You Vote - GearWrench Spline

[Namocsid]

I voted for Silver.

If you're looking to release a line of wrenches that will "stand out" and appear different from the current line, gold definately would... however I wouldn't buy them. The performance of the tool what is ultimately important, I'm not looking to impress anyone with my gold-ring set of gearwrenches.

I'll echo the above comments about wear and tear on the ring, etc.

All that said, I like Gearwrench. I have multiple sets, and have bought extra sets as gifts when they go on sale. I look forward to seeing what new products you've got coming up.

And thanks for being honest on where they are manufactured.

 

[wilbilt]

No, it will not actually be stamped on the product itself, but all of our packaging will have the country of origin on it.
Ask as many questions as you like, that's why we are here! We are going to do our best to reply as quickly as possible. We appreciate the feedback.

Thank you.

I will ask another question, and it would probably be directed at Marketing, I suppose.

If the USA-manufactured Armstrong tools are marked "USA", why are the imported tools not marked with a country of origin? I realize that the packaging is marked (usually in very tiny print).

 

[Uncle Buck]

I prefer the gold. i think it stands out better. However, if there's huge difference in production cost, go with the cheaper option.

What other new Gearwrench tools are coming?

I agree, always save a dime with something of little real significance to the end user such as this if one cost less, go with it.

Gold for metric, silver for standard. SO does that with their socket drivers. I like that.

Not only SO, but Sears used to do the same thing with their old flat ratcheting wrenches of days gone by. I to liked the idea of being able to differentiate SAE from metric by the color. BTW, You are welcome to add my name to that list of free spline sets you are giving out! Let us know what you decide to do, and I love your products.

 

[T56 Impala]

So, judging by your screen name and this post, you are employed in some way by the good folks at Gear Wrench, correct? I'm actually glad to see a manufacturer represented here. Even more so, one that is truly interested in our opinions! Thank you.

Maybe we could set up a "Vendor" area for folks to introduce themselves and their wares?

I voted for the silver but have another suggestion if I may. How about silver for mm and gold for SAE? (or vice versa if you wish). Quick glance method of keeping things organized might just be a good idea. The "gold" will wear down (loose its brightness) in time and shouldn't stand out or be flashy for long. Are these going to be offered in a stubby version? (Sorry, I haven't checked out any info before hand on these.)

 

[Stuey]

Suggestion: Gearwrench guys, you may want to edit your "signature" to include your first names and titles, and add your respective names at the end of your respective posts. Unless, of course, all three of you huddle over the computer at the same time and co-author each post.

 

[speed bump]

These wrenches are Made in Taiwan in Danaher owned plants which allows us to maintain the same quality standards we set in all Danaher manufacturing facilities.

Hope that helps!

Thanks!

Are you sure becuase when I bought my Gearwrench stubbies they were made in China and not Taiwan.

Also would you make the country of origin label much bigger on the label. To find out where those where my last (and probably only set due to them being made in China) set was made I had to use a magnifying glass.

 

[garfunkle24]

Are you sure becuase when I bought my Gearwrench stubbies they were made in China and not Taiwan.

Also would you make the country of origin label much bigger on the label. To find out where those where my last (and probably only set due to them being made in China) set was made I had to use a magnifying glass.

I don't think they are any more likely to do this than Dodge would be to write "GAS GUZZLER" on their Hemi products. Also, in reference to why the Taiwin origin is not stamped on the wrenches, i'll use another Dodge analogy. They may put huge "v8" and "345bhp" blurbs on their Hemi models, but probably don't put huge "I4" and "110bhp" blurbs on their econobox model.

Also, T56, do you even read threads before you post?

 

[wrenchr]

Thanks for the feedback! We've got lots of new stuff coming - mostly in September/October. You'll hear about it here first!

I like this, You are giving us the "consumer" a say!!

 

[GearWrench Brand]

Are you sure becuase when I bought my Gearwrench stubbies they were made in China and not Taiwan.

Also would you make the country of origin label much bigger on the label. To find out where those where my last (and probably only set due to them being made in China) set was made I had to use a magnifying glass.

We make some in China, some in Taiwan. We also make GearWrench torque wrenches here in the USA - outside of Atlanta, GA.

Steve

 

[GearWrench Brand]

Thank you.

I will ask another question, and it would probably be directed at Marketing, I suppose.

If the USA-manufactured Armstrong tools are marked "USA", why are the imported tools not marked with a country of origin? I realize that the packaging is marked (usually in very tiny print).

One of our important customers for Armstrong is the US Government and Military. To reassure them, and other customer segments, that our product is US in origin - we stamp it "USA". These products are Made in USA from forge to finish.

We have found that most (not all) of our customers do not have much of a preference outside of Made in the USA. Therefore, we don't mark country of origin on those products, be it Sweden, Germany, China, or Taiwan. The country of origin will always be on the packaging.

We place value on the quality of our manufacturing and stand behind our products.

Hope this helps,

Steve

 

[jhn9840]

Silver is my choice. Love the Gear Wrench sets that I have. Looking forward to adding on somemore in the future.

jhn9840
John

 

[wrenchr]

What about some samples???????

 

[wilbilt]

One of our important customers for Armstrong is the US Government and Military. To reassure them, and other customer segments, that our product is US in origin - we stamp it "USA". These products are Made in USA from forge to finish.

We have found that most (not all) of our customers do not have much of a preference outside of Made in the USA. Therefore, we don't mark country of origin on those products, be it Sweden, Germany, China, or Taiwan. The country of origin will always be on the packaging.

We place value on the quality of our manufacturing and stand behind our products.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Thank you for that honesty, Steve.

I do place a high value on domestic manufacture. The trend toward offshore production has obviously taken a toll on US jobs, as I am sure you are aware.

That being said, I do feel that product labeling practices, in many cases, are intentionally deceptive and exploit the average consumer's faith in known brand names. If average American consumers were asked "Where are Craftsman (or Snap-On, or Channellock, or Ridgid, or MAC, etc.,) tools manufactured? I'm sure the majority of the responses would be "In the USA!". This response, unfortunately, would be wrong in many cases.


Some of us fall into that percentile that wants to know the details about where our money is going, and care about the effects the exodus of dollars has on our situation.

I do not summarily dismiss a tool based upon where it is made. I own many imported tools, most of which have the origin stamped into them. A notable exception are the GearWrench tools branded for Ace Hardware. There was, of course, the tiny notation on the package (which was discarded).

Another venue are the tool trucks. Tools are often merchandised on the truck hangers, devoid of any packaging. Customers buy these tools based upon the brand, and have no idea that their "USA Tools" are made elsewhere.

I desire, but will not buy, the S•K XXL ratcheting wrenches because they are not stamped with a country of origin. The same holds true for any upcoming GearWrench tools.

I will buy Taiwanese tools, provided they meet my needs and are identified as to origin. Tiny script on the back of the package doesn't cut it.

 

[wrenchr]

Well if you sell these in Detroit they should be gold. LOL

 

[Stuey]

Unfortunately, it looks as if this thread is veering way off course. I may as well chime in my input as well.

The country of origin is important (at least to me) in cases where build quality is strongly affected. As far as Gearwrench products are concerned, this has been proven to not be the case.

Second of all, when "USA" or similar is added to a wrench, it almost justifies the typically higher pices. If a tool is manufactured elsewhere, why go through the extra tooling if it might even hurt the tool sales. Then there's the consideration that the country of origin might change or be different for different parts of the tool.

Some of the tools I buy have several countries listed as places of origin. If a hammer head is produced in China, the handle in Japan, the polishing of the head in Taiwan and it is assembled in the US, which name should be applied to the product...

Many tools have started saying "assembled in the US from global components." Should this be stamped onto a tool? No. But if the tool is majorly produced in the US, than a USA label brings a sense of pride.

The three Gearwrench representatives came here to seek our opinions on a tool that is in the final design stages. I think that we should try to keep this thread dedicated to that purpose.

I too would love to have the opportunity to further grill them about different things, but we don't even know if they desire or are permitted to engage in further discussion with us. It would be beneficial to both Gearwrench and the community if they are able and willing to set up some sort of a presence here. If that were to happen, maybe we could have a sticky or even a sub-category devoted to it.

Final note - Wilbit, a lot of manufacturers are also starting to omit origin info. I just bought a new Leatherman, and nowhere on the packaging does it say where it was manufactured. I also struggled to find a place of origin on my recent Klein purchase, nor does it say it on the screwdriver. In fact, the few made in USA cobalt and made in England Stanley tools omit origin info. The trend will likely only continue.

 

[Lugg_Nutt]

Thank you for that honesty, Steve.

I do place a high value on domestic manufacture. The trend toward offshore production has obviously taken a toll on US jobs, as I am sure you are aware.

That being said, I do feel that product labeling practices, in many cases, are intentionally deceptive and exploit the average consumer's faith in known brand names. If average American consumers were asked "Where are Craftsman (or Snap-On, or Channellock, or Ridgid, or MAC, etc.,) tools manufactured? I'm sure the majority of the responses would be "In the USA!". This response, unfortunately, would be wrong in many cases.


Some of us fall into that percentile that wants to know the details about where our money is going, and care about the effects the exodus of dollars has on our situation.

I do not summarily dismiss a tool based upon where it is made. I own many imported tools, most of which have the origin stamped into them. A notable exception are the GearWrench tools branded for Ace Hardware. There was, of course, the tiny notation on the package (which was discarded).

Another venue are the tool trucks. Tools are often merchandised on the truck hangers, devoid of any packaging. Customers buy these tools based upon the brand, and have no idea that their "USA Tools" are made elsewhere.

I desire, but will not buy, the S•K XXL ratcheting wrenches because they are not stamped with a country of origin. The same holds true for any upcoming GearWrench tools.

I will buy Taiwanese tools, provided they meet my needs and are identified as to origin. Tiny script on the back of the package doesn't cut it.

How does any of your posts so far have anything to do with the original poster's questions?

 

[krusty the clown]

thanks to the three of you posting as gearwrenchbrand.........since you are danaher employees i would like to voice my opinions about the matco branded products.

i am disgusted with the fact that a brand that once called itself MECHANICS AMERICAN TOOLS is outscourcing so many of it's products from china and taiwan. since the retail prices are more than snap on now how can you justify this? i for one will buy snap on before matco for hardline bacause of this. the few us made products are the same as craftsman for 4 to 5 times the price! i believe that the matco brand should be exclusivly us made for the price that is charged. and just so you know i'm a former matco dealer.

and just so you know and hopefully will pass this on.........i just purchased a new matco box and the quality *****.............the problems have been refered to mike large kc region dm and i have asked him to contact me personally and he has refused. i'm still waiting for the problem to be rectified.

 

[wilbilt]

How does any of your posts so far have anything to do with the original poster's questions?

My first post in this thread indicated my preference as to the finish of the spline component.

Other posts were at the invitation of the OP to "ask any questions".

I won't post again in this thread if it makes you feel better.

Have a nice day.

 

[billymade]

I think now that we feel like we actually have a "danaher" representatives "ear"; many of us feel like venting on allot of the frustrations that we feel with their products! Marketing, planning, and the design people; generally really do want to hear what their customers have to say. This is invaluable market information and they should listen to what people have to say; I think you truly can improve your product and (contrary to popular corporate belief) make more money in the process! They're responses have been really up front so far and I would love to keep hearing this seem transparency on their part! While Danaher is a OEM for Craftsman, I still would like an explanation of the loss of quality of these tools; why is this happening and is it being dictated to them by Sears or just a lowering of the quality because of the need to reduce production costs? I doubt they will answer these questions but these are issues that have been bothering me and Sears customers for a long time. Next, a critique of the Gearwrench full line catalog! Maybe another time!

 

[wilbilt]

Sorry, Lugg Nutt, one more.

The country of origin is important (at least to me) in cases where build quality is strongly affected. As far as Gearwrench products are concerned, this has been proven to not be the case.

Agreed. I own a few GearWrench tools, and the quality appears to be adequate.

Second of all, when "USA" or similar is added to a wrench, it almost justifies the typically higher pices. If a tool is manufactured elsewhere, why go through the extra tooling if it might even hurt the tool sales.

That is the point. If "USA" is stamped in a tool because it is regarded as a positive aspect from a consumer perspective, is the omission of a foreign name intentional because it would be considered a negative?

Is this practice not deceptive? I'm talking about the majority of consumers, not guys like us.

Final note - Wilbit, a lot of manufacturers are also starting to omit origin info. I just bought a new Leatherman, and nowhere on the packaging does it say where it was manufactured. I also struggled to find a place of origin on my recent Klein purchase, nor does it say it on the screwdriver. In fact, the few made in USA cobalt and made in England Stanley tools omit origin info. The trend will likely only continue.

I purchased some "Made in England" Stanley tools yesterday. This information is clearly marked on the packaging. I don't know if it is on the tools themselves, as I haven't opened the package yet.
I looked at some Klein tools yesterday as well, and they all had "Made in USA" on the package. (Hint - it was printed right under the little American flag logo).

If the tool is imported, and there is no origin information on the tool or the packaging, the manufacturer (or distributor) is breaking the law.

OK, I'm done. As I stated, the color of the spline component on a new GearWrench tool makes no difference to me. However, the omission of an origin stamping does.

 

[eschoendorff]

Suggestion: Gearwrench guys, you may want to edit your "signature" to include your first names and titles, and add your respective names at the end of your respective posts. Unless, of course, all three of you huddle over the computer at the same time and co-author each post.

The Ingersoll people did this over on the case-ingersoll forum at mytractorforum.com. Really boosted their credibility...

I am glad to see that tool manufacturers/vendors are hanging out here - and paying attention to the consumers!!!!

 

[Stuey]

Wilbit - I'm looking over my Klein screwdriver's packaging, and there is no American flag, and no origin info anywhere on the product or packaging. On the back, it says "Klein Tools, Inc, Chicago IL USA, but this suggests company headquarters and not place of manufacturing origin.

My Stanly demo drivers do say "Made in England" on the package but not anywhere on the tools themselves. I have since seen these tools in a different style packaging which says "Made in China" (or Taiwan, I don't remember), with no indication on the tools. If I bought a set of those and mixed them with mine, there would be no way to tell which tool was made where.

I don't think that omitting the place of origin from the packaging is deceptive, as long as the quality of the tool is good and there are no efforts to hide the place of origin. Why should Danaher draw attention to the tool's place of origin if it could hurt sales? When you apply for jobs, do you put your weaknesses or hesitation-provoking attributes in bold font? Of course not. Highlight the good points and only note the bad ones when and where you're asked to.

 

[T56 Impala]

I don't think they are any more likely to do this than Dodge would be to write "GAS GUZZLER" on their Hemi products. Also, in reference to why the Taiwin origin is not stamped on the wrenches, i'll use another Dodge analogy. They may put huge "v8" and "345bhp" blurbs on their Hemi models, but probably don't put huge "I4" and "110bhp" blurbs on their econobox model.

Also, T56, do you even read threads before you post?

I'm sorry, did I miss something?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

You asked a bunch of questions that had already been answered.

oh, and i'm not involved..

 

[T56 Impala]

Just this once I will explain.

I may, at times, start to reply to a post and not finish till later. In this case, there were only one or two responses to this thread when I STARTED to type my message. I was called away and upon my return I finished a thought and replied. I guess it does look a little out of place. Still, why jump on me about it publicly? Seems a few people have a problem with humor and fear and want to direct their anger towards the wrong people.

There is life outside the Internet people. Get involved! I know I spend too much time here in the inner world. At least I admit it!

 

[garfunkle24]

Just this once I will explain.

I may, at times, start to reply to a post and not finish till later. In this case, there were only one or two responses to this thread when I STARTED to type my message. I was called away and upon my return I finished a thought and replied. I guess it does look a little out of place. Still, why jump on me about it publicly? Seems a few people have a problem with humor and fear and want to direct their anger towards the wrong people.

There is life outside the Internet people. Get involved! I know I spend too much time here in the inner world. At least I admit it!

Apologies T56.

Looking back that post was a little pedantic, must have been under-caffeinated that day. Just for the record, I don't have a problem with fear and/or anger, although I do occasionally have a mouth/fingers which run quicker than my brain...