Proto VS Proto Professional ??

[Tx308]

What is the difference between a standard production Proto wrench of say late 70s to mid 80s and a Proto Professional wrench of same era? As far as I can tell by quick examination the regular Protos appear to have thicker more squared handles with a more polished finish. What real differences exist between them?
Also when exactly did the Professional line of tools begin? I've got a catalog dated 1973 and find no mention of the Professional line.

[lbgradwell]

I don't believe there is any difference apart from the markings. I think the "Professional" bit is a Stanley-era thing...

[Tx308]

I'm kinda thinking along the same track although it would be nice to find out if they offered both lines at the same time. Does any one know what year the Proto catalog #800 covers?

[kxxr]

Proto catalog date discussion here:
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=2471.0

[Tx308]

Thanks kxxr. I found a few threads related to the catalogs but that one hadn't popped up. Unfortunately that member hasn't been active over there for 3 years. Sent them a message anyway, keeping my fingers crossed. Well if anybody is interested I do have the '73 and can scan it to pdf.

[lbgradwell]

Does any one know what year the Proto catalog #800 covers?

I think that's a "Weatherly Index" number and cannot be used for dating purposes.

http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=5737.0

Unfortunately that member hasn't been active over there for 3 years. Sent them a message anyway, keeping my fingers crossed. Well if anybody is interested I do have the '73 and can scan it to pdf.

Which member are you referring to - Bolster or nordstar? Kel (Bolster) is more active on GJ and although nordstar hasn't posted there for a long time, he visited as recently as a month ago. I'd be very interested in his 1967 Proto Canada catalogue should you hear back from him...

I'd also love a copy of your 1973!

[mikeswrenches]

Me too!  I keep a file of a lot of catalogs.  This one I don't have.

Mike

[Tx308]

I was referring to bolster, found him on GJ and pm'd him over there just waiting for a response. I'm off this weekend so hopefully I can find time to scan the 73 catalog to a pdf file. I will let you know when it's done.

Thanks for the reminder about that being a Weatherly #. I knew that... No really I knew that. Lol. I've had so many #'s running through my head I just need to regroup and slow down.

I'll look for nordstar on GJ and shoot a pm off see if he'll help out a newb.