Proto prototype

[rjvjeepster]

Thought maybe some people on here might find this ratchet interesting. My dad got it from Grainger when he worked there, from the Stanley rep. It was for linemen for the power companies hence the big selector. Not sure if it was ever put to production but according to the folklore it was built in a lab somewhere.

 

[four.cycle]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281a-PROTO-...:g:ciIAAOSwepJXXG3y&item=282117194538&vxp=mtr

 

[rjvjeepster]

Well there it is lol.

 

[four.cycle]

the selector lever on the one listed on Ebay is a bit different. I only went through the first page (50 listings). there were about three pages of 5449 Proto ratchets listed on Ebay.

my best guess would be a production change occurred at some point - that longer lever looks like it could become a problem if it were to catch on something. maybe not. just wild speculation on my part.

while tool manufacturers continue to use the same part number(s) for a particular item, the design of that item may evolve over time. selector levers/knobs on ratchets are one of those things that change. the Indestro model 3275 1/2" drive RHFT ratchet would be a good example. (I'm not really well-versed on Proto.)

 

[Al Borland]

Since it's a Proto, everything is oversized. Also no need to worry about it catching on something as the lever will just fall off.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Almost a throwback to the WF-38 selector like this

 

[Can I try?]

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Drive-Tools-%26-Accessories/Ratchets/J5449UT_Proto%c2%ae-1%7c2%22-Drive-Classic-Pear-Head-Ratchet-With-Oversized-Reverse-Lever-10%22/

This is the product page for their current oversized-lever ratchet, the 5449UT. It's basically just a 5449 with a larger selector. It wouldn't surprise me if it shares faceplates with the 5449. (By this I mean it says 5449 on the faceplate, rather than 5449UT.)

 

[davethorik]

Both Wright and Williams offer lineman's round head ratchets. They have a longer selector so they are easier to use with gloves.

 

[bmwrd0]

Snap On used to offer one, also with an oversized lever.

LS-71 according to the utility workers catalog.

 

[four.cycle]

[QUOTE="Can I try?]"... their current oversized-lever ratchet, the 5449UT. It's basically just a 5449 with a larger selector. It wouldn't surprise me if it shares faceplates with the 5449. (By this I mean it says 5449 on the faceplate, rather than 5449UT.) "[/QUOTE]

^ looks like Can I try? found the answer.