Replacing Husky wrenches with Armstrong/Proto

[2004EP3HATCH]

Hi Guys,

My first post on here. I have gotten a lot of good info so far. ***** to learn about ARMSTRONG not staying in business. Thier website is up to date it seems and McMaster has full stock of everything, so I was fooled I looks like.

I bought the 8-19MM reversible wrenches set (54-8 series) and the bigger sizes I will buy from Proto. Problem is Armstrong is not around anymore it seems from what I read here and Proto is made in Taiwan? I thought they were made in the US. I have Proto sockets at work and say USA. My Proto Wrenches say Taiwan. Got them from Amazon.

The Armstrong wrenches are just so much more refined and are bigger. I hope I did not make a mistake replacing all my Husky reversible wrenches. I want reversible ratcheting wrenches, I hate turning them around to go other direction.

I really trying to change over to American made tools where I can afford too. I had no problems with my Husky’s.

 

[B_Bimmer]

The chrome proto ratcheting wrenches with the I beam shaped handle are US made. The black and basic chrome are taiwan. They are still excellent wrenches that get raving reviews, just not made in the US.

 

[ssdave]

The us made ratcheting reversible proto are available from zoro, sign up for their emails and every few weeks you'll get a 25% off coupon. The wrenches are very affordable at the 25% off. Just make sure you buy the US made instead of the Taiwan; the price is similar but you get a couple extra wrenches in the Taiwan sets.

 

[four.cycle]

there have been a number of the Proto ratcheting box end combination wrench sets listed on Ebay recently at prices that beat Zoro.com.
check the "Ebay hot deal" thread.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

Thanks guys for some more information. Why does Amazon sell them showing the I beam version then? I thought they looked different. I’ll look on Zoro and Ebay then. I’m buying singles for now.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

The other thing I’ve read is that Taiwan made tools are pretty good as one member pointed out. I’m just trying to stay American.

 

[Fedwrench]

The fastener you're working on doesn't care where your wrench was made

I'm not sure what sizes you're looking for but, another non US made option would be Blackhawk. Blackhawk has made quality reversible fine toothed ratcheting wrenches for quite awhile and they offer larger sizes over 19 mm.

When it comes to modern fine toothed ratcheting wrenches, Taiwan made versions are the segment leader. There are few US made offerings.

The Armstrongs you have were one of the best US made modern fine tooth ratcheting wrenches made and was also sold under the Matco brand but, they are no more. Plenty floating around at close out places but, the available stock will eventually dry up.

If you're set on US made only, then the reversible Proto I Beams are probably your only option. Welcome to the Journal and good luck in your quest.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Thanks guys for some more information. Why does Amazon sell them showing the I beam version then? I thought they looked different. I’ll look on Zoro and Ebay then. I’m buying singles for now.

If they picture something other than what they were selling; I would send them back..

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have a full set of the Proto black chrome reversible ratcheting combination wrenches, and when I bought them I thought they were US made, and was peeved they were Taiwan.

That aside, they are the best combinations wrenches I have ever worked with. The anti-slip design on the open end is excellent and very effective, and the design of the splines on the box end is such that they are faceted; which gives them a VERY good grip on a fastener. After using them for the past year or so, I would buy them again.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

Well, my wrenches came in from McMaster and they are not Armstrong! I guess they did stop carrying them. The prices never changed. They sent me “Williams brand” I’ll be sending them back Monday.

I already got what I needed on eBay. I’m just missing the 54-815. The bigger ones, I will go Proto USA from that ZORO site.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

If they picture something other than what they were selling; I would send them back..

Yea, I’m going too. I mean, these are nice, but not what I thought they were. People here are saying the Taiwanese made tools are good, so not sure what I want to do.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

The fastener you're working on doesn't care where your wrench was made

I'm not sure what sizes you're looking for but, another non US made option would be Blackhawk. Blackhawk has made quality reversible fine toothed ratcheting wrenches for quite awhile and they offer larger sizes over 19 mm.

When it comes to modern fine toothed ratcheting wrenches, Taiwan made versions are the segment leader. There are few US made offerings.

The Armstrongs you have were one of the best US made modern fine tooth ratcheting wrenches made and was also sold under the Matco brand but, they are no more. Plenty floating around at close out places but, the available stock will eventually dry up.

If you're set on US made only, then the reversible Proto I Beams are probably your only option. Welcome to the Journal and good luck in your quest.

Thank you,

I’m trying to see what I can do. Yea, I’ll look into Blackhawk. I work in American manufacturing, so I’m biased toward made in America if I can afford it.

They Armstrong’s are longer and seem more durable than my Husky’s, even tho I never had a problem. I like having the offset with reversing feature.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

The us made ratcheting reversible proto are available from zoro, sign up for their emails and every few weeks you'll get a 25% off coupon. The wrenches are very affordable at the 25% off. Just make sure you buy the US made instead of the Taiwan; the price is similar but you get a couple extra wrenches in the Taiwan sets.

I was just going to buy singular. I want the 20MM and up sizes. Do they have a whole set of just those? I can’t seem to find the I-Beam ones on eBay very well.

 

[JSharp]

I want reversible ratcheting wrenches, I hate turning them around to go other direction.

Seriously?

And complaining about Williams wrenches only because of the brand name? !!!!!!!!

Wow! Eat a bunch of lead chips as a child?

 

[bob15]

And complaining about Williams wrenches only because of the brand name? !!!!!!!! ?

As if he is the only person on this site who has ever done that

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

I want reversible ratcheting wrenches, I hate turning them around to go other direction.

Seriously?

And complaining about Williams wrenches only because of the brand name? !!!!!!!!

Wow! Eat a bunch of lead chips as a child?

I forgot to mention that the ones that do not reverse also do not have the offset at the end, they are flat. I’m not complaining about the name, I paid for what I thought was Armstrong. The wrenches are not the same and are shorter, not made in America.

I was trying to specifically get this setup. I wen to school in NYC as a kid, so I probably did eat some! I’m not trying to be dramatic, I just wanted somthing nicer than what I have. Thats all. I dont want to pay 20 something dollars each for the same things I already have.

I apologize.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

As if he is the only person on this site who has ever done that

I expected Armstrong, not Williams. The Willams looks to be the same type non American tool that I already have from Husky to me at least. If I’m wrong, please let me know. Thats why I joined up to the site .

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

If they picture something other than what they were selling; I would send them back..

Already setup the return. Amazon does sell the American I-Beam versions. They have the “A” at the end of the part number. The Taiwanese versions have a “T”. I learned somthing new.

 

[Tallpilot]

To each their own. I already have a full set of import wrenches like you do. Now I am upgrading them to the new Snap On reversible style. Some love the new design and some seem to dislike it. I like how low profile they are and the dual 80 mechanism is very smooth. I also like Flank drive plus since I didn't have any open ends with that feature.

They are expensive so I just buy one per month. What's the rush? We already have every size if not more.

 

[RAS61]

I paid for what I thought was Armstrong. The wrenches are not the same and are shorter, not made in America.

I was trying to specifically get this setup.

I just wanted somthing nicer than what I have. Thats all.

I apologize.

Don't apologize for anything! It's YOUR money and YOUR tools, if others can't respect that, Forget 'em!

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

To each their own. I already have a full set of import wrenches like you do. Now I am upgrading them to the new Snap On reversible style. Some love the new design and some seem to dislike it. I like how low profile they are and the dual 80 mechanism is very smooth. I also like Flank drive plus since I didn't have any open ends with that feature.

They are expensive so I just buy one per month. What's the rush? We already have every size if not more.

I guess I need to rush to find that dam 15MM Armstrong lol. It seems to be a unicorn right now. But, yes, no rush. My wife bought me a few, I’m trying to finish it. I’m like a kid in a toy store lol. The snap on sounds nice. I’ll have to check them out.

 

[Wamsutta]

They are expensive so I just buy one per month. What's the rush? We already have every size if not more.

That's the smart way to acquire them. Why guys think they have to buy a whole set at a time----I have no idea.

 

[yamaha0343]

I expected Armstrong, not Williams. The Willams looks to be the same type non American tool that I already have from Husky to me at least. If I’m wrong, please let me know. Thats why I joined up to the site .

Williams is a Snap On Industrial brand. Some of it is USA, some of it is Taiwan. Post a pic of the Williams stuff and someone will be able to tell you if it’s USA Williams. If so, it’s a fine tool.

 

[maxcarp709]

Williams tools part #s will have a letter in the part # For US made tools, and just numbers for Taiwan made tools.I just got a 1/4" combination wrench by Williams that was made in Taiwan.Without looking closely you cannot tell the difference from the rest of the set of US made Williams Superwrenches.The price was right and the quality is there.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Don't apologize for anything! It's YOUR money and YOUR tools, if others can't respect that, Forget 'em!

I certainly agree..
And agree with returning both the Amazon and McMaster orders for the reasons the OP has stated. And for wanting USA tools

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

Williams is a Snap On Industrial brand. Some of it is USA, some of it is Taiwan. Post a pic of the Williams stuff and someone will be able to tell you if it’s USA Williams. If so, it’s a fine tool.

It said Taiwan right on it, so I know it’s not American.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

Williams tools part #s will have a letter in the part # For US made tools, and just numbers for Taiwan made tools.I just got a 1/4" combination wrench by Williams that was made in Taiwan.Without looking closely you cannot tell the difference from the rest of the set of US made Williams Superwrenches.The price was right and the quality is there.

The thing I notice is that the Armstrong stuff is longer than the other wrenches and the ratcheting mechanism is not sloppy. That appeals to me plus it’s made here.

I bought a 6 and 7 MM I beam proto since Armstrong does not make them that small. Very strange too that neither Armstrong or proto make a 20MM. That I bought in K-tool. I have no idea where that is made lol.

 

[Tallpilot]

20mm wrenches are somewhat hard to find. Gearwrench doesn't make one either.

 

[metaldad]

Well, my wrenches came in from McMaster and they are not Armstrong! I guess they did stop carrying them. The prices never changed. They sent me “Williams brand” I’ll be sending them back Monday.

I already got what I needed on eBay. I’m just missing the 54-815. The bigger ones, I will go Proto USA from that ZORO site.

when the armstrong shut down was announced, i got a few sets, and some individuals, of polished armstrong combos from mc master. i asked the order taker of each items manufacturer, and was able to complete the order with almost all armstrong. i was able to fill out the order with polished USA protos.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

when the armstrong shut down was announced, i got a few sets, and some individuals, of polished armstrong combos from mc master. i asked the order taker of each items manufacturer, and was able to complete the order with almost all armstrong. i was able to fill out the order with polished USA protos.

I can try to ask, but you can still order them with a lead time from other vendors.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

20mm wrenches are somewhat hard to find. Gearwrench doesn't make one either.

Why is that? Why do some sizes go unmade? There are no 20MM bolts out there lol?

 

[RAS61]

Why is that? Why do some sizes go unmade? There are no 20MM bolts out there lol?

I wondered the same thing! They must be few and far between, otherwise...?

 

[Fedwrench]

Why is that? Why do some sizes go unmade? There are no 20MM bolts out there lol?

20 mm is a seldom used oddball size. I've only run across it on old GM fuel filters and AC condenser fittings and nothing in the last few years. I can easily understand its rarity and lack of production. Often manufacturers produce under Japanese Industrial Standards which means there's a lot of 12, 14, 17, & 19 mm but, few if any 15 & 18 mm even though 15 & 18 mm are commonplace on US produced vehicles. It seems like only in the states are we really concerned with not skipping any sizes, or filling every peg on a Hansen rack instead just having the sizes one would regularly use.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

20 mm is a seldom used oddball size. I've only run across it on old GM fuel filters and AC condenser fittings and nothing in the last few years. I can easily understand its rarity and lack of production. Often manufacturers produce under Japanese Industrial Standards which means there's a lot of 12, 14, 17, & 19 mm but, few if any 15 & 18 mm even though 15 & 18 mm are commonplace on US produced vehicles. It seems like only in the states are we really concerned with not skipping any sizes, or filling every peg on a Hansen rack instead just having the sizes one would regularly use.

I have some 15MM on my Civc because of my modifications. But yes, I like seeing a full line of wrenches lol. That might be my OCD.

 

[toolmutt]

GJ and OCD can usually be used interchangeably.

 

[derosa]

To each their own. I already have a full set of import wrenches like you do. Now I am upgrading them to the new Snap On reversible style. Some love the new design and some seem to dislike it. I like how low profile they are and the dual 80 mechanism is very smooth. I also like Flank drive plus since I didn't have any open ends with that feature.

They are expensive so I just buy one per month. What's the rush? We already have every size if not more.

Also my current method, I've noticed the truck around as I go about my business, just stop and get one every few weeks.

20mm wrenches are somewhat hard to find. Gearwrench doesn't make one either.

I had to check this as I have 2 20mm gearwrench, neither of mine is reversible which I believe is what you were referring to and it seems that there isn't a 20mm reversible. Very odd to my way of thinking but on the other hand I've rarely had to deal with the random 20mm.

 

[cheechi]

In case it is helpful to you, I have the Williams stubby reversible ratcheting wrenches. They are made in Taiwan and are identical to the Blue Point stubby reversibles. They do have the offset on the box end. They are excellent wrenches.

When I bought them I was told the standard length reversibles are the same, made in Taiwan & identical to the Blue Point.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

Also my current method, I've noticed the truck around as I go about my business, just stop and get one every few weeks.


I had to check this as I have 2 20mm gearwrench, neither of mine is reversible which I believe is what you were referring to and it seems that there isn't a 20mm reversible. Very odd to my way of thinking but on the other hand I've rarely had to deal with the random 20mm.

K-Tool makes one. I do have it now.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

In case it is helpful to you, I have the Williams stubby reversible ratcheting wrenches. They are made in Taiwan and are identical to the Blue Point stubby reversibles. They do have the offset on the box end. They are excellent wrenches.

When I bought them I was told the standard length reversibles are the same, made in Taiwan & identical to the Blue Point.

I very much appreciate it. I did find out that Willians is sub brand of Snap-On which is also Blue Point. The lady at McMaster said that I should have gotten USA made Snap-On. I found that interesting, considering how much they cost.

 

[RAS61]

I very much appreciate it. I did find out that Willians is sub brand of Snap-On which is also Blue Point. The lady at McMaster said that I should have gotten USA made Snap-On. I found that interesting, considering how much they cost.

FYI, Williams makes both Taiwan and USA tools that are identical to Snap-On offerings - Williams Taiwan is the same as Blue Point, and Williams USA is the same as Snap-On. If you want the latter you can buy Williams USA and get the same tool while saving money.