Proto

Proto, formally known as Plomb Tool Company, is a renowned American industrial hand tool manufacturer founded in 1907 by Alphonso Plomb, Jacob Weninger, and Charles Williams in Los Angeles. The company initially gained a reputation for producing high-quality hand tools, including punches and chisels from old Model T axles. In 1933, Proto introduced the first combination wrench, a groundbreaking innovation that helped the company survive the Great Depression and thrive during World War II. After a series of mergers and acquisitions, Proto became part of Ingersoll-Rand in 1964 and later Stanley Black & Decker in 1984. Today, Proto is a leading brand in industrial hand tools, known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and safety. The company caters to professionals working in extreme environments, offering durable and reliable tools that ensure mission-critical operations can continue uninterrupted.