Martin has stopped selling tools to the public

[Zewnten]

Per the Harry J Epstein Facebook vlog; Martin is planning on discontinuing direct public sales of hand tools.

339 reactions · 47 comments | Martin is winding down their Martin branded tool line, but winding up their drop forging business. If you are a US manufacturer and are interested in getting into the drop forging game, I know a guy. Also, we got 15 more

Martin is winding down their Martin branded tool line, but winding up their drop forging business. If you are a US manufacturer and are interested in getting into the drop forging game, I know a guy....

www.facebook.com

 

[d.mcfarland]

Hammers and dollies don't seem to be all that necessary in modern auto body repair, right?

 

[KnurledNut]

Looks like a good opportunity for Tekton to partner-up and start forging USA combination wrenches. Martin was already making them.

 

[drokihazan]

I wonder if HJE will get a bunch of Martin service wrenches in. I'd be interested in building a jumbo set with some skips if they get a variety in.

 

[mreisner]

Kind of get the impression that they'll still make Hammers and dollies but just be branded for whoever they're making them for like Snap-on. For anybody needing hammers and a few spoons their prices on the Closeouts are amazing. $25 for a hammer that's at least 50 to 75 at other places. I have a few but I'm going to have quite a few more as soon as they ship my order!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hmmmm I'm not seeing the pliers on the website yet... Jori must be busy...





Yes, for the record, it does **** another US manufacturer is shutting down production.

 

[four.cycle]

^ ProAmerica was supplying S-K, Proto, and Martin, among others. Virtually all of their production was made for private-label accounts. Their miniature pliers, while not as nicely finished as some stuff we see coming from Japan (Merry, Tsunoda, etc.), are excellent.
Really doubt Proto would have been using them as a supplier if they had reservations about product quality.

 

[KnurledNut]

I feel like Martin missed a great opportunity to become a primary domestic adjustable wrench manufacturer after Western Forge closed. Martin adjustables were made by WF, and its possible they could have acquired the tooling to resume production in their own factory.

Snap-on is currently the only one making standard pattern adjustable wrenches in the USA. Klein makes some adjustable spud wrenches domestically. I don’t know why they don’t make regular ones. It seems like making a basic handle to work with the same movable parts wouldn’t be a tall order for a company with forging capability. Even offering black oxide only would be a better option than none.

 

[Cruzan80]

I feel like Martin missed a great opportunity to become a primary domestic adjustable wrench manufacturer after Western Forge closed. Martin adjustables were made by WF, and its possible they could have acquired the tooling to resume production in their own factory.

Snap-on is currently the only one making standard pattern adjustable wrenches in the USA. Klein makes some adjustable spud wrenches domestically. I don’t know why they don’t make regular ones. It seems like making a basic handle to work with the same movable parts wouldn’t be a tall order for a company with forging capability. Even offering black oxide only would be a better option than none.

Re. Klein, Possibly because the cost of setting up tooling, production, managing additional skus, etc doesn't appear to be profitable for the company (end-consumer sales)? GJ seems to be an "echo-chamber" for MIUSA being a very desirable thing, even at the price it would need to be sold at (though most want it at the price it was 30yrs ago). Consumers at large don't seem to agree.

I am not sure your quote "Snap-on is currently the only one making standard pattern adjustable wrenches in the USA" is completely true, but certainly may be FOR the End-Consumer Market. Other manufacturers may have only B2B sales options (thinking govt contracts, etc), that it isn't worth selling to the general public.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I wonder if HJE will get a bunch of Martin service wrenches in. I'd be interested in building a jumbo set with some skips if they get a variety in.

I think Jori said something in a recent short video about putting in a big order to Martin, although I don't think he elaborated on exactly what tools he was going to get.

(I recommend looking at the Short videos on his YouTube channel, he puts them daily or nearly so in between the regular videos.)

 

[KnurledNut]

I am not sure your quote "Snap-on is currently the only one making standard pattern adjustable wrenches in the USA" is completely true, but certainly may be FOR the End-Consumer Market. Other manufacturers may have only B2B sales options (thinking govt contracts, etc), that it isn't worth selling to the general public.

My post referred to publicly available WF sourced Martin, Snap-on and Klein adjustable wrenches. Obviously public. I would love to know of other public domestic manufacturers of basic pattern steel adjustables if you know of any.

 

[Cruzan80]

I think you may have read more disagreement in my post than I was intending. I wasn't trying to say you were wrong (and that other companies were selling MIUS adjustables to the public), but rather speculation on the vast B2B market that exists that we as the public may not be aware od

I just switched teaching concentrations from Engineering into Business (school started this last week), and so my mindset has been shifting as HS students tend to be very assertive (even when they aren't as knowledgeable as they claim). Not implying the same about you, just explaining where my mind has been living for the past week (prudent skepticism about assertions).

 

[Wrench97]

Appears they have already stopped selling> https://www.martinsprocket.com/view/products/product-search?Website_Code=HT4

 

[four.cycle]

My post referred to publicly available WF sourced Martin, Snap-on and Klein adjustable wrenches. Obviously public. I would love to know of other public domestic manufacturers of basic pattern steel adjustables if you know of any.

Western Forge was the last domestic manufacturer who stamped out "conventional pattern" adjustable wrenches. I had one of theirs stamped "GILLER" that I bought from Bowers Tool when he bought out the last of their inventory of adjustables. (They were actually a pretty nice wrench - nicely finished, not too much side-to-side slop, adjustment wheel was crispy.)

Problem is, guys: Nobody here can compete with Irega, Bahco, Top, Lobtex, and the others on price point.
And the average consumer is not going to shell out the $60-$80 that would be the price point on an American-made 10 or 12 inch adjustable - they just won't do it. You're kidding yourself if you think they will. Why do you think Channellock is peddling re-badged Iregas?
They'll go for that $12.99 Walmart "Hypertough" every time.

An American-made, standard pattern adjustable has about as much chance in today's consumer market as the Malco Eagle Grips.

 

[Shoreline_]

Martin service wrenches were for a while rebranded Wright who make TERRIBLE service wrenches. I havent really found anyone but tekton that makes good service wrenches anymore.

 

[terrific]

I only just learned about them last week and they're shutting down. You have to move quick if you want USA stamped on your tools these days.

^ ProAmerica was supplying S-K, Proto, and Martin, among others.

This was my first thought as well. Pliers I purchased directly from ProAmerica shipped in those exact white cardboard boxes.

 

[Steve_P]

Looks like a good opportunity for Tekton to partner-up and start forging USA combination wrenches. Martin was already making them.

Why? How did that work out for SK? If I'm going to spend the $ for US made combo wrenches I'm going with Wright, Williams, or Proto who have proven excellent designs and not something generic from 1980 that everyone else sells imported for 20% of the price. There is simply not the demand to justify spending $$$$$$ for tooling with the hope that US consumers will spend 3X+ as much for something stamped USA vs an import as some here think.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Martin service wrenches were for a while rebranded Wright who make TERRIBLE service wrenches. I havent really found anyone but tekton that makes good service wrenches anymore.

I think a bunch of Martin stuff may have been rebranded Wright stuff. I know all my Martin hex bit sockets were identical to my Wright hex bit sockets.

 

[Meursault74]

 

[1982fxr]

How were the basic Martin combo wrenches? Fit, finish, etc?

It surprises me that they made those I house. With so many other US makers. Wouldn't seem like there would be a need or that they would sell enough to justify it.

They must have a much bigger industrial B2B reach than I had thought.

 

[neophyte]

How were the basic Martin combo wrenches? Fit, finish, etc?

It surprises me that they made those I house. With so many other US makers. Wouldn't seem like there would be a need or that they would sell enough to justify it.

They must have a much bigger industrial B2B reach than I had thought.

The Martin wrenches I have are the Check Nut wrenches, and I suspect Martin was likely the actual manufacturer of those for most US brands that still offered that wrench type.
Those Check Nut wrenches were unplated, and might politely be described as Fugly.
Basically, people who like shiny beatiful objects were unlikely to steal these wrenches, which is presumably what would be desired in a wrench made for “Industrial” use where it’s important that the wrenches work, but also don’t walk off.
The wrenches git my hand, and git where thru needed to fit, and I like using them, but they are far from the shiny chrome of Snap-On, or the elegant matt finish of Facom, or Stahlwille.

 

[Pontiac787]

Kind of get the impression that they'll still make Hammers and dollies but just be branded for whoever they're making them for like Snap-on. For anybody needing hammers and a few spoons their prices on the Closeouts are amazing. $25 for a hammer that's at least 50 to 75 at other places. I have a few but I'm going to have quite a few more as soon as they ship my order!

Thanks for the tip. I put in an order for some hammers and spoons.

 

[KnurledNut]

Why? How did that work out for SK? If I'm going to spend the $ for US made combo wrenches I'm going with Wright, Williams, or Proto who have proven excellent designs and not something generic from 1980 that everyone else sells imported for 20% of the price. There is simply not the demand to justify spending $$$$$$ for tooling with the hope that US consumers will spend 3X+ as much for something stamped USA vs an import as some here think.

I 100% understand your viewpoint, but Tekton has already been bringing higher quality tools to the market along with an effort to bring more USA production into the picture. (Yeah they have hit some bumps, like the hard handle screwdrivers that didn’t pan out.)
They are no longer a cheap tool company and I feel like the target audience is not the penny pinchers of times past. Their USA options like wrenches, hammers, punches and tool rolls all come at a premium now.
I have never liked Tekton combination wrenches and feel like that is one area they could do better. Thus my comment. My opinion may be completely wrong, and I’m okay with that.

 

[dnschmidt]

Why does everybody here think of Martin for combination wrenches, or for that matter, any type of wrench at all. When I think of Martin tools I think of autobody hammers and dollies. I didn't even know they made wrenches.

 

[gleman]

Why does everybody here think of Martin for combination wrenches, or for that matter, any type of wrench at all. When I think of Martin tools I think of autobody hammers and dollies. I didn't even know they made wrenches.

I got a free Martin adjustable wrench when I made a big order from Motion Industries. That's the only time I've ever seen one.

 

[mreisner]

Thanks for the tip. I put in an order for some hammers and spoons.

Tell me you ordered the one for the Cadillac fins like I did!

 

[KnurledNut]

Why does everybody here think of Martin for combination wrenches, or for that matter, any type of wrench at all. When I think of Martin tools I think of autobody hammers and dollies. I didn't even know they made wrenches.

The first thing that comes to mind for me is angle wrenches. But I own some as well as the Fairmount brand they succeeded. They are probably one of the more common Martin mechanic tools to see in the wild. Some of the guys had various wrenches when I worked industrial.
I also have some Cornwell body tools that Martin made.

 

[3baygarage]

Why does everybody here think of Martin for combination wrenches, or for that matter, any type of wrench at all. When I think of Martin tools I think of autobody hammers and dollies. I didn't even know they made wrenches.

For a used tool buyer, way more common to flip through some of their wrenches than body tools.

 

[3baygarage]

Supply house that work sends me to has Martin boards.
The inventory has really dwindled since taking this picture years ago.

 

[1982fxr]

Supply house that work sends me to has Martin boards.
The inventory has really dwindled since taking this picture years ago.

Cool as hell.

But I must say the beams on those combo wrenches look rather uncomfortable.

 

[Winterborne]

Engineers Wrenches


Check Nut Wrenches


DOE


Combination

 

[neophyte]

Why does everybody here think of Martin for combination wrenches, or for that matter, any type of wrench at all. When I think of Martin tools I think of autobody hammers and dollies. I didn't even know they made wrenches.

Martin makes a number of the specialty wrench types, and likely supplies those wrenches to other US tool brands.
Check Nut wrenches.
Double angle open end wrenches.
Single end socket wrenches.
Liw torque extra large size “Service/Aviation” wrenches.
Thicker single open end wrenches.
Probably also a number of the specialty hook wrenches.
Basically, Martin made a number of the wrenches that are sometimes absolutely necessary, but which likely don’t get purchased much by basic consumers, and which are mostly used in industrial settings, or for specialty tasks.
The regular double open end and combo wrenches were likely the way mire normal wrenches they bothered offering.

 

[1982fxr]

Why does everybody here think of Martin for combination wrenches, or for that matter, any type of wrench at all. When I think of Martin tools I think of autobody hammers and dollies. I didn't even know they made wrenches.

Does anybody here think of them for combo wrenches?

I asked the question about them above because to me they are an anomaly from them and I've never seen one in person. They're a curiosity.

 

[KnurledNut]

Does anybody here think of them for combo wrenches?

I asked the question about them above because to me they are an anomaly from them and I've never seen one in person. They're a curiosity.

As the one to first mention them in this thread, all their wrenches come to mind but I have seen them used in environments most people will never be. Their combos are good industrial wrenches but not as common as their angle wrenches.

 

[Winterborne]

I first discovered Martin Tools when I ordered a set of check nut wrenches from McMaster-Carr.

I would describe the combination wrenches as excellent by industrial standards. They are hand finished so you will see variations in grinding and shaping. These photos compare the Martin to Wright, where you can see a variation in the grinding near the box end.

 

[Vinny]

Huh, never knew Martin made things other than hammers and dollies for body work. That's all I've bought from them, which is really high quality stuff. Don't know any other US supplier that makes that kind of stuff.

 

[hbabler]

I grew up in Fort Worth not too far from one of their factories. I was always fascinated by the fact that they made hand tools as I would see them on the tool boards at the supply houses. I don’t think I ever got around to buying any but it was still cool nonetheless

 

[neophyte]

Maybe Torque Test guy can buy some Martin wrenches and test them on his set up.

 

[Union Delegate]

I have a crazy rough Martin wrench, the finish on it is ridiculously bad. Broaching off center too. Might be a defective one but it's the worst looking tool I own

 

[Shoreline_]

I think a bunch of Martin stuff may have been rebranded Wright stuff. I know all my Martin hex bit sockets were identical to my Wright hex bit sockets.

Most of my Wright stuff is fantastic but I dont know why they cut corners with the line wrenches. They used the same blank 3 sizes at a time so on the larger side, there was no meat on the inside corner of the wrench opening. You can see that when you look at them for sale online. Especially like their 1-5/8