USAG tools

[Job]

I was looking at Proto ratchets on Zoro, and it seems this is another company Black and Decker bought. Since we are taking a world tour, this is from Italy. Griots sells the actual brand. A little expensive but not out of line.

https://www.usag.it/en/comunicazione/landing/237-a

 

[AutoMechanic]

Never heard of them. Thanks for posting the information.

 

[drtyler]

I have that ratchet in 1/2” drive. Its very light and a pleasure to use when a long ratchet isn’t needed. The mechanism is strong and durable, and has been used for years in Facom and USAG ratchets (as well as some rebranded Proto).

 

[Creekside]

One of our machine techs is from Italy(traveled over once a year pre-COVID) and uses almost exclusively USAG. They seem to be really nice tools. I didn't know there was a source in the US for them.

 

[Trav]

It looks like some of their line is rebranded Facom.

 

[demarpaint]

They look interesting. I'd love to see how they stack up strength wise compared to a traditional Hazet, Proto, Stahlwille, SK, or Snap-on ratchet.

 

[Trav]

This is one Facom branded as a Proto and the original Facom they rebrand as USAG


https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/...MIo4Ku95237wIVCr3ACh17ngH6EAQYAyABEgLHhfD_BwE

 

[Job]

One of our machine techs is from Italy(traveled over once a year pre-COVID) and uses almost exclusively USAG. They seem to be really nice tools. I didn't know there was a source in the US for them.

Black and Decker own Proto, USAG, and Facom. All I could find is all three were different companies and all go way back in time. Sort of like Fram buying Champ Labs etc. Facom owned them, then B & D. The USAG name was the original name from 1926 according to their website.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/category/tools/ratchets.do

 

[UncleDave]

High 90% interchangeable/identical to Facom.

Nice stuff. As nice as anything I have Snap-on, Cornwell, proto etcetera.

You can get it from ultimate garage as well as griots.

https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/index.php?cPath=35

 

[Jetronic]

It looks like some of their line is rebranded Facom.

it's the other way around, trav. At least, seems to me like facom tools changed after the usag takeover

 

[Trav]

USAG didn't take over Facom they became part of Facom in 1991, they were bought by Stanley who also took over Facom. I cant say how the products are shared accross product lines by them.

USAG began to manufacture and operate in the professional tools sector alongside other small firms in Italy. In 1991 USAG became part of the French Group Facom Tools S.A., then of the American Group The Stanley Works and, by March 2010, of the Multi-National Group Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

 

[UncleDave]

These 2, 1/4 inch and one 3/8 Facom set cover 90% of my garage and homes needs.

The Facom 1/4 sets are 25 years old and the plastic boxes are still sturdy. This is "old" Facom.

New Facom (stanley) so far has been simply superb.
The 3/8 set has a " inspection" box that allows you to see if any piece is missing without opening the box. Great for wrapping up at the end of a job on the trail desert or even at home.

The 3/8 flex head is extendable makes breaking tough bolts easy as well as being able to work in a compact area. Facom is my go to tool.

 

[UncleDave]

If you are a " detail" guy the 3/8 setup is not only a great tool but the box is really nice.
It does not "rattle" like normal cheap plastic cases when you carry it and you can remove the sockets pretty easy.
The extension bar functions as the top of the carry handle.

 

[atikovi]

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/...MIo4Ku95237wIVCr3ACh17ngH6EAQYAyABEgLHhfD_BwE

They look purdy enough. Not sure how many people would use them under water though.

 

[UncleDave]

They look purdy enough. Not sure how many people would use them under water though.

Working on boats on the water this will happen.

It isnt so much underwater as its is exposed to and or sitting in and occasionally submerged.

You haven't lived till you've opened up a bolted on sea strainer lid while on the water.
The exercise is clear the strainer of debris and get the lid back down and sealed before you need the bilge pumps.

 

[Trav]

These 2, 1/4 inch and one 3/8 Facom set cover 90% of my garage and homes needs.

The Facom 1/4 sets are 25 years old and the plastic boxes are still sturdy. This is "old" Facom.

New Facom (stanley) so far has been simply superb.
The 3/8 set has a " inspection" box that allows you to see if any piece is missing without opening the box. Great for wrapping up at the end of a job on the trail desert or even at home.

The 3/8 flex head is extendable makes breaking tough bolts easy as well as being able to work in a compact area. Facom is my go to tool.

View attachment 49880View attachment 49881

I like the old Armstrong (was also B&D) locking extensions they are including. Great quality and very nice set.

 

[UncleDave]

I like the old Armstrong (was also B&D) locking extensions they are including. Great quality and very nice set.

You'll only cry once.

I want to try some of the japanese stuff, I cant imagine its any better than this stuff, but those guys are like Vulcans.

 

[Trav]

You have to try the Japanese stuff, they make some very high quality and perfectly finished tools. The Facom flex head you show has a couple of nice features, the recessed QR and switch lever make it much nicer to use.

 

[benjy]

seen them in Griots catalogs, he sells some nice stuff + as noted prices not too bad!

 

[UncleDave]

You have to try the Japanese stuff, they make some very high quality and perfectly finished tools. The Facom flex head you show has a couple of nice features, the recessed QR and switch lever make it much nicer to use.

You're egging me on Trav...... hahah. I sense another round of purchasing coming...

Love may Facom/Usag.

The little 1/4inch sets were ordered from Griots 25 years ago. Griot introduced me to Facom.