Proto versus Snap On

[David Jackson]

I have had a sneaking feeling from time to time that if Snap On wrenches, ratchets, and so on are the Cadillac of tools then Proto is the Rolls Royce. I wonder how other guys feel.
Today at a local tool shop I spotted a used Proto 1/2" drive ratchet, short handle and as soon as I picked it up and moved the ratchet by itself I felt a huge difference between the smoothness of the mechanism and the mechanism in my Snap On 1/2" drive ratchet which I bought back in the 1970s.
If you have ever handled a Leica M series range finder camera and can compare how beautifully the parts mesh with ANY other camera you will understand what I mean between how the Proto ratchet mechanism feels versus the Snap On.
I will post some photos for what that is worth.
I wonder what others think about Proto v Snap On.

 

[jim1987]

They both ****. They both rock. If you buy anything but harbor freight you're stupid..if you buy harbor freight.your stupid.

 

[Hiball]

Proto? Never heard of them.

 

[rsanter]

I like proto but I think it's the other way around

Bob

 

[David Jackson]

Ah Jim; your words of wisdom are a great help!

 

[David Jackson]

HiBall, if you Google Proto Tools you will find them on Grainger's web site and perhaps more. The prices set you back on your heels, just like Snap On prices. Maybe I got lucky with a 1/2" drive ratched for $20; don't know. I do know the feel of the ratchet is far smoother than my Snap On.

 

[David Jackson]

Hi Rsanter,
You may have many more tools to compare than I have, and perhaps this one example is not enough. I think that besides this ratchet comparison I can make I may only have one or two open/box wrenches. The two ratchets I have though, are very different as I said in my first post.

 

[Ruger_556]

I like Proto... They're not nearly as smooth or refined as SO is though.

 

[Ruger_556]

HiBall, if you Google Proto Tools you will find them on Grainger's web site and perhaps more. The prices set you back on your heels, just like Snap On prices. Maybe I got lucky with a 1/2" drive ratched for $20; don't know. I do know the feel of the ratchet is far smoother than my Snap On.

Yeah... Don't buy them from Grainger. Tools-Plus is a dealer and frequently the price is half or less.

They are often carried in stock by industrial suppliers etc...

 

[PKile]

My only Protos are an old set of 6 Whitworth/British Standard combination wrenches and 5 Whiteorth sockets. I love the fine grained finish on the wrenches and the sockets are nice thin walled jewels. I am always haunting ebay to try to locate the 6th socket to round out the set.
Cheers
Paul

 

[SASORacing]

Snap on vs Matco is the question.

 

[jim1987]

Ah Jim; your words of wisdom are a great help!

If only you knew. Hiball knows

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

You are going to base your opinion on two manufacturers solely on a couple of 20+ year old ratchets?

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Take a look at the entire line of ProTo offered at protoindustrial.com When you select a particular tool and hit the buy button, you get the prices from several different dealers...
Grainger is higher, like Ruger_556 stated. ProTo offers an assortment of ratchets; a few months back I bought a 1/2"drive flex head.. I smile whenever I look at it..

 

[Ruger_556]

As much as I like Proto I probably wouldn't put it over SO because of their ratchet designs 40 years ago...

 

[jim1987]

As much as I like Proto I probably wouldn't put it over SO because of their ratchet designs 40 years ago...

I've seen slim teardrop ratchets for sale in the classifieds real recently. ?

 

[Fedwrench]

Brand X versus Brand Y threads never accomplish anything.

Every tool brand has hits and misses, is praised by some and hated by others, it's up to the end user to decide what they like and will pay for.

 

[Ruger_556]

Brand X versus Brand Y threads never accomplish anything.

Getting deleted or locked is the usual result. Not one of my goals in life but hey, if that's what a thread aspires to then who are we to take that away?

 

[Fedwrench]

As much as I like Proto I probably wouldn't put it over SO because of their ratchet designs 40 years ago...

Perhaps but, one could argue that their ratchets have stood the test of time.

Proto has newer ratchets out such as the premium 45 tooth pearhead, the Facom clone 72 tooth palm control ratchets, and will probably have their own version of Mac's 90 tooth ratchet coming out later this year.

 

[SASORacing]

How good are the Proto 45T pearheads? Great? Any review?

I love the look of them...

 

[Fedwrench]

How good are the Proto 45T pearheads? Great? Any review?

I love the look of them...

I like them. they're a little on the heavy side but, they are quite tough. I wished they offered a flex head version. I think they get overlooked in the higher tooth count ratchet wars but, if you stay away from Grainger and find new ones on Ebay, you'll be amazed at how well it performs.

 

[BK13]

Brand X versus Brand Y threads never accomplish anything.

Every tool brand has hits and misses, is praised by some and hated by others, it's up to the end user to decide what they like and will pay for.

Yep. I like Proto's ratcheting combo wrenches (the chrome ones). But I'll take Snappy's semi-deep 1/4" and 3/8" sockets, mainly because Proto doesn't offer them!

 

[David Jackson]

You are going to base your opinion on two manufacturers solely on a couple of 20+ year old ratchets?

Hi Big Blue and Goldie;

Only two tools to make a judgement? Good Call Big One!

In order to really make a determination I need lots more tools; all readers please feel free to PM me for my address so you can send me lots of tools so I can make a proper evalutaion!

 

[woody 73]

Never heard of proto are they any good?

Damn you guys making me look through rusty gunk trying to find of all things "WAR FINISH", you guys are going to be the death of me yet!

 

[Hootbro]

How good are the Proto 45T pearheads? Great? Any review?

I love the look of them...

They are OK but the handle design is a little weird IMHO. I like a handle that is either all smooth or all knurled. Have the knurling rings on either end and smooth in the middle just feels weird when I use them.

 

[rmsg0040]

SO geared towards auto
Proto geared towards industrial

Different market, different folks

 

[sonvolt]

The newer China Craftsman raised panel rats are the better than both anyway.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

SO geared towards auto
Proto geared towards industrial

Different market, different folks

Yep. Should be Snap On vs Mac vs Matco vs Cornwell.

Or, Williams vs Proto vs Armstrong vs Wright.

 

[warmpancakes]

Try to get warranty service on Proto, then revisit this thread

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Try to get warranty service on Proto, then revisit this thread

Try to get warranty service on Williams.

Warranty on the industrial brands will probably never be as easy as warranty on the truck brands.

 

[Ruger_556]

Try to get warranty service on Proto, then revisit this thread

It's not an issue if you go through a distributor like you're supposed to...

 

[ArtDeco]

Stanley first bought Proto as a line to gear to the industrial market. Some people swear by Proto and/or SK as being on par or better w/any truck brand. I think some specific tools of each are better than others. Hit and miss and depends on exactly what you're wanting in details.

It's ok to compare anything to each other, especially if it's quality you're after.

 

[warmpancakes]

It's not an issue if you go through a distributor like you're supposed to...

yep Ive been to grainger. do you have an account ? No then they dont want to help

 

[Ruger_556]

yep Ive been to grainger. do you have an account ? No then they dont want to help

That's a problem with Grainger then... Proto has other dealers. If it's that big of a deal to you don't buy Proto

 

[bahcoswed]

I dont get it, do you buy tools because they have a good warranty? Personally i dont care if they have warranty or not! Premium quality tools doesnt break (in proper use). A question for warranty people? Do you take a tool that feels great and serve you the best a tool can do without warranty,or do you take a not so good tool with lifetimewarranty?



Skickas från min iPhone via Tapatalk

 

[Ruger_556]

I dont get it, do you buy tools because they have a good warranty? Personally i dont care if they have warranty or not! Premium quality tools doesnt break (in proper use). A question for warranty people? Do you take a tool that feels great and serve you the best a tool can do without warranty,or do you take a not so good tool with lifetimewarranty?



Skickas från min iPhone via Tapatalk

Many on here will sell their entire collection because of one warranty issue (there have been several threads on the subject)...

I don't really even consider warranty when buying most tools

 

[davesnothere]

Try picking up a modern snappy rat, and then make a comparison.

 

[Hako86]

I have to say my 1/2 proto ratchet (54 tooth) is extremely smooth! I really like my f80 though.

 

[Gmonkee]

The Snappy design may be 40 years old but that particular Proto design is 70 years old. So it is sort of apples to apples in this case.

I can find them around me in brands from Urrrea to Toolcraft and the're all ok users.

I much prefer the Facom RH to both, after that a Truper spinner handle flip-to-reverse. Different folks like different things.

 

[87FoRunner]

I like Proto... They're not nearly as smooth or refined as SO is though.

This.

My go-to is a proto, but it has never made near as much money as my snap ons.