"Truck" Tool Re-Labels

[autoace]

This is NOT a rant about, USA vs. Asian tools.

Cornwell, like the other "pro" tool companies, are selling Asian re-labels (at fairly high prices). I returned several sets of bit sockets, ratcheting wrenches, and some other tools, to my Cornwell dealer.

Not because they were Asian, but because I did not think they were the best Asian tools for the money. The bit inserts were not S2 tool steel, and were fairly soft. There were some other tools I was not happy with also.

I told my dealer, now that he offered only Asian tools, for many things, Cornwell Asian re-labels were not my choice. Gearwrench and VIM have better bit sockets etc. than Cornwell's Asian offerings. I went to Advanced Auto to order some things I needed from Gearwrench, at 1/5th the price Cornwell Asian tools would be.

If the pro tool companies, keep throwing mediocre re-labels at us, why bother. If they are going Asian import, there are alot of good choices, why buy theirs at a premium, especially if it's not up to par with the competition.

If they are going to sell me an imported tool, they should make sure it is top notch.

Gearwrench makes better ratcheting wrenches and bit sockets than Cornwell offers. GW is priced much better. VIM is pretty much all S2 tool steel, and the products look good, again at much better prices.

If this trend consumes the entire pro tool line in the future. I will see no need for a "truck" tool dealer period.

MAC is the worst offender, the others are following

Since Danaher owns Matco, it could be Matco is the last man standing, with at least excellent Asian tools.

IT'S ALL MAKING ME WONDER, I only need my Cornwell dealer for the old school favorites. When they are gone, he will be gone. I'll just use my local auto parts store, to buy tools.

What do you guys think????

 

[eschoendorff]

The irony here is that VIM is (or maybe was) the OEM for Cornwell's bit tools...

In any case, you are right. It doesn't make sense to buy these types of items from the trucks. The only advantage here is the "buy here, pay here... we bring it to you" tool truck business model. Busy techs or shop owners might be willing to pay extra to have someone bring them the tools - and then take care of any future problems - rather than chasing around to Autozone or other retailers after work. And that doesn't even take warranty issues into account.

The fact that auto parts stores (like CarQuest and Napa here) are delivering not only parts, but also tools to the various shops... well, taht could put the hurt on the tool truck businesses unless they have something unique to offer. Which leads me to...

That is why I only frequent the Snap On truck. They still make -or design - a lot of their own stuff. I like that.

 

[Nuit Damnant]

FWIW I work commercial at Advance Auto, and we do deliver quite a bit of GWrench tools to the shops. I've been impressed with the quality of the GWrench stuff, I'd never used it before we got it in. We used to only carry Ampro, Now we have GW, SK, OTC, and alot of others. Every store should have the same 2" thick catalog I do. Imagine my pain at work everyday trying not to max out my credit cards

 

[Merkava_4]

Just do your homework before buying off the truck. I know which tools Cornwell has that are Asian and which tools are their own just by looking at the catalog.

 

[a390st]

In any case, you are right. It doesn't make sense to buy these types of items from the trucks. The only advantage here is the "buy here, pay here... we bring it to you" tool truck business model. Busy techs or shop owners might be willing to pay extra to have someone bring them the tools - and then take care of any future problems - rather than chasing around to Autozone or other retailers after work. And that doesn't even take warranty issues into account.

Well, if I would have read this first, I wouldn't have bothered composing a response to your post in the socket thread. I would've just cut this and pasted it as my own. I would've given you credit, of course.

 

[econoaddict]

A tech at our shop bought a battery side terminal ratcheting wrench from the snap-on truck. The one with a nice plastic blue slide on handle cover that said blue-point on it.

He brought it over and showed me, I got out mine and we compared, mine had the same cover but had nothing printed on it, slide both covers off and wow, the exact same tool and part number (not # on cover but stamped in the metal under cover). I gave $3.99 for mine and he paid over $13 for his.
Mine came from one of the parts stores.

 

[justinmc]

A tech at our shop bought a battery side terminal ratcheting wrench from the snap-on truck. The one with a nice plastic blue slide on handle cover that said blue-point on it.

He brought it over and showed me, I got out mine and we compared, mine had the same cover but had nothing printed on it, slide both covers off and wow, the exact same tool and part number (not # on cover but stamped in the metal under cover). I gave $3.99 for mine and he paid over $13 for his.
Mine came from one of the parts stores.

Bluepoint is generally at this point all relabeled Asian stuff. In the old days Bluepoint was a cheaper USA made version just to give S/O drivers a "price point" tool to sell along with the mainline S/O stuff. Now its all mostly relabeled asian stuff and IIRC bluepoint does not carry any warranty. Thats why I steer clear of it.

I suppose the only "up" side to buying relabeled asian stuff from the truck is if the truck guys can/will warranty them vs. them being non warranty items from other sources. FYI.. GW is one of the better Asian made tools. Along with Toptul their stuff seems to never disappoint folks on this board, etc. Its all those no name MIT/MIC stuff that I steer clear of.

 

[Fedwrench]

The only advantage to tool truck service is that they come to you, weekly payments (earn with the tools you got), selection, and warranty service. As for Cornwell, they have some of the nicest dealers I have ever used. However, their limited core hardline of sockets and wrenches is all that they make. Everything else is from another manufacturer. If you have a copy of their pricelist, everything in bold print is made by cornwell. Everything else (which is most of the catalog), is from other suppliers.
Anymore, I have to really balance the warranty service with the tool's price. I don't break that many tools so, I look more at trying to get a decent tool at a decent online price rather than looking at how easy I can warranty it when it breaks. It's more likely that a small tool will get misplaced than broken for me. Another issue, is that once you've been working more than a few years, you've collected all the tools that you really need to use. The only exceptions would be improved versions of the tools you already have, like 80 tooth ratchets, or tools needed to service new model vehicles.
I too thought Vim was the Cornwell supplier for bit sockets and that they were made of S2 steel in Taiwan.
Relabels, Rebranding, or Rebadging are part of of every tool truck's catalog. The extent of how much of their hardline is composed of these items is the only real difference between truck brands.

 

[autoace]

VIM does not make Cornwell bit sockets anymore. The ones I bought from Cornwell, looked EXACTLY like the good cheap ones I bought from Northern tools, for my road set. but were 12 times the money.

 

[autoace]

I'll just remind, this isn't USA vs. Asian, this is about pro tool companies foisting overpriced Asian tools on us, that are mediocre, compared to say Gearwrench. If this keeps up (throughout the whole line) I don't see much need for mobile dealers anymore. My commercial parts guy at any auto parts store, will gladly replace anything I need warranty on. The tools will also come at a commercial discount price. They would not want to lose my parts business, so I doubt, I'll ever get a hard time.

 

[rcleaver]

No one has mentioned Toptul yet. Based on everything I've read here, they seem make quality tools at a low price. If that's the case, why not use them? Is it because you can't go to a store and get them and no truck will bring them to you?

 

[paramudduck]

I've made this comment before. One f the places I used to work at had NAPA deliveries.
Need parts call down or have the secretary do it. Ten minutes or so later there was your part. Need a tool same scenario, break a tool, call and it was replaced in the same time.

Other then the specialized, only sold by the trucks items. The tool trucks didn't sell a lot.

What was really nice was if you called down and just said you needed a 10mm. The delivery person would bring up a selection for you to choose from.

 

[autoace]

No one has mentioned Toptul yet. Based on everything I've read here, they seem make quality tools at a low price. If that's the case, why not use them? Is it because you can't go to a store and get them and no truck will bring them to you?

We already have a Gearwrench, easy to warranty, no long wait, very available. Toptul is in germination stage, they may become vast, but for now, I would only buy tools, that are unique to them(like the pre-set lug nut, torque wrenches). For the common tools, I would consider Toptul a hassel, for now, even if they are very good.

 

[wrenhandtools]

This thread speaks to one of the reasons I decided to start this business and take the chance.

Today, it is extremely easy to make a tool with the same quality standards as the truck brands, for a much lower price. In fact, I think you are just at the beginning of seeing that the truck brands have priced themselves out of a lot of sales. That is why you see them starting to go to Asia and maybe make changes in their business model somewhat.

Driving around in a truck and servicing mechanics would be a better business model if the driver got more of a share in the profits. It would also make them happier and result in better service to their customers. But unfortunately that isn't the case.

I making the bet that there might be a place in the tool world for a business like myself with a different model of distribution combined with quality to succeed. And yes, this is still very much the beginning stages, but I am starting to see more opportunities virtually every week.

Dealing directly with the manufacturer; not "re-branding" the tools in any way; having a large inventory in one location; timely shipping at a fair price; making sure the quality stays high; and most importantly...making sure the customer stays happy, are the goals I am striving for.

I don't think that at this time Toptul would ever make many of the hundreds of very specialized items needed for the auto repair and other manufacturing industries in anything resembling the near future. But giving the customer a great value for only fraction of the truck brands should work without fail for quite a few here in this country.

Simply put, to try to be the LL Bean of tools.

 

[davestlouis]

Mike, you're gonna sell ugly boots like LL Bean?

 

[paramudduck]

Please Mike not the boots!

 

[bchee]

IT'S ALL MAKING ME WONDER, I only need my Cornwell dealer for the old school favorites. When they are gone, he will be gone. I'll just use my local auto parts store, to buy tools.

If this keeps up (throughout the whole line) I don't see much need for mobile dealers anymore. My commercial parts guy at any auto parts store, will gladly replace anything I need warranty on. The tools will also come at a commercial discount price. They would not want to lose my parts business, so I doubt, I'll ever get a hard time.

I see what you are talking about, but in addition to auto parts stores, people might rely more on Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc.

And if mobile dealers don't disappear, maybe they will be replaced with a Gearwrench truck.

I knew that parts stores delivered parts, but didn't know they delivered tools too. It really makes sense for them to do that.

I've made this comment before. One f the places I used to work at had NAPA deliveries.
Need parts call down or have the secretary do it. Ten minutes or so later there was your part. Need a tool same scenario, break a tool, call and it was replaced in the same time.

Other then the specialized, only sold by the trucks items. The tool trucks didn't sell a lot.

What was really nice was if you called down and just said you needed a 10mm. The delivery person would bring up a selection for you to choose from.

 

[peteco]

I'll just remind, this isn't USA vs. Asian, this is about pro tool companies foisting overpriced Asian tools on us, that are mediocre,

This also applies more and more to auto parts, and other items too. Look at all the auto parts now made overseas. Even some Purolator filters are being made overseas. Has the price dropped? No. We get charged the same amount (maybe a little less in some cases, but the quality *****). So where does the extra profit go? Into the pockets of the bigwigs at the company, and the shareholders. Plus, the people that used to make those items are now out of a job and supported by the taxpayer (you and me, not the bigwigs).

Sorry for the rant.

 

[autoace]

This also applies more and more to auto parts, and other items too. Look at all the auto parts now made overseas. Even some Purolator filters are being made overseas. Has the price dropped? No. We get charged the same amount (maybe a little less in some cases, but the quality *****). So where does the extra profit go? Into the pockets of the bigwigs at the company, and the shareholders. Plus, the people that used to make those items are now out of a job and supported by the taxpayer (you and me, not the bigwigs).

Sorry for the rant.

I agree with you, but the thread is about not paying truck tool prices, for tools, that are out gunned by better/cheaper imports. I stopped my USA vs. import rant. The line has blurred to oblivion. I'm ticked about the pro tool trucks, becoming Harbor Freight on wheels, for mega bucks. If they keep it up, why not just buy from Sears, Gearwrench vendors, Harbor Freight,etc.....Danaher seems to make the best Asian tools, that will give Matco an edge, when there is nothing but Asian tools, on the pro tool circuit.
Snap-on is the least guilty, but I find them hard to deal with. I'll give them credit for their new top notch innovations, and will buy what I want from them.

 

[global72]

The service of a good mobile tool dealer is tough to beat. Many dealers can get the same stuff as the rebranded MAC just from a independant warehouse without the MAC label.

 

[daveblank]

And if mobile dealers don't disappear, maybe they will be replaced with a Gearwrench truck.

Danaher owns Gearwrench. Danaher also owns Matco. I doubt they would try to run another truck franchise.

 

[bchee]

Danaher owns Gearwrench. Danaher also owns Matco. I doubt they would try to run another truck franchise.

True, good point. Is Gearwrench sold on the Matco trucks?

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I agree with you, but the thread is about not paying truck tool prices, for tools, that are out gunned by better/cheaper imports. I stopped my USA vs. import rant. The line has blurred to oblivion. I'm ticked about the pro tool trucks, becoming Harbor Freight on wheels, for mega bucks. If they keep it up, why not just buy from Sears, Gearwrench vendors, Harbor Freight,etc.....Danaher seems to make the best Asian tools, that will give Matco an edge, when there is nothing but Asian tools, on the pro tool circuit.
Snap-on is the least guilty, but I find them hard to deal with. I'll give them credit for their new top notch innovations, and will buy what I want from them.

you must have the worlds worst snap on dealer
the venom - oh , the venom

 

[Vinko]

That is why you see them starting to go to Asia and maybe make changes in their business model somewhat.

Having been been involved, more or less, in a family manufacturing business that went over to Taiwan in the 70's for somethings, to China when that became available, and now, where ever possible, pulling back to the USA, I would say that I'm not sure that "Asia" is necessarily a step that American tool makers need to take to remain competitive. Or is it even desirable to manufacture, in say, Taiwan, to control costs.

But then of course Taiwan is not China, a fact that might be lost on some, but I know not on Mike.

 

[yellowbox]

This is NOT a rant about, USA vs. Asian tools.

Cornwell, like the other "pro" tool companies, are selling Asian re-labels (at fairly high prices). I returned several sets of bit sockets, ratcheting wrenches, and some other tools, to my Cornwell dealer.

Not because they were Asian, but because I did not think they were the best Asian tools for the money. The bit inserts were not S2 tool steel, and were fairly soft. There were some other tools I was not happy with also.

I told my dealer, now that he offered only Asian tools, for many things, Cornwell Asian re-labels were not my choice. Gearwrench and VIM have better bit sockets etc. than Cornwell's Asian offerings. I went to Advanced Auto to order some things I needed from Gearwrench, at 1/5th the price Cornwell Asian tools would be.

If the pro tool companies, keep throwing mediocre re-labels at us, why bother. If they are going Asian import, there are alot of good choices, why buy theirs at a premium, especially if it's not up to par with the competition.

If they are going to sell me an imported tool, they should make sure it is top notch.

Gearwrench makes better ratcheting wrenches and bit sockets than Cornwell offers. GW is priced much better. VIM is pretty much all S2 tool steel, and the products look good, again at much better prices.

If this trend consumes the entire pro tool line in the future. I will see no need for a "truck" tool dealer period.

MAC is the worst offender, the others are following

Since Danaher owns Matco, it could be Matco is the last man standing, with at least excellent Asian tools.

IT'S ALL MAKING ME WONDER, I only need my Cornwell dealer for the old school favorites. When they are gone, he will be gone. I'll just use my local auto parts store, to buy tools.

What do you guys think????

i agree with you .....in the end almost all tools will break or fail at some point
some sooner than others i have broken cheap and expensive tools
warrenty is the important part no matter who makes it
i have many tool truck brand tools and i like em but i will no longer pay 20.00 for a socket if i can get it for say 5.00

 

[daveblank]

True, good point. Is Gearwrench sold on the Matco trucks?

Yes. Some distributors will not keep it in stock but will order it.

 

[autoace]

Yes. Some distributors will not keep it in stock but will order it.

Heck, my Cornwell guy is selling/ordering Gearwrench for people. Cornwell ratchet wrenches leave something to be desired, and are imported, not as good as the Gearwrench ones. Cornwell selling Danaher products! I think Cornwell should get the message(their Asian products ****), either become Matco, or make their own stuff. Where is Cornwell's business model going? Don't think they know either.

 

[daveblank]

Even the local Snap On guys sell Gearwrench. They'll sell to anyone. Also, many distributors buy from independent tool warehouses. If their customers want it, they can get it.

 

[paramudduck]

You know the last couple of Matco dealers I saw had just about as much Gearwrench as they did Matco. It was weird.

 

[krusty the clown]

i had a snap on dealler that kept a drawer full of GW's.........when i asked why he had so many, he said "warranty".

 

[bchee]

i had a snap on dealler that kept a drawer full of GW's.........when i asked why he had so many, he said "warranty".

you mean he had a lot of guys coming back to replace broken Gearwrenches?

 

[krusty the clown]

you mean he had a lot of guys coming back to replace broken Gearwrenches?

he didn't say that exactly.........it was kind of a political answer since i gave him so much **** about carrying GW/danaher tools on his truck.

 

[rhandwor]

A lot of tool trucks run around about empty if you need anything out of the ordinary its quicker to buy on line from a supplier close to where you live? Some carry a decent supply but most don't have enough money?

 

[daveblank]

A lot of tool trucks run around about empty if you need anything out of the ordinary its quicker to buy on line from a supplier close to where you live? Some carry a decent supply but most don't have enough money?

Even with a full truck we can't carry everything. But you're right, some guys have less than 20k in inventory. You ain't going to find much there that you don't already have.

 

[Vinko]

Has the price dropped? No. We get charged the same amount (maybe a little less in some cases, but the quality *****). So where does the extra profit go? Into the pockets of the bigwigs at the company, and the shareholders.

This pisses me off too.

Plus, you're left with a **** product, which you've often got to purchase twice.

Sorry for the rant.

I'm not.

 

[back2class]

I have large chinese set of Cornwell pliers. They are decent quality but I paid a premium because I wanted a quality american product. What I got was average quality no better than any other rebranded chinese stuff.
I wrote a letter to Cornwell about my concern with paying 4x as much for the same or worse tool I could buy at sears and questioning why I would ever buy a Cornwell product again when I can get the same or better at sears or for the smae price a American or German made one from another tool supplier. I got a signed response from the president, but it was generic and mostly just to remind me how they stand behind their tools if they ever fail. Thats great but I pay a premium so they will not fail when I need them. We are moving to a rebranded market where brands mean nothing and these companies will ruin their base and run out of suckers. It is sad, but as long as end users keep buying it then it will only get worse.
German tools are the answer.

 

[autoace]

I have large chinese set of Cornwell pliers. They are decent quality but I paid a premium because I wanted a quality american product. What I got was average quality no better than any other rebranded chinese stuff.
I wrote a letter to Cornwell about my concern with paying 4x as much for the same or worse tool I could buy at sears and questioning why I would ever buy a Cornwell product again when I can get the same or better at sears or for the smae price a American or German made one from another tool supplier. I got a signed response from the president, but it was generic and mostly just to remind me how they stand behind their tools if they ever fail. Thats great but I pay a premium so they will not fail when I need them. We are moving to a rebranded market where brands mean nothing and these companies will ruin their base and run out of suckers. It is sad, but as long as end users keep buying it then it will only get worse.
German tools are the answer.

exactly!