New napa tool line

[mrstrictlygm]

Taiwan/ China tools are different, chinese quality is bad quality, Taiwan tools are much better quality.

This has been proven in a lot of different products. The Taiwan culture is much more rounded and produces a better product out the door where the chinese culture is just cheap labor basically slave labor and just push out the quantity.

Hell anymore all the good stuff is made in Taiwan.

Definently true. Years ago the Taiwan stuff was pure garbage just like the China stuff., but lately taiwan has stepped up in the quality of their tools. I've got some of the Duralast tools when I worked at Autozone and they are excellent quality for the price you pay. I learned that if you had a choice between China and Taiwan tools, go with the Taiwan stuff.

 

[Fedwrench]

I started this thread before heading off to work this morning. I had no idea it would grow so fast or spawn other threads.

I prefer USA made tools. However, I can't always find what I want made here.

I don't know who's making these tools for NAPA but, there are some excellent products coming from Taiwan tool manufacturers like Kabo. If buying imported, I would rather buy Taiwan made than PRC made but, that's just me.

Hell, most of the parts I install aren't made here either.

The Carlyle screwdrivers and pliers don't do anything for me but, I'm interested in a couple of their ratchets, some of their wrenches, especially the 24mm stubby, and a few other things.

In the interest of being an equal opportunity tool ****, I'll try some of their line. It's about how they perform during sustained use that matters.

 

[Harwinton]

Speaking of NAPA tools...thought I'd give y'all a heads up-- NAPA's drum brake tools are still made here. Just got the tool that turns those little spring-loaded fasteners in the breake a few weeks ago to finally make life a little easier for me, and to my surprise it said USA on it.

 

[stratman977]

Anybody actually get their hands on any of the new stuff. I am thinking about going to NAPA on Thursday to order the 1/4 drive 90 tooth ratchet. It says "at warehouse" so they probably can get it next day. $38.99 for it, maybe less if I get my neighbor to put it on his account and pay him instead. They didn't have anything there the other day but my store doesn't have much of a display area.

 

[plinker]

I started this thread before heading off to work this morning. I had no idea it would grow so fast or spawn other threads.

I prefer USA made tools. However, I can't always find what I want made here.

I don't know who's making these tools for NAPA but, there are some excellent products coming from Taiwan tool manufacturers like Kabo. If buying imported, I would rather buy Taiwan made than PRC made but, that's just me.

I agree and try to buy mostly US made, but will buy Taiwan if US isnt an option.
The one thing I will add is I think Gearwrench is overpriced for what it is. The Toptul tools I bought a couple years ago are, for the most part, much nicer then the Gearwrench at a much better price. But I will say Toptul was priced too low, which is likely why they didnt catch on.

More or less, If I spend 50$ on a ratchet, for instance, it had ought to be US made. That's just me though.

 

[sselander]

Carlyle tools actually has a channel on youtube with 12 videos posted already showcasing some of the lines:

 

[PowerGenGuy]

I looked at the youtube link, those adjustables look exactly like the ones from Gray, I was under the impression that Gray got there adj. from spain, maybe i was wrong?????

 

[OEXL16B]

ratchets with screw held gear cover plates,

Their soft grip ratchets don't appear to have screws on top like their steel handled ratchets; why is that?

http://www.napaecatalog.com/WebProject.asp?CodeId=7.5.5.21&Archival=1&BookCode=car12flx#

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a screen shot from the YouTube video. Looks like they're using a snap-ring for their soft grip ratchets:

 

[Fedwrench]

I hate to say it but, the ratchet in the you tube screen shot above looks just like the underside of a Cornwell 72 tooth ratchet.

 

[OEXL16B]

I hate to say it but, the ratchet in the you tube screen shot above looks just like the underside of a Cornwell 72 tooth ratchet.

Do you think they'd design it from scratch?

 

[chris142]

Speaking of NAPA tools...thought I'd give y'all a heads up-- NAPA's drum brake tools are still made here. Just got the tool that turns those little spring-loaded fasteners in the breake a few weeks ago to finally make life a little easier for me, and to my surprise it said USA on it.

That's because its a slow mover and you bought old stock

 

[chris142]

The majority of it is Taiwan, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

From what i'm told by "an insider," the stuff is being made at the same factories as Matco, Mac, and SnapOn

I have yet to see a Taiwan made SO,Mac or Matco wrench so I don't think they are made at the same factory.

 

[Hank McMauser]

Anybody actually get their hands on any of the new stuff. I am thinking about going to NAPA on Thursday to order the 1/4 drive 90 tooth ratchet. It says "at warehouse" so they probably can get it next day. $38.99 for it, maybe less if I get my neighbor to put it on his account and pay him instead. They didn't have anything there the other day but my store doesn't have much of a display area.

If I'm not mistaken Napa's hand tools are being outsourced now same line as gearwrench,if it were me spending $40,I'd get a Wright 1/4 dr. made in Ohio

 

[1982fxr]

If I'm not mistaken Napa's hand tools are being outsourced now same line as gearwrench,if it were me spending $40,I'd get a Wright 1/4 dr. made in Ohio

that's a big 10-4 on the wright

 

[TwoInch]

I have yet to see a Taiwan made SO,Mac or Matco wrench so I don't think they are made at the same factory.

where did he mention wrench?

matco ratcheting wrenches are made by kabo correct? mac has a lot of taiwan stuff, as does matco.

 

[Alcohol]

Nope.....I learned my lesson on ti-wan tools back in the '80's, and won't visit that again, and won't support them with my hard-earned money. Maybe in about 30 years some of you guys will figure it out too.

Better do research on Craftsman then!

 

[Treeman]

I buy most of my hardline tools (not all) with the idea that they are a long term investment, either lifetime or until the tool is worn out from use. Disposable tools are appropriate for certain circumstances. I like the idea of being able to replace them with nearly identical parts if one in a set should break. Us DIYers had this with medium priced/medium quality Craftsman.


What bothers me about all the excitement surrounding this new NAPA line of tools is based on what we should have learned from past history. Lowes tried Kobalt and Home Depot tried Husky. What about Top Tool? Anyone who invested in those tools has no decent replacement options (not sure about TopTul). Didn't the Autozone Duralast line change for the worse also (correct me here)?

I have a good guess that the same will happen with the NAPA line. It will be here for a couple of years, fail, and they will try again with some other wiz bang line up. I suppose SK was not a viable alternative for NAPA (SK's quality/future is questionable too).

I'm just saying.....we have very short memories here of what has happened in the past. Maybe most of you don't share my wants, i.e., stability in a tool line?

 

[magova1104]

NAPA DOESN'T MAKE TOOLS! PERIOD. They only sell tools with their name.

NAPA is only a SUPPLIER, not manufacturer.

 

[Treeman]

Correct. Just like Craftsman.

 

[mudflap]

I think the CARLYLE line will be a big hit for NAPA, They are already in thousands of shops once or twice every day delivering parts. There are 12 of us working at the city garage, and we have been buying our tools from the NAPA guy for a couple of years now, and have been hearing about this new line for a while, and cant wait to check it out. They make it so easy to buy from them, and warranty is no problem, the guys just tell me whats broke, and i tell them to bring one with my next parts order. They also keep us stocked up with free hats / coffee cups / t shirts / mech gloves / frisbees / ink pens, and every now and then some free NASCAR tickets. COO has been hit and miss, but the quality of the tools has always been good, and our rep tells me any older tools that need warranty will be replaced by an equivalent CARLYLE tool. As far as S-K is concerned, i am a big fan, and if their future is in question it is for 2 reasons. (1)- They still dont have good distribution, they need to team up with a national retailer {pep boys} {tractor supply} or wherever. (2) - They still want to give you a hard time with warranty issues,you gotta have brass knuckles, and a picture of their kids at the bus stop, to get them to replace anything.

 

[concealer404]

If I'm not mistaken Napa's hand tools are being outsourced now same line as gearwrench,if it were me spending $40,I'd get a Wright 1/4 dr. made in Ohio

Napa's hand tools WERE, yes.

This is a thread about Carlyle tools, though.

Yes, there IS a difference. No, Carlyle tools are not the same line as Gearwrench.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Looks like they have a website, but it's not active yet.

http://carlyletools.org/

Dig the drawing of the open end on the wrench.

 

[sselander]

someone mentioned the Taiwanese company KABO as the supplier of Carlyle.
This web page shows a connection NAPA has with KABO.

If you look here, you will see KABO sent shipments to these companies:
http://www.greatexportimport.com/s-kabo_tool_co/173899

Js Products Inc. (JS Products/Steelman)
Stanley Black Decker Inc. (MAC Tools)
Uap Inc. (This is a NAPA division in Canada)
Sk Handtool Corp.
Wuerth International Trading Inc.

You can directly order JS Products/Steelman from this website:
http://www.jsproductsinc.com/
Of course, their products can be obtained from many different web sites.

They also have this website:
http://www.steelmantools.com/

 

[Fedwrench]

I picked up a couple of Carlyle items today from my Napa to try out. The store got the items from the local warehouse. I picked up a R39F90 which is a 3/8 drive 90 tooth flex head ratchet with comfort grip measuring in at approx 9 5/8 inches. I also picked up long wrenches with the teeth in 10, 13, & 15mm to try out. I take lousey pictures but here are a few. The wrenches are a wright grip, snap on fd+, craftsman pro, and a Carlyle 13mm wrench to get a sense for length. The ratchet is compared to snap on FHF80. there are 12 teeth if I counted correctly on the pawl. The design is basically the same as any other floating pawl ratchet (gearwrench, matco, armstrong, etc) There are no o rings on the ratchet so, I wouldn't consider it a sealed head. There's a torx screw on the flexhead. it has nice chrome and good balance. I'll use them at work to see how they perform.

 

[thejudges69]

With the feedback from this board I think Carlyle is going to do fine, people will buy them I think.

 

[concealer404]

I'm jealous you got yours before me. I ordered on Tuesday, i have that ratchet on, waiting for it to be picked at the warehouse.


Thanks for the pics!

 

[OEXL16B]

Any detents on the flex joint?

 

[Skin]

Any detents on the flex joint?

nope

 

[OEXL16B]

Is there a thumb depression on the soft grip like Snap-on has?

 

[Fedwrench]

Is there a thumb depression on the soft grip like Snap-on has?

Are you talking about the flat side on the back of the snap on comfort grip handle? no.

 

[OEXL16B]

Are you talking about the flat side on the back of the snap on comfort grip handle?

Yes sir. Do you need that?

 

[Fedwrench]

Yes sir. Do you need that?

Nope. I like the round taper of the Carlyle as it makes using a reverse grip easier.

 

[OEXL16B]

Come to think about it, maybe it's an index finger depression.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I buy most of my hardline tools (not all) with the idea that they are a long term investment, either lifetime or until the tool is worn out from use. Disposable tools are appropriate for certain circumstances. I like the idea of being able to replace them with nearly identical parts if one in a set should break. Us DIYers had this with medium priced/medium quality Craftsman.


What bothers me about all the excitement surrounding this new NAPA line of tools is based on what we should have learned from past history. Lowes tried Kobalt and Home Depot tried Husky. What about Top Tool? Anyone who invested in those tools has no decent replacement options (not sure about TopTul). Didn't the Autozone Duralast line change for the worse also (correct me here)?

I have a good guess that the same will happen with the NAPA line. It will be here for a couple of years, fail, and they will try again with some other wiz bang line up. I suppose SK was not a viable alternative for NAPA (SK's quality/future is questionable too).

I'm just saying.....we have very short memories here of what has happened in the past. Maybe most of you don't share my wants, i.e., stability in a tool line?

It already has with Napa. Various makers have made their tools over time, and they also have had various brands (cheap line and expensive line). Lowe's did the same (bought Kobalt from JH Williams who made it for a while, then switched to Danaher, then switched again, while having Task Force tools as their low end), etc.
Craftsman was the best compromise for most of us, for the longest time and may again one day be (I remember the whole import, and Sears rebranding they did in the 80's).
Until then one simply has to buy what they can afford at a quality THEY as the buyer are comfortable with.


Now, another poster mentioned Napa screwdrivers, well the ones I have are the ones that Witte made for them. Who makes them now?

 

[OEXL16B]

Fedwrench,

Does the Carlyle have a fatter soft grip than Snap-on, or are they about the same diameter?

 

[concealer404]

It already has with Napa. Various makers have made their tools over time, and they also have had various brands (cheap line and expensive line). Lowe's did the same (bought Kobalt from JH Williams who made it for a while, then switched to Danaher, then switched again, while having Task Force tools as their low end), etc.
Craftsman was the best compromise for most of us, for the longest time and may again one day be (I remember the whole import, and Sears rebranding they did in the 80's).
Until then one simply has to buy what they can afford at a quality THEY as the buyer are comfortable with.


Now, another poster mentioned Napa screwdrivers, well the ones I have are the ones that Witte made for them. Who makes them now?

A factory in Taiwan is making Napa's design. They're not a rebadge.

 

[Fedwrench]

Fedwrench,

Does the Carlyle have a fatter soft grip than Snap-on, or are they about the same diameter?

The Snap on is larger. The Carlyle is basically a round handle that tapers towards the bottom and not as much towards the top. The Snap on is flat on the backside so, it's shaped more like a half circle if that makes sense.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Fedwrench...

Looking forward to your review on the ratchet. I'm thinking about picking up a flex head

You'll like the wrenches. I haven't used mine extensively but thus far I am satisfied

 

[OEXL16B]

From what I gather by looking at the NAPA eRACK catalog is the ratchets with the screws are 38 tooth and the ratchets with the snap rings and the soft grip handles are 90 tooth.