Proto

[bayoutoolguy]

just picked up a Proto 5249 and 5250 3/8 ratchet. theyre pretty smooth, aside from the fact that they dont flex, they seem like great ratchets, would any of you use them as your everyday go to ratchets? Im assuming theyre dry, should I put any light oil or grease in them to increase gear life? I'm trying to find an alternative to my Dual 80's, my FHD 80, has started to operate very rough in the on position, and hasnt seen much use. I'll get it rebuilt and give it another shot. Also, how do the Proto screwdrivers hold up, both the yellow handles and the Professional line? are they worth buying?

 

[jteck75]

Never used the yellow handle line,but the black and grey cushion handle drivers are great! Use them every day at work! As far as the ratchets go,I've used Proto ratchets for years day in and day out,never had any issues,never lube them other than a shot of WD or Kroil at the end of the day when I'm cleaning them up.

 

[Texican]

I really enjoy my Proto ratchets, they have always been my ratchet of choice. I don't turn wrenches for a living but I use them nearly every day. All of my Proto ratchets have been dry when I bought them. I give them a soak in ATF and they run much smoother. I own the yellow handled screwdrivers and I am not disappointed with them but they are not my favorite screwdriver to use. The tips are all nicely made but the handles feel small to me, can't really get a good grip with them. Never used the red and black ones but they look nice just have to go with whichever is more comfortable for you.

 

[buco]

There is nothing wrong with Proto screwdrivers at all. They were standard issue where I worked, the soft grip ones made in the UK. Solid tools.

Only thing I didn't like is that they don't have what bit type they are on the handle. Everyone should do that.

The yellows were on Epsteins for a great price. I imagine they're easy to keep clean.

 

[Paladin]

Some of my best tools are Proto's! I open up the ratchet heads and fill them with assembly lube rather than oil. It stays put better and really smooths up the ratchet. Proto sockets, ratchets and wrenches have served me well.

 

[sberry]

I have some Proto ratchets, very good, never had one not work.

 

[Automatic Slim]

Last several years I've pretty much stayed with Proto Professional tools, good quality, great local service for me. Ratchets work fine, no problems.

......but, as much as I have sh*t on ********, I do prefer their ratchets over any other. Hard to say, I know.

Just like the feel, design, and smoothness of the **overpriced** snap on ratchet and they have never let me down. May be the only tool I would have that brand allegiance, but it is so. Probably more of a preference.

 

[ilovevocs]

For what its worth;

I have found the fastest and easiest way to get a ratchet running smoothly is to fill a disposable cup with marvel mystery oil, dunk the head of the ratchet for a minute, pull it out spin it both directions, dunk it again. If they are really bad you may have to repeat this cycle a few times. It has worked well for me and all my friends are using this technique as well. Ratchets that I thought were in need of a rebuild operate super smooth after applying this technique.

 

[Plombob]

The yellow handles are my favorite screwdriver. Just fits my hands comfortably. The rats are really good. I lube mine with grease. The few I've had that were abused were easily repaired with a kit.

 

[jmm]

Those ratchets are awesome. With a little lube, they have the smoothest action of any ratchet I've ever felt (and I have Dual 80s). I use red grease or super lube in mine. Both work very well.

I like the yellow handled screwdrivers as well; I'd have more of them if they were easier to find.

 

[CWP1616L]

I'm assuming they're dry, should I put any light oil or grease in them to increase gear life?

Use Permatex 81950 in them. You can get it at NAPA.

 

[DrivewayDave]

I to soaked my 1/4" P&C ratchet, my (3) 3/8" unknown brand flex ratchets, & my 1/2" CM 44809 ratchet in power steering fluid, works good.

Bought recently bought some 30's Plomb 1/2" shallow SAE sckts, (11) for $16.50 at a local thrift store, cleaned them up, oiled them & aligned them up in my free unknown brand mahogany machinist's top chest box for future use around the home.

 

[DrivewayDave]

Mine haven't been used for years & I read someplace that a guys does this to his rusted frozen ratchets & it frees them up. So I may have over done it by dipping them into a jar of pwr strg fluid but I liked the quick & easy idea of it-no taking them apart. But I really didn't need to soak them as mine weren't frozen. I like your method of practice, very practical, thanks.

 

[joebachor]

we use company supplied tools at my plant and all our ratchets are proto. the techs i work with totally abuse those ratchets and we have never had one break. they are really smooth also. i like them so much that ive bought several of them for use in my private shop even though im a snap on ratchet guy.