Was just looking at some stuff on zoro and noticed a trend with proto products. Looks like their tools with the more ”modern” looking font are manufactured in Taiwan and their tools with the more classic looking font are the ones made in the USA. Can anyone confirm? I really liked the look of the more updated looking stuff too
Proto’s more updated looking tools
- Thread starter Bradc1989
- Start date
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I see what you mean. The fonts they use now are ultra modern.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
I got a set of Proto midget combination wrenches recently, and they had a new font compared to what I was used to, and also had a US Flag laser etched on, since they are made in the US. I prefer the old look but it's not a big deal.
It looks like SBD might have gotten the message that their size markings are hot garbage and now they are using more Craftsman/DeWalt style size marking, which I happen to like.
This example is still listed as Made in USA
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-in-dr...12-points-j5330-tt/i/G7112472/#specifications
This example is still listed as Made in USA
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-in-dr...12-points-j5330-tt/i/G7112472/#specifications
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
Yes that's the font on my new wrenches.It looks like SBD might have gotten the message that their size markings are hot garbage and now they are using more Craftsman/DeWalt style size marking, which I happen to like.
This example is still listed as Made in USA
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-in-dr...12-points-j5330-tt/i/G7112472/#specifications
Proto isn't entirely US-made, so this might not be a change so much as a new product intro. The tools are nevertheless top-tier. Their Taiwanese black chrome reversible spline wrenches are some of my favorite. The button-adjustable waterpump pliers, actually made by Facom, are great too - real Knipex Cobra competition.
Proto has definitely stepped up their style game. I’ve got some older clickers that have served me well over the past 20+yrs. But they’re just your typical plain Jane chromies 
This past Christmas I got my boy a new one for wrenching on his Harley.
Pretty damn stylish if you ask me
This past Christmas I got my boy a new one for wrenching on his Harley.
Pretty damn stylish if you ask me
I like that Facom palm control-type flex head. That looks sweet.Proto has definitely stepped up their style game. I’ve got some older clickers that have served me well over the past 20+yrs. But they’re just your typical plain Jane chromies
This past Christmas I got my boy a new one for wrenching on his Harley.
Pretty damn stylish if you ask me
Gimmicky as I thought it would be, I like the feature. Being able to rest your nondominant hand on the ratchet head and lean into the fastener provides a very strong, ergonomic body position.
My beef with Proto is their website .. it’s probably the worst tool website going right now. Slow, hard to navigate, and half the stock doesn’t have pictures. Sad!
Chrome Vanadium Cody
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2021
- Messages
- 663
Proto seems to want you to download their catalog pdf. The website itself does really ****.
And agreed on those palm control ratchets! I was skeptical but tried one and right away felt how it’s an upgrade over traditional roundheads.
The catalog, last I looked, it’s updated as far as their boxes and stuff goes. Im pretty sure they axed the 540 boxes and now have a line up with a name, for some reason I’m wanting to say the velocity series? Maybe, idk. but hollleee **** their website is the absolute worst. And good luck getting an answer if you ever have a question
Yea I know, I’m a proto fan boy. Use their made in USA tools almost exclusively as a multi craft industrial maintenance tech. just noticed that it seems, on zoro atleast, the tools they’re advertising with the new fancy styling have coo’s of Taiwan, and the old style plain ones have coo’s of USA. Just wondering if anyone else has also noticed this. Real knipex competition you say? I’m going to have to try one, didn’t think such a thing existed, even from proto
neophyte
Well-known member
Facom makes really nice pliers.
I believe they may use a cold forging process, similar to Snap-On.
Facom is usually really hood as far as ergonomics, possibly better than Knipex.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
When I bought my 12pt 3/8 SAE socket set a few years back I noticed the different font. The font styling on my sockets looks exactly like the Craftsman font except for the big Proto logo. My intermediate 12pt sets also have the newer font.It looks like SBD might have gotten the message that their size markings are hot garbage and now they are using more Craftsman/DeWalt style size marking, which I happen to like.
This example is still listed as Made in USA
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-in-dr...12-points-j5330-tt/i/G7112472/#specifications
Honestly, I really like my Proto palm control ratchets. I’ve bought almost all of them now. The 1/4” ones are a little fat but I use the heck out of the palm control part. I also have the 3/8” torque wrench and it’s a beast. Cannot wait to add the 1/2”.Proto has definitely stepped up their style game. I’ve got some older clickers that have served me well over the past 20+yrs. But they’re just your typical plain Jane chromies
This past Christmas I got my boy a new one for wrenching on his Harley.
Pretty damn stylish if you ask me
Thank you! All these years and I never realized Proto had an online catalog. It makes looking for things so much easier than using the website.