a Proto 3/8 or 1/2 drive Precision 90 series, make sure you get the updated version with the screw heads on top of the ratchet head.
mn700vforce
Well-known member
Did Proto / Mac update the 1/2” version to have screws go thru the head? I have only seen this on the 3/8” ratchets.
I really like mine. Newer/improved version with the screws through the head threading into the cover plate. Back drag is low- less than the Carlyle 72 tooth I have. I haven’t done a side by side with the 84 tooth Gearwrench I have to know. The flex joint is adjustable also. I like the length and feel of it. I keep it in my main box, even though I work mostly from a road box- I’d hate to loose it! I’m not a full time mech, but these are my impressions.
shockwave
Well-known member
Luckily got all these flex head offerings from Msc on special but still wish they offered more 1/4 like shorter flex instead of 9 inch and a 24 inch flex
But keep in mind proto is more of industrial brand like Armstrong used to be and Stanley keeps it that way same goes for the super nice proto ratcheting spline wrenches which I believe are exclusive to proto USA chrome has different feel than the Mac precision torque 12 point sets
And even my Mac dealer was upset because he could not get and lost out on sale and would be a good seller too but I was told if Mac makes like tool Stanley will not let them get
Just like snap on dealer cannot sell Williams hard handle set at 1/3 price of snap on only difference is stamp on handle or color
But keep in mind proto is more of industrial brand like Armstrong used to be and Stanley keeps it that way same goes for the super nice proto ratcheting spline wrenches which I believe are exclusive to proto USA chrome has different feel than the Mac precision torque 12 point sets
And even my Mac dealer was upset because he could not get and lost out on sale and would be a good seller too but I was told if Mac makes like tool Stanley will not let them get
Just like snap on dealer cannot sell Williams hard handle set at 1/3 price of snap on only difference is stamp on handle or color
I've had the long handle version of the 3/8 for awhile now and I have to say that I'm very impressed. I love my LP90 but I this is by far a smoother ratchet. Smoother than any other ratchet I own (I don't have any Snap-On or any European ratchets).
A bit pricey for my home game but I can see two more drive sizes of it in my future.
A bit pricey for my home game but I can see two more drive sizes of it in my future.