Toptul Usa [Archive] - The Garage Journal Board

ba614

03-16-2007, 02:24 PM

I placed an order on Feb. 26, 2007.

I ordered 3/8 drive, deep & std fractional socket sets. The std depth sockets were in a paper bag stuffed in a box with the deep sockets that were thrown loose in the box. The paper bag was torn in the bottom.

I was shorted deep sockets in the following sizes: 19/32, 21/32, 25/32, 15/16. I was shorted std depth sockets in the following sizes: 15/32, & 21/32.

Additionally I also ordered T-Handle's in 1/4 & 3/8 sizes. I recieved a 3/8 & 1/2 T-Handle.

I emailed the web site with the mistakes the day I recieved my order. The next day I got an email from Brian Dowling saying he was sorry and would get my order out to fix this mistake.

Eight days later I recieved a package from Toptul with another 3/8 T-Handle and a 3/8 drive deep 3/8 socket. :headscrat

I set an email informing him that my order was wrong again that I already had what he sent. I told him once again the things I was shorted. I also found his phone # and called him. I got the ans. mch. so I left a msg.

I have emailed and called several times since last Saturday with no responce.

I don't know what's going on at Toptul. I know he also sells on e-bay so if you are thinking of ordering from him or his Toptul web site you have been warned of his LACK of business ethics.

ImportTuner

03-16-2007, 03:52 PM

I ordered the Toptul 10-PC Midget Combo wrench set and had no problems; it arrived rather quickly, wrenches are high quality, and used the 50% discount he gave to all GJ members .. :)

ba614

03-17-2007, 10:12 AM

My order arrived in 3 day's. No problem with it arrivimg on time. The problem was that the order was incomplete and then not corrected. It seems as though whoever pulls the order and ships it cannot do their job.

I placed my order the same day you did {Import Tuner} and recieved my shipment the same day you did but my order was all screwed up. I guess the main problem was the fact that they sell socket sets that are not packaged as sets from the factory and whoever fills the order just grabs some sockets and ships what he pulled.

It's like they have Cheech and Chong working there saying " hey man this is cool lets just send this" with no reguard for filling the order correctly.

Import Tuner be glad you only ordered one set and that it came packaged as a set. Multiple items ordered at the same time really screws these guy's up.

The worse part is that they do not respond to emails, don't answer the phone or return phone calls when you leave a message. When you do business with them you are stuck with whatever they decide to send.

mikester

01-06-2008, 09:49 PM

I know this is a pretty old post but I had a bad time with Toptul too. I bought 3 1/2" socket sets from them and one of the metric sockets turned out to be marked with the wrong size. I called the guy up and he told me he would send a replacement the next day. Weeks went by and nothing. Wouldnt return emails, phone calls. I looked up the guys name and found one close in the area and tried to call and the guy that answered said MANY people call him looking for the guy. Seems like hes a real deadbeat. I went on the company homepage which might have been in China or Taiwan, it was over a year ago, not sure which at this point. I received an email from a girl who asked for a picture of the sets that I bought. I guess she wanted some proof that I bought them. I sent a pic to her and a week later I received a new socket via FedX. When I emailed her back to say thanks I asked her about the guy in NC that I was trying to contact and she told me he was no longer the US rep. I still see Toptul tools for sale on ebay. I wonder if its the same guy selling what he still has left.

dirty old man

01-09-2008, 01:15 PM

I've ordered a few things from their eBay store and I've never had a problem. GetWrenching is their eBay user name afaik.

Slim-Pickins'

01-09-2008, 06:30 PM

I bought a SAE set of their stubby combination wrenches with no problems at all. Fast shipping and good packaging.

wrenhandtools

05-28-2008, 05:13 PM

I am the new importer/distributor of TOPTUL here in the US.
The website is www.wrenhandtools.com
If you provide me a list of the wanted itmes that you are still missing, I will include the needed items in my next order from the factory and I should be able to get the missing items to you about the middle of July if I do not have the item currently in inventory. I will do this at no charge to you as well if the list is true and not too long. Even though I have no idea who you dealt with in the past I will try to correct your situation of you are still unhappy.
Sincerely,
Mike Wren 509-993-4678

CatfishXpress

05-28-2008, 05:39 PM

I'm not missing any tools from my order, but with customer service like that, I will check out your site and keep you in mind for future purchases.

I was pleased with the quality of the Toptul tools, the distributor was the problem.

CatfishXpress

05-28-2008, 06:09 PM

Mike,

If you want to sell some tools, put the prices on your site or post a price list on here.

Phatsub

05-28-2008, 06:23 PM

I'd like to see some prices as well. The site looks good other than not listing prices.

reversegear

05-28-2008, 10:47 PM

I am the new importer/distributor of TOPTUL here in the US.
The website is www.wrenhandtools.com

Mike, I'd like to offer two suggestions, even though you didn't ask.

First, the way that yours and Toptuls websites are linked, it looks like you are offering for sale everything on their site. If someone from Easco sees that you are selling a reversible "Gear Wrench" in the U.S., they can cause big trouble. Expensive, ugly, lawyer trouble.

Second, you need to make sure with Toptul that there is not any patent issue with that reversible gear wrench. I can't be sure from the picture on the site, but it looks very close to the tool that caused all kinds of trouble at the Cologne hardware show this year. There was a preliminary injunction against a German importer, police and court officials at the booth seizing the product, etc. If Toptul tells you that the manufacturer has his own patent, remember that that is no defense under U.S. (and evidently German) law. It is a defense under Taiwan law, and that has tripped up a lot of TW manufacturers when they export.

Good luck, and tell Joe Chen I said hi.

wrenchr

05-30-2008, 09:54 AM

wrenhandtools

06-02-2008, 05:51 PM

Yes, my website does need prices.
This week you will see prices start to be posted by tool category. There won't be a price for EVERY item, but there will be enough so that you will definitely get an idea of price parameters. The reason I don't have ALL the prices is that I have not imported every single Toptul item yet.

I am currently working on the next order due to arrive mid -July.

Also here is a rquest I would like to make: If there is an item that interests you, send me the part number. I guarantee that you will not get some telemarketing call in the middle of the night trying to sell a 3/8 drive ratchet in the middle of your dinner!!!! The reason for wanting this info is very simple, ordering and inventory. If a person is interested in an item I absolutely guarantee someone else will have an interest as well and therefore it is something that I want to have in my inventory.

So even interest is very important to me and trying to have what someone wants in a timely manner.

Thanks for your time.

Mike Wren

PS All you need to do is send me a price request with part numbers if you want to know a price ASAP.

wrenhandtools

06-02-2008, 05:53 PM

Thanks for your input. ANd yes, everything on the website I can get for a customer. I will send Toptul a question about the particular wrenches you bring up.

wrenhandtools

06-02-2008, 06:05 PM

getting on the prices as we speak. Thanks for looking!!

Mike Wren

wrenchr

06-03-2008, 08:00 AM

Hey Mike I will take the 72 tooth model, I can paypal at the end of the week?

T56 Impala

06-03-2008, 10:21 AM

Interesting coming arcoss this thread. I have been wondering who was making decent quality Asian tools. I have to assume that these are okay quality judging from these few posts.

I would really like to see some prices too. If they are competitive there are a few things I might pick up. Say the sliding "T" handles and maybe a 1/2 breaker bar. I'd like to see some more pictures, different angles, for the ratchets, breaker bars and a few other items.

dirty old man

06-03-2008, 06:58 PM

Very nice! Too bad I'm not still at WSU or I'd come check out your store front (if you have one) :)

So far I like all the Toptul stuff I have except the 1/4" ratchet/socket set. Can't win them all.

DHCrocks

06-06-2008, 08:08 PM

I couldn't find the prices on your website. please send me a list of what you have.

wrenhandtools

06-06-2008, 11:21 PM

I just wanted to send a quick and general update to this thread that there are now quite a few prices on the wrenhandtools site. If there is something that is not priced, just email me the part number directly and I will get you the price and availability. Any and all comments are appreciated and will be responded to as well. These are just the very first and small steps in the beginning of this business venture so you all should know that 1. I have no ego involved in this 2. I am eager to please. and finally 3. The response and courtesy shown to me on this site has been more appreciated than you can know.

Sincerely,

Mike Wren

wrenchr

06-07-2008, 09:52 AM

CatfishXpress

06-07-2008, 12:28 PM

I have placed an order with Mike, he is a great guy to deal with. I think a distributor like him is just what Toptul has been needing in the USA.

dirty old man

06-07-2008, 08:32 PM

I have placed an order with Mike, he is a great guy to deal with.

I have as well. Toptul offers some very nice sizing options that the other manufacturers don't.

I think a distributor like him is just what Toptul has been needing in the USA.

Definitely.

wrenchr

06-07-2008, 09:31 PM

What about screwdrivers??

wrenhandtools

06-07-2008, 10:47 PM

I've got screwdrivers. The ones on the site with prices are the ones I have in stock as well. I did not order any of the more expensive "go-thru" screwdrivers as they call them. Years ago when I was an apprentice mechanic I rarely used a wrench to help apply torque to the driver. Usually if it was that tight, I needed an impact driver to get it undone. But maybe I was just weak from not taking my steroids!
So anyway, if you guys want that kind I will order them, but that is the reason I have the "other" ones that are less expensive. By the way, all the tips are magnetized.
And I have ALL the really long ones that most of us hesitate to spend money on. I think I even have long enough boxes to ship them ....(imagine that)!

If you haven't noticed this...another thing Toptul does is they offer a ton of stuff in 1/2 drive. Like spline bit sockets and stars sockets that you usually see in 3/8 drive and probably only want in 3/8 drive most of the time. But it is nice to have the larger drive for the foreign stuff like Saab head bolts and E30 BMW stuff like the gearboxes.
Just a little fun little fact to type to you on this Saturday.

Mike Wren

Coach James

06-08-2008, 07:52 PM

Sorry for being slow, but I was looking at your wrench page and I don't know how to tell what size the wrenches are.

Coach

wrenhandtools

06-09-2008, 12:46 AM

Coach James.....you are not slow!! You have found a flaw in my site is what you did! On my site where it says "wrenches" and "price list" right below that.........you can click on the "wrenches" to take a look at the catalog...or you can click on "price List" to look at prices. You need to write the part number down so you know what you're looking at when you're on the price list..........and there in lies a bit of a flaw. The reason is that only the wrench sets made it over to the catalog portion...but I have the individual prices for individual wrenches as well on the price list part. darn it.

So here's what you can do. Go the the international main site....www.toptul.com. Go to the catalog portion on THAT site to look around and see what you like. Write the part #s down...then come back to mine and look up the part #s on my price list in the appropriate area. If you still can put them together, email me with the part numbers and I'll shoot you back the prices ASAP. I know, kind of a pain but I will slowly make this site better as well. AND the prices are good. Maybe just imagine you're at an on-line Costco where you might have to dodge people eating and a couple forklifts to get what you want????

ANd as always thanks for looking and your input. It is important.

Sincerely,

Mike Wren

Phatsub

06-09-2008, 01:28 PM

Pretty decent prices (on the screwdrivers anyways). I haven't looked at any others.
I just might order a set of them.

Phatsub

06-09-2008, 01:33 PM

Hey Mike,

Are the listed prices in US Dollars? They seem a little too good to be true.

wrenchr

06-09-2008, 04:08 PM

Mike is proving he is a serious and professional Man!! I got the catolog and I might add I'm very impressed!!! I will be adding some Toptul to my tool box very soon!!!

wrenhandtools

06-09-2008, 04:25 PM

ohhhhhhhhhhhh yeah.....................I forgot to mention that the prices ARE in YEN.
(obviously just kidding)
And I dare all of you to order something......go ahead....."make my day"!.
The prices are true...they are good....and my inventory is low.....so please let me know whay you "might" be thinking of wanting sometime in the future. Items of interest mean a lot so I know what to order.
I think the prices are fair and reasonable. This is a new brand and most folks are unfamiliar with the name. Humans hate change so I need to price low enough to overcome the aversion to a new brand. AFter people are happily surprised I will be able to move a nice volume so I have no plan for needless markups. I will pass price increases from the manufacturer on to the buyer (most recent was an 8-15% increase) as welll as shipping costs. But that's it. Also the low price might help make for having to wait for a few of the items that I have run out of.
I have managed investments for 20 years for clients.....and most everything to do with investing for the long-term is out of my control in the short-term. This appeals to me because I'm a car-guy in the first degree and I have total control over whether I can make a customer happy. WHat a nice change!!!!!!!!!
After all they're just tools. They don't HAVE to be phrohibitively expensive to be good.
They are a means to an end. Something to get a job well-done......they shouldn;t be priced so high that they become the end game themselves. ( soap box...I better shut my trap now)
Sincerely,
Mike Wren

wrenhandtools

06-09-2008, 04:26 PM

One more thing. I'm also out of printed catalogs. Please check www.toptul.com for the very latest in new items.

Phatsub

06-09-2008, 05:22 PM

I'm putting my list together right now.

CatfishXpress

06-09-2008, 05:46 PM

OK here is my Toptul "wish list", I'm not promising that I will buy these items but this is what interests me.

Long handle pliers
DFAI1211
DFAH1211
DFAG1211

1/2" drive 6 point deep sockets $69
GAAT 2201

1/4" drive flex head ratchet $20
CJHM0814

3/8" drive extra long ratchet $18
CJCK1128

There is plenty more that I would like, but I tried to keep it to a reasonable list that I'm likely to purchase within the next few months.

wrenhandtools

06-09-2008, 07:13 PM

AWESOME. I am putting in an order right now and knowing what is popular helps a ton.
Tell your friends. I have not put this on the website yet and I can't remember if I put this on this thread or not yet either. But to anyone that wants to write a testimonial about anyone of my tools that I can post on my website, to them I will send a free ratchet of their choice.

Mike Wren

jay50

06-09-2008, 07:18 PM

Mike,

Looking for some long handle diagonal type cutters; any available from Tpotul?

wrenchr

06-09-2008, 07:55 PM

Ok Mike,
Part# gcat1808: satin
18 pc 3/8 dr socket set.
I have a B-Day coming and I need to let my Wife know what I want.
Jason.

wrenhandtools

06-09-2008, 09:14 PM

jay50........take a look at DEAC2208 which is a heavy duty diagonal cutting plier. It is 8 inches long, made of chrome vanadium, and has induction hardened cutting surface.
In stock (amazing) and is $11.20.

Sincerely

wrenhandtools

06-09-2008, 09:34 PM

wrenchr............I will make sure I get more of those by the middle of July. The set you mention comes with that plastic try that makes it nice to keep things in their place in your tool box. FYI there is a similar set that comes in a silver metal box if you wanted to have this set be self-contained to travel with, but the ratchet only has 36 gears instead of 72 so it simply does not feel as good.
GCAT1808 =$45 The one you mmentioned
GCAD1805 =$52 (just fyi) Just for reference.

Coach James

06-09-2008, 10:10 PM

Mike, do you sell combo wrenches open stock? I am interested in extra long 13/16 and 15mm but only see sets on your site. Thanks.

Coach

wrenhandtools

06-10-2008, 12:07 AM

Coach James,

Yes I do sell the wrenches individually, but I do need to order them. That is a problem with my site so far but am trying to fix that portion.
I have to order the wrenches by the 10 count so while I don't mind ordering them and having extras for later inventory, I don't intend on having ALL of them at the moment since the sets are so reasonably prices. BUT I WILL ORDER AND GET FOR YOU ANYTHING YOU NEED OR THINK YOU WILL NEED. I Promise.
Mike

wrenhandtools

06-11-2008, 11:30 PM

Is this thread getting too well used? Another direction maybe should be taken??

CatfishXpress

06-13-2008, 05:46 PM

I received my order from Wren Handtools. If anyone is reluctant to order because of the problems with the old Toptul distributor you shouldn't be, Mike is a class act. He gave me a good deal, packaging was excellent and shipping was in a timely manner.

I ordered a 1/2" ratchet (CJCK 1640), the finish on the ratchet is very impressive. I would say the finish is on par with the truck brands. The ratcheting mechanism is smooth as silk, I haven't had a chance to put it to serious use yet, but I'm sure it will live up to my expectations. I don't expect any problems but, if I should have any troubles I'm confident that Mike will take care of me and make it right.

wrenhandtools

06-14-2008, 11:46 AM

Thanks catfish!

T56 Impala

06-26-2008, 11:53 AM

Anyone hear from Mike lately?

I put in a pricing request last week and he pm'd me saying he had to look into it. I haven't heard from him since. Before I go negative on him I figured I better find out if he is okay!

wrenhandtools

06-26-2008, 01:38 PM

Impala,
Thanks for your concern??? HA!
Just busy getting in the next order so I can hope to try to have inventory that people like yourself want!! Doin' my best for a newbie (or someone who's mentally not all there) like myself. This site is pretty important to me, but I always check my company site first if I'm pressed for time. Also, kinda had to wait to make sure I had all the NEW prices from the manufacturer before I quoted you. You'll have prices by the end of today 6/26/08 because they are right here next to me.
AND sorry about the delay.
Mike Wren

T56 Impala

06-26-2008, 03:27 PM

As I PM'd you.... Seriously, I wouldn't want to hear about something bad..... Looking forward to the $#'s. I'm SURE you will have an order.

wrenhandtools

06-26-2008, 11:46 PM

attn anyone who might check this thread.
I now have prices in every single item from the Toptul website. I should have the prices on my site by the end of next week.

Sincerely,
Mike

DaytonFan

06-27-2008, 07:52 AM

Sweet cant wait to all the prices!!

jay50

06-27-2008, 10:11 PM

attn anyone who might check this thread.
I now have prices in every single item from the Toptul website. I should have the prices on my site by the end of next week.

Sincerely,
Mike

Mike, I have already spent more than my monthly allowance for tools and you have to go and post those killer prices.....:bounce:

CatfishXpress

06-28-2008, 04:37 AM

The site is coming along nicely. I know your busy but, the sooner you make your site independent of the toptul corporate site the better. The Toptul site has got more bugs than a Bourbon street hooker. I find their site very frustrating, sometimes it wants you to click on the words, other times it wants you to click on the pictures, etc etc.

wrenhandtools

06-29-2008, 12:07 AM

Roger that Catfish. I envision that my site will be kind of plain for quite sometime due to me being cheap with money spent on fancy stuff. I'm hoping that the quality of the tools with the low price will make people feel that there are getting a deal because of the no-frills site....and lord knows I'm a no frills guy as well. By the way, I checked and I do have another long handle 3/8 ratchet. That's it. But have no fear, in about a month and a half the inventory will grow by 5 or 10 fold compared to my last order.

CatfishXpress

06-29-2008, 10:00 AM

I need to lay off of e-bay some so I will have room in my tool budget when your new inventory comes in.

Ye Moderne Locksmitherie

06-29-2008, 02:31 PM

The pricing is on the site... you just have to click the word "PRICE LIST" next to the item

dirty old man

06-30-2008, 07:29 AM

Almost time for my new tools to arrive :)

wrenhandtools

06-30-2008, 10:54 AM

Update:

Not all the prices are on the site. I want to have all prices on the site by the end of this week.

bigjon

07-01-2008, 06:39 AM

You ship to Australia? The Toptul dealers over here are a rip off!

wrenhandtools

07-01-2008, 10:37 AM

bigjon,

I will ship anything, anywhere that a customer wants. Obviously you would have to pay the shipping but I would do what I could to lower this cost for you.

Mike

LoneGunman

07-02-2008, 08:58 PM

Any plans to get some of the insulated tools in stock? If your pricing on them is as good as the pricing on other stuff I think you could sell a bunch on Ebay, I'd buy some and I know the guys I work with would (were electricians) Quailty insulated tools are expensive.

LoneGunman

07-02-2008, 09:05 PM

I see SAE wrenches on the site but only see metric for the stubby wrenches, any idea if Toptul is going to put out stubby SAE wrenches?

JeepsAreBuilt

07-02-2008, 10:55 PM

I've never heard of this brand of tools until I read this thread. They do look good on the website. I am intrested in the xtra long combo wrenches, 1/2" breaker bars and the 3/8 Reversible Swivel Head Ratchets.. on your site, you list the one w/o a soft handle for $22 and then $21 for one with a soft handle ?? Also, I couldnt find price listing for xtra long combo wrench sets and the breaker bars.

More: I'm looking at the super long flex head 3/8 ratchet. toptul's website says they are 240mm. Then theres the Fiexible Reversible Ratchet Handle with Quick Release 3/8 ratchet at 277mm long. I'm a sucker for long ratchets.. are these measurements correct ? Thanks

wrenhandtools

07-05-2008, 11:16 AM

LoneGunman,

Roger that on the insulated tools. I assume you're talking about the red ones. Also, don't forget you can go to my site directly to place or inquire about orders. The insulated stuff is pretty new so I had none in the first shipment, and will be getting some this shipment.
Anything in particular you like or know what electricians like?
Should I make sure I have 50 of everything? Would that be enough for now? Just don't want to run out as fast as this last shipment.
As far as the stubby wrenches, let me check the "master list" later today and I'll get back to you.

Sincerely,
Mike

wrenhandtools

07-05-2008, 11:19 AM

Jeeps.............yes the measurements are correct on the website and please shoot me a couple part numbers so I know to get the right stuff into inventory....(see earlier posts from today)

Also the prices are correct but are being updated slowly by me but pretty soon, there will be ALL prices on my site.

Sincerely,

Mike

nissan_crawler

07-05-2008, 08:00 PM

Get those prices up! Some of us like to shop at 3am and make our wish lists. :spit:

Seriously, though...

jay50

07-06-2008, 01:52 AM

Get those prices up! Some of us like to shop at 3am and make our wish lists. :spit:

Seriously, though...

Yeah, shopping at 3am is great; old lady asleep and not looking at me spending some of my money (not her's anyway...:lol_hitti)

caper

07-06-2008, 11:20 AM

Just an observation but the ratchets on the site seem to have the same head as the ones available at Princess Auto here in Canada.Different handle configurations but basically the same head design.Nothing wrong with the design,I have several that I bought at Princess and am more than happy with them for the money.The impact sockets look the same as well,especially the impact bits.

wrenhandtools

07-08-2008, 06:42 PM

caper, I'm on vacation with very limited internet service this week. So, ALL prices will be next week unfortunately since I'm putting in an order this week (on vacation) with the manufacturer.

It is possible that some tools in some places are made by Rotar Group (ie Toptul). But I don't know how probable.

When my next order comes in maybe I'll send you one and you send me one of yours so we can compare ratchets......(hmmmm compare ratchets...hop you're not reading THIS at 3 in the morning!!!!!!!!jesus!

Sincerely, MIke

JeepsAreBuilt

07-13-2008, 07:15 PM

Has anyone gotten an order from Wrenhandtools ? Can anyone elaborate on their new toptul tools ? I'm still waiting for a price quote from Mike on some tools...

wrenhandtools

07-14-2008, 12:28 AM

Jeeps,
Please send an email to my actual business address so I can reply with an attachment in excell form that has your prices.
By the way, I have been on vacation this week. Sorry for any delay.

Mike

wrenhandtools

07-18-2008, 10:48 AM

Update 7/18/2008
Just placed the order with Toptul. It will take them a week or so to pack the order into containers and put on the vessel for Seattle. FRom today, I should have a very good inventory about 35 days from now. Most eveything that anyone told me that they were interested in I ordered. I may not yet have single wrenches for sale and the extensions with quick releases were not available to me for some reason.
Just fyi.
And also sorry for the delay but it goes with the territory when I'm just getting things started.
Also, I will now have time to get the prices on the website. I can't sell from an empty cart so I needed to get the order finished above all else.

Mike

JeepsAreBuilt

07-18-2008, 12:06 PM

Update 7/18/2008
Just placed the order with Toptul. It will take them a week or so to pack the order into containers and put on the vessel for Seattle.

Wow.. interesting.. I wonder.. how many tools did you order ? :)

CatfishXpress

07-18-2008, 01:51 PM

I'll take one of the empty shipping containers, if you pay for the shipping to MS:lol_hitti

wrenhandtools

07-18-2008, 04:14 PM

You guys slay me! Pretty funny stuff. I could never probably fill a container because of weight instead of volume...but I really don't know. Lets just say I am bringing in more than two, and that a couple of months from now I will be getting anxious to move some tools.
ANother tidbit is that in the near future I plan an offereing a free socket wrench of choice to customers who write a testimonial and allow me to publish it on my website.
But first I need aplce on the website to put these testimonials......and that cmoes after the prices!!! argh

48548

08-01-2008, 05:45 PM

I was curious what people think of the tools... I am curious if you like them or not? I want to get some to try and waiting for Mike to get what I want in and I was curious for the people who have gotten their's in how have they held up?

CatfishXpress

08-02-2008, 12:01 PM

I have some Toptul sockets and ratchet in 1/2" drive. Mine are holding up well, I plan to order some more. I don't turn wrenches for a living so somebody that does may have a different view point, however I do use my tools frequently and I don't baby them.

I haven't heard anybody complain about the tools themselves, what most folks around here have a problem with is that they are not made in the USA. In my opinion they are good tools for the money.

48548

08-02-2008, 09:01 PM

Thanks, I am don't turn wrenches for a living either and wanted to try a ratchet, and and a few other things to see what I think...

WSMC633

08-03-2008, 12:25 PM

I sent Mike (I believe) an email last week with some Questions about the Tools. The Next morning He left me a very nice (and long ;) ) message answering a bunch of my questions. Unfortunately I've been so busy these last couple of weeks I haven't had a chance to call him back. At the time he was looking @ 35 days until his next shipment.

Firstly, It's Slightly inconvenient the way his site is set up that I have to go to the Corporate page, find part numbers then go back to his site to look at price lists. Proper shopping cart software is not that hard to set up.

Secondly, The Toptul Site is pretty good, though I've come across multiple corporate sites, for them that list slightly different inventory and are laid out differently.
www.toptul.com
http://www.toptul-tools.com/

Honestly, I love trying new things and finding a great new product. The tools look gorgeous on the site and they appear to be of high quality. The amount of money that they spent on their product photography alone is a good indication to me that they are probably pretty decent. Nobody spends that kind of money on Photography for cheap HF type tools.

Mike sounds like an honest good guy. I would love to send him $1000 and have a new bunch of new tools for the shop. However, these are my concerns; Like He said, though the tools are lifetime warrantied, the warranty is only as good as his inventory. Which right now is about 30 days away. Now, if there is decent stock on hand, a tool fails, I would think I should be able to have a new one in my hand within a few days. Over 30 days, becomes a real problem. Most likely I'm going to need that tool quickly, so I'll have to replace it with something else. So even though, the tool will be replaced eventually, I've now bought 2 tools.

I also can't find many people's opinion of them. Probably because they are new to the country. It's no secret products and tools from the East are going to continue to be more and more common. However, they still carry the "cheap" stigma, and that's going to be hard to overcome. Especially when there are still so many crappy tools on the market.

He did tell me that his inventory sells out very quickly because people are very happy with the tools and keep buying more and more of them. Which I think is great. Hopefully that will help the brand grow.

So in Short, I still would like to try some Toptul stuff when his inventory is replenished, However, I'm going to be a very tough sell on it until there is larger distribution in the US.

dirty old man

08-03-2008, 09:57 PM

WSMC633

08-04-2008, 01:46 AM

I've had a set of the satin combo wrenches for over a year now. They're pretty great and usually the first I reach for.

I have a couple of items on order through Mike that I'm pretty anxious to try out. Once I get them and put them to use, I'll be sure to write a review.

As far warrantee goes, I'll just have to make sure I have the same size in other brands. Honestly.....how many of us don't have that?

True. I have multiple sets of tools in my shop. Unfortunately I don't want to ask my bus. partner if I can borrow his 13mm wrench for 35 days while I wait for mine to get replaced.

I'm not bashing Mike or Toptul, Like I said above, the tools lok to be of high quality and Mike seemed very helpful (from the great message he left me). I'm just playing a little Devil's advocate and pointing out some of the things that makes me uncomfortable investing in the brand.

wrenhandtools

08-04-2008, 12:39 PM

Hello All,
First off I don't take anything being said as bashing. I think a certain level of skepticism is good because it means that a person is taking the time to seriously consider purchasing from me. I know that value for the dollar is key and I don't take seeling tools lightly at all.
Also I am well aware that my website could be better and my inventory could be larger. This business is new so I am choosing...on purpose...to start slow and small. I could easily have obtained a large buisiness loan to finance a large initial inventory, flawless website and a lot of advertising but then I would have had to mark the prices up more than 100% from where they are now. I would still be cheaper than SNap-on and the like, but the value for dollar quotient would have gone down quite a lot. And with a new brand, I need to keep the price low enough so that you will take a chance by making an initial purchase, no matter how small. Then the quality of the tool can speak for itself.
A larger inventory is about 20-30 days away. The order is being packaged and loaded in Taiwan as we speak. I do have a complete price list for everything on the international website so even if I happen not to have something, at least you know how much it will cost. Those up-to-date prices will make it by the weekend to my website. ANd yes again, this is more laborious at the moment, but it directly translates into the customer getting a better price. Think of it as a stripped down on-line version "costco"????
So again, I don't mind or shy away from any kind of criticism and I am wanting to obtain a following of happy customers before I spend the money for a very large inventory and a website that resembles something like LL Bean's website. Hope this is ok. And I will be sending a message to everyone who has contacted me in the past couple of months to keep them up-to-date in this next order due to arrive shortly.

wrenhandtools

08-04-2008, 12:43 PM

Regarding warranty...I do not mind replacing anything that a customer has either a legitimate complaint about or is unhappy with. The professional mechanics in my area are happy and haven't broken anything yet, but I also have told them if they really like somethinig, that frankly at these prices they can afford to buy 2 if they really are concerned with having a spare. That way me getting them the replacement is not such an emergency or stressful situation.

WSMC633

08-04-2008, 05:05 PM

Mike,

Thanks for joining the discussion. I'm glad you didn't take anything as bashing. More constructive opinions... if that means anything. Hahaha. Anyway, I can appreciate starting a business on a modest budget, as that is what I have done. Which plays exactly into my point about being concerned about the lack of always on-hand inventory. Waiting a few days to get a replacement I can live with but if something were to happen when you were out of Stock for 30 days, that would leave me having to buy a replacement from another company. Then I've bought 2 of the same tools.

As for the website. I feel that your costco analogy is a little thin ;) Not only do I shop there to save money, but also time. I can get large quantities of a lot of different things in one spot quickly. Having, to go to two websites to find the product and number, then find the price, then call to order is the antithesis of quick. Even though it may be cheaper.

There is some wonderful pretty good shopping cart software available for free that would serve your purpose well. That software and an enterprising local college kid needing to earn a couple extra bucks could go a long way for not much money towards getting a good site together. Long gone are the days of having to pay people multiple thousands of $$ to get a shopping cart working.

With all of that in mind, I am still planning on buying some stuff from you as a tryout. and See how it goes. Most likely it will be in our track kit. as that stuff takes the most abuse for sure. You'll do just about anything to a tool when trying to get a bike on the track Sunday Morning.

Please do keep me in the loop with your emails, as It's easier for me to communicate via email than phone.

WSMC633

08-04-2008, 05:06 PM

oh... didn't see your second post regarding warranty and spares until after I posted. Good point.

wrenhandtools

08-04-2008, 05:48 PM

hmmmm looks like someone has convinced me to take a look at a "shopping cart". Hopefully I won't have to live out of one anytime soon.
Mike

WSMC633

08-04-2008, 06:57 PM

hmmmm looks like someone has convinced me to take a look at a "shopping cart". Hopefully I won't have to live out of one anytime soon.
Mike

Don't worry, you can always join me in my cardboard box behind the local grocery store. I saw a giant box this morning so we can add on.!

I'll PM you the software I was using to start setting up a shopping cart/storefront. It's freeee and not hard just time consuming. Hence Local College kid for some labor ;)

wrenhandtools

08-07-2008, 03:50 PM

Order update:
Toptul has given me a shipping date of September 5th. This is later than I thought it would occur. Still, about 12-15 days later I will get the shipment.
Sorry if this is a disapointment for some.

Mike

WSMC633

08-07-2008, 05:46 PM

Thanks for the update Mike. To bad you can't get rid of the big red thumbs down marking this thread. Seems like you're cleared up a lot of the problems from the original post. Especially since it seems like you weren't even the distributor at the time.

Maybe you should start a new thread for updates?

wrenhandtools

08-09-2008, 10:47 AM

I would...........if I knew how!!!!

You can tell me or you can start it and then I can type as well. You are right about me not being the distributor back then. But I also know I am still small and need to get a few more things done to help people feel more comfortable with this brand. I also have a couple 'things' in the works which will help me increase exposure and the size of my inventory...all good things!!!

Thanks for the nice comments as well. I sure do appreciate them!

Mike

seika7

10-17-2008, 05:41 PM

For anyone skeptical about the quality, I can vouch for them. They are very well built to tight tolerances. I bought a set of the gearless ratchets on-sight (Mike brought some samples to show my company). The lack of backlash is simply unbelievable! You can use them in the tightest spots (like engine/suspension work) and not waste any movement like you would with a traditional ratchet. I got one of each size for myself and bought several for friends as gifts (part # CJBT1220). I simply cannot say enough good things about them and they're my favorite tools in my tool chest. Fit and finish is impeccable and the rubberized handle has a nice shape and is quite comfortable.

I also use the extra long handle ratchet when I need more torque, and the magnet-tipped universal joint adapter is very handy when I can't get a straight shot. Our employees now use a variety of TopTul tools producing electric cars and I haven't heard of a single problem.

Thanks, Mike!

--
Bryan Woodbury
Commuter Cars

dirty old man

10-17-2008, 06:33 PM

I knew your name sounded familiar. You send me all those ASNW letters even though I don't live over there anymore. :lol:

Maybe Mike should bring some tools out to a few auto-x and BMW Schools.

wrenhandtools

10-17-2008, 11:43 PM

I may have to when I get a bit more time!!!

seika7

10-20-2008, 05:26 PM

I knew your name sounded familiar. You send me all those ASNW letters even though I don't live over there anymore. :lol:

Shoot me an email and I can remove you from the list if you'd like. Are you going to come up for rallycross with the rest of the Oregon crowd?

--Bryan

dirty old man

10-20-2008, 06:58 PM

I don't mind the emails. It's kind of nostalgic when I do get them.

No rally cross for me though. I'd like my paint to not get anymore chewed up.
Only track days for this guy.

amishman

11-20-2008, 10:16 PM

Ordered my first order from Mike at WrenHandTools Monday. Seems like a nice fellow. We chatted for a bit which was nice. Not just I need this, take my card, and say bye like most. We had a nice conversation and I hold great promise for many more orders down the road.

I ordered the 3 sizes of gearless ratchets and looking forward to their arrival. UPS shows Monday delivery. Can't wait to try them. Never used a gearless ratchet before and since I did not own any, decided to give Toptul a try.

If all goes well and I like what I see, my home shop will become a Toptul paradise one day <grin> I own mostly Craftsman but plan on making a complete selection of Toptul one day as I like what I see so far.

Will post again after they arrive.

tj

amishman

11-20-2008, 10:24 PM

Curious, once a thread has the thumbs up or down in the main menu, does it ever go opposite direction? In this case, I see it is thumbs down from old issues with previous distributor, but now since it appears we have a good new source that so far everyone seems happy with, is there a way to make it swing up. Thumbs up for me!! tj

wrenhandtools

11-21-2008, 12:56 AM

There are newer threads, and I also started a thread just for Toptul reviews, but no worries!!! Thanks for the nice words though! I really do appreciate it.

amishman

11-21-2008, 11:21 AM

Ah, I see that now. So, I will make my posts over on the other thread now.

tj

davestlouis

11-21-2008, 01:41 PM

Amishman, I hope I'm not being offensive, but why is an "amish" man using a computer? I thought that was taboo for Amish folks, along with telephones, automobiles and the like.

amishman

11-21-2008, 01:54 PM

Amishman, I hope I'm not being offensive, but why is an "amish" man using a computer? I thought that was taboo for Amish folks, along with telephones, automobiles and the like.

I was shunned and now out among the English.

:spit:

tj

davestlouis

11-21-2008, 02:07 PM

Amishman, hope I didn't raise a sore subject with you. I grew up in Ohio and there were lots of Amish and Mennonite families around, and I was sincerely curious about your situation.

amishman

11-21-2008, 02:42 PM

Amishman, hope I didn't raise a sore subject with you. I grew up in Ohio and there were lots of Amish and Mennonite families around, and I was sincerely curious about your situation.

Nope, that is why I cracked the shunned joke. :bounce:

I have used the handle Amishman every since the 90s when the Internet was just getting started for us commoners. I have always been fascinated with the Amish since a kid and have been reading and studying their culture for as long as I can remember. I am not Amish, but do like and strive to do some of what they do. Now, I do trim my mustache off and have a wooly beard and when I where a straw hat, I look amish, <grin>

I keep telling my wife to wear a bonnet but she ignores me. :drool:

Can anyone say Kelly McGillis.

http://www.geocities.com/kellymcgillis3/pictures/006.jpg

Anyway, no offense.

I told my wife if she ever gets rid of me, I will be moving to Ohio, Indiana, or Pennsylvania, and will become Amish. I grow tired of the rat race I live in somedays.

tj

davestlouis

11-21-2008, 03:41 PM

I seem to recall that they have reports of issues with alcohol abuse...you read about the horses knowing the way home, because the "operator" of the wagon is passed-out. I have to imagine that it's tricky living apart from a society that surrounds you on every side.

krusty the clown

11-21-2008, 04:12 PM

I seem to recall that they have reports of issues with alcohol abuse...

they do make some of the best homade wine and homebrew........there's a liquor store just outside of town here, near the amish community and the hitching rail in front of it is usually full of horsedrawn wagons...........:beer:

there is a lot of hatred toward them here for whatever reason, mostly because they are different IMHO. as far as i'm concerned they are just practicing their right of freedom of religion..........and more power to them.

wrenhandtools

11-21-2008, 11:28 PM

clip clop...........clip clop.........clip clop....................................BANG BANG BANG

clipity clop clipity clop clipity clipity clop clipity clop clipityclop.............................

The sound of an amish drive by shooting.................

krusty the clown

11-21-2008, 11:51 PM

what do you call an amish guy on the side of the road with his arm in a horses @$$?

an amish auto mechanic?

when we ride our motorcycles through amish country we have to look out for the amish exhaust ( road apples)

ok enough amish jokes from me.......i really think their good people!

rcleaver

11-22-2008, 03:54 PM

What's a gearless ratchet and why do I want one?

vssjim

11-23-2008, 09:32 AM

They have a sprag clutch in them and have zero backlash, so when you move it one degree it will ready to go again.

Rockaholic555

05-08-2009, 09:45 AM

The Muffin Man

05-08-2009, 09:56 AM

Sorry I'm new around here so I'm in this thread a little late and am having some trouble ordering from the wrenhandtools site :headscrat

Looks like some decent quality 72 tooth ratchets, I just have no idea how to get them to the door, maybe it has something to do with my web browser.

I'm interested in:

CJBM1627
CJHM1646
CJHM1228
GAAW0801

Welcome to the forum Rockaholic! the website to order Toptul products is being redesigned as we speak( www.wrenhandtools.com ), so you would have to order them over the phone or by email. Mike Wren is the distributor that supplies the states. He is also a member here, and offers a 20% discount to all Garagejournal members! (In case you did not know)

To order from Mike, shoot an email to mike@wrenhandtools.com or call him at 509-993-4678. Over the phone is probably the best/fastest way to contact him.

On a side note, I noticed you have two CJHM series in your potential order! I think you'll be pleased with those ratchets, I know I am :thumbup:
I have a review specifically on those ratchets in the Wrenhandtools review thread towards the end.