proto vs sk
- Thread starter fao110
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oldldh
Well-known member
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
I doubt you will find very many complaints about either.
They got a new made in USA line of pro screwdrivers coming out!
I'll be buying a set for sure!
http://toolguyd.com/proto-duratek-screwdrivers/
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
I bought a single #2 of the new proto screwdrivers. I wanted to give them a try.
In that size, I don't think it really matters. Both make great tools. That said, I prefer Proto.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I don't think I have ever had a bad tool from Proto. In fact, I find Blackhawk to be an exceptional bargain in quality sockets. Proto can also be found used at killer prices on ebay. My only experience with SK is a set of their standard ratchets (all 3 drive sizes) and they are great. I will likely be getting a bent handle SK ratchet in the near future.
chevelle67
Well-known member
Buy both in whatever you need for redundancy.
chilly_lulu
New member
I'm partial to S-K. Vintage is even better. I seek it out.
That being said, I pick up Proto whenever I come across it.
Both are well made, s-k feels better imho.
Good Luck,
Larry
That being said, I pick up Proto whenever I come across it.
Both are well made, s-k feels better imho.
Good Luck,
Larry
sonvolt
Well-known member
Then it is a toss up, I have both SK and Proto although I like SK better.
I agree. For the really big stuff I'd go Wright and Proto over SK.
Wright and Proto are industrial vs SK which is more focused on automotive.
n8n
Well-known member
I'd buy whichever comes up for sale. Both are good in my book. There's a mix of both in my socket collection.
For used tools, especially those you mentioned, I'd go Proto instead of SK.
Older SK tools, say up to about 1970, are excellent, as long as they're not worn out. But, after Dresser Industries took over SK, and through the era of Facom ownership, SK quality, and even the design of some of the tools, left a lot to be desired. Plus, they probably won't have stood the test of time and use anyway and won't be worth buying. That cuts a lot of product out of the range of things you're looking for.
Proto, on the other hand, has always produced consistently high quality tools, with no significant lapses. I'd give Ingersoll Rand era Proto a little edge, but Stanley has managed to keep Proto a strong and reliable brand (unlike some other Stanley-owned brands).
For new tools, now that SK has been resurrected from the dead (or dying) by Ideal, there's not as significant of a difference between SK and Proto as there was when SK was under different ownership, and SK is once again a quality brand, so if you were buying new instead of used, you could go with either one without any worries.
Also agree with those who mentioned Wright as a source for used tools in the types and sizes you're looking for. I'd be looking for both Proto and Wright equally, and I'd add older Williams tools into that mix too.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Another vote for Wright. Seems their old stuff wont die and their new stuff is beautiful!!
Loscaldazar
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- Feb 23, 2013
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For the most part, they both make damn good tools. SK uses some of the most modern cold forging (many companies use cold forging, but there are some procedures taht are newer and better in terms of strength) procedures for their sockets (they just built a brand new factor 2-3 years ago). I believe Proto uses cold forging, but probably not as up to date as SK. Either way, both are going to produce sockets that you are going to have a hell of a time breaking.
I prefer SK's ergonomics and chrome more.
You won't go wrong with either company.
I prefer SK's ergonomics and chrome more.
You won't go wrong with either company.
Bobdog
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comedyman809
Well-known member
they are ugly, the yellows are dreamy!!!
comedyman809
Well-known member
i have lots of sk and proto need balance in my tools.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
In that area Proto will be more available. As said, both are good, very good.
Hako86
Well-known member
I like my Proto sockets very much! Chrome is absolutely top notch and it's better than what I've seen from SK. By the way, there is a topic on this forum about a comparisson between Proto, Wright and SK sockets, you may wanna take a look there 
AV tinker er
Well-known member
Not sure if Armstrong has been mentioned but they should be considered too. Another great industrial brand.
I am a Proto fan, their wrenches are as tough as they come. Most of my 3/4" drive is Proto as well, except my 3/4 ratchets 1 is Williams and the other is a long handle Wright. I have a lot of SK as well. While I love the toughness of the Proto ratchets, the SK are superior. I don't think you will regret either brand, they are both quality tools.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Echo the comments above for me. I have a little 3/8" set of 70's era SK that is my favorite rachet and sockets, better than US Craftsman of that era. I have some Proto adjustable wrenches that are way better than Crescent US ever were. Just this weekend, at a garage sale, for only $22, I picked up 3 snap on sockets, 5 huge Proto ones (1/2 and 3/4 drive, 1" plus sizes), some Wright sockets, lots of Fleet (Proto value brand I understand), and lots of Indestro US sockets, and a couple Williams and Bonney there too. A set of 15 Mustang US brand there as well. About 40 in all, all US made! I can't wait to try out the Snap on and others above. These are my first ever Snap on tools! I got 3 sockets! Woo Hoo! But those Protos and Wrights above are likely just as good. Also thrown in for that same price were two vintage US Crescent Channelock type wrenches, two more US Crescent 8" wrenches, and a Utica 10" pliers without much use. What a super deal. Buy old vintage US if you can find it, whoever made it, and you are not likely to go wrong.
Modern or new, Proto or SK are both premium brands. Wright is great too. I'm super happy SK is still around, as I am about Enderes, Vaughan, Estwing, and other premium US brands. Buy 'em all whenever you can if you can afford them and revitalize US manufacturing and quality.
Aside, anyone know much about Thorsen? Got a Thorsen socket too, but not labeled as to COO. Wondering if that is another US socket or not and info there... - Paul
Modern or new, Proto or SK are both premium brands. Wright is great too. I'm super happy SK is still around, as I am about Enderes, Vaughan, Estwing, and other premium US brands. Buy 'em all whenever you can if you can afford them and revitalize US manufacturing and quality.
Aside, anyone know much about Thorsen? Got a Thorsen socket too, but not labeled as to COO. Wondering if that is another US socket or not and info there... - Paul
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BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Paul, years ago Thorsen was a respected name in tool sales... Sadly, the boat sailed to Asia, and the quality sank on the way back.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Thanks BDT, all of these I got are pretty old, like 30-40 years old or so, so I'm thinking this Thorsen one probably is their old US made, just not labeled with a COO, which is a bit odd. Looks of high quality so likely old US. - Paul
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Post pics and we can probably help ID it better.
Conductor562
Well-known member
Proto has the 45T XL series premium rats, the 72T Facom copies (both excellent), and come sept/October, they'll have 90T rats.
Don't judge them solely on their 24T pearheads.
Don't judge them solely on their 24T pearheads.
Pumpman1968
Well-known member
I am partial to S-K for personal reasons, but, having said that, EVERY Proto tool that I have handled......new or vintage........have been NOTHING but quality tools!
redwrench60
Well-known member
I'd have to give a slight edge to Proto on all except their ratchets (the classic ones anyway) The small amount of Proto I have is top notch.
sonvolt
Well-known member
I have SK and Proto ratchets, sockets, and combo wrenches. My vote goes to SK for the ratchets and sockets and the wrenches it is a toss up but I will give the edge to Proto