Stanley Proto Introduces New Ratchets
You may not see news like this on Reuters or CNN, but we love reading about the latest tool releases — like these new ratchets from Stanley Proto. In 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ sizes, these ratchets are narrower than Proto’s previous offerings so you can cram ’em into tighter spaces. They’re also quick release; just push the button on the back to free the socket.
Inside you’ll find a 45-tooth gear, which means that you’ll move the handle through eight degrees of arc to engage the ratchet’s next click. A lever on the back selects direction.
But I can hear your thoughts right now: “What makes this different than any other quick-release, lever-type ratchet?” One answer: it’s field repairable. Remove a snap ring on the bottom side of the ratchet and you can access the gear system to repair it right on the spot. Proto offers kits including the most commonly-failed parts to get your ratchet back on track and in use in no time.
For pricing and additional information, check out your favorite Proto dealer.
Do they have more than 6 teeth per gear? (the reason I ditched my Craftsman ratchets in favor of S-K)
Wonder where they’re made?
Toolhearty:
“Inside you’l find a 45-tooth gear…”
I don’t see how a snap ring is any better than screws, which many ratchets have to access the ratchet mechanism. Ever have a snap ring go flying into space? Not fun. I think it would be more likely that the user would have a screwdriver than snap-ring pliers around.
Normally ratchet kits include all the parts. Every set of instructions I have ever seen for ratchet repair state that ALL the parts should be replaced at one time, not piecemeal.
I do wonder if they are still made in USA. Their 72-tooth items that look like Facom’s (and also SK’s) are made in Italy, probably at a Facom factory. Stanley will eventually ruin Proto and Mac in my opinion – move all production to Asia.
@johnnyp
Since Stanley owns Facom and SK was onecx part pf Facom before its management took it private – there is no wonder about the similarities
Mike47 Says:
“Inside you’l find a 45-tooth gear…”
Woops.