New Toptul wrench

[The Muffin Man]

Well I received my newest Toptul order a few days ago and Mike Wren included a Toptul catalog in my order which was a pleasant surprise.

On the cover on the catalog (shown below) unveils a new combination wrench which to me was reminiscent of Facom's 440 series (also pictured below.)
According to the catalog Toptul's wrenches (AAEW series) have thicker beams than their standard series (which I'm all for :bounce:.) However what does disappoint me is the lengths that the wrench is offered. I hope that Toptul is planning in manufacturing a long and extra long pattern as well as include SAE sizes to compensate for this.

Mike, any word if you'll be getting these anytime soon? Any information you could provide about these wrenches would be great since I was unable to find anything on Toptul's site about these.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/test1001.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/test1002.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/440jp9eclateph01.jpg

[Art From De Leon]

I believe the test result I saw about how strong these wrenches are. But they are some of the ugliest wrenches I've ever seen. They just need to smooth them out or something. IMO

I agree. They may be the best tool in the world, but they just look cheap.

This assumption probably comes from our being conditioned either by advertising, or associating chrome with quality, and is the reason Sears offers their polished line of 'pro' wrenches, or NAPA, or ACE hardware carries a better looking fully chromed wrench line.

[Fedwrench]

I also wish they were longer. I don't mind the satin finish or them being ugly. Ugly tools are less likely to walk off. However, about 6.6 inches for a 13mm wrench is a little short for my liking.

[billymade]

I think they take their design cues from German/European manufacturers like Stahlwille and Hazet; many here think they are ugly tools! I don't know if they are ugly but they are different; they definitely do not look like the often copied Snap-On ultra smooth chrome look; that seems to define the USA made pro tool esthetic. I will say that if you compare a old Hazet to a old Snap-On; the matte finish seems to hold up better then chrome. I have heard many people say european cars like VW or Porsche are ugly... european design and specifically German design; has a strong design sense and its concerns are different then stuff made here in the USA. Understatement is preferred over chrome flash. To each his own; like so many things in life, we tend to reach for what we are familiar with and in many cases "grown up with"! :)

[superautobacs]

Hrmm, the offset in the open-end is a copy of what Stahlwille has been doing for some time.

Rotar seems to be able to produce quality, design, and aesthetics that meet European standards. Case in point: the Facom 440 series.

I think they really try to embrace the Euro look for their design concept.

I think they look great, IMO.

[Rico.]

I own a full set of Facom 440 series spanners from 4mm to 34mm and
without doubt they are the most comfortable spanners I have ever used.
they don't dig in to your hands and are so strong. The clever desgin in
being able to undo recessed bolts when even thin walled sockets won't fit can
be the difference between a good day and a really horrible one.

They do look different and as always beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.
I happen to like them, I would guess I'm in the minority. However you really
have to use these spanners before you make a firm judgment on them, they
truly are superb. :thumbup:



Cheers,
Rico.

[r6_cannibal]

I actually like how they look, but I'm a fan of Stahlwille and Hazet tools. I dig the satin finish and have a full set of toptul 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 of sandard and deep wall sockets in satin. They look unusual, but they are surprisingly easy to clean.
The design of these wrenches looks like what I've been hunting for, and if they're available in a long or extra long set I will definitely be ordering some. I was actually looking to purchase a set of toptul combo-wrenches in the near future anyway. I really want a Stahlwille set, but for the price the toptul ones fit my budget.

[Monte]

i want the Facom ones for a Toptul price.... :D

[Bo Heck]

i want the Facom ones for a Toptul price.... :D

Yea that'd be nice

[ultgar]

i want the Facom ones for a Toptul price.... :D

Toptul will not come out and admit they are producing the 440 series (and presumably some of the other wrenches) for Facom. I suspect they don't want bite the hand that feeds them (a lot of business). I believe the design is Facom's but it was cheaper to have these made in Taiwan. I wonder if Toptul uses cold forging technology as used at the French factory. SD

[Monte]

I wonder why Stanley had to contract a 3rd party with manufacturing these wrenches (if it`s true that they`re made by Rotar)

[superautobacs]

I remember Alfajuj stating Rotar made the new Facom combo. wrenches.
Through conversations with Reversegear, I found that, although Stanley has a factory in Taiwan, they couldn't muster up a wrench that met Facom's standards. Hence, contracting Rotar for the wrenches (and even more?)

I still wonder what other brands under Stanley's umbrella is made by Rotar. I'm pretty certain that Britool has quite a few items from Rotar.

[wrenhandtools]

If there is enough interest, I will bring this new style wrench in sooner rather than later, but so far the demand is for larger sized sockets, complete sets as well, and the specialty auto tools along with the auto body items.

Sincerely,

[wrenhandtools]

Forgot to mention that they sent me a couple samples in the last shipment. The finish is flawless. They are very nice. I have never used this style but I can see where it would be handy for sure. I'm also pretty certain this wrench will only be made in the satin finish.

[ultgar]

Forgot to mention that they sent me a couple samples in the last shipment. The finish is flawless. They are very nice. I have never used this style but I can see where it would be handy for sure. I'm also pretty certain this wrench will only be made in the satin finish.

They sent me the same samples in satin....this is the traditional Euro finish. Surprisingly, Toptul does not show the 34mm or any of the fractional sizes (of the AAEW wrench) in their 2009 catalog.

I still prefer the old 40 series 32mm wrench for fan clutch removals....the AAEW3232 is too thick to fit over the fan clutch hub nut. SD

[Joe Mamma]

Can anyone comment on how well the Toptul wrenches (especially the open ends) fit?

One of the things I like about high quality wrenches is that they fit better (i.e., tighter) than lower quality ones, and are less likely to round off the corners of a fastener. But I haven't heard anyone comment on that point with the Toptul ones.

Thanks.

Joe Mamma

[The Muffin Man]

Forgot to mention that they sent me a couple samples in the last shipment. The finish is flawless. They are very nice. I have never used this style but I can see where it would be handy for sure. I'm also pretty certain this wrench will only be made in the satin finish.


:needpics:

[Rico.]

I remember Alfajuj stating Rotar made the new Facom combo. wrenches.
Through conversations with Reversegear, I found that, although Stanley has a factory in Taiwan, they couldn't muster up a wrench that met Facom's standards. Hence, contracting Rotar for the wrenches (and even more?)

I still wonder what other brands under Stanley's umbrella is made by Rotar. I'm pretty certain that Britool has quite a few items from Rotar.


Nearly all my socket sets are Britool and they are made by Rotar, Very high
quality and the ratchet heads are identical to Toptul, I would go so far as to
say that Totul tools would seem to be the best quality/price compromise.

If they can make Facom's spanners to their very high standards, it would seem
to me that would use this know how to make their own brand spanners at
very nearly the same quality if not as good as Facom's.


Cheers,
Rico.

[r6_cannibal]

Forgot to mention that they sent me a couple samples in the last shipment. The finish is flawless. They are very nice. I have never used this style but I can see where it would be handy for sure. I'm also pretty certain this wrench will only be made in the satin finish.

:drool:

Mike: Any word if these will come in longer versions?

[superautobacs]

Nearly all my socket sets are Britool and they are made by Rotar, Very high
quality and the ratchet heads are identical to Toptul ...

I seem to remember saying the ratchets were from Rotar, but was told otherwise. Maybe my recollection is wrong. :headscrat
Some other things in Britool's line that are Rotar: ball pein hammer; rachet wrench socket adaptors; wobble-plus extentions.



If they can make Facom's spanners to their very high standards, it would seem to me that would use this know how to make their own brand spanners at very nearly the same quality if not as good as Facom's.

Cheers,
Rico.

We can only hope so. :)

[vssjim]

My extra long metric combo wrenchs fit good and tight and work great.

[wrenhandtools]

No word on longer versions at all.

[Monte]

Which products exactly are made by Rotar in-house and which sourced from other companies ?

[Joelfke]

im not even sure if he can answer that legally.... lol

[Coach James]

I like to shape and don't care between chrome and satin etc. If the price is one I can afford, I would be interested in getting a set.

Coach

[Monte]

their new "Tiger`s paw" oooops i mean "paw" adjustable wrenches are not from rotar ... (and not from Kastar) ..... what else ?


Proxene Tiger`s paw (http://www.proxene.com.tw/eng_e-catalog_page.asp?eid=228&Page=3&EPrev=&ENext=268)

[Monte]

The manufacturer of Toptul T-handles.......(?):

http://www.longjinn.com/wish-life/ezcatfiles/longinney/img/pictures/l/lg030_L_Page30.jpg
http://webbuilder2.asiannet.com/ftp/1215/02k165165.jpg

[Taylor J.]

The manufacturer of Toptul T-handles.......(?):

http://www.longjinn.com/wish-life/ezcatfiles/longinney/img/pictures/l/lg030_L_Page30.jpg
http://webbuilder2.asiannet.com/ftp/1215/02k165165.jpg


Has anyone tried these?
If so how do you like them?


Thanks,
Taylor J.

[Monte]

just found a manufacturer of Toptuls ratchets........: (?)

www.wtools.com.tw

theirs:
http://www.wtools.com.tw/pic/Products/02010203.jpg

Toptul
http://www.toptul.com/comm/upimage/p_051018_06728.jpg

http://www.wtools.com.tw/pic/Products/071113.jpg
http://www.toptul.com/comm/upimage/p_051018_06704.jpg

[Joelfke]

looks to be similar but not the same....

site says theyre made in taiwan too...maybe both are made by the same company for these two different companies?

[superautobacs]

Vibratory finishing seems to be Rotars core competency, so they could very well be purchasing semi-finished ratchets elsewhere, like William Tools, then having them vibe finished and fully assembled within Rotar. Their line of tools, with the Toptul brand, was created from having the cooperation of a network of OEM's/ODM's/OBM's in Taiwan.

As for William Tools, IIRC, even CDI / Snap-on sources stuff from there.

[wrenchr]

Those wrenches are fugly to me.

[autoace]

Those wrenches are fugly to me.

They kinda look like Hazet wrenches, I thought.

[wrenchr]

They kinda look like Hazet wrenches, I thought.

Not a fan of those either.:spit::lol_hitti

[wrenchr]

:lol_hittijust found a manufacturer of Toptuls ratchets........: (?)

www.wtools.com.tw

theirs:
http://www.wtools.com.tw/pic/Products/02010203.jpg

Toptul
http://www.toptul.com/comm/upimage/p_051018_06728.jpg

http://www.wtools.com.tw/pic/Products/071113.jpg
http://www.toptul.com/comm/upimage/p_051018_06704.jpg

Yup those are at your local murray's. :lol_hitti

[Uncle Buck]

To me they look no different than the index head Husky's I bought at the HD, or for that matter they do not look any better than The Pittsburg Professionals that HF sells. Not really a lick of difference. I will keep my old school coarse tooth ratchets thanks.

[Monte]

whut ???? Hazet ??? They`re much more uglyful ehhh beautiful !!!!!! :D

Like superautobacs already mentioned Wtools help them (CDI/Snap-On) build the components of their Digital Torque Wrench. And they produce other things such as Rotator Ratchet for Stanley (Link (http://www.wtools.com.tw/company.shtml))
The CDI Computorq3 wrench also not really look like its from the US or snap-on (Ratchet head.....) they give no information of the country of origin too...

BTW:
Here the snap-on Techwrench: Country of origin Taiwan:
click (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=68399&group_ID=17508&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog)
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/42500/42422.JPG

Here the snap-on Techwrench: Country of origin USA:
click (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=76639&group_ID=19917&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog)
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/57600/57520.JPG

So with the addition of a ratchet head its made in USA then ?

[superautobacs]

So with the addition of a ratchet head its made in USA then ?

:lol_hitti

Something a little fishy is going on there...
mabye the FTC needs to be given some awareness of this :bounce:

[enkratestool]

No SAE version of the Toptul super-torque wrenches?

[ultgar]

No SAE version of the Toptul super-torque wrenches?

You'll find something VERY similar under the Facom name as part of their 440 series. SD

[Monte]

Are these toptul wrenches already available ? I`d like to order a single 13mm wrench....

[Zorro13]

:lol_hitti

Yup those are at your local murray's. :lol_hitti

I think similar things going on with the stuff in Toptul's 'Other Tools' section. Pretty sure you get the stuff in the same quality also at HF or even brand-name catalogs.

[krehmkej]

I think similar things going on with the stuff in Toptul's 'Other Tools' section. Pretty sure you get the stuff in the same quality also at HF or even brand-name catalogs.

Means you're clueless. Ever seen or held Toptul - NOT!

[The Muffin Man]

Are these toptul wrenches already available ? I`d like to order a single 13mm wrench....

I was planning on doing the same exact thing. I believe Ultgar mentioned a Toptul shipment coming in mid August so I have been monitoring his website like a hawk for any new additions.

[Zorro13]

Means you're clueless. Ever seen or held Toptul - NOT!

I have several stuff from Toptul. But as most of the other tool companies they try to complete their line of tools to have a full portfolio. It is therefore common practice to source such parts from a supplier.

Toptul saves a lot of money by not having to build a production line for the few hunderd brake caliper tools (or or other speciality tools) they might sell a year.

[ultgar]

I suspected Facom sent their 440 engineering drawings to Toptul for manufacturing. They are similar to the Super Torque series from Toptul. The 440 wrench is made in Czech Republic.

I prefer the 440 series identification features over those on the Toptul wrench.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/toptul/440series.jpg

[sk farmer]

Means you're clueless. Ever seen or held Toptul - NOT!

toptul or rotar, wichever you choose, are obviously selling tools to other brands made to various specs. i have a titan ratchet that is identical to one in the toptul catalog. i have also seen ratchets that look slightly differant but use the same components at hf. the titans can be seen at northern tool stores or their catalog. i have no doubt that toptul is providing tools to other sources. i also saw some stuff that looked an awful lot like it marked johnnesway at fastenal yesterday. i think you are being naive and need to look at what other sources have before you tell him he is cluless.

[ultgar]

Just had a chance to compare the Facom 440 Series combination wrenches and the Toptul Super Torque series. They are NOT the same wrench.....very similar. The ends appear to be the same but Facom did some streamlining of the shaft of the wrench, removing unnecessary weight without affecting strength. The Facom wrenches (at least the ones I examined) are approx 6% lighter than the comparable Toptul wrenches. The sizes stamped on the Facom wrenches are larger and easier for us older guys to read. But bottom line, the Toptul wrenches are much cheaper. SD

[Monte]

how much for a 13mm wrench ? :) Do you take paypal :)

[ultgar]

how much for a 13mm wrench ? :) Do you take paypal :)

I didn't buy any open stock of the wrenches with this first order. I think it would be much cheaper to get the 440.13 in Germany or UK rather than pay shipping and customs from the US. Steve

[r6_cannibal]

Just had a chance to compare the Facom 440 Series combination wrenches and the Toptul Super Torque series. They are NOT the same wrench.....very similar. The ends appear to be the same but Facom did some streamlining of the shaft of the wrench, removing unnecessary weight without affecting strength. The Facom wrenches (at least the ones I examined) are approx 6% lighter than the comparable Toptul wrenches. The sizes stamped on the Facom wrenches are larger and easier for us older guys to read. But bottom line, the Toptul wrenches are much cheaper. SD

Any chance you were able to get pictures of the two side by side?

[ultgar]

Any chance you were able to get pictures of the two side by side?

I though about it....I took the 32mm size which was the largest in both kits....they were identical in length, one stacked on top of the other but the center grip parts was slimmer on the Facom. The 32mm Facom was 1.452 lbs, the Toptul version was 1.542 lbs. SD

[HarveyM]

I'll echo what Steve said:

I've had the Facom 440's for a year, I love how great they feel. With a Canadian Toptul distributor I purchased the 26 piece super-torque set to see what they were like (at less than 6 bucks Canadian a wrench delivered they're a super deal).
They arrived today, so I'll give my first impressions. The Facom's shape definitely gives it the edge in comfort and they're marginally thicker than the Toptul wrenches. Comparing the 19mm the box ends using a feeler gauge showed .018" play for both. The Facom was a bit tighter than the Topul, but not by much. I tried the same with a (15 year old?) Craftsman raised panel for .02" inch of play. For the open end the Facom and Craftsman had .01" play, the Toptul .014"
Here's a few So-So pics:
In the rack the Facom is uppermost, The Toptul in the middle and the craftsman lowest.

[Joe H]

It is sad that they wont be making these in the american style chrome finish. Maybe it looks better in person but I personally dont like the satin finish on the wrenches at all.

[The Muffin Man]

Just received a set of the Toptul wrenches and I ordered over the weekend. The beams are much more comfortable than the traditional Toptul wrenches, every corner is nicely rounded. The deeper engraved channel compliments the hands very nicely and widens toward the center lenght of the beam.

These wrenches are most definately shorter than most other brands as well. The 19mm wrench measures in at about 9 in. In my sitiuation, I will most likely benefit from the short lenght as I will primarially be wrenching of motorcycles and power-sports were clearance is a issue.

Anyways here are some pics I was able to get before sunset...

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/IMG_2084.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/IMG_2082.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/IMG_2085.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/IMG_2081.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/IMG_2077.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g97/JGhaffoor/IMG_2083.jpg

[Monte]

Looks good. Are they cold forged or hot forged ??

[expatriated]

NICE!

I also don't mind the shorter wrenches--I'm mostly on bikes, too.

I have the open ended chrome Toptuls; now I'll have to get a set of these as well.

[Old Donn]

Aside to Jason. I had the same conversation with Mike about these the other day. I was looking for a set in SAE, which isn't available yet. Wanted to try them on the old Chevy this winter.

[CamarosRus]

Sure like to read comments about and see pics of TOPTUL's conventional design, long pattern, mirror finish, combo wrenches.

[Joe H]

Great pics Muffin. Is that the new smoother water satin finish that toptul is using?

[The Muffin Man]

Looks good. Are they cold forged or hot forged ??

Maybe our resident Toptul dealers could chime in on that question. I sure would like to know as well :). I shot Toptul's customer service a few questions about the AAEW series, one of which regarding the forging process ;)

Are Facom's 440 series wrenches cold forged?

Great pics Muffin. Is that the new smoother water satin finish that toptul is using?

Thanks Joe, They are the (newer) watery satin finish, All of the Toptul Ratchets sockets and wrenches that I've ordered are the watery satin finish. The only exception is the CAAH series socket extensions (and only a few of them were the older satin chrome.) While I must admit the older satin chrome is truly beautiful, the watery satin finish seems to have greater surface hardness :)

I was looking for a set in SAE, which isn't available yet.

I also would like to see a SAE version as well, I shot Toptul's customer service regarding if they have any plans to release any in the near future. If not, I most likely will buy Facom's 440 wrenches.

[The Muffin Man]

I received a response, from Toptul this evening...



Dear Mr. Ghaffoor,

Good day!

Thank you for your inquiry mail about new line of combination wrench AAEW series.

Referring below mail, please refer to find our comments as followings.

1) Yes, most likely we are planning to have SAE sizes in the near future…
For the long and extra long patterns, no, currently we are not planning to have those type wrenches in AAEW series

2) AAEW is hot forging produce.


If you till have any questions, please feel free to contact with me directly.


...snip...





Have a nice day!

Best Regards,
Jerry Wei

[Monte]

cool ! thanks for asking them !! :thumbup:

[krehmkej]

Just received a set of the Toptul wrenches and I ordered over the weekend. is a issue.


Where did these come from? Last I heard there were none in the USA.

[The Muffin Man]

Where did these come from? Last I heard there were none in the USA.


I ordered the set from www.ultimategarage.com (http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/index.php?cPath=755_764_809)

cool ! thanks for asking them !! :thumbup:

You are most welcome! Are there any distinct advantages that the cold forging process offers over the hot forging process?

[superautobacs]

Monte,

Who produces cold forged wrenches?
I was under the assumption that all wrenches were hot forged.

[Monte]

Monte,

Who produces cold forged wrenches?
I was under the assumption that all wrenches were hot forged.

The information was actually in this thread :)

Toptul will not come out and admit they are producing the 440 series (and presumably some of the other wrenches) for Facom. I suspect they don't want bite the hand that feeds them (a lot of business). I believe the design is Facom's but it was cheaper to have these made in Taiwan. I wonder if Toptul uses cold forging technology as used at the French factory. SD

Thats why i was asking ...
I never heard of cold forging wrenches but i also never heard of cold forging pliers but the newer Snap-On pliers part# 47CF and 196CF are also cold forged ( source (http://www.snapon.com/industrial/flyers/Marchpliersv5_rev.pdf) )

ps: from what i know cold forging is not better just cheaper. You save the cost of heating the metal, you don`t need to keep the forging dies heated in an oven prior to using them, and the cold forging process produces tools with better dimensional outlines so they have not to reworked as much.

[superautobacs]

Monte,

I used to think that hot forging was more costly to run, too, but I've since learned that cold forging equipment is more costly (upfront, operational cost or both, I'm not sure).