Proto Tool Comparison

[BKT2018]

Hello
I am doing some research and would be interested in comments or thoughts on users of Proto tools.

Specifically,

1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?
2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on?
3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them?
4- How long have you been using Proto?

Thank you for your time

 

[tonyciambrone]

1: Very comparable, it is essentially MAC tools which I find to be good quality overall. Some imported stuff I would not purchase and rebranded I would not purchase either.
2: Price. Proto is available with discount on zoro.com
3: Quality, a lot of made in U.S.A, price point
4: I have owned a few Proto products for several years, buying more recently

 

[man-a-fre]

Warranty process is more difficult than snap-on.

 

[shanny19]

There will be a dissenter(s) for each one of these opinions, almost guaranteed, but that's the nature of opinions, i guess.

1. As good as any.
2. Price. Online Availability (yes, you can buy Snap On direct online, but NO competition. with Proto, you get vendors competing. see Zoro suggestion above.) Can still handle in some stores, in some places, (NAPA is even expanding their selection) before purchase and without dealing with a "DRIVER". It's also, to me, got a "cool" factor of being kinda "alternative". I know that's weird sounding, but it's almost funny the number of career Automotive Techs that don't know of Proto's existence even.
3. Quality, price, tradition (my grandpa, a career school bus mechanic LOVED Proto, my Dad has all of his tools still).
4. My whole adult life, and collecting Plomb, P&C, and Proto my whole adult life as well. Its very, very good stuff.

Oh, and if you don't have a "DRIVER", the warranty process is NOT more difficult than Snap-On, it's the same, mail it in and wait.

 

[decableguy2000]

No frills tools. Can still rebuild 60 year ratchets. Warrantied 1 ratchet, chrome was starting to peel and some rust. Just mailed it in, received new one a week or 2 later.

 

[ssdave]

1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?
My thoughts are they are the equal of Snap-on, better than most Wright, SK, MAC, Matco, etc. (I do know of the relationship between Mac/Proto) The difference is primarily that they are intended for industrial customers; they excell in usability and ruggedness; lack some in the showmanship that sells to individual mechanics. Snap-on has more brand recognition "flash" and are more polished and finished.

2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on? Price. Ruggedness. Availability by internet order instead of truck. Personal preference. Good warranty, rarely needed. Being a bit different; when the Snap-on snobs look down on my Proto, I can point out that I have parallel sets of Snap-on, and use the Proto in preference to the SO because I think it's Superior to SO.

3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them? I started getting them used for decent price when people didn't recognize them as a premium brand at garage sales, auctions, etc. I soon recognized the exceptional quality of them; so I started to collect and use them extensively. They were also available in the area where I lived across the counter at automotive stores in the 70's and 80's. Easy to buy and easy to warranty.

4- How long have you been using Proto? 35+ years. I actively search out Proto, and rarely run into some that I don't already have. Mine have been used extensively, with few failures.

 

[Toothaker]

I got my first real, professional tools when I was 18 and went to work for one of the aerospace manufacturers here. They required good tools and they offered a kit of tools tailored to your job. If I remember correctly, the tools were about $800 - in 1978. All of the tools were USA made. The screwdrivers, wrenches and socket sets were Proto Professional. The snips were Wiss.

I just ran that $800 though one of those 'value of a dollar over the years' calculator, and it says I spent over $2900 for those tools.

I still have them all. I did wear out the 1/4 Proto ratchet, and I broke my 1/4" Proto socket spinner. The new Proto socket spinner is a one piece extension with a handle molded around it. The prior spinner had two metal pieces with the handle the only connection between them, and the handle broke from the excess torque I put on it. But everything else continues to work just fine.

Proto, in my experience, is an industrial brand. That is, the manufacturers partner with a brand, get a discount, sell and warrant the tools internally to the employees. We never saw a tool truck; we went to the tool crib to get replacements.

 

[ThatSickRip]

So where does the difference in Proto come in when its Blackhawk by Proto and Stanley-Proto? I know theyre all owned by SB&D, but hows the quality variance between them?

 

[shanny19]

I find Blackhawk to be very high quality, the throwback looking ratchets are ****. More of Blackhawk is asian-made, for sure. I kinda worry about Blackhawk with the Craftsman acquisition, it wasn't that long ago that they killed off the Challenger brand, and since then they've started labelling mechanics tools under DeWalt and Bostich for crying out loud, and I can just see some suits targeting Blackhawk as too-much-dilution now that they've got Craftsman in the stable.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have a set of the Proto black chrome reversible spline ratcheting combination wrenches, which are imports. I think they're the best ratcheting wrench I have ever used regardless of COO or price. These are seriously tough, and they straight up don't slip, the open ends don't spread. And the spline design is faceted, so it grabs a fastener better than anything I've ever seen.

THAT is why I bought Proto. For ratcheting combination wrenches, there is nothing better.

 

[unslow1]

Warranty process is more difficult than snap-on.

Much, Much and more Much. Snap on is actually very easy to warranty.

I'm really curious what is going to happen with warranty claims now on Craftsman.

 

[crf450x]

Proto is basically the industrial equivalent of snap on. In almost any big factory, the maintenance guys are supplied with proto tools. Keep this in mind if looking at impact sockets for automotive use. They're thicker than most.

The only reason to choose proto over snap on is price. Except impacts. In my experience, proto makes the best pneumatic impacts on the market. I've used snap on and ingersoll a lot and prefer proto. Never had a problem with any of them but the protos are stronger (than snap on at least) and more comfortable to use.

My dad was a maintenance mechanic for domtar for 40 years and back in the day they were allowed to order tools for themselves. So proto is what I grew up using.

 

[fowldarr]

I assume you're referring to new tools, but I like the older proto tools vs a lot of other brands. They work, fit my hand well, and can be had for stupid cheap at estate sales. While all the other guys are digging through looking at Snap-On, I pick up the proto (and other select brands) for pennies on the dollar.

 

[wayne55]

To me the older Proto adjustable wrenches have the smoothest feel of any.

 

[buffalobill]

I have a set of the Proto black chrome reversible spline ratcheting combination wrenches, which are imports. I think they're the best ratcheting wrench I have ever used regardless of COO or price. These are seriously tough, and they straight up don't slip, the open ends don't spread. And the spline design is faceted, so it grabs a fastener better than anything I've ever seen.

THAT is why I bought Proto. For ratcheting combination wrenches, there is nothing better.

Napa was just advertising these as made in the usa, are they wrong, or do they make thek here now?

 

[1982fxr]

Napa was just advertising these as made in the usa, are they wrong, or do they make thek here now?

I think the US ones came out last year...?

 

[zakmartin]

In my experience, proto makes the best pneumatic impacts on the market.

I totally agree with you there. Was amazed at the quality of the Proto impact socket lineup.

To me, Proto's weak point is with their pliers. For some reason, I think Blackhawk actually makes better pliers than Proto. I get less flexing and twisting with the Blackhawks than I get with the similar Protos when I'm unbending and pulling out thick cotter pins. They're not bad, I just don't think their pliers are all that great.

 

[four.cycle]

1 - how do they compare to other premium brands?

> as good as you're going to get from any tool manufacturer.

2 - why choose proto over snap on?

> price.

3 - what is it about proto that made you choose them?

> another premium-quality us-made tool brand to collect!

4- how long have you been using proto?

> i've had a pair of #278 8-inch slip-joint pliers for about 50 years now. Still the first ones i grab for.

 

[mikebaker1129]

These answers are just my opinions based on my experience. My Dad is a retired Boilermaker and I grew up using Proto ratchets , sockets and wrenches. I am a HVAC technician/ industrial maintenance man.
1. They are up near the top of brands.
2. Very robust and a great value for the dollars spent. I find the warranty to be easier than Snap on,I mail in any broken tools and turn around time is about a week,Snap on man comes around every 3 or 4 months.
3 Very durable,good chrome, mostly made in the USA, which is important to me and a good warranty .
4 Over 30 years and I grew up on Proto like a lot guys grew up using Craftsman. I like that I can still purchase rebuild kits for ratchets that I have from age 14.

 

[ssdave]

Napa was just advertising these as made in the usa, are they wrong, or do they make thek here now?

The chrome ones are USA made, the Black ones are imports. I bought the US made, they're every bit as good as the recommendation given for the black ones.

 

[bcexplorer]

1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?

As good as far as I can tell.

2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on?

Price, you can order from amazon (canada) for same price as import ****.

3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them?

My grampa used them. When I was young I wanted to be like him, now I am. I wish I had gotten some of his somehow.

4- How long have you been using Proto?

8 years

 

[Local]

Every toolbox should have an old 24t pearhead ratchet. Love the anti slip wrenches they make but save your money and get Taiwan made impacts from sunex or other manufacturers. All the proto impacts I have are beat to death on the drive end.

 

[Fedwrench]

The chrome ones are USA made, the Black ones are imports. I bought the US made, they're every bit as good as the recommendation given for the black ones.

Used to be that way. Proto came out with a new line of chrome ratcheting wrenches last year that are made in Taiwan. The reversible chrome spline ratcheting wrenches with the I Beam design are the only ones US made now.

 

[VH5150]

I agree with pretty much everyone else has said here. In my opinion, they're every bit as good as SO. Actually, as far as price is concerned they're better simply because you aren't paying for a name so much as you would with SO. For that reason, I never buy SO. I just don't think it's worth it. But I will buy pretty much every other brand that is USA made just to support them.

As you can see I'm a bit biased against SO. They are awesome - no doubt about it. It's just that because I'm not wrenching every day for a career I can't even begin to justify the ridiculous prices. Buy Proto - for all the reasons everyone else has already mentioned. I have no doubt that you won't be disappointed.

 

[wiens80]

Every toolbox should have an old 24t pearhead ratchet. Love the anti slip wrenches they make but save your money and get Taiwan made impacts from sunex or other manufacturers. All the proto impacts I have are beat to death on the drive end.

X2, I love Proto pear head ratchets. They are just so classic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Hello
I am doing some research and would be interested in comments or thoughts on users of Proto tools.

Specifically,

1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?
2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on?
3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them?
4- How long have you been using Proto?

Thank you for your time

1 -2- They are a superior strength and quality industrial brand. Any comparison I do is on a tool by tool basis.. Some ProTo tools are better suited for a particular task. I do not choose ProTo over SnapOn in a blanket form. Due to the flaking and pealing chrome on many of My earlier ProTo tools, they could rightfully have first place in the ugly contest. Duro wrenches are no longer produced, but The ones I bought in the 70's earned My respect for Duro. Same with the SK 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets that replaced the pear heads of those sizes. The 1/2" pear head was replaced by a 1960's era Craftsman raised panel that had a grease fitting. My three water pump pliers were replaced by Diamond, ChannelLock, and SnapOn. Tools will weed themselves out; especially if repair and warranty parts are not readily available.

3 -4- Back in 1970: Student discount with a local supplier in the Tech School Community, comfort, durability, large selection of pullers and special tools, and PRICE when compared to the SnapOn Student Discount..
After graduation, ProTo tool purchases involved driving to a distant store during working hours, and paying list price. SK and Duro were locally available, and the SnapOn Truck rolled in weekly. Other tool brands could be mail ordered through vendors such as Landmesser Tools.. The ProTo warranty procedure was a two trip ceremony that took three months the first and last time I warrantied a ProTo tool. During this era, I had better choices than the ghostly ProTo brand.

And then came the Internet and the Brown Tool Truck.

Today: I can still purchase additions and replacement parts for the pullers I purchased back in 1970.. With a few exceptions, the tools purchased back then served Me well for the purpose they were bought for. Many of My original ProTo wrench and socket sets are in My SnapOn Road Chest; and recently purchased duplicates fill the Shop box.
I favor the chrome quality and large size stamping on the newer sockets. I like My newer ProTo ratchets; but they are second to newer SnapOn. After 40 some years; that old 1/2" pear head ratchet was dug out of the scrap bin and received a new kit. It was joined by two more used, and two new 1/2" old style pear heads.. Without sales and parts service, this simply would not happen. When going thru that scrap bin to retrieve that old pear head; I dug out three 3/8" SnapOn ratchets. Why?? A long gone, supposedly non existent SnapOn truck reappeared. I am still buying ProTo and SnapOn, and a few SK.

 

[77Mini]

I had some some Proto wrenches in my toolbox when I was still on the tools as a Millwright. I really liked their wrenches. Quality seemed good and I like the shape...felt good in your hand.

I have a 1/4" and 3/4" Proto ratchet in my box at home. Both seem to function nicely but not a huge fan of the head shape.

 

[Zewnten]

My previous shop all the shop tools were Proto: big wrenches, 3/4" drive sockets, 1" drive sockets and that was all my boss used. In my experience all the logging, mining, and quarry companies generally chose Proto over Snap On. Snap On never reliably showed up to our shop, was ridiculously expensive when they did or we could go to the local parts store which we were headed to anyways.

I am choosing Proto (or Williams if Proto doesn't have it) because a Snap On wrench will cost me $35 but the same size Proto will cost $12, so I can break one buy another while i wait for the warranty and still be ahead. I also like that I can get the wrenches in satin finish.

 

[bigjeff94]

I've worked industrial maintenance in two separate cement plants and have been to others for training. At every plant I've been at I have seen a lot of proto tools. Tools issued or replaced by the company were usually proto, Armstrong, or Williams. My proto adjustables see a lot of use, and I've hung off of my 15 inch pear head. Great tools, no complaints whatsoever. But for availability purposes I prefer SK.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[bimmer630]

I got my first real, professional tools when I was 18 and went to work for one of the aerospace manufacturers here. They required good tools and they offered a kit of tools tailored to your job. If I remember correctly, the tools were about $800 - in 1978. All of the tools were USA made. The screwdrivers, wrenches and socket sets were Proto Professional. The snips were Wiss.

I just ran that $800 though one of those 'value of a dollar over the years' calculator, and it says I spent over $2900 for those tools.

I still have them all. I did wear out the 1/4 Proto ratchet, and I broke my 1/4" Proto socket spinner. The new Proto socket spinner is a one piece extension with a handle molded around it. The prior spinner had two metal pieces with the handle the only connection between them, and the handle broke from the excess torque I put on it. But everything else continues to work just fine.

Proto, in my experience, is an industrial brand. That is, the manufacturers partner with a brand, get a discount, sell and warrant the tools internally to the employees. We never saw a tool truck; we went to the tool crib to get replacements.

WOW.. Thats 3500 bucks in todays money!

"What cost $800 in 1978 would cost $3056.06 in 2017.
Also, if you were to buy exactly the same products in 2017 and 1978,
they would cost you $800 and $198.91 respectively."

https://westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi

 

[Fedwrench]

Welcome to the Journal


1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?
Proto are better than most but, not as good as others
2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on?
The only thing i can come up with might be price and availability. Maybe theft reduction.
3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them?
Quality, availability, and durability
4- How long have you been using Proto?
For at least four decades. i was first exposed to them in high school automotive classes. I've had some with me ever since.

Everyone today refers to Proto as an industrial brand and that's probably where the bulk of their market share is. you know things like natural gas, wind turbines, oil field work, etc. However, many years ago Proto was heavily involved in Indy Car racing and you would see their tool boxes and logo at the Indy 500. Today they still offer many tools aimed at automotive use but, perhaps geared more towards fleet maintenance than racing.

 

[woody 73]

In my eyes only, 45 years ago I thought proto tools were **** ugly, but several things stuck out in my eyes, one they were bullet proof, and two I found them to be the working mens meat & potato of hand tools plus they were made in the USA.

Today some things have changed in my eyes, they are not so ugly as a matter of fact they look very nice, and still made in the USA.

I like them very much as a matter of fact I did a story about them not to long ago:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=378475

Just how long hand tools will be made in the USA that is the golden question.

As far as saving money they were tops in my book.

Hope that helps you out.

 

[davethorik]

I don't have a lot of Proto tools, but those I have, I like.
Only had to warranty a 5250XL ratchet and they sent a new one to my door, no questions asked, in a little less than 2 weeks. Yeah, not convenient as a truck, but I wasn't in a time crunch, and I have a lot of other 3/8 ratchets.

As far as comparison to Snap-on, all I have to add is this. At a previous employer, I frequently had to install and remove many 1"-8 shcs, which have a 3/4 female hex.

Another coworker had a Snap-on 3/4 hex bit, 1/2 drive chrome socket but I borrowed it too many times and felt it necessary get one of my own. I have a Wright 1/2 sae hex bit set, but the largest size it has is 5/8. I have a 3/4 Brighton hex key, but it is over a foot long and the throw of it does get in the way on vertical surfaces, plus a hand ratchet with socket is faster.

I priced the Snap-on, pn SA24E, at almost $60 for the individual socket!

The Proto USA version, pn J54413/4, which I found on Zoro, is a hair under $13, plus shipping. I decided to try the "cheaper" Proto, and it worked just as good as the Snap-on. There are a couple dings in the socket body that happened before chrome, but the chrome is flawless and it is a very heavy, beefy socket.

Both the Proto and the Snap-on held up well in an industrial setting. They both could possibly have difficulty accessing the shcs in tight spots however that wasn't the case with the large shcs pretty much always readily accessible.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

How do I know which Proto tools currently are made in US and which are imported? One thing that really peeves me are companies that outsource some of their product line and make it unclear which are which. At least with SO they have Bluepoint written in the title of everything that's imported.

 

[cherrybomb]

IMO the Proto Tool Line is exceptional, it compares to any of the other premium brands,Snappy,Wright,SK, or Williams USA,I own some of each.I am retired so I don't have access to the truck or its high prices.On Proto's web site it directs you to the site that sells with the price to compare.The brown truck takes it from there.I chose them for there high quality, availability and durability.They have been made in USA for more than 100 years.They have been recognized as a industry leader making tools to strict industrial standards.All the large industries believe in the Proto mission to make safe quality tools at a fair price.I believe you will be happy owning Proto,I am.I have had Proto's since mid 70's.

 

[Skin]

How do I know which Proto tools currently are made in US and which are imported? One thing that really peeves me are companies that outsource some of their product line and make it unclear which are which. At least with SO they have Bluepoint written in the title of everything that's imported.

Except Blue-Point doesn't mean imported, its basically Snap-Ons umbrella brand for anything contract produced and generally isn't exclusive.

If you go on Proto's site they have an American flag icon at the top right of any product made here.

 

[Plombob]

1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?

As good as any of the professional tools.

2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on?

Price.

3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them?

When I was in trade school, I didn't have the money for S-O, so I looked around for another option. I found an industrial distributor that gave 50% off list for several brands. I bought lots of tools from them and the more I bought, the greater the discount they gave me. When I left school I had a full box and I was getting IIRC 75% off list. I couldn't have done that even with the S-O student discount, which ended when the S-O dealer who serviced the school sued S-O.

4- How long have you been using Proto?
40 years.

 

[Lisamelting]

I've been using Proto tools in an industrial manufacturing setting since the early 90's and can tell you they will take a beating.

My core set of wrenches are Blackhawk industrial finish which are still going strong despite being abused in just about every way possible. They've been torched, hammered and get cheater pipes applied regularly. in my opinion they're a tremendous value and deserve serious consideration.

The local industrial supply stocks them and will handle warranty issues, no questions asked and will provide same day or overnight replacement.

As an added bonus, the black finished tools don't grow legs and walk way nearly as fast as the shiny ones do.

 

[Steiger9]

1 - How do they compare to other premium brands?

I don't have apples to apples of each, but if comparing angle wrenches to crows feet, they are certainly acceptable.

2 - Why choose Proto over Snap on?

The name sounds much cooler. Also price.

3 - What is it about Proto that made you choose them?

They are a well regarded tool brand at an attainable price with my means. And the cool name.

4- How long have you been using Proto?

At least 5 years

 

[potato]

alot of older Urrea tools from mexico are clones of older Proto tools.