Proto Italy?
- Thread starter Rickkyyr8
- Start date
4xdog
Well-known member
SBD also own USAG in Italy. Proto sources from elsewhere in the SBD ecosystem, just like sometimes from FACOM in France.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Since January 2008 according to a post in this thread:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/how-long-has-proto-ratchets-been-made-in-italy.59654/
I was going to say about 10-15 years.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/how-long-has-proto-ratchets-been-made-in-italy.59654/
I was going to say about 10-15 years.
Dave455
Well-known member
Those are basically Facom “Palm Control” ratchets.
It was a Facom design probably 25/30 years ago.
They were made in Italy by USAG, pretty much from the start. It’s a fairly common style of Ratchet here in the U.K. Fine tooth when a lot of ratchet’s were not.
Facom were bought by SBD, and so were USAG, so I’m thinking anything can turn up anywhere, under any brand name.
Unsurprisingly, SBD do seem to be cheapening everything. The “Palm Control” ratchets have generally been replaced in the Facom range by other (cheaper) designs, for the most part made in Taiwan.
The steel handle ratchets are my favourites, and are no longer available from Facom. Good they are available from Proto, but no doubt at a higher price….
It was a Facom design probably 25/30 years ago.
They were made in Italy by USAG, pretty much from the start. It’s a fairly common style of Ratchet here in the U.K. Fine tooth when a lot of ratchet’s were not.
Facom were bought by SBD, and so were USAG, so I’m thinking anything can turn up anywhere, under any brand name.
Unsurprisingly, SBD do seem to be cheapening everything. The “Palm Control” ratchets have generally been replaced in the Facom range by other (cheaper) designs, for the most part made in Taiwan.
The steel handle ratchets are my favourites, and are no longer available from Facom. Good they are available from Proto, but no doubt at a higher price….
Dave455
Well-known member
I think you might be right.I'm not 100% sure but I think these style Blackhawk ratchets may be from the Facom patent. Anyone know for sure? Cheap on eBay.
The ratchet mechanism looks very similar to these ratchets, currently available from Facom.
The mechanism looks similar to the originals (but cheaper, as it doesn’t incorporate the free wheeling disc). These are also made in Taiwan.
While some of the Taiwanese tools from Facom are not bad at all (bit ratchets, rotator ratchets, and even the conventional ratchets) I feel that these particular tools are a definite downgrade. The finish isn’t as good as the Italian tools, and the 1/4” drive version that I tried had quite a rough feeling mechanism.
The Facom ratchet above is made in Italy. Body is stamped “Italy” as well.I think you might be right.
The ratchet mechanism looks very similar to these ratchets, currently available from Facom.
The mechanism looks similar to the originals (but cheaper, as it doesn’t incorporate the free wheeling disc). These are also made in Taiwan.
While some of the Taiwanese tools from Facom are not bad at all (bit ratchets, rotator ratchets, and even the conventional ratchets) I feel that these particular tools are a definite downgrade. The finish isn’t as good as the Italian tools, and the 1/4” drive version that I tried had quite a rough feeling mechanism.
Dave455
Well-known member
Interesting.
The one I tried was from a set (one of the Nano sets - not mine) and COO of the set was marked as Taiwan.
I still thought it was a downgrade from the older tools though.
There are still definitely some tools from Italy. I own one of these R.181 ratchets, and they are definitely Italian - also marked on the tool.
These have a lovely smooth action though.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
There are more than a few versions of the non palm control ratchet floating around. Yes the Blackhawk and some of the USAG versions are made in Taiwan. While others are made in Italy. As with most brands, COO is a moving target these day. Nice ratchets though. 
Hadn't seen that style before - it looks neat! I kind of like the idea of a direction switch back on the handle. Got a part number I can look for?Interesting.
The one I tried was from a set (one of the Nano sets - not mine) and COO of the set was marked as Taiwan.
I still thought it was a downgrade from the older tools though.
There are still definitely some tools from Italy. I own one of these R.181 ratchets, and they are definitely Italian - also marked on the tool.
These have a lovely smooth action though.
Dave455
Well-known member
Facom make a huge selection at present.
That one is an R.181 in 1/4” drive. They call it a “dust proof” ratchet, which it probably is, but I like the clean lines. Isn’t as quick as a regular ratchet to change direction.
I think they only offer that one in 1/4” drive. Most of the others are available in all sizes.
ultgar
Well-known member
The ratchet is made in Italy. The sockets, drive accessories and case are Taiwan. I've seen COO on the kit as both Taiwan and France. As long as it's not China as there's an additional 25% tariff on top of the standard 9%.Interesting.
The one I tried was from a set (one of the Nano sets - not mine) and COO of the set was marked as Taiwan.
I still thought it was a downgrade from the older tools though.
There are still definitely some tools from Italy. I own one of these R.181 ratchets, and they are definitely Italian - also marked on the tool.
These have a lovely smooth action though.
Just bought a bunch of ratcheting wrenches that before were US COO, but actual package they came in said Taiwan and had a V2 engraved on the wrench. Was surprised, but went to their webpage and they had dropped the US flag. Like others have said a lot of stuff changes and websites might not be updated.
I know that their ratcheting digital torque wrenches come from Facom FYI.
I know that their ratcheting digital torque wrenches come from Facom FYI.
Grimm_the_Grey
Well-known member
they still make ratcheting wrenches in the usa. they also make them in taiwan. if the part number ends in a or b for individual wrenches, it's made in United states. taiwan made wrenches and sets have a T in them
JSCV-18SB
JSCV-11SB
JSCVM-20SB
JSCVM-14SB
those are american made sets. switch the B to an A for the original style that has been discontinued.
JSCV-18SB
JSCV-11SB
JSCVM-20SB
JSCVM-14SB
those are american made sets. switch the B to an A for the original style that has been discontinued.