Proto vs Mac- which one better for automotive

[Quizlar]

Looking to upgrade my current tools from Craftsman and Harbor Freight to something more industry leading. My friend is a Maintance Technician down here in Indianapolis for a food plant and he uses all Proto. He was telling me that Proto is owned by Stanley and so is Mac and that they are pretty identical. Only thing being that Proto is more industrial oriented and Mac more aimed at the automotive world.
Just wondering if Proto would be a good fit for truck/car repairs or should I look more into Mac. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Shane6377]

You will get a ton of different opinions. If you're asking about mechanic tools I'm assuming you mean basic hardline tools like sockets, ratchets and wrenches.

I have both Proto and Mac(USA) chrome sockets, combo wrenches and ratchets. Both are similar quality. I prefer Proto sockets and ratchets but prefer the beam shape on Mac wrenches. I also have Proto impact sockets but no Mac to compare them to. The Porto's are great. These are picky differences and I would honestly buy whichever one I could get cheaper.


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[Shane6377]

I think Proto is viewed as industrial and Mac as automotive because of the truck service and because Mac offers more specialty tools for automotive. There is nothing about a Mac socket or wrench that makes it better for automotive than a Proto.


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[Zewnten]

I've used proto for some time as a heavy diesel mechanic, warranty is great, half the price or less than Mac and usually USA made which Mac is not. Throw in coupons from Zoro and it's a win win for me. Mac has a couple things exclusive to them, I buy them online as needed.

 

[Htscheg]

Both are going to do what you want. The main difference is the convienence of the warranty.. and the tool being delivered to you. If the interaction with the salesman and convience is what your after the use the tool truck. Finding a better deal go the online route...

 

[Fedwrench]

My vote would be for MAC simply because, MAC has a wider selection of not only automotive specialty tools but, also general tools like impact swivel sockets, flex head ratchets, torx bits, etc.

Since both brands belong to the same stanley family tree, there are like items shared by both brands. MAC still sells a large amount of US made tools. Conversely, not everything stamped PROTO is US made either. Many of Proto's ratcheting wrenches are made in Taiwan and Proto's 72 tooth round head ratchets are made in Italy.

Both brands serve me well as a mechanic for years. It's just that MAC will offer more versions of different tools designed to work on vehicles that Proto doesn't.

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you're serviced by a truck, keep an eye on the deals. A BOGO on hardline sockets might be worth the investment, so you can have your old ones as backup / home set, and warranty, so you can let the replacement come to you instead of driving for replacement.

If your existing tool works, why replace it? If you're in a decent sized metro area, you can come up with delivery, go pick up, or otherwise purchase or warranty tools pretty easily. Amazon Prime plus being serviced by a truck, plus McMaster Carr plus retail options means you can get something pretty quick.

Tools that let your hands work more comfortably are worth it. I'd buy a SnapOn OEXM15 for $35 before I'd buy a Craftsman raised panel for $3.50. It's just better for the hands, and the box protrudes a little, easing access, and it's just a better tool by far, making work easier and quicker. But a socket is oftentimes a socket and there's no need to "upgrade."

When you truly wear out, break, or actually need a legitimately better tool, add it to a list. You might wanna replace with cheapest, or you might want a particular handle or design. There's no shortage of information on what the options are.

 

[WittHay]

Mac dealer warranty is the best in the business. Lots of differences between Mac and Proto in the hardline tools.

Mac has a large selection of prybars, picks and other tools with the MacGrip handles. Comfort grip ratchets along with locking flex. Wider selection of screwdrivers. The sockets are different in 1/2 drive. Mac has steps, Proto doesnt.

Proto has the edge in wrenches. Proto will always be cheaper and if the tools are similar pick Proto . I have both

 

[IPFreely]

Looking to upgrade my current tools from Craftsman and Harbor Freight to something more industry leading.

When you say industry leading, what do you mean?

Which tools? Impacts, chromes, sockets, cordless, air, pliars, wrenches, torque?

Just wondering if Proto would be a good fit for truck/car repairs

For home or professional use? Light duty trucks or diesel?

What limitations are you experiencing with your current tools that is leading you towards the decision to spend a large sum of money to replace them?

 

[ChrisLS8]

Are you a tech or home/diy

 

[Mr_B]

MAC but if you not got scenario of weekly/monthly visit then don't waste the bucks on service you won't be using .
My MAC guy a good old timer and I done fairly well out of helpful service and warranty replacement on things like drills over the years but on many truck tools you can waste thousands for not the best design tool or lesser warranty and expensive parts/service fees and a service you paid for but may never use to any real benefit so know your real needs and buy accordingly .

 

[richfinn]

I've been really happy with the older secondhand MAC tools I have bought over the years

Except a 13mm Knucklesaver wrench, I'm not a fan of the design

 

[Wamsutta]

In some cases they're the exact same tool except for the print. Proto angle wrenches are MAC angle wrenches branded Proto.

MAC combination wrenches (the latest addition) are Proto combination wrenches branded MAC.

Where they differ is in the sockets. MAC sockets (the USA version with 'R' and the end of the part number) have their own shape.

 

[bobcatdan]

In recent years the lines between Proto and Mac have become pretty blurred. Once two independent companies with their own designs, once owned my Stanley, stuff has began to be branded both way. For a long time it was pretty minimal, but in the last few years had grown by leaps and bound. Hardline stuff is made in the same plant these days. My opinion is take it case by case. Mac and Proto share many of the same toolboxes. Generally Proto is listed noticable cheaper. The new screwdrivers are shared, which kit do you like better. 90 tooth ratchets, which offers the style you like. Mac can offer more of somethings while proto will offer more of another. Pullers for example, mac is pretty much all important OTC. Proto has a full line of USA pullers that rival classic USA made OTC or Snap on. Really comes down to the tool you are looking at which brand is the better choice.

 

[MattT]

In recent years the lines between Proto and Mac have become pretty blurred.

With Facom blurring things even more. And you can also sometimes find premium SBD tools that've leaked down into their lesser brands too. One example there's still a couple mechanics Anti Vibe hammers available with Stanley branding.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It really depends on who provides better service in your case, whether or not you get a discount, and what you can find on the used market. Some of the tools are the same and list prices are similar. Examples include the made in Taiwan anti vibe ball pein hammers and Italian made 72 tooth round head flex head ratchets.

If you have a good Mac dealer, then the tool selection would be geared more towards automotive. The downside with Mac is that there seems to be more made in China junk in their catalog. If you have a good local Proto dealer, you'd likely be back ordering tools but warranty wise, a Proto dealer would be less likely to go bankrupt and disappear than a tool truck. Proto tools have worse resale value than Mac, so this is where buying used saves you a lot of money.

 

[bobcatdan]

With Facom blurring things even more. And you can also sometimes find premium SBD tools that've leaked down into their lesser brands too. One example there's still a couple mechanics Anti Vibe hammers available with Stanley branding.

I have feeling once craftsman is back to USA made, I'm thinking it will all be one big mix. While I haven't looked into the street address of the new plant, if I'm not mistaken it is in the same city as Proto/Mac. Makes me wonder if it is more of an expansion of the existing facilities and not so much a new factory from the ground up.

 

[Wamsutta]

MAC CB162KS + PROTO 1216-T500 = same wrench.

MAC CL16LKS = old fashion MAC pattern. Nothing like Proto.