SK Prototype update
- Thread starter gdocktor3
- Start date
fitz11
Well-known member
Saw this on Facebook today. I like it and can't wait to try one!
Hmph. The thing I like best about SK ratchets is the knurling. Not too sharp, not too light, just right to give a really good grip. Proto's knurling is too sharp, and the polished handles like Armstrong's are too slippery.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
toyodajeff
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2016
- Messages
- 30
Wish it had the knurling like a regular so ratchet handle, and without the green selector.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I would prefer the direction switch to be recessed. I'd like to see the underside of the ratchet head. How many teeth? I'm undecided as to the handle shape. I'd really have to hold it to see how it feels and what the balance is like. Hopefully, SK will have these to fondle at the SEMA Show in a couple of weeks.
Agreed they need to stick with the signature knurling or a variation of it. Im not a fan of the turned down handles like that which Snap-On and every cheap imitation uses from Gearwrench to Duralast. If they don't want to knurl they should get their hands on a Cornwell or Nepros ratchet which have some of the best feel in the industry (opinion).
They also need to mill down the head around the direction lever to tuck it away if possible. Wouldn't bother with the green anodizing either. Going to chip off in no time as it scrapes and bumps everything. If they want to color something inlay some green enamel into the SK logo but no coloring at all would be fine too.
They also need to mill down the head around the direction lever to tuck it away if possible. Wouldn't bother with the green anodizing either. Going to chip off in no time as it scrapes and bumps everything. If they want to color something inlay some green enamel into the SK logo but no coloring at all would be fine too.
Last edited:
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
I love proto for the sharp knurling... Have yet to cut myself or feel any pain from knurling.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If you use them enough, or have tough hands with a few callouses, the sharp knurling feels like a comfort grip handle
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
If you use them enough, or have tough hands with a few callouses, the sharp knurling feels like a comfort grip handle
I still remember when I was in college my hands fully healed without any callouses, cuts, burns, etc. for the first time I ever remembered before or since, I was ashamed.
Roberts210
Well-known member
Note to S-K. Don't lose the knurling!!
chrisnazzy
Well-known member
Looks sharp. I'll have to hold one to know for sure though. It does seem like a little signature knurling left behind would have been desirable.
Sent from my SPH-L720T using Tapatalk
Sent from my SPH-L720T using Tapatalk
Except for the handle, I like it. I have always liked a knurled handle - my first 3/8 ratchet was a 70's (New Britain era) Husky round head flex with a knurled handle. And the knurling on the new Ideal era SK ratchets is probably the best I have ever used. But the handle on my 3/8 SK is a little short to me. I would extend it about an inch and put that knurled handle on the prototype.
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
with a little refinement I would buy one!
This was my comment on Facebook last night after I saw the picture - It must have a knurled handle. A lot of people hate smooth, metal handles. They/we prefer knurling or comfort grip. Handles like that are slippery when hands are wet or greasy, rendering the entire ratchet useless. SK currently has some of the best knurling in the industry. You must keep the handles knurled.
Hopefully someone important saw that. Also, hopefully it's not a 36t mechanism....
Hopefully someone important saw that. Also, hopefully it's not a 36t mechanism....
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
I have to say I've come to like the knurling on my SK ratchets. But I can't say that my standard Snap On handles bother me.
Couldn't they have adapted a higher tooth count to their current/classic ratchets? I have to say they're the only low count tooth ratchet I actually like. My only issue with their current ratchets is that you can't just look at it at tell which way your selector is set.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Couldn't they have adapted a higher tooth count to their current/classic ratchets? I have to say they're the only low count tooth ratchet I actually like. My only issue with their current ratchets is that you can't just look at it at tell which way your selector is set.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Know Wosad
Banned
- Joined
- May 15, 2016
- Messages
- 811
I like Wright's knurling, but it isn't symmetrically perfect (I know I overlook the appearance of things )
SK's knurling looks as though its machined with precision in mind, never need to worry about directional levers
) SK's knurling looks as though its machined with precision in mind, never need to worry about directional levers
The SK TUFF 1 ratchets are 72 tooth if I'm not mistaken, but for 1/4" I prefer the standard version with 60 teeth?? I think. I have both models and the 40970 is my favorite 1/4" ratchet available on the market. Over my T72, 120xp, Mac, BluePoint, Cman 36 toothers, and Gearwrench roto.
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
Yeah but they don't make them anymore. At least not SK anyway.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Stooge
Well-known member
I probably have a dozen SK round head ratchets floating around my shop, and although I do love them and the knurling, I instantly liked the new prototype one when I saw this picture the other night, and i'll definitely pick one up when they are released.
Even the green anodized selector switch really does it for me!
Even the green anodized selector switch really does it for me!
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
And yet, those Big Dawgs were only available for a couple of years. I don't know why they weren't more popular.
However, the new Proto 90 tooth ratchets that are also US made should be a hit once widely available
Just got this reply to my comment on facebook - This is a great point, GDocktor. We have done some pretty extensive surveying of professional technicians and found that it's split down the middle. Some swear by knurled, some smooth. The cool thing is that the way we are going to manufacture these new ratchets will allow us to have both without a huge tooling time and expense.
I have been a dual 80 guy for most of my needs, but man would I like to have that SK knurled handle. I may have to get one of these (knurled of course) if they turn out to be durable/strong/low backdrag. My std 3/8 ratchet is just an 84 tooth gearwrench. I probably can justify the upgrade. :Laughing:
Roobaix
Well-known member
If they end up making one with a knurled handle I'll prefer that and order one.
outdoorspace
Banned
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2014
- Messages
- 356
The handle design and lack of knurling kills most of my interest. I am all in for the new Proto ratchets.
SK Tuff-1 45755 flex-head is my absolute favorite ratchet as of late. I miss the line.
SK Tuff-1 45755 flex-head is my absolute favorite ratchet as of late. I miss the line.
Super Sport
Well-known member
If they make a knurled version, I very well might buy one. I have enough ratchets already that have nice smooth, chrome handles. A knurled handle would be a nice addition!
As for SK ratchets and round heads in general, I just don't like how big the heads are. I have a few older models kicking around, and while I think SK round heads have a great ratcheting mechanism, there has been more than once the head won't fit in the tight quarters I need it. I'm glad to see that they're finally bringing out a low profile pear head.
As for SK ratchets and round heads in general, I just don't like how big the heads are. I have a few older models kicking around, and while I think SK round heads have a great ratcheting mechanism, there has been more than once the head won't fit in the tight quarters I need it. I'm glad to see that they're finally bringing out a low profile pear head.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
And yet, those Big Dawgs were only available for a couple of years. I don't know why they weren't more popular.
However, the new Proto 90 tooth ratchets that are also US made should be a hit once widely available
I was told by a large very long time Proto distributor that the Big Dog ratchets were failing in the field which is why they went back to pushing old style ratchets and actually started listing them as "Classic" ratchets
i have a pretty extensive collection of big dawgs. i like them a lot and stocked up on rebuild kits because of the "reputation" of breaking. in my experience, the gear and pawls are very strong. it is the screws and possibly the spring and pin that are weak. i would bet 99% of the failures came about from the screws becoming loose or not being tight enough to start with. i have had one failure from a loose and or broken screw. they are on the small side but if the screw and plate are tight, your chance of failure is very low. a few drops of rll and they the cat's ***!
as far as the sk? my money will be on one as soon as i can get one!
lilcraigford
Well-known member
I was very excited to see the first teaser that was posted in another thread a little over a week ago. I jumped right in here as soon as I saw there was a followup... only to find myself a bit let down. I'm going to be redundant in saying this, but it needs the knurled handle. Fortunately I stuck with the rest of the thread to see SK had responded to gdocktor3's comment.
If SK does end up offering their new ratchet with the option of a knurled handle, a set of three may top my ratchet upgrade list, specifications pending. The Proto "Classic" ratchets have been placeholders in the top spot ever since word of a teardrop-style SK ratchet surfaced. Handle styles aside, knowing that SK is developing a new product to expand their tool lineup is exciting in itself. The same can be said for Wright with the "WRIGHTGrip 2.0" wrenches or (to a certain extent) Proto's "Precision 90" ratchets.
SK said:
If SK does end up offering their new ratchet with the option of a knurled handle, a set of three may top my ratchet upgrade list, specifications pending. The Proto "Classic" ratchets have been placeholders in the top spot ever since word of a teardrop-style SK ratchet surfaced. Handle styles aside, knowing that SK is developing a new product to expand their tool lineup is exciting in itself. The same can be said for Wright with the "WRIGHTGrip 2.0" wrenches or (to a certain extent) Proto's "Precision 90" ratchets.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Any indication it will be available in flex head varieties?
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
If it's 90 tooth it better be a good 90 tooth. I like my Armstrong 88's. But I don't like them as much as my Snap On 80's. I just don't think that a higher tooth count is always the answer.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I agree, but they had to do something to beat out the dual 80 and maxx 88. They probably caught wind of the Mac/Proto 90 tooth and figured they could create their own version, hopefully better, but at a fraction of the price, thereby making them the new king of fine tooth pearhead ratchets.
66354dream
Well-known member
I like it, I agree they should keep the knurling.