These ratchets, especially the 3/8, are still my favorits. The back drag is extremly low and the head is thin. They just work flawlessly decade after decade.
I drive a 1976 BJ40 diesel Land Cruiser. 28 mpg/230,000 miles. Never been apart. Guess what ratchet is in the back ? 5449 Pebble-flat, los Angeles ....with a black Tekton 13/16 socket LOL
That design started with The Plomb Tool Co. in 1939. In 1948 Plomb changed their name to Proto. The Plomb / Proto company has been making that ratchet for 81 years.It is one of the most copied tool designs out there. Both of your Ratchets are old and used. Even in that condition they keep working. If you keep them clean inside and oiled, they will last a very long time. Because they use low tension springs to reduce wear, never use grease. If you get one with damaged internal parts, kits are easy to get and buyer friendly. I have been using Proto ratchets since 1969 and have collecting them over 40 years. One of your ratchets is over 50 years old and the other is over 40 years. Of course they have some wear. How much use and upkeep did the Wright get ?
I have the Napa Evercraft quick release versions of these ratchets (24 teeth), and it's one of my favorites. It's coarse, but has some of the lowest backdrag of all of my ratchets. It also sounds like a roller coaster. I also like that you can oil it through the holes under the lever.
I have a modern day only a year or 2 old. 1 is 1/2 and 2 are 3/8 Proto 49 series ratchets. I got them from work and they are amazing. Very low tooth count sound like a roller coaster. I took a 3/8 ratchet and made it into a stubby ratchet and it goes with me everywhere in my tool bag. The other 2 unmodified stay at home for home use. The new ones are exactly the same as these old ones!
I just took it apart, cleaned it and reassembled with Park Tool PPL-1 grease. No parts needed replacement. Waa $2 at estate sale. Ratchet has U.S.A. PROFESSIONAL stamped under 5449 PROTO.
I inherited a 1/2” and 3/8” drive Protos from my Grandfather. I bought rebuild kits for both and they work great! As others have noted even with 24 teeth it no problem doing most mechanical jobs. I’ll take an old USA made tool over any new Chinese tool!
Pretty much the oldest continuously produced ratchet design in history. You can actually take the internals and swap them between a 1930's PLOMB version because the design has not changed at all. They are a good solid tool that still holds up today, give them some superlube and they're buttery smooth. Not a fancy high tech modern ratchet but if you're not working in the tight spaces of a modern car, they are still a good option. I'll take a 5249 over the most modern fanciest ratchet China has to offer any day.
But you can get a sooped up version from Japan right now. Precision machined, custom springs, better knurling, killa pawls that are custom machined. It's called a Ko-ken 24 tooth. Like gunsmith meets Proto
HMMM Chico donde "encuentra" un rash Prototito ? Son no es disponible in America Latina mae ? Solamente Trrrruper y Surrrrtek y,,,Total. Proto es muyyyyy caro ! Un grrrringo falta guardar ?
Yeah, the reality is that the vast majority of jobs don't require a 1000 tooth mechanism.(Yes that is an exaggeration). While I appreciate the beauty and smoothness of a 90 tooth for example the truth is that I can take apart and put back together components of my HD motorcycle just as effectively with my old USA Craftsman ratchets which have 24 teeth I believe.
Man people hype these and old SKs and will tell you that they're all you need to get things done... I mean, sure, but more modern tools are that much nicer to use. I guess rose tinted glasses
Definitely the mindset of most young guys that are still a bit green. Too bad you are blinded by the bling. Over half the tools I own (and it's alot!) I bought used, many of which are older than me, and lack of plating is never a consideration when buying used tools to me.
Just think if some Japanese engineer decided to build one of those in his shop, super fit it, mod the pawls, redesign the spring steel tension, killer knurling... Ya know. Like building a 700 HP Chevy small block kinda precision fitting. WOW. Maybe he'd name it: "Koken" ;-)
I swear to god those will be remaining after the apocalypse along with cockroaches and Toyota Corollas. They still make them and we still use them in manufacturing. Lol The super coarse teeth are fine in general manufacturing assembly where you hVe plenty of space.
These ratchets, especially the 3/8, are still my favorits. The back drag is extremly low and the head is thin. They just work flawlessly decade after decade.
I drive a 1976 BJ40 diesel Land Cruiser. 28 mpg/230,000 miles. Never been apart. Guess what ratchet is in the back ? 5449 Pebble-flat, los Angeles ....with a black Tekton 13/16 socket LOL
Agreed. They just work. No back drag.
That design started with The Plomb Tool Co. in 1939. In 1948 Plomb changed their name to Proto. The Plomb / Proto company has been making that ratchet for 81 years.It is one of the most copied tool designs out there. Both of your Ratchets are old and used. Even in that condition they keep working. If you keep them clean inside and oiled, they will last a very long time. Because they use low tension springs to reduce wear, never use grease. If you get one with damaged internal parts, kits are easy to get and buyer friendly. I have been using Proto ratchets since 1969 and have collecting them over 40 years. One of your ratchets is over 50 years old and the other is over 40 years. Of course they have some wear. How much use and upkeep did the Wright get ?
Plomb/Proto also made ratchets for Penens Corp. and Fleet.
I think we have some at work that are older than I am.
Uncle Catus taking us to school again! I love hearing the history on the tools that you review!!!! Awesome video thank you!👍🏼👍🏼😎😎
I inherited all my dad's Proto Tools he bought back in the 50s and 60s. I never had any problem with the ratchets. All their tools were quality.
I have the Napa Evercraft quick release versions of these ratchets (24 teeth), and it's one of my favorites. It's coarse, but has some of the lowest backdrag of all of my ratchets. It also sounds like a roller coaster. I also like that you can oil it through the holes under the lever.
I have a modern day only a year or 2 old. 1 is 1/2 and 2 are 3/8 Proto 49 series ratchets. I got them from work and they are amazing. Very low tooth count sound like a roller coaster. I took a 3/8 ratchet and made it into a stubby ratchet and it goes with me everywhere in my tool bag. The other 2 unmodified stay at home for home use.
The new ones are exactly the same as these old ones!
Those old proto ratchets make great tractor tool box Hammer Ratchets!
I have 2 or 3 proto ratchets and theyve all been great tools. I actually just got a brand new 1/4 drive proto ratchet at work.
I still have a proto USA 1/2” drive torque wrench wrench for years and has served me well.
I used the 3/8 size one today. I like the way it sounds
The Proto ratchets are extremely strong I have put a 4 foot breaker on one to remove axle nuts .
My 3/8 ratchet that my dad gave me takes abuse without issue. I did clean the internals.
I use a 6ft bar on my Proto 3/4 drive..these are bulletproof
I just took it apart, cleaned it and reassembled with Park Tool PPL-1 grease. No parts needed replacement. Waa $2 at estate sale. Ratchet has U.S.A. PROFESSIONAL stamped under 5449 PROTO.
I inherited a 1/2” and 3/8” drive Protos from my Grandfather. I bought rebuild kits for both and they work great! As others have noted even with 24 teeth it no problem doing most mechanical jobs. I’ll take an old USA made tool over any new Chinese tool!
Pretty much the oldest continuously produced ratchet design in history.
You can actually take the internals and swap them between a 1930's PLOMB version because the design has not changed at all.
They are a good solid tool that still holds up today, give them some superlube and they're buttery smooth.
Not a fancy high tech modern ratchet but if you're not working in the tight spaces of a modern car, they are still a good option.
I'll take a 5249 over the most modern fanciest ratchet China has to offer any day.
But you can get a sooped up version from Japan right now. Precision machined, custom springs, better knurling, killa pawls that are custom machined. It's called a Ko-ken 24 tooth. Like gunsmith meets Proto
Yup, Koken 4749N is great.
I have the 1/4 inch version of these proto ratchets that was my great uncles. It just sits in my toolbox but its cool to have
I've got an older gray, proto, herbrand and snapon, all early 60s or so, I love the grays , they're very corse but a little grease seems to help.
Anyone know around how much the 1/2” ones go for, I got a handful from my high school auto shop I want to sell to get some more tools
Around $15. $20 in mint shape
Donde se cambia la herramienta PROTO DEFECTUOSA y cuáles son los requisitos Gracias por su ayuda,
HMMM Chico donde "encuentra" un rash Prototito ? Son no es disponible in America Latina mae ? Solamente Trrrruper y Surrrrtek y,,,Total. Proto es muyyyyy caro ! Un grrrringo falta guardar ?
Yeah, the reality is that the vast majority of jobs don't require a 1000 tooth mechanism.(Yes that is an exaggeration). While I appreciate the beauty and smoothness of a 90 tooth for example the truth is that I can take apart and put back together components of my HD motorcycle just as effectively with my old USA Craftsman ratchets which have 24 teeth I believe.
Think!....the less teeth...the stronger the ratchet.
If u check when the paw clicks it is going to be able to turn with minimal backlash , hence its more efficient than finer toothed rachets.
I like these ratchets mine work well.
But they are so smooth
I have a 1/4" Proto
Man people hype these and old SKs and will tell you that they're all you need to get things done...
I mean, sure, but more modern tools are that much nicer to use.
I guess rose tinted glasses
Definitely the mindset of most young guys that are still a bit green. Too bad you are blinded by the bling. Over half the tools I own (and it's alot!) I bought used, many of which are older than me, and lack of plating is never a consideration when buying used tools to me.
Just think if some Japanese engineer decided to build one of those in his shop, super fit it, mod the pawls, redesign the spring steel tension, killer knurling... Ya know. Like building a 700 HP Chevy small block kinda precision fitting. WOW. Maybe he'd name it: "Koken" ;-)
I swear to god those will be remaining after the apocalypse along with cockroaches and Toyota Corollas.
They still make them and we still use them in manufacturing. Lol The super coarse teeth are fine in general manufacturing assembly where you hVe plenty of space.
Not all was better,,back in the day!
For Example?
I have a newer proto set at work....what complete garbage...our 1/4 rachet fell apart in our hands
Some of the toughest ratchets ever made.