Proto versus Snap On

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

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

I like to think that overall quality is more important to me than warranty. A warranty is useless to me at 10:00 PM if I need to have something working by morning.

However, I will admit that I have been a little put off of Williams because of the difficulty in getting warranty service. I have bought more Williams sockets and a couple more ratchets since then, but I no longer plan on dumping large amounts of cash into Williams.

I haven't had any Proto or Wright break yet, so I haven't had any warranty issues there yet.

I am thinking about getting a set of Hazet wrenches. I suspect warranty service would be a real pain, but at least I already know that going into it.

That is what ticked me off about Williams. I expected any warranty service to be a piece of cake - just to find out that the local distributor wouldn't provide service because I didn't buy the tool from them.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I always talk good about proto & blackhawk. Great tools. Never pay grainger full retail price for them. People are too worried in my opinion about warranty I think. If it is a heavy wear item like a ratchet then ok sure, otherwise I dont really get it. I abuse tools quite a bit and dont expect a warranty for hitting stuff with a maul that clearly says no striking tools used on this. We have everything from Snapon, Martin, KD tool(when they were usa), proto, craftsman usa, bonney, SK, Wright, Williams. All of them are great tools and not a huge gap between them.

No company is the end all be all. Why would you want all of one brand anyways? I guess I just never understood/ I dont have OCD to care about complete sets. If some of the guys here saw how we cut/mod brand new USA or Snap On stuff they would **** a brick.

But anyways sorry back on topic .Proto has many items that are on par with truck brands yes. I like their ratchets but wouldnt say they are better than Snap on. Urrea I have used as well. Some of which is exact same thing as proto but made in Mexico. Proto and Blackhawk(USA stuff especially) can be a great value and a great tool.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Snap on vs Matco is the question.

You a dealer or something?

Your for sale thread and quick rack up of posts to pass the 100 mark is suspicious.

 

[btbsandman]

Ford Adjustable against John Deere Spline Ratcheing Dogbone.
That would be the ultimate faceoff.

 

[vssjim]

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

I think the Proto classic ratchet is more like 70 years of proven design

 

[mofo62]

.


My Proto 5249 ,best perfomance that f80 i Love Proto...



V!

 

[Conductor562]

I have a couple of Proto tools, I guess that entitles me to an opinion. It's an apples to oranges type comparison really. Snap-On is a fit and finish mechanics brand, where Proto is a rougher around the edges industrial brand.

It's more of a Corvette versus diesel pickup kinda debate. It all depends on what features are important to you.

 

[Gmonkee]

As a collector with a few ratchets with the hillbilly tooth count I've found that almost all the sub 30T ratchets you are comparing length and weight to find the best for you.

With the 30 to 60T ratchets of the next generation its more size and smoothness. Drag and backlash would be the make or break details. Size plays in for the auto guys more than the millwright.

Get up over 60t and its all about ergonomics and handle options as the drag issues seem to have been eliminated across the board. Durability plays a part too, ties into if warrantee was part of the buying decision.

 

[macgee]

I have to say I don't think I have any brand new Proto gear but I do have a ton of old Plomb and vintage Proto. I also have a lot of new Snap-On.

I have a complete 1/4" Proto ratchet set from the old days and love using it, no reason to buy a new S-O set to replace although I do service it to keep it tight and the springs fresh. I do have a S-O set as well but I like using my Proto.

To compare them is a good question? When I have a dirty ugly job I reach for my old second hand Proto gear so I don't beat up my $$$ Snap-On. To be honest the Proto has never failed me, it just keeps doing a great job; there solid. I don't think my Snap-On gear in the long run would hold up to the same abuse as the Proto but the Proto gear is mostly from the 50's & 60's when things were made really well.

I even have some large size "new old stock" screwdrivers from Proto with wood handles that someone gave me. A no.4 and a 3/8", I beat the snot out of them as pry bars because I considered them as a novelty but they ended up being the strongest drivers I have and don't cam out. I do like the new Snap-On drivers handles but my next purchase will the new Proto drivers. The Snap-On drivers do cam out occasionally more than my Wera's.

Proto is not as **** as S-O but there very reliable.

In regards to Snap-On, they turned me off with warranty and unsupportive truck drivers, life is way too short having deal with there behavior. There's a lot of great tool makers out there so I don't need Snap-On.

There's an old thread still going about Snap_On hassles:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27025&page=5

 

[Ruger_556]

Ford Adjustable against John Deere Spline Ratcheing Dogbone.
That would be the ultimate faceoff.

This man knows what's up

 

[Deskmechanic]

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

Proto warranty experience: Send a broken tool in, get a brand new one back in a week or so. Works for me.

 

[Octavio415]

Ive owned the proto in the original post in 1/4 1/2 3/8 and theyre all great. the half inch does feel a bit wierd due to the big size and low tooth count but the 3/8 is amazing. ive owned several. just sold one to madoc1. these protos can change feeling dramatically if they are not clean. i have yet to see one with worn internals. keeping them clean keeps them feeling new. i wish i had a picture of the mechanism. unless the inside is nasty. i dont see how i could slip or break unless the springs were extremly worn out. the 3/8 proto is my go to. build quality is good and if a ratchet's selector does not stay within its two positions i hate it. recently craftsmans new ratchets have a selector which is more like a slider. it doesnt stay in one place.

Although, now that i have a Snapon f80. nothing compares ESPECIALLY where fine tooth is necessary. where my proto only clicks once the snap on will do 5-6 clicks which will save alot of time. after seeing the insides of both mechanisms i do get a bit scared putting all my force/ weight into the snapon . compared to the proto i feel like i would stand alot of force. even though i know i should feel the opposite due to the technologies in the more modern f80

for a low tooh count, the protos feel amazingly smooth when internaly clean. the snapon are also incredibly smooth because of the night tooth count and unlike other fine tooth the snapon still feels strong and every click is consistent and strong. i guess im just not afraid of using the proto in places i should be using a breaker bar.

btw this is not a brand vs brand post. its a ratchet vs ratchet comparison. i love both of mine. and besides ratchets i prefer snapon on alot of tools although recently hoped on a matco truck and now prefer some matco screwdrivers over snapons. its all about trying different things. if your on here comparing tools you dont own. get your hands on them first. then we can all listen.

 

[stage20]

its just how you like the feel of it. ive got several snap ons and proto ratchets and i will grab one or the other for different jobs just because i know how it feels or how it will act in a given situation. i have a newer proto per head and its a bit heavy, but its a very nice ratchet. got a couple of the older ones as shown in the pics, and they are still great ratchets for being 40 years old. that being said. ive got a snap on f something or other 70 from 1969 and it feels like you just bought it off the shelf.

 

[Farmall450]

Snap on vs Matco is the question.

Not really. SO is vastly American made and doesn't rebadge 50% of their stuff.

 

[Duct Tape Man]

I love Proto tools, and I like Snap-On. They are both very well-made tools, and my tool chest has both makes in them. However, I have many more Proto tools than SO; most of my tools have been purchased used at flea markets, and I can find Proto all the time for $1-5 per tool in nice shape. However, more often than not, those selling used SO tools think they are worth their weight in gold, simply because they paid a lot to begin with off the tool truck. SO is not gold plated, and shouldn't really cost all that much more than other US-made used tools.

Anyways, I give a vote for Proto, mainly because of the value of the tools you get for your money. I have a tool chest filled with Proto that I bought for the same price as a tool POUCH of Snap-On tools.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I have a couple of Proto tools, I guess that entitles me to an opinion. It's an apples to oranges type comparison really. Snap-On is a fit and finish mechanics brand, where Proto is a rougher around the edges industrial brand.

It's more of a Corvette versus diesel pickup kinda debate. It all depends on what features are important to you.

That is a great analogy I think. It is also important to remember what the companies market themeselves towards. I work in an industrial environment so I am more familiar with proto. Thats their angle is the industrial market. Snapon deals mostly in auto repair.

 

[David Jackson]

Ive owned the proto in the original post in 1/4 1/2 3/8 and theyre all great. the half inch does feel a bit wierd due to the big size and low tooth count but the 3/8 is amazing. ive owned several. just sold one to madoc1. these protos can change feeling dramatically if they are not clean. i have yet to see one with worn internals. keeping them clean keeps them feeling new. i wish i had a picture of the mechanism. unless the inside is nasty. i dont see how i could slip or break unless the springs were extremly worn out. the 3/8 proto is my go to. build quality is good and if a ratchet's selector does not stay within its two positions i hate it. recently craftsmans new ratchets have a selector which is more like a slider. it doesnt stay in one place.

Although, now that i have a Snapon f80. nothing compares ESPECIALLY where fine tooth is necessary. where my proto only clicks once the snap on will do 5-6 clicks which will save alot of time. after seeing the insides of both mechanisms i do get a bit scared putting all my force/ weight into the snapon . compared to the proto i feel like i would stand alot of force. even though i know i should feel the opposite due to the technologies in the more modern f80

for a low tooh count, the protos feel amazingly smooth when internaly clean. the snapon are also incredibly smooth because of the night tooth count and unlike other fine tooth the snapon still feels strong and every click is consistent and strong. i guess im just not afraid of using the proto in places i should be using a breaker bar.

btw this is not a brand vs brand post. its a ratchet vs ratchet comparison. i love both of mine. and besides ratchets i prefer snapon on alot of tools although recently hoped on a matco truck and now prefer some matco screwdrivers over snapons. its all about trying different things. if your on here comparing tools you dont own. get your hands on them first. then we can all listen.

"Ratchet to Ratchet post"; quite accurate. I went overboard saying brand to brand when I started this post. I should have said something to the effect that I just got a quite used Proto 5449 and its action is MUCH smoother than my beautiful Snappy.
Another interesting remark is the one about SO for automotive and Proto for industrial; maybe that is why SO is so much better finished?
I have learned a lot from all the comments though, so I am glad I started the thread.
My old Proto is a 5449 and the new ones have a J prefix. Anyone know if old rebuild kits (should I ever need one) and new ones are the same?

 

[Conductor562]

"Ratchet to Ratchet post"; quite accurate. I went overboard saying brand to brand when I started this post. I should have said something to the effect that I just got a quite used Proto 5449 and its action is MUCH smoother than my beautiful Snappy.
Another interesting remark is the one about SO for automotive and Proto for industrial; maybe that is why SO is so much better finished?
I have learned a lot from all the comments though, so I am glad I started the thread.
My old Proto is a 5449 and the new ones have a J prefix. Anyone know if old rebuild kits (should I ever need one) and new ones are the same?

Kits are the same, but you'll probably have to use your old cover plate.

 

[Steinmetz]

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.

You are correct about the Leica M. I own a M2 and an M3 (single stroke). They are superb. Better even than the Hasselblad, the Rolleiflex, and Leica screw mount, which I own, too. Canon and Nikon? Real clunkers in comparison.

Ratchets? SK.

 

[JoeMA]

Another interesting remark is the one about SO for automotive and Proto for industrial; maybe that is why SO is so much better finished.

The chrome and finish on new Proto tools that I have purchased are every bit as good as my SO tools.

 

[ttpete]

You are correct about the Leica M. I own a M2 and an M3 (single stroke). They are superb. Better even than the Hasselblad, the Rolleiflex, and Leica screw mount, which I own, too. Canon and Nikon? Real clunkers in comparison.

Ratchets? SK.

I owned and used Leica for many years, first the old screw mount and then they bayonet cameras. I had the Visoflexes and bellows, and most of the lenses from 21 to 280 mm. Finally sold it all when the digital stuff became available. Got enough out of it to go with pro quality Nikon equipment.

 

[David Jackson]

It is a shame that film is gone, in a way; and in a way a blessing!
I used to really like the fact that I could put my M3 body in one jacket pocket and a lens in the other. I have a digital SLR now and it's a lot more bulky, have to carry it in its own little bag.

 

[BFHtime]

I have snap-on and Williams 3/8 impact swivel sockets. There is a significant difference in using them. I often have to fight with the Williams to get a nut out of it, where the Snap-on just falls out. The finish on the Williams chips off relatively easy in two uses. They were cheaper bought direct from Willliams off eBay. I do not have the full Snap-on set just the most common metrics and standards, it was a BOGO deal. I was disappointed as the listing was for Snap-On industrial not Williams. I left appropriate feedback. In actual use the Snap-on let me work faster instead of spending time to trying to get fasteners from the tool. I am using an 18v Makita impact driver with a hex to square adapter, so not major torque.

I was surprised because I figured that they could not be any different. They really look similar, except the Snap-on has the off corner engagement, which I think helps with getting the fastener out of the socket.

 

[eeprete]

Both are solid brands of tools. SO is the bar by which all tools are measured for a reason though. Then again not a fan of my snap on 1/4 ratchets, my favorite is a cheap craftsman.

 

[eeprete]

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

Is it any different for Proto than Blackhawk, since they're all under the Stanley umbrella? I sent in a BH wrench under warranty and got a new one quickly and without issue.

 

[Conductor562]

Blackhawk is actually easier to warranty than Proto.

 

[David Jackson]

I found an old Plomb socket in my toolbox. It appears to maybe have some sort of gray paint on it. Is that the wartime finish?

 

[6PTsocket]

You guys are comparing apples and oranges. Snap on is nice stuff. but right up there in quality, finish and price is USA made, Armstrong. It is the high end line of Apex, formerly Danaher. GearWrench is their Chinese or Taiwan stuff and similar to the stuff they sell to Sears for their Craftsman line. That is not to say that all Craftsman comes from them. SK, after more owners than I can count, including Facom, is now owned by Ideal industries. The stuff is first quality, expensive and made in USA. Proto is Stanley's high end line. Good quality but not finished as nice as Armstrong or as expensive. Remember, Snap On, Matco, Mac and Cornwell prices have to include the commission to the truck guy. You pay for the convenience of him coming to you and replacing broken tools on the spot. In some cases it is just rebranded stuff that you can get cheaper under the real manufacturer's brand name. Williams used to be an independent company that serviced the industrial market. It was not polished to look pretty. Snap On now owns it. It is full polish,made in Asia and probably comparable to GearWrench (KD). I have a lot of the old, rough made in USA Williams. I own some old SK too and the new stuff is nicer. Wright is another USA company that makes decent tools at an affordable price.

 

[stage20]

I wouldn't consider Armstrong any better quality over proto....more of preference
The quality is there in both. It comes down to a style or design you prefer.

 

[d.mcfarland]

6PTsocket with a thread reserection just to post downright wrong information.

Corrections: Williams still makes USA stuff still also, Wright makes GREAT tools, and SK stuff really isn't that expensive.

 

[ssdave]

I'll jump back into an old thread. Proto and Snap-on go head to head for quality. For design and innovation, Snap-on has a lot more variety and caters to the automotive mechanic. Proto caters to the industrial user.

Although most will say that proto is rougher finish, their new full polish stuff is every bit as good as Snap-on.

I actively buy both Snap-on and Proto, as well as Williams. I Consider those three brands to be the top 3 in the U.S. for quality and durability. I might prefer Snap-on over proto if I worked in a shop where the dealer service was of value to me. As it is, I have to catch the Snap-on truck down the street at 11:30 on Friday, it could be two or 3 weeks before that works for me. Proto, I put in a package and send to Georgia, about 6 or 8 working days later I get a return package with the warranted tool. So, about equally inconvenient for me either way.

So for me, it's not Snap on OR Proto, it's Snap on AND Proto.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Proto isn't finished as nicely as armstrong? lol. I would call their (armstrong) dual marked chrome sockets the worst out of any brand, imported or not. Mix of grey, silver, and gold colored chrome that looks horrid.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

You guys are comparing apples and oranges. Snap on is nice stuff. but right up there in quality, finish and price is USA made, Armstrong. It is the high end line of Apex, formerly Danaher. GearWrench is their Chinese or Taiwan stuff and similar to the stuff they sell to Sears for their Craftsman line. That is not to say that all Craftsman comes from them. SK, after more owners than I can count, including Facom, is now owned by Ideal industries. The stuff is first quality, expensive and made in USA. Proto is Stanley's high end line. Good quality but not finished as nice as Armstrong or as expensive. Remember, Snap On, Matco, Mac and Cornwell prices have to include the commission to the truck guy. You pay for the convenience of him coming to you and replacing broken tools on the spot. In some cases it is just rebranded stuff that you can get cheaper under the real manufacturer's brand name. Williams used to be an independent company that serviced the industrial market. It was not polished to look pretty. Snap On now owns it. It is full polish,made in Asia and probably comparable to GearWrench (KD). I have a lot of the old, rough made in USA Williams. I own some old SK too and the new stuff is nicer. Wright is another USA company that makes decent tools at an affordable price.

Armstrong better than Proto? Armstrong as nice as Snap On? This is rich! What other dumb thoughts are in your head?

 

[Brownsfan]

It would depend on what Armstrong and Proto you are comparing. I like Armstrong ratchets over Proto. Protos screwdrivers are definitely better than Armstrong. But there are some glaring mis truths in 6pts post. Williams still makes very high quality tools in the USA. SK is probably the least expensive out of Proto , Armstrong and maybe Williams USA. All are high quality and will last a lifetime. Find what feels good to use for you from each. Don't limit yourself to one brand.

 

[1950mercury]

You guys are comparing apples and oranges. Snap on is nice stuff. but right up there in quality, finish and price is USA made, Armstrong. It is the high end line of Apex, formerly Danaher. GearWrench is their Chinese or Taiwan stuff and similar to the stuff they sell to Sears for their Craftsman line. That is not to say that all Craftsman comes from them. SK, after more owners than I can count, including Facom, is now owned by Ideal industries. The stuff is first quality, expensive and made in USA. Proto is Stanley's high end line. Good quality but not finished as nice as Armstrong or as expensive. Remember, Snap On, Matco, Mac and Cornwell prices have to include the commission to the truck guy. You pay for the convenience of him coming to you and replacing broken tools on the spot. In some cases it is just rebranded stuff that you can get cheaper under the real manufacturer's brand name. Williams used to be an independent company that serviced the industrial market. It was not polished to look pretty. Snap On now owns it. It is full polish,made in Asia and probably comparable to GearWrench (KD). I have a lot of the old, rough made in USA Williams. I own some old SK too and the new stuff is nicer. Wright is another USA company that makes decent tools at an affordable price.

If it's on the internet it must be true

 

[stage20]

speaking of the finish of armstrong sockets, they can vary greatly. quality control is not there. i have some armstrong and craftsman sockets and either they get rusty looking or will turn a goldish color, almost like the last plating didnt take well. this is with all series of sockets ive ever owned, so its not just one bad batch or two. its everywhere. you dont see that with proto or sk, though SK older production sockets will flake chrome before any other sockets...even taiwan or china. all tools have their faults.

 

[davethorik]

I never really got into the old Proto 20 tooth pear heads, but I love the 45 tooth Proto XL ratchets. I have a 5250XL and a 5450XLBL. I wish Proto made a wider selection of these, namely flex heads as someone else mentioned. Snap-On makes a nice tool but even used tools from the 70s can go for more than a modern non-Snappy equivalent.

That's actually why I got the 5450XLBL in the first place, wanted a long handled 1/2 version of my Snappy SL710 and couldn't find one that wasn't beat to **** or stupid expensive. Got a good deal on the Proto, and even decided on the 5250XL as I needed a long 3/8. The Dual 80 are nice ratchets but Proto is less than half the price and almost as good.

 

[Conductor562]

I never really got into the old Proto 20 tooth pear heads, but I love the 45 tooth Proto XL ratchets. I have a 5250XL and a 5450XLBL. I wish Proto made a wider selection of these, namely flex heads as someone else mentioned. Snap-On makes a nice tool but even used tools from the 70s can go for more than a modern non-Snappy equivalent.

That's actually why I got the 5450XLBL in the first place, wanted a long handled 1/2 version of my Snappy SL710 and couldn't find one that wasn't beat to **** or stupid expensive. Got a good deal on the Proto, and even decided on the 5250XL as I needed a long 3/8. The Dual 80 are nice ratchets but Proto is less than half the price and almost as good.

The Proto XL's might just be the most under appreciated ratchets on the market. Very smooth and strong, and not bad to look at either.

 

[SantaAna12]

Stanley Proto.

 

[otherphone]

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.

Why buy anything from grainger?? Rip off. , go to zoro , sign up for email, get the 25% off ,,for proto..... the spline box end is great for allbthe square plugs i deal with , thats why i use proto spline wrenches in my box instead of snap on