Wright or Proto sockets

[Slingshot Engage]

My protos look damn nice but I never looked at them as closely as you seem too.

 

[bcradio]

Please tell me how you can guarantee that. Do you have a lot of Nepros and Wright tools? If so, can you please give me an unbiased comparison?

Nobody's comparison of anything would be completely unbiased. If you think that's possible, then you better stop lying to yourself right now. I have compared both tools side by side and both are great. I Personally prefer Wright, but they are both excellent tools.

[Sigh] I am giving Wright a chance. That's why it was the first brand I purchased after getting feedback from everyone in this thread. And please read my post again - I was not making any claims. I do not recall saying "Wright does not have good chrome". What I said was I was not expecting it to be on par with Nepros. Having an expectation is not a claim. However, painting with a broad brush that you guarantee Wright is better than Nepros is not only a claim, it is dogma.

I would agree for the most part that Wright has great chrome. The Wright ratchets I have are beautiful. As it is on my big SK breaker bar, and the one lonely Proto socket I have. I believe Nepros is the world standard for chrome, but this takes nothing away from Wright.

If all you are comparing with Nepros is its chrome, then I definitely cannot comment on that as I don't buy tools to look at but rather for function/design/usability/etc. If you are looking at overall tool quality, then yes (from my experience) Wright is as good or better than Nepros (you missed the bold part chief ).

 

[vintagefan]

Firstly, I'd like to know who exactly started this epidemic of staring inside sockets on GJ.

It's roughly equivalent at looking at the rough finish inside the cast channels of an engine block, and using it to gauge the engine's horsepower.




Anyways, I've seen a lot of tools, and Wright consistently has the best chrome, as in overal luster, uniformity, and durability. I've heard multiple accounts of Nepros tools that ended up with failing chrome, so pretty doesn't always count for everything.

As far as the pictures showing what you are assuming is flaking chrome, they are actually showing the raw inside of the socket with some splash-over of the anti-corrosive "paint" that nearly every socket manufacturer is using on the insides nowadays.

Also, Wright hot-broaches many of its larger sockets. that's the explanation for the rougher finish on the deeper sockets in your set. That is *normal* for hot broaching.

 

[FancyLearnin]

I think people look at the insides of sockets because most non-Craftsman American made sockets cost a lot of money and we expect a nice finish for that hard-earned cash. If people don't care about the inside of sockets, that is fine. I respect your right to scrutinize sockets as little or as much as you like. What I do not respect is some folk's tendency to degrade a perfectly innocent discussion and become rude and coarse because someone looks at something with greater scrutiny or from a different perspective. I will not insult you or your perspective, and would request the same of everyone else. I am not singling anyone out, I just think things go a lot smoother when people are polite.

I think it was clear I was talking about the quality of the finish, not the the overall quality of the socket. I am sure they are both plenty strong to do almost anything I can throw at them. That's not the issue, nor was it what I was addressing. I was addressing the chrome. Like I said, I like nice things, and part of what makes something nice is attention to detail. The Wrights are actually quite good in that regard. I was only pointing out a couple little things. Which I did hasten to point out were little things. This is a forum about tools. So we discuss tools, and all the little nuances that might come up about them. If you don't care about that level of detail, fine. Then read the post and be on your way. But please do not get on my case for being a details person. That ain't 'bout to change.

I did not know that hot forming causes interior surface roughness. Thanks for informing me about that. I learn something new every day on this site.

 

[vintagefan]

I think people look at the insides of sockets because most non-Craftsman American made sockets cost a lot of money and we expect a nice finish for that hard-earned cash. If people don't care about the inside of sockets, that is fine. I respect your right to scrutinize sockets as little or as much as you like. What I do not respect is some folk's tendency to degrade a perfectly innocent discussion and become rude and coarse because someone looks at something with greater scrutiny or from a different perspective. I will not insult you or your perspective, and would request the same of everyone else. I am not singling anyone out, I just think things go a lot smoother when people are polite.

I think it was clear I was talking about the quality of the finish, not the the overall quality of the socket. I am sure they are both plenty strong to do almost anything I can throw at them. That's not the issue, nor was it what I was addressing. I was addressing the chrome. Like I said, I like nice things, and part of what makes something nice is attention to detail. The Wrights are actually quite good in that regard. I was only pointing out a couple little things. Which I did hasten to point out were little things. This is a forum about tools. So we discuss tools, and all the little nuances that might come up about them. If you don't care about that level of detail, fine. Then read the post and be on your way. But please do not get on my case for being a details person. That ain't 'bout to change.

I did not know that hot forming causes interior surface roughness. Thanks for informing me about that. I learn something new every day on this site.

I didn't mean any offense by my post... the point I was trying to make was that much like the inside of an engine, the inside of a socket gets all gummed up and nasty after it's been used.

Some time in the last couple years, it seems that people started to get really concerned about the inside finish of sockets, when that was never discussed before, other than in reference to how the socket fit on the bolt.

I'm not saying that they're wrong for being concerned, only that I see people put WAY too much weight on it as a general rule. I've seen guys completely pass up superb tools solely because a couple sockets in a set had a couple of goobers in them.




I like seeing the pictures of the inside finish... it's interesting to me. All I'm saying is don't miss out on good tools because of blemishes that are within reason.

 

[cgv69]

Well I decided to bite the bullet and buy a set of Wright deep sockets just to see how they were

If it makes you feel any better, I too decided to give Wright a try based largely on the glowing recommendations in this thread. In my case I got 3 sets, 6mm-19mm standard, 6mm-19mm deep and 5/16-1" standard. All 3/8 drive 6pt. I did not however buy new, I went the eBay route when I found those sets there in used but like new condition and favorably priced.

Overall they seem like well made sockets but I really don't see what everybody was raving about? The chrome doesn't look any better then other brands I've seen and I don't see anything else overly impressive about them? My other sockets are either SO, MAC or CM. I am definitely going to buy some Williams USA made sockets next to compare side by side.

BTW - What's Wright Tool have against 11/32 sockets?

 

[shoturtle]

If you really want to see a nice chrome sockets, look at hazet or the other german made one. Proto is also excellent. Williams is actually not as nice as SO chrome, while everyone said they are the same for the US made ones. They really are not, SO is a higher quality socket. That is why it is so much more expensive.

 

[Keep]

Here is a thread that compares the Williams and Wright along with some Craftsman. If you want a look at the USA Williams it will help. I still prefer the Wright over all the others.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84586&highlight=socket+comparison

 

[cbracer]

The color still doesn't show accuracy. It is reddish. It looks like some of the chrome flaked off a little and some surface corrosion started.

That looks like the inner paint has scrapped off. I don't see rust, just bare metal. If you say it's red, then perhaps there is some rust forming but it's from the inner paint wearing off. I'm not a fan of the inside of those Wright sockets. Outside looks great. They are better than the Armstrong set I got the other day. I got a 12 pt 3/8 Armstrong set. The 12 pt sockets seem to show off the worst of any company. Chrome doesn't really get in there like it can on a 6 pt socket. The Armstrong set had one socket of unacceptable rust and a couple others with small spots starting. It was sad. I love the outside, hated the inside. I'm just going to send it back since I got it on Amazon. I really wanted Armstrong, but the insides are just too crappy. The laser etch sizes, outer chrome on ratchets, extensions, etc are just fabulous. They carry all the sizes for sockets and hex bits, but little in the way of swivels. Nice wrenches too.

I have a set of 12 pt Craftsman that is about 3-4 years old. A little rust in most of them, but lots of sand paper like inner surfaces. The Armstrong had a tiny bit, much much nicer than Craftsman sockets, even if they are made at the same plant.

I just got today a set of 12 pt 3/8" proto sockets.... for the same thing you're doing.... comparison. They came in a really old box that had lots of dust built up. But none of them had a spec of rust! The outer chrome is perfect. The writing on the side is nice, though small in my opinion. Below are a couple pictures of the best looking ones, but my limited camera didn't make them come out all that great. The worst sockets showed some tarnish in the inside, like how silver tarnishes over time. But none had rust, and none were painted

I'm waiting on my SK set to arrive before I decide, but right now it's between SK and Proto. I just have to get rid of a lot of really nice Armstrong accessories like some extensions I've been buying up over the last month....

 

[FancyLearnin]

I didn't mean any offense by my post...

No worries. I appreciate your insight and opinions.

 

[FancyLearnin]

If you really want to see a nice chrome sockets, look at hazet or the other german made one.

Shotutle, can you recommend a good U.S. source for Hazet? I have not really shopped for that brand before, but I would be open to checking it out. I always like to learn about more tool brands.

 

[Hiball]

Man.. I thought i had it bad because i spent a few minutes wiping my tools off after using them, Obviously.... Not. Everyone is entitled to there opinion of how tools should arrive in New condition but "I" just dont see the Issue with some coating missing from Deep..deep..deep down inside a Socket. I believe we had a similar thread concerning some SK sockets not to long ago, After a few uses the inside of the Socket will be covered with Dirt/grease/oil and you will forget all about the chipped interior coating. Now... If the actual Chrome was chipping i would be more concerned, Im not a big fan of Chipping/Cutting Chrome. <--- It Hurts.

 

[shoturtle]

Shotutle, can you recommend a good U.S. source for Hazet? I have not really shopped for that brand before, but I would be open to checking it out. I always like to learn about more tool brands.

Sorry, I get my hazet stuff in Germany. But they have a hazet dealer in the us.

http://www.samstagsales.com/hazet.htm

 

[FancyLearnin]

The outer chrome is perfect. The writing on the side is nice, though small in my opinion.

...right now it's between SK and Proto. I just have to get rid of a lot of really nice Armstrong accessories like some extensions I've been buying up over the last month....

I am also not a fan of how Proto stamps the sizes on their sockets. Always seemed hard to read to me. But I am sure I would just get used to it and it would be no big deal. From what I've seen with my one Proto socket and my new Proto ratchet, their chrome is excellent. And excellent chrome equals excellent corrosion resistence.

I am also curious about SK as well. My only SK is a pre-Ideal set which is, well, not ideal.

Of course the standard of U.S. made sockets is reputedly Snap On. I have a brand new set of 3/8 drive 6 point. They are nice, to be sure. But, they are clearly trivalent chrome plated, not hexavalent like Proto and Wright. The brightness and depth just isn't there. From what I know, this might not have an impact on corrosion resistance, it is just a result of the different chrome plating process.

BTW, I took delivery of my new Nepros metric sockets today (among other Nepros stuff). Wow! The chrome is other-worldly. Incredible. If you guys don't own any Nepros, you really owe it to yourself to pick up at least a small set of sockets. They are in a class by themselves, and quite a bit cheaper than Snappy. They don't have a big selection of SAE, but they do of metric. They actually write Mirror on all their pieces. And that is exactly correct.

Anyway, it is because Nepros don't have a larger selection of SAE that I started this thread. Their parent company, KTC, has a large SAE selection which is also very nice (I have several), but they do not have the eye-candy appeal of the Nepros.

 

[shoturtle]

That looks like the inner paint has scrapped off. I don't see rust, just bare metal. If you say it's red, then perhaps there is some rust forming but it's from the inner paint wearing off. I'm not a fan of the inside of those Wright sockets. Outside looks great. They are better than the Armstrong set I got the other day. I got a 12 pt 3/8 Armstrong set. The 12 pt sockets seem to show off the worst of any company. Chrome doesn't really get in there like it can on a 6 pt socket. The Armstrong set had one socket of unacceptable rust and a couple others with small spots starting. It was sad. I love the outside, hated the inside. I'm just going to send it back since I got it on Amazon. I really wanted Armstrong, but the insides are just too crappy. The laser etch sizes, outer chrome on ratchets, extensions, etc are just fabulous. They carry all the sizes for sockets and hex bits, but little in the way of swivels. Nice wrenches too.

I have a set of 12 pt Craftsman that is about 3-4 years old. A little rust in most of them, but lots of sand paper like inner surfaces. The Armstrong had a tiny bit, much much nicer than Craftsman sockets, even if they are made at the same plant.

I just got today a set of 12 pt 3/8" proto sockets.... for the same thing you're doing.... comparison. They came in a really old box that had lots of dust built up. But none of them had a spec of rust! The outer chrome is perfect. The writing on the side is nice, though small in my opinion. Below are a couple pictures of the best looking ones, but my limited camera didn't make them come out all that great. The worst sockets showed some tarnish in the inside, like how silver tarnishes over time. But none had rust, and none were painted

I'm waiting on my SK set to arrive before I decide, but right now it's between SK and Proto. I just have to get rid of a lot of really nice Armstrong accessories like some extensions I've been buying up over the last month....

Proto really makes a good socket every bit as gppd as snappy and other truck brand.

But Armstrong and Williams are not that impressive, good but not outstanding.

 

[shoturtle]

Stahlwille are also excellent sockets from Germany. Well worth a look also.
http://www.samstagsales.com/stahlwille.htm

 

[vintagefan]

I am also not a fan of how Proto stamps the sizes on their sockets. Always seemed hard to read to me. But I am sure I would just get used to it and it would be no big deal. From what I've seen with my one Proto socket and my new Proto ratchet, their chrome is excellent. And excellent chrome equals excellent corrosion resistence.

I am also curious about SK as well. My only SK is a pre-Ideal set which is, well, not ideal.

Of course the standard of U.S. made sockets is reputedly Snap On. I have a brand new set of 3/8 drive 6 point. They are nice, to be sure. But, they are clearly trivalent chrome plated, not hexavalent like Proto and Wright. The brightness and depth just isn't there. From what I know, this might not have an impact on corrosion resistance, it is just a result of the different chrome plating process.

BTW, I took delivery of my new Nepros metric sockets today (among other Nepros stuff). Wow! The chrome is other-worldly. Incredible. If you guys don't own any Nepros, you really owe it to yourself to pick up at least a small set of sockets. They are in a class by themselves, and quite a bit cheaper than Snappy. They don't have a big selection of SAE, but they do of metric. They actually write Mirror on all their pieces. And that is exactly correct.

Anyway, it is because Nepros don't have a larger selection of SAE that I started this thread. Their parent company, KTC, has a large SAE selection which is also very nice (I have several), but they do not have the eye-candy appeal of the Nepros.

I think one hard lesson to be learned from this thread, and your pursuits, is that there is no perfect brand.

Each brand has its strengths and weaknesses. It's pretty much impossible to pick any given brand, and get everything you want... not just for sockets, but for any type of tool. The reason so many people's tool collections look like a hodge-podge, is because for many, that's the only way to be happy with what they have.

 

[shoturtle]

Also another thing is people over state the quality of the tools they own. It is nature to boost a little bit. But the reason so, proto, matco are so much more money is because they are higher end tools. If you want that level, you really need to spend the extra money. The other brands are good, but not at top level.

 

[vintagefan]

Also another thing is people over state the quality of the tools they own. It is nature to boost a little bit. But the reason so, proto, matco are so much more money is because they are higher end tools. If you want that level, you really need to spend the extra money. The other brands are good, but not at top level.

Another thing, each brand has a certain niche that it really excels at. Snap-on makes great mechanics tools.

Wright's tools might not be on par with Snap-on's for that use, but if you switch to heavy industrial and are looking at 1.5" drive impact sockets and 2-3/8" combo wrenches, all of a sudden Wright is top dog.

SK makes midrange tools at a midrange price.

Proto makes quality tools at a quality price, but with a more traditional sales channel than the truck brands.

 

[cgv69]

I think one hard lesson to be learned from this thread, and your pursuits, is that there is no perfect brand.

I think we all knew that but what I have personally learned is that the consistency is not always what you would expect from top tier brands. Combine that with the fact that most people are basing their opinions on a very small sampling and I think that helps explains why you find so many varying opinions?

Case in point, someone posted a link on the last page to a thread comparing Wright and Williams (as well as CM) sockets. Based on the photos in that thread I would agree that the Wright socket was the best of that bunch. The problem is, I just bought 40 Wright sockets and not one of them is 100% equal to the 1/2" Wright socket shown in that thread.

For instance the post points out how deep the engraving is on that socket (which it is). The depth of engraving varies on the sockets I received but not one of them is engraved that deep or prominent. The comparison thread also mentions how the Wright socket is the only full depth socket of the bunch. I think that's a nice but not necessary feature but out of the 14 deep well Wright sockets I just received, only 2 of them are like that (the 18mm & 19mm) they rest are all partly milled like the other sockets shown in that thread. I noticed the same thing with the standard sockets, some are milled full depth and others just partially. Lastly none of mine are as pretty as the one shown in that thread although in fairness, mine are used.

Mind you, those details are not critical in my mind but I do think they may be indicative of overall quality? When I see a company put that much effort into the relatively minor details, I think that's a good indicator of the overall QC that goes into the whole manufacturing process? In the case of Wright, I'm feeling just the opposite as in, with the inconsistencies I seen with such a limited number of examples, it really makes me wonder about their overall QC?

Don't get me wrong. I don't think they are **** but I do question if their QC justifies their price tag? I plan on using them and in fact I plan on finishing out the 3/8 set with their SAE deeps. Partly because I'm **** and hate mismatched sets but also because I want to compare brand new from the dealer examples to what I already have before making any final judgements.

If I had to judge right now I'd say I'm not seeing anything that justifies in my mind their premium cost over some other brands and at this point I don't see me buying any more sockets from Wright beyond the ones already mentioned. Just my $.02 based on my limited experience.

 

[cbracer]

Consistency is the key component to quality control and what is lacking from the non truck brand US made companies. Taiwan doesn't seem to have such an issue with consistency as US made tool companies do. Couple with the fact of process changes and the product design changes over the years which leads to comparisons of older / better sockets rather than current stock. Buying consistent US made sockets requires high prices of SO, MAC, MATCO. Yet many of us live with lesser quality stuff because we don't want to buy Taiwan. Why is it every conversation about getting nice tools ends up with a Taiwan vs US argument No, don't answer that I know the answer already.

SK should be better, but they still inconsistently paint the inside of random sockets. Sorry but if it needs to be painted while others don't then that's poor QC and the chrome / protection process needs to be improved. Wright seems to paint most all sockets now. Armstrong paints a few, lets others rust like the laser etched CM sockets do eventually. Especially in the square drive end. I haven't seen a Proto painted on the inside yet, just like the truck brands. None of the Taiwan versions look bad on the inside. Sure say what you want about US regulations about not having good chrome methods, but the fact is our factories are turning out bad sockets because they don't want to scrap them. Yet we pay more for US made Williams, Wright, Armstrong, etc and CM than we would if we bite the bullet and buy Taiwan. I still haven't decided between SK and Proto, but everything else is out. You can find SK and Proto for a good discount, but you can't find the truck brands at those prices.

 

[shoturtle]

proto is not a consumer grade tool, it is a very robust tool for industrial needs, their impacts are top notch for the industry need, allot of their tools like wright are used on major construction sites.

But unlike wright, proto's main focus is on that aspect of their business. The consumer grade and upper consumer grade they leave that to blackhawk and challenger. Same as what snap on does with bluepoint and williams. Wright just has one brand, so you think you are getting top tier wright when you buy their consumer grade, but they are less then what you expect.

 

[FancyLearnin]

ToolUp.com is having a sale on hand tools right now. Might be a good time to score some Proto (or Wright).

 

[Keep]

I think we all knew that but what I have personally learned is that the consistency is not always what you would expect from top tier brands. Combine that with the fact that most people are basing their opinions on a very small sampling and I think that helps explains why you find so many varying opinions?

Case in point, someone posted a link on the last page to a thread comparing Wright and Williams (as well as CM) sockets. Based on the photos in that thread I would agree that the Wright socket was the best of that bunch. The problem is, I just bought 40 Wright sockets and not one of them is 100% equal to the 1/2" Wright socket shown in that thread.

For instance the post points out how deep the engraving is on that socket (which it is). The depth of engraving varies on the sockets I received but not one of them is engraved that deep or prominent. The comparison thread also mentions how the Wright socket is the only full depth socket of the bunch. I think that's a nice but not necessary feature but out of the 14 deep well Wright sockets I just received, only 2 of them are like that (the 18mm & 19mm) they rest are all partly milled like the other sockets shown in that thread. I noticed the same thing with the standard sockets, some are milled full depth and others just partially. Lastly none of mine are as pretty as the one shown in that thread although in fairness, mine are used.

Mind you, those details are not critical in my mind but I do think they may be indicative of overall quality? When I see a company put that much effort into the relatively minor details, I think that's a good indicator of the overall QC that goes into the whole manufacturing process? In the case of Wright, I'm feeling just the opposite as in, with the inconsistencies I seen with such a limited number of examples, it really makes me wonder about their overall QC?

Don't get me wrong. I don't think they are **** but I do question if their QC justifies their price tag? I plan on using them and in fact I plan on finishing out the 3/8 set with their SAE deeps. Partly because I'm **** and hate mismatched sets but also because I want to compare brand new from the dealer examples to what I already have before making any final judgements.

If I had to judge right now I'd say I'm not seeing anything that justifies in my mind their premium cost over some other brands and at this point I don't see me buying any more sockets from Wright beyond the ones already mentioned. Just my $.02 based on my limited experience.

You make some good points.

One thing that Wright does is mix batches in the same order, mainly on the rails, the box sets it does not seem to happen, its not uncommon to receive sockets that are different sizes in the same order, I do not know why they do this.

They did not have the real deep markings stamped into the sockets until recently (last 5 years or so) the older ones have more shallow, yet still readable markings. Plus the chrome was not a bright on the older ones.

If you are picky about your sockets, you will have to find a place that carries the Wrights in stock. That's just the way they work.

I just wish I knew why they would change socket length between years, kinda strange.

Oh yeah, from what I was told by a dealer, the mixing of batches seems to be at the beginning or end of the year, when they are piecing together sets from mixed runs.

 

[rt dak]

You make some good points.

One thing that Wright does is mix batches in the same order, mainly on the rails, the box sets it does not seem to happen, its not uncommon to receive sockets that are different sizes in the same order, I do not know why they do this.

They did not have the real deep markings stamped into the sockets until recently (last 5 years or so) the older ones have more shallow, yet still readable markings. Plus the chrome was not a bright on the older ones.

If you are picky about your sockets, you will have to find a place that carries the Wrights in stock. That's just the way they work.

I just wish I knew why they would change socket length between years, kinda strange.

Oh yeah, from what I was told by a dealer, the mixing of batches seems to be at the beginning or end of the year, when they are piecing together sets from mixed runs.

The first Wright set I bought on a rail when I was planning to switch all my sockets over to them was mix matched. One was a different date code and looked different than the rest and the majority of them had no detents. I didn't mine the one socket appearing different than the rest but no detents is just unacceptable. Wright customer service would do nothing for me. "That's just the way they are" they said. They received no more of my business, I went with Snap-on.