Hand Tools

StanInCalif · Sep 10, 2001

John-
Those were good times - when Wal Mart carried Stanley wrenches and sockets open stock. They are at least the equal of Craftsman, IMHO. The word was that Stanley had bought out Proto, my favorite, and apparently they maintained the quality. But I guess the bean counters at Wal Mart decided they could make more money selling the cheaper stuff. Too bad. - Stan

fishman · Sep 14, 2001

Yep, was using my Stanley tools again yesterday and noticed they were all Stanley Professional series. Actually slimmer where needed and more polished than my Craftsman tools.

Interesting what you heard about Proto. As an aside, I was recently in the local Grainger store, and saw a set of Proto wrenches on the wall. Could they still be in business I wonder?

s1120 · Sep 16, 2001

<font color=red>So are the "gimmick" tools</font color=red>

One gimmick tool that works well is the gear wrench. They are strong, and realy speed up work where you can not get a ratchet into.

s1120 · Sep 16, 2001

I have a lot of tools. I have a little bit of everything, from cheap, cheap sockets [40 piece set, $9.99] to old Snap-On ratchets. Most of my stuff tends to be craftsman. They are OK tools, and they are easy to get. I do brake ratchets once in a wile, but that is from abuse. 3 ft cheater bar on a 3/8 ratchet. I tend to buy cheep tools first, if it breaks I know I use it hard, and go get a better one.

JATO_RaT · Sep 17, 2001

The Proto tool line is very much still available. Go to Graingers catalog for the complete list of most of what they make. I have a full set of Proto impact sockets as well as some old stuff from the 50's and perhaps earlier. Other great brands included Blue Point and Plumb.

StanInCalif · Sep 17, 2001

John, Rat-
Thanks for the tip on Grainger/Proto. I used to have an old Plumb ratchet that appeared identical to the earlier Protos- I'm sure there was a connection there. BTW- Blue point is a Snap On label. - Stan