Proto tools at the fleamarket...

[blaze_125]

I think I read the name somewhere around here sometime ago but I don't remember what people had to say about the company or its products. Anyway... that's what I found this weekend.

I'm not sure what make the 10" one is. There is no company name that I could find on it anywhere. It's built very much like the other 2 though...

All 3 for 10$

 

[Boiler]

You know the gear is in backwards in the middle one. stub should stick out on the side opposite of the selector. First two are probably worth 10 bucks each so you did great. Third could be worth nothing or a ton, I have no idea.

 

[arkangel06]

They all **** send them to me for proper disposal.

 

[heelsroll]

You did very well!

 

[Bolster]

Well, there goes Proto. When people who are unfamiliar with the name start buying it because it was talked up here on GJ, then the prices go up.

Y'all are a buncha blabber mouths. Me too, I fear.

HEY! I hear Snap-on is a good tool!

 

[blaze_125]

It's good to know I didn't just throw money out the window.
A quick google search on the Hoppe Super ratchet braught me back here on GJ and it appears it's some US made tool.
The guy I got them from said he got them from his grand-father and he was about 50 years old him-self. So I'd say these tools are pretty ******** old...

 

[Beerman]

Hi,

Proto began as a brand out of what used to be called PlOmb Tool Co. They had a dispute with another tool company called PlUmb (the hammer people) and PlOmb lost in court and thus they had to change their name. PlOmb became Proto (for PROfessional TOols) in approximately 1955 or so.

Proto is a top quality, but not well-known brand, thus it is not sought after by Joe Blow the way Craftsman is. IE, you can generally pick Proto up for next to nothing at the flea markets, even though it is a MUCH higher in quality than Craftsman.

Bottom line, you got 3 excellent ratchets that I would guess are at least 40-50 years old, for the price of some Asian junk.

Congratulations on the find.

Beerman

 

[Hiball]

Proto is a Great Tool company, They dont get the credit they deserve and because of that there are deals out there to be found. Ive recently aquired some Proto goodies, I picked up a 3pc Proto challenger (round head) ratchet set off ebay last night for like $30 bucks shipped along with a 3/8 Pear head that i actually posted for another member and then i decided i wanted it more. I picked up a 1/2 drive Pear head off a member here last week, so needless to say im liking some Proto right now. Here are some pics from my recent purchases, I havent received the 3pc set yet as i just won them last night.

I have less than $60 bucks in everything pictured, There are deals out there...