What's hot and what's not from cornwell

[spencerdiesel]

So we've got a Cornwell dealer coming by the shop now, and I have to admit that the purdy Cornwell chrome has me wondering what the most desirable tools are they make? I've read some ups and downs, a lot of people seem to have chrome peeling issues with sockets and sometimes wrenches. Is this still an issue?

What do ya'll think of their punches and chisels?

What's the highlights of some of Cornwell's lineup?

Thanks

 

[texasfiremedic]

Just go with Mayhew pro for chisels and punches. I got a bunch of items from Mayhew and I can say I never complained.

Also just use your student discount for mainline items. There are many threads on here about what should I get with my student discount. There is some great advice in those threads. That might save you some headache down the road.

 

[firworks]

I love the SR50 and JR30 ratchets. They're my favorite in my whole big collection of ratchets. The handles are just such a nice shape.

 

[spencerdiesel]

You're right, the 12% off that the dealer says is "to help students out" doesn't really feel like a student discount when you're spoiled with the other 3 brands

I have bought one cornwell tool on special, bent handle 3/8" flex head ratchet. I can't tell you it's "better" than my dual 80s, but there is something about that handle and the butter for teeth

 

[John in OH]

I have very few Cornwell tools; however, by a rather fluke series of events, I acquired a 1/4" drive Cornwell socket extension. It is about 6"-7" long and has an integral universal joint built into the male end. Sorry I don't have a pic at this time, but I have found it to be really useful.

 

[1950mercury]

There wrenches and ratchets are probably the nicest tools they sell. I don't like there chrome sockets very much because they don't have detents they have 1 hole like some impact sockets.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I looked into getting a tool cart from them. It was scary inexpensive. Their hardline tools are all good quality. I know they rebrand some stuff just like Matco and Mac so do your homework unless you get good deals.

 

[Skin]

Cornwell should have a dedicated student program, its just not advertised and a pain. You need to get in touch with your district rep for the details, pretty sure its more like 30-40% off.

Cornwell doesn't really make the best of anything in my opinion, their benefit lies in solid tools at competitive pricing. They run the most aggressive monthly fliers of any of the trucks so assuming you don't have a student discount you can save a serious amount of money sticking with them vs the competition.

I like their old school ratchets, very smooth and one of the most comfortable chrome handles around. Wrenches are very nice. Impacts can take a good beating (both standard and swivel) and they just started to laser etch large easy read numbers on them. Chrome sockets still use the antiquated hole for retention otherwise they'd be worth buying as well. Just about everything outside of basic hand tools is rebranded so be aware of it and buy for ease of warranty as opposed to price because you probably don't need to be paying the truck premium otherwise.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think Cornwell is a segment leader in anything they offer.

Some of their designs like their all metal coke bottle shaped ratchet handles are nice but, they're mated to a 75 year plus old 30 tooth ratchet head.

I don't care if the ratchet is butter smooth, 30 teeth is still only 30 teeth.

What I have seen over the years is that Cornwell tool dealers are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. They might not last in the tool business but, they're nice.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I don't think Cornwell is a segment leader in anything they offer.

Some of their designs like their all metal coke bottle shaped ratchet handles are nice but, they're mated to a 75 year plus old 30 tooth ratchet head.

I don't care if the ratchet is butter smooth, 30 teeth is still only 30 teeth.

What I have seen over the years is that Cornwell tool dealers are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. They might not last in the tool business but, they're nice.

They have had fine tooth ratchets for a few years now.

TheGrooveking

 

[Fedwrench]

They have had fine tooth ratchets for a few years now.

TheGrooveking

Yeah but, I feel their 72 tooth ratchet action leaves a lot to be desired. It's awfully stiff with a high amount of back drag and it's not sealed. I sold off the 1/4 & 3/8 drive versions I had in favor of other ratchets.

 

[BlackLS2]

Their JR 30 ratchet is awesome, JR 301 in Black Chrome is the sexiest ratchet EVER.

30 tooth is fine for most stuff. I love me some 72 teeth in tight spots from time to time, but often find there are 360 degrees in a circle....no matter how many teeth the ratchet is. That strong butter smooth JR30 is a pleasure to turn any time...

 

[armsman]

I was an aircraft mechanic in the Marines and we used some cornwell tools. Their wrenches were great that's about the only thing I remember that was cornwell in my box.


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[Davefr]

Get the Cornwell JR72 3/8" ratchet. It's the best ratchet on the planet.

 

[1foxracing]

High performance wrench set.

I like the 30T ratchets as well.

 

[Tynee]

After reading the experience of the guy who bought a Cornwell franchise on this board, I'd be hesitant to give them any of my money, even understanding that we only got one side of that story and every tool manufacturer probably has disgruntled former dealers out there...

 

[M6erfan]

High performance wrench set.

I like the 30T ratchets as well.

Very nice looking set of DBE wrenches. And I agree on the lower tooth count ratchets, my 24t Koken is my go to 3/8" and I haven't found a situation (yet) where I needed anything higher...

 

[zcbauer89]

Their combination wrenches are actually my favorite wrenches. They feel good in the hand and are real strong.

 

[Local]

I love me some used cornwell 30t ratchets. Can find them for near the same price as gearwrench.

 

[Brownsfan]

The standard 30t ratchets are my favorite. Strong as hell and smooth as silk. Cornwell only makes their non ratcheting wrenches, sockets (chrome and impact) extensions, punches and chisels and ratchets. EVERYTHING else is made by someone else. USA made pliers are Channellock with orange grips. German made screwdrivers are made by Witte. Most everything else is made by a company called Professional tool products and made in Taiwan. The ratcheting wrenches are Kabo made I believe and some of the best. The nice thing about them is the imported stuff is priced accordingly. They don't charge USA made prices for imported tools. I would have bought much more from Cornwell had he not gone under. Instead I bought much more snap on than anything. He was the most consistent of all. Matco guy couldn't be bothered with stopping at my shop at the time.

 

[lilxtra]

A student of mine got me the JRF72HA ratchet, 72 tooth,long handle,flex head,soft grip. I own a Snappy dual 80 & some of their other ratchets and this Cornwell has pretty much parked all the others. Best ratchet I have ever owned. Thier magnetic screwdrivers are way underrated as well.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have very few Cornwell tools; however, by a rather fluke series of events, I acquired a 1/4" drive Cornwell socket extension. It is about 6"-7" long and has an integral universal joint built into the male end. Sorry I don't have a pic at this time, but I have found it to be really useful.

This is one item you probably wont find elsewhere, and rather unique to Cornwell.
The numbers are UE08 (1/4) and UE28 (3/8):

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/UE08-%252d-8”-Universal-Extension-1%7B47%7D4”-Dr..html
http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/UE28-%252d-3%7B47%7D8”-Drive-Universal-Extension.html

They also have a 20mm gm line wrench that is hard to find and cheaper than Snap-on:

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/CWFP20MM-%252d-20mm-GM-Fuel-Line-Wrench.html

All the newer Cornwell line wrenches have a good reputation.

 

[chris142]

I hought a metric 3/8ths deep impact socket set. They ****! They are way too soft. I wore the 13mm and 15mm out in a year. The cw guy warrantied them and i took the whole set home for home use.

 

[avmaine]

I have an oddball set of obstruction wrenches I picked up used. No idea how old they are but they are pretty decent so far. Obviously I don't use them that much.

 

[spencerdiesel]

Is anyone currently having any chrome peeling issues with CW? I read some older threads where that was a common problem with the sockets and some wrenches.

Being I've got pretty much all the hardline tools I need for the job, I may just get some hardline CW stuff for "personal entertainment" at the house.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I have quite a few Cornwell tools, their hardline is a bargain new or used. I also prefer their air tools, quality items for a great price.

 

[kythri]

After reading the experience of the guy who bought a Cornwell franchise on this board,

Link?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Link?

I'm pretty sure it was a random poster who said Cornwell wanted their money even though the guy didn't have it. Thread was only about 6 months ago if we're talking about the same one.

 

[wvrailroader]

I'm pretty sure it was a random poster who said Cornwell wanted their money even though the guy didn't have it. Thread was only about 6 months ago if we're talking about the same one.

IIRC, I think it was long time member Softailgarage, actually.

 

[bsaint]

I'm pretty sure it was a random poster who said Cornwell wanted their money even though the guy didn't have it. Thread was only about 6 months ago if we're talking about the same one.

I read the story but there's always two sides of it. I asked my dealer about how it's been and he said fine. It's always a risk to loan money, banks know it. I would hope the driver knows if he's doing truck credit he's a bank and assumes all risks.

 

[d.mcfarland]

IIRC, I think it was long time member Softailgarage, actually.

Yes he had a franchise also but I don't think that was the one the person was referring too.


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[dutchgray]

I have SAE long DBE wrenches, 3 ratchets, 3/8 metric sockets, combo line and open end wrenches and some of their hex/ torx bit sets (imported) all the stuff Cornwell makes themselves is nice if old fashioned.

 

[Brownsfan]

Is anyone currently having any chrome peeling issues with CW? I read some older threads where that was a common problem with the sockets and some wrenches.

Being I've got pretty much all the hardline tools I need for the job, I may just get some hardline CW stuff for "personal entertainment" at the house.

I have a number of Cornwell ratchets that are about 5-6 years old and the chrome is in great shape. No peeling at all. They are my go to ratchets. My favorite is the 3/8 in the 1/4 drive body. Thing is strong as hell

 

[pscrow86]

We had a Cornwell dealer come to our shop for a few years and I bought a ton of tools from him. I the 1/2" drive master sets of impact sockets and they have held up very well to a decent amount of use, and they were priced right. Our dealer went out of business about 3 years ago and we have not gotten a dealer yet. I contacted the district manager about getting warranty items and a new dealer and got some pretty poor responses. The best one I got from him was "if you need a dealer so bad why don't you fill out the paperwork and become one". since then I buy almost exclusively Snap-On.

 

[Skin]

You can mail tools into Cornwell directly for warranty. All you need to include is a piece of paper with tool numbers and a return address.

 

[Tuc04]

This is one item you probably wont find elsewhere, and rather unique to Cornwell.
The numbers are UE08 (1/4) and UE28 (3/8):

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/UE08-%252d-8”-Universal-Extension-1%7B47%7D4”-Dr..html
http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/UE28-%252d-3%7B47%7D8”-Drive-Universal-Extension.html

They also have a 20mm gm line wrench that is hard to find and cheaper than Snap-on:

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/CWFP20MM-%252d-20mm-GM-Fuel-Line-Wrench.html

All the newer Cornwell line wrenches have a good reputation.

The UE08 and UE28 look interesting. Could someone explain the advantage of that vs. a regular universal and extension combo? Are there situations where the Cornwell one piece design would make things easier?

 

[T45]

The UE08 and UE28 look interesting. Could someone explain the advantage of that vs. a regular universal and extension combo? Are there situations where the Cornwell one piece design would make things easier?

You see sparkplug sockets with integrated universals. This is similar but less task specific.

Less joints = less slop, torqe loss, lower risk of inadvertant disassembly
Less pieces = lesss time wasted on required assembly/disassembly
Extra tool = redundancy, ability to use two on same job, etc.

 

[Jsutty91]

Its sad honestly..i love cornwell sockets and ratchets the fit and the look are great..the ratchets are great..but the chrome is absolutely piss poor....i have brand new barely used chrome sockets with terrible chrome flaking..the chrome looks amazing But once you start using it kiss it good buy because it will flake..it something they do with the chrome it almost has a blueish tint to it and its super shiny..look at snapons chrome its alittle darker with no off hues and i barely ever see any flaking on my snap on stuff..i think a blueish chrome has something to do with the nickel or something not sticking as good or its being overheated w/e idk..either way they need to fix the issue because i have cheap gear wrench chrome that doesnt even hint at a flake..im considering jumping ship on my cornwells and moving to the snap ons..i can get on the cornwell truck today and see unused sockets that have already chipped

 

[Wamsutta]

Their extra long combination wrenches are hot. Their ratchets are hot too.

 

[BIG BACCHUS]

You're right, the 12% off that the dealer says is "to help students out" doesn't really feel like a student discount when you're spoiled with the other 3 brands

I have bought one cornwell tool on special, bent handle 3/8" flex head ratchet. I can't tell you it's "better" than my dual 80s, but there is something about that handle and the butter for teeth

I get 50-55% off of Cornwell tools for my student discount. I LOVE them but I wouldnt bite for 12% off if other brands are treating you right.