Wright or Proto sockets

[FancyLearnin]

I am on the verge of purchasing a whole mess of sockets (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive all in SAE - I have all the metric I need). I will be buying deep and shallow sockets in each drive size - with each set being about 10 pieces, I suppose, depending on what the manufacturer offers. I absolutely will be buying USA-made, and I have narrowed it down to two brands - Proto and Wright. I simply will not spend the kind of money needed to get Snappy (even for used). I know Snap-on is good and there are a lot of Snap-on evangelists on GJ, but they are out of the question. And before the redundancy police pull me over, yes, I know there are other threads on here that discuss sockets. I have searched them all, and now want to see if there is feedback regarding my specific question.

I know that both Wright and Proto make top-notch tools. I have a sample of a Proto socket, but have no examples of Wright (only their ratchets). I understand I probably cannot go wrong with either one. Do any of you have experience with both, and do any of you have a preference? I am not a professional wrench-turner, but I am a pretty picky guy, with a keen eye for detail like quality of chrome and precision/cleanness of the forming. It seems that Wright might be formed a little deeper, which may, but does not necessarily, say something about steel quality since a long socket needs to be stronger with thin walls than thick. I am sure there is no clear cut choice here, which is why I am just asking for folks' preferences.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[shoturtle]

You really can not go wrong with either. But I have always like proto products, them make one of the best corse tooth ratchets out there. I like the chrome on the proto sockets I do have. Think proto is easier to find locally vs wright.

 

[vintagefan]

IMO Wright, because you can still pretty easily obtain warranty, even if you aren't some huge corporate customer. Proto can be difficult, and that's putting it lightly. They're really accustomed to dealing with large accounts. Not that Wright isn't, but they have a person who answers the phone, and is generally willing to help out even individual customers.

I've dealt with both, and I'll put it this way... for the most part, if a Proto tool breaks, and I really want that same tool again, I'll just cough up the cash and buy a new one.

 

[shoturtle]

My dealing with proto is a bit different form you vintage fan. When I have called them for warranty issue. Never had an issue getting someone to answer my question. Had sent a ratchet back for warranty, and had no issues. But that can be just the person I reach when I call.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I really like both Proto and Wright, but Proto is now Stanley-Proto. With all the outsourcing the Stanley companies are doing, I feel more comfortable buying Wright.

 

[vintagefan]

My dealing with proto is a bit different form you vintage fan. When I have called them for warranty issue. Never had an issue getting someone to answer my question. Had sent a ratchet back for warranty, and had no issues. But that can be just the person I reach when I call.

Thats good to hear. I do like some of Proto's offerings, for instance I think the newest XL series ratchets (often overlooked unfortunately) are some of the best out right now. Their ASD combos are also very good.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

I have a few Proto sockets and like them very much. I've never used a Wright socket, so it wouldn't be fair for me to comment on those.

 

[Hawk321]

Not used them yet...but in your case I would choose it more emotionally and tend to wright. Better website more patriotic and they give me that "old grandpa knows it better" feeling.

 

[Hyster Gareth]

Have you looked at JH Williams part of Snap On's Industrial Line? I would not discount them and prices are reasonable.

 

[toolmaker1]

I would have to vote for wright, but that being said there is nothing wrong with proto. I actually really like proto's premium series ratchets but I would be more likely to support the small family owned company before the huge corporate conglomerate

 

[Roots]

My vote would be Wright. Although they both produce absolutely excellent products. I would just like to support one of the last high quality, independent, American manufacturers.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Have you looked at JH Williams part of Snap On's Industrial Line? I would not discount them and prices are reasonable.

He said he wanted USA made tools. Williams, largely, is not.

Charles

 

[KEH]

Agree that both are good and like the idea of supporting Wright which is a old line family tool company, AFIK. Both makes of sockets are nice. Wright has only the round head ratchets which apperantly are bulletproof, at least I've never run across a broken one. Proto has a variety of ratchets. The old pear shaped Protos are very rugged also. Proto has round head ratchets now. I have a round head with pusbutton release, broken, which unfortunately is no longer made.

KEH

 

[JASTECH]

I have ratchets & sockets in both. I lean more tothe Wright way of doing things. I don't care that their ratchet is round, as I have never broke them and have old/new. The checkered knurling is better/sharper on the Wright so it stays in my hand greased or not.
For support, Wright gets my money too.

 

[FancyLearnin]

Stephen - would you recommend USA Williams over Wright or Proto?

 

[LawnDart79]

My vote goes to Wright.

All of the Wright tools that I own have been outstanding!

I also like the fact that the size markings on their sockets are very large and easy to read.

 

[vintagefan]

Stephen - would you recommend USA Williams over Wright or Proto?

The problem with USA Williams is that a lot of it isn't USA.

Especially with Wright, and mostly with Proto, pretty much any tool you buy is going to be USA, and is going to be high quality.

 

[oldtools]

Proto

 

[4x4gearhead]

+1 on wright, I like proto, but Im not a fan of current stanley/proto. For me proto is a brand I buy cheap at the pawn shop, theyre good but trying to get it warranted in my experience is a pain in the ***. I do like their pear head ratchets, though in an automotive type setting they are too bulky like a round head.

 

[kippieland]

WOW thats like deciding which kid you like best!

Both are great. I would go with Wright because of Harry Epsteins personally. Williams does have a ton of USA made tools and they are top notch (just ordered a USA Supercombo wrench.) They do have a Taiwan line that is also high quality but is general cheaper in price then the USA stuff. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with USA Williams, Wright, Proto, Armstrong, or SK. I have more of a soft-spot for Wright and SK since they are bit more independant then the others. I have a mixture of all of them(variety is the spice of life) in my box. Just went with price at the time.

Make sure you show off what you get!

 

[vintagefan]

Read my post above.

Williams has USA made sockets, ratchets, wrenches and much more.

I'm familiar with William's lineup. They do have plenty of USA tools, but they also have plenty of import tools, and there's isn't necessarily any rhyme or reason as far as which is which.

My point was that if the OP was wanting to go with a single tool line, and USA was a concern, Williams probably is not a good choice.

Additionally, the chance of Williams going 100% import in the future (I brought this up as a point about warranty exchange) is MUCH high IMO than Wright, and maybe also Proto. I'm hoping that Stanley continues to see the value in keeping Proto a real American company.

 

[1982fxr]

since Wright is awesome, and Proto is owned by stanley/black and decker...

I vote for Wright

 

[FancyLearnin]

since Wright is awesome, and Proto is owned by stanley/black and decker...

I vote for Wright

It sounds like there is strong momentum for Wright. I just wish I could see a sample. I might just end up buying a single socket just for show-and-tell (to myself). My only complaint with Wright (and it is minor) is regarding the way they group their sets. With Proto, you can get a, say, a 10 piece 1/4 drive set (J52124) with short sockets and they offer the identical size range in a deep set (J52114). With Wright, the short set is 10 pieces (part # 200), whereas the deep set is 7 pieces (part # 208) and covers a different size range. Of course you can just purchase individual sockets to finish/equalize the sets, so this is a pretty minor thing. Still, it would be nice if they were the same to begin with...

 

[vintagefan]

It sounds like there is strong momentum for Wright. I just wish I could see a sample. I might just end up buying a single socket just for show-and-tell (to myself). My only complaint with Wright (and it is minor) is regarding the way they group their sets. With Proto, you can get a, say, a 10 piece 1/4 drive set (J52124) with short sockets and they offer the identical size range in a deep set (J52114). With Wright, the short set is 10 pieces (part # 200), whereas the deep set is 7 pieces (part # 208) and covers a different size range. Of course you can just purchase individual sockets to finish/equalize the sets, so this is a pretty minor thing. Still, it would be nice if they were the same to begin with...

Wright is as close to jewelry as you can get, at least as far as tools go. Their chrome and finish is ridiculously good, and the tools are rock solid.

I'll post some pictures of my Wright stuff later for you if you want.

I would go as far as to say that Wright's finish is higher quality than Snap-on.

 

[ToolGuy89]

Go for Wright!

 

[FancyLearnin]

I would go as far as to say that Wright's finish is higher quality than Snap-on.

It's interesting you should say that. I was comparing my brand new Proto sample socket to a brand new Snappy socket I have and the chrome looked better on the Proto - brighter, less 'inclusions' in the finish, etc. Not that the Snappy was bad, but I think that rumor is true that Snappy switched from hexavalent to trivalent chroming. You can see the difference. I can't speak to any functional (i.e. corrosion resistance) difference.

Yes, if you wouldn't mind posting a pic or two of some sockets, it would be much appreciated.

I will definitely take Stephen's suggestion and check out a local distributor of Wright here in the Twin Cities.

 

[shoturtle]

Yes williams do have some US made sockets. I actually recently got a set.

 

[rt dak]

I was planning on ditching all my Craftsman sockets in favor of Wright. I started off buying a 1/4 drive shallow metric set. The majority of the sockets had no detents and one of them looked different with a different date code. I called Wright and they wouldn't do anything for me. I ended up going with Snap-On. It's a shame because the chrome and the fit and finish on the sockets looked great, but if they aren't going to stay on the ratchet they're useless.

 

[Cookannapurna]

Proto all the way. I have both, along with several other brands, and I like my Protos best of all.

 

[WHT]

IMO (and I have both)

Proto = chrome sockets

Wright = impact sockets

 

[shampoop]

Over the past year I've become a huge fan of proto. I just wish they were sold in retail stores like craftsman has with sears. Tool truck quality with craftsman convenience.

 

[odelay01]

I have Blackhawk USA (made by Proto I think) and they are great sockets. They are impact though.

 

[GMZ]

I've used them both extensively and I honestly have no preference. I prefer Wright however as a company to support all else being equal.

 

[jvitez]

I have both, and they're both excellent. I prefer the finish of the Wright: deep mirror like chrome. Very nice! And I like supporting the little guy, so when it's one privately held tool company vs a multi billion dollar conglomerate, by vote, and money, goes with the little guy. Wright it is.

 

[cgv69]

I'm familiar with William's lineup. They do have plenty of USA tools, but they also have plenty of import tools, and there's isn't necessarily any rhyme or reason as far as which is which.

My point was that if the OP was wanting to go with a single tool line, and USA was a concern, Williams probably is not a good choice.

Additionally, the chance of Williams going 100% import in the future (I brought this up as a point about warranty exchange) is MUCH high IMO than Wright, and maybe also Proto. I'm hoping that Stanley continues to see the value in keeping Proto a real American company.

I really have no idea what you are basing your comments on? Yes, Williams sells both USA and Taiwanese made tools but it's not as willy nilly as you make it out to be. Matter of fact, it's pretty easy to tell the difference. USA made tools have letters in the model # where as the Taiwanese made tools have all numbers.

Want to make it even easier, just buy from http://www.toolsdelivered.com/ - not only do they have the best prices on Williams tools (and Knipex too) but they list the COO of every tool they sell.

 

[cgv69]

Also - There is some speculation that Williams US line sockets are the same exact sockets as SO, just labeled differently? I have no way to know if that's a fact but I would be pretty surprised if it's not? If it's not that would mean the Snap-On Corp. would have to have at least 3 different sources for sockets... 1 For their Snap-On brand. 1 for their USA made Williams brand and another one for their Taiwanese made Williams line.

 

[Slingshot Engage]

 

[highland512]

Both Wright and Proto's bread and butter is supplying tools to the government and military. Almost all tools purchased by the GSA have to be American made. Either brand will be IMAO made in the USA well into the future. The decision might have to be made by which is easiest to get warrantied closest to home. Although I would not make this the deciding factor, I have a whole tool box full of both brands and have never broke either.

 

[oldtools]

Proto is the wright choice

 

[shoturtle]

Both wright and proto have Asian lines. But both makes tools in the US as well. Support the little guy or the bigger one is all about the same. As both employ Americans at the forges, that has families to support and bills to pay.

So if you are not sure, flip a coin. Both have excellent products made in the USA.