Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ok, I'm back from the 2013 editions of the AAPEX/SEMA shows that were held this week in Sin City. I don't think the feeling in my feet will return until maybe Sunday.
Here are a few observations:
Scantools: I think almost everyone from OTC (Bosch) to Autel launched new platforms at eith AAPEX or Sema this year. Android based wireless type platforms seem to be popular. They aren't cheap but, are fast.
SK: had a nice large end booth with all of their superchrome glory on display. They had a neat two piece trim tool set consisting of an indexable head trim fastener forked pry bar attached to a green screwdriver handle. A second trim tool consist of a green surgrip handle with a thin curved blade on one end for removing two piece trim fasteners and a thin punch on the other side for pushing center pins often found on Toyota trim fasteners. Good stuff! Watch for SK to release new tools in 2014, especially a new line of US made fine toothed ratcheting wrenches.
WILDE: Wilde had a tiny booth exciled away over by the LVH with other first time exhibitors. Although off the beaten path, they had an assortment of punches, chisels and flush joint pliers.
KNIPEX: Had a selection of pliers that were definitely drool worthy. They had a new type of hose clamp plier that is basically a 10 inch pair of Cobra fast set pliers with small pivoting jaw pads. I'm not really sure if I liked this set or not, I would need to use it awhile to see.
KOBALT Yep, the end is near. Kobalt had an outside display at SEMA showing most of their line.
GEARWRENCH: probably had the most real estate for a tool manufacturer at SEMA. They featured the new long 84 tooth ratchets, a new set of pivoting cutters and short long nose pliers that have a fulcrum like Knipex. Gearwrench's pliers will now feature red dipped handles instead of the current black grips. The Gimbal ratchet was also there. They also had the rest of their line on display.
There were many other booths such as craftsman, channelock, IR, CP, and many Asian made lines such as Genius, King Tony, Jonnesway, Astro, V8, etc.
Lastly, for those of you that like buying snap on lights, knives, vacuums, or pressure washers from any where but a snap on truck, is a picture of the Alltrade booth's wall of Snapon at AAPEX. I never take a lot of pictures so, don't whine. It's hard for me to tote my bags of swag and hold a camera. However, I think 2014 will be a good year for new tools.
Here are a few observations:
Scantools: I think almost everyone from OTC (Bosch) to Autel launched new platforms at eith AAPEX or Sema this year. Android based wireless type platforms seem to be popular. They aren't cheap but, are fast.
SK: had a nice large end booth with all of their superchrome glory on display. They had a neat two piece trim tool set consisting of an indexable head trim fastener forked pry bar attached to a green screwdriver handle. A second trim tool consist of a green surgrip handle with a thin curved blade on one end for removing two piece trim fasteners and a thin punch on the other side for pushing center pins often found on Toyota trim fasteners. Good stuff! Watch for SK to release new tools in 2014, especially a new line of US made fine toothed ratcheting wrenches.
WILDE: Wilde had a tiny booth exciled away over by the LVH with other first time exhibitors. Although off the beaten path, they had an assortment of punches, chisels and flush joint pliers.
KNIPEX: Had a selection of pliers that were definitely drool worthy. They had a new type of hose clamp plier that is basically a 10 inch pair of Cobra fast set pliers with small pivoting jaw pads. I'm not really sure if I liked this set or not, I would need to use it awhile to see.
KOBALT Yep, the end is near. Kobalt had an outside display at SEMA showing most of their line.
GEARWRENCH: probably had the most real estate for a tool manufacturer at SEMA. They featured the new long 84 tooth ratchets, a new set of pivoting cutters and short long nose pliers that have a fulcrum like Knipex. Gearwrench's pliers will now feature red dipped handles instead of the current black grips. The Gimbal ratchet was also there. They also had the rest of their line on display.
There were many other booths such as craftsman, channelock, IR, CP, and many Asian made lines such as Genius, King Tony, Jonnesway, Astro, V8, etc.
Lastly, for those of you that like buying snap on lights, knives, vacuums, or pressure washers from any where but a snap on truck, is a picture of the Alltrade booth's wall of Snapon at AAPEX. I never take a lot of pictures so, don't whine. It's hard for me to tote my bags of swag and hold a camera. However, I think 2014 will be a good year for new tools.
