Tru-test tools?

[ajchien]

I picked up some offset double box end wrenches from Tru-Test, USA.

I know nothing about this brand name. Can anyone enlighten me? The stamping on the wrenches look kinda old Proto like...

 

[Dale B]

Some that I have are Japanese , and good quality... not sure if all are the same COO.

 

[larryq]

You may be onto something. I have a tru-test 1/2" ratchet that is almost identical to a Challenger ratchet, including the bowtie selector switch. Since Challenger is a Proto brand....I'm pretty sure there's a relationship there.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Yep, at least the older Tru-Test tools were made by Proto. I have seen Fleet, Challenger, and Tru-Test ratchets that are identical except for the brand name.

 

[dieseldodge01]

I believe Tru-Test was made for the True Value Hardware chain. I have a NOS 7/16 socket still on the display card, it looks like a Proto socket.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Yep it's old True Value stuff. I've got 2 socket sets at home that my dad bought in the 70s.

 

[jgromada]

I just received an old 1/4 in ratchet that came in a lot of tools i bought off ebay. This one says made in the USA, it does not ratchet though and would need to be rebuilt.

I am a big Proto fan any idea of the time Proto (or Challenger) was OEM for Tru-Test? i have a pic

 

[NoUserName]

It more than likely doesn't need to be rebuilt, it just needs to be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. If it actually needed to be rebuilt, you'd probably have a helluva time finding a kit for it, rendering it scrap. Time period for Proto/Tru-Test is circa 1970's.

 

[vssjim]

I bought my Tru-Test in the seventies until early eighties. I'm sure True Value changed to Easco/KD made Master Mechanic when Stanley bought Proto from I-R as alot of things changed when that happened. Tru-test brand changed and P&C brand went away Vlchek and Fleet gone as well. At one time Proto Tool corp. covered the world with tools and brands of US made tools in every place you could buy tools and it has all changed. I do miss that time for sure I could buy Proto or one of it's brands all over now online only as I don't have any suppliers with any of these brands in stock on display.

 

[vssjim]

I just received an old 1/4 in ratchet that came in a lot of tools i bought off ebay. This one says made in the USA, it does not ratchet though and would need to be rebuilt.

I am a big Proto fan any idea of the time Proto (or Challenger) was OEM for Tru-Test? i have a pic

If you need a head kit there may be some on Ebay but don't forget to check all the brands that look like that to find one.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I just received an old 1/4 in ratchet that came in a lot of tools i bought off ebay. This one says made in the USA, it does not ratchet though and would need to be rebuilt.

I am a big Proto fan any idea of the time Proto (or Challenger) was OEM for Tru-Test? i have a pic

If you decide to can it ,let me know ?The ball on my Fleet version is stuck,but mine foes ratchet,it just will not hold a socket.

 

[rustyedge1]

This Tru-Test 7/8 1/2 drive deep well has been my box awhile, can't make out the tag..

 

[JMP]

Bought this wrench since I hadn't seen this name before and looked like it was made by Proto.