I bought Proto ASD combo wrenches and am shocked at the box end offset angle. Comparing to Snap-On & Craftsman I have the offset angle appears to be bent into the beam on Proto instead of forged. Also the offset angle is clearly less and varies from one size to the other. One or two of the Proto appear to have spread the angular offset throughout the length of the beam. What's up?
Proto combo box end offset angle
- Thread starter babylou
- Start date
Conductor562
Well-known member
I've got a ton of Proto wrenches ranging from pre-WWII up until current and have never had any issue nor have I seen any inconsistencies in the offset.
I got news for you, they're all bent anymore. Even Snap-On bends them, you can see it in their how it's made video.
Let's see some pics
I got news for you, they're all bent anymore. Even Snap-On bends them, you can see it in their how it's made video.
Let's see some pics
bob15
Well-known member
Definite inconsistencies in my Protos. None of the 30 wrenches I bought seem to approach 15 degrees. I estimate 10 degrees +/- 2 degrees. Plus the aforementioned start point of the bend varies. In a week or two I can get some accurate angular measurements.
I watched the Snap-On video and see they are bent in a press. I swear my 35 year old Craftsman (Imperial & Metric) and single Snap-On seem to be forged with the offset. Most definitely their bend point is right on the ring!
I'l be be in Wyoming for business for about a week then I will work up some pics.
I kinda want to do my own set of wrenches on a wire EDM. I could hold 0.0005" tolerance on the fitment. I wonder which tool steel would be appropriate?; can't really move after Q&T. Hmm.
Advan
Well-known member
Bending is forging! 
Conductor562
Well-known member
I checked a few of mine out this evening. Some are right at 15*, some are as low as 12*, but most check out at 13-14*. Nothing noticeable to the naked eye.
I imagine most brands would have some minor variance.
As a bit of trivia, it was Plomb that first used the 15* offset in the 30's
I imagine most brands would have some minor variance.
As a bit of trivia, it was Plomb that first used the 15* offset in the 30's
From top down are 15mm wrenches from Craftsman circa ~1982, Snap-On circa ~1982, Proto 2015:
This image shows the offset of Craftsman and SO clearly match (measured at about 15.5 deg) and Proto is less (measured about 10.5 deg). Photo also shows the offset appears to be forged in Craftsman and SO but bent in Proto. There is a lot of offset variance in the Protos from one wrench to the other.
This pic shows a beam that has some bend along the length. It's much clearer with the eye than this photo:
This image shows the offset of Craftsman and SO clearly match (measured at about 15.5 deg) and Proto is less (measured about 10.5 deg). Photo also shows the offset appears to be forged in Craftsman and SO but bent in Proto. There is a lot of offset variance in the Protos from one wrench to the other.
This pic shows a beam that has some bend along the length. It's much clearer with the eye than this photo:
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Wakefield
Well-known member
I think Wright combination wrenches have less angle at the box end than Craftsman or SnapOn. Is it an industrial vs. automotive tool preference?
popparoach
Banned
Have you noticed the protos 9mm and under dont have the anti slip open end?
I see some of the German wrenches are also 10 degree. I don't know which is preferred by whom. I do think the offset should be consistent. I would've gone with the Wright wrenches but wanted to avoid the serrated open end. I need a serrated open end much less than I need an open end that doesn't mar fasteners. Not that I need an open end all that often.
Yes.