Looking for opinions on Cal Van tools

[Rusty67]

I haven't bought any Cal Van in a WHILE. I'm looking to buy a harmonic balancer installer kit and their 38500 kit seems to be very complete. I never had any major quality issues with their stuff in the past but it wasn't usually super nice either. They claim their stuff is made in the USA so I'm figuring it should be decent but then again made in the USA doesn't automatically mean top notch these days. The kit looks good in pictures but who knows in real life.

Real life opinions welcome =)

 

[Ricky Joe]

Ive got a few Cal-Van tools; a couple of distributor wrenches, line wrenches, and small pullers comes to mind. They work well without the ego-filling need for chrome or prestige. I can’t speak to their new offerings, so may not be much help. All mine are forty-odd years old or more.

 

[Rusty67]

Yep, all my Cal Van stuff is at least 15-20 years old and it is all hand tools like drum break adjusters/drum spring stretchers. I never bought any of their pullers or anything like that. Just wondering if the current line of stuff is still decent quality. I'd rather spend more money on a quality tool but than buy a cheap one. At the same time I'd rather not buy a much more expensive tool when one half the price is the same quality level, especially if it is USA made.

 

[unslow1]

That doesn't look like any puller set I've seen before. I guess it depends on what you are working on. The Cal Van stuff I have has been OK. Myself and a few friends have been using the Jeg's kits for years.

 

[Rusty67]

That doesn't look like any puller set I've seen before. I guess it depends on what you are working on. The Cal Van stuff I have has been OK. Myself and a few friends have been using the Jeg's kits for years.

That is because it is an installer kit, not a puller =)

 

[Fedwrench]

Like all other tool brands today, you have to judge each offered tool on its own merits. Cal Van usually offers decent tools and many of their items are rebadged by tool trucks. However, most of their items are no longer US made just like many other specialty tool manufacturers. Just be sure to lube all threaded components to prolong their life.

 

[RoundedNut]

I'm on the fence whether to get this finger driver set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067YFGFW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Already have lots finger driver/ratchets but not the Master Finger May add it to my next amazon order from the states.