Diehard Hand Tools?

[KnurledNut]

Advance Auto has their TEQ line clearanced.
I was told they are replacing them with DieHard branded tools.
Can anyone in-house confirm this?
If so, I wonder if its Sata/GW sourced?
Same stuff just relabeled again maybe?

Edit: And yeah before it mentioned, I saw the new Diehard power tools newly stocked in store.

 

[ike]

if i paid 200 million bucks for a label, i'd put it on everything i could, so it's no surprise to see the name on more than batteries.

 

[Jtels85]

Seems like a smart move on their part. I shop at both AutoZone and Advanced on occasional and have bought Duralast tools… but never Teq Correct. Dunno why, I guess they never appealed to me. Diehard is a name people recognize…

All they need to do now is put them in an aisle where they’re accessible. One of the issues I have with Advance (and NAPA) is that their tools are usually hanging behind the counter. If I have to bother the clerk to look at some tools, I’m not. They can keep them.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Seem like the Teq stuff wasn't as good as Autocraft. Not that Autocraft was amazing, but some of their tools were pretty good. As long as they source from a good supplier (Taiwan) then I'm fine with the change.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I herd there was a diehard cordless line was spotted in a store

 

[ForrestT]

Just bought the 3/8” metric deep socket set. $16.08 with tax for a 14 piece set to have as an extra set. You can’t go wrong at that price and with no skips.

 

[KnurledNut]

I was able to get a pic of the power tools.
I could see the 12v ratchet selling well.
Seems someone actually put some thought into this transition:

View attachment 1558671

 

[Bubba Fett]

Generic Chinese power tools, sold under several other brand names (i.e. Workpro). Probably decent, but not great. I see no point in getting into another battery platform.

 

[Terra Nova]

Ohhh, I was way off... Can't be the only one who thought this reading the thread title.

 

[javyLSU]

That ratchet is available in most any color you like:

AC Delco Blue:


Kimo Green:


Harbor Freight red:


And now Die Hard grey:


…All using the same batteries, so buy whichever ones you can get cheapest.

*Edit* It should be noted that the models that share batteries are the Kimo and Die Hard. The AC Delco and Harbor Freight share a different battery.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

The diehard and kimo might be the same but the other 2 are different.

 

[four.cycle]

One of the issues I have with Advance (and NAPA) is that their tools are usually hanging behind the counter.

That's because hand tools are a high-theft item. They're behind the counter to keep sticky little fingers away from them.

If you were in one of the less-than-reputable neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, they would be behind a bulletproof glass wall and you would send your money through a little box - like the drive-up window at the bank.

 

[javyLSU]

The diehard and kimo might be the same but the other 2 are different.

You’re right - the Kimo and the Die Hard are the same, and the AC Delco and the (discontinued) Harbor Freight Earthquake are the same. Not all four are the same ratchet.

 

[qqzj]

That's because hand tools are a high-theft item. They're behind the counter to keep sticky little fingers away from them.

If you were in one of the less-than-reputable neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, they would be behind a bulletproof glass wall and you would send your money through a little box - like the drive-up window at the bank.

The ****'s Sporting Goods store at Hayward CA locks up a lot of clothes using cables.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I like TEQ stuff it’s rebranded Gearwrench. They haven’t even had that out that long really only a few years. If the Diehard tools are as bad as the batteries then I don’t want them. The AutoCraft they never announced anything about it just disappeared I kind of liked their tools too I’ve got a few seem ok to me.

 

[BTJHP]

Is it just power tools or are there hand tools? I'm guessing they will be Apex/Lea Way but hoping not.

 

[KnurledNut]

Is it just power tools or are there hand tools? I'm guessing they will be Apex/Lea Way but hoping not.

I was told that beginning the new year they would be changing the hand tools.

 

[Flared Base]

They all run on the same battery platform.

It looks like the picture you posted that the Kimo battery has a triangular profile and the AC Delco has a T shaped profile. Maybe the pictures are showing the wrong chargers?

 

[javyLSU]

I stand corrected, I posted two ratchets above, not one. I’ll correct my post to reflect.

 

[Jtels85]

That's because hand tools are a high-theft item. They're behind the counter to keep sticky little fingers away from them.

If you were in one of the less-than-reputable neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, they would be behind a bulletproof glass wall and you would send your money through a little box - like the drive-up window at the bank.

I mean, that’s fine. It’s their product to do what they want with. Keeping it behind the counter not only keeps sticky fingers away, but also honest paying customers. AutoZone and O’Reillys doesn’t keep their tools behind the counter (at least not here). That’s a big factor in why I shop there for many of my parts and tools.

Same deal with my local Harbor Freight stores. They started putting locks on the Icon stuff, so I stopped shopping there. I don’t have the patience to deal with tracking down an employee or waiting in line to ask them to come unlock it, then waiting in line again to pay for it. If I’m going to be inconvenienced because they can’t come up with better methods of theft prevention, then I don’t care to do business with them.

 

[vssjim]

I like TEQ stuff it’s rebranded Gearwrench. They haven’t even had that out that long really only a few years. If the Diehard tools are as bad as the batteries then I don’t want them. The AutoCraft they never announced anything about it just disappeared I kind of liked their tools too I’ve got a few seem ok to me.

The name TEQ Correct name was really poorly thought out to me. I'm sure the APEX Tools were made well and I would bet that they will just change the name of the same tools again as the Diehard name is way better and is known by a tremendous amount of people already.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

The name TEQ Correct name was really poorly thought out to me. I'm sure the APEX Tools were made well and I would bet that they will just change the name of the same tools again as the Diehard name is way better and is known by a tremendous amount of people already.

Yeah I do agree with you there too. It must be a name they just pulled out of the air instead of making it a known name or one similar. I do think it’s a unique name but not known or some people not knowing they were the same as Gearwrench.

 

[KnurledNut]

Im not sure im supposed to have this yet. But anyways:

 

[Fedwrench]

Im not sure im supposed to have this yet. But anyways:

View attachment 1602833

View attachment 1602834

View attachment 1602835

View attachment 1602836

So how long is an extra long 13mm Diehard wrench? Is the open end actually lobster clawish or is it the photo? I wish they would have been Taiwanese but, I'm sure it's from the SATA plant. Please let us know how it works out for you and if the anti slip open end works. Thanks for sharing

 

[KnurledNut]

So how long is an extra long 13mm Diehard wrench? Is the open end actually lobster clawish or is it the photo? I wish they would have been Taiwanese but, I'm sure it's from the SATA plant. Please let us know how it works out for you and if the anti slip open end works. Thanks for sharing

8-1/8”. Comparable to standard length SO.
Its about as we can expect quality wise from ATG, but the ASD is a nice addition. It appears to be a newer profile, vs the gearwrench surface drive plus of times past.
The chrome and broaching look very good.
Pricing was the same as the TEQ single, but part numbers appear to be completely different.
Ill see if I can get a pic of it vs Snap-on at work tomorrow to answer the size question. I dont think its excessive.

 

[Indexmill]

My goodness; everybody has figured out how to chrome brilliantly.

 

[Schurkey]

And in a few years, they can change the brand-name again, voiding all previous warranties.

 

[Jtels85]

Im not sure im supposed to have this yet. But anyways:

View attachment 1602833

View attachment 1602834

View attachment 1602835

View attachment 1602836

I’m really hoping it’s just the picture and they didn’t go lobster claw with these…

 

[KnurledNut]

Is the open end actually lobster clawish or is it the photo?

I’m really hoping it’s just the picture and they didn’t go lobster claw with these…

Diehard underneath Snap-on:

 

[Jtels85]

Diehard underneath Snap-on:
View attachment 1603140

View attachment 1603141

View attachment 1603142

View attachment 1603143

Oh man, that’s a nice comparison. Thank you for doing that. I cannot wait for AAP to get this new line of tools on the shelf.

I have been beyond pleased with my Auto Zone Duralast and O’Reilly’s Power Torque tool purchases in recent years. This line will be a welcome addition.

 

[vssjim]

And in a few years, they can change the brand-name again, voiding all previous warranties.

I don't see this name going away anytime soon they paid a lot to get it and even a lot to put commercials on with Bruce Willis so I see this name going on more than just batteries and tools because it is a well known name that they didn't just dream up and see how it goes over type of a deal like the TEQ correct name that was a poorly thought out choice.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Now that I’m seeing it it’s not so bad. Like everyone else wish it was Taiwan but oh well. I will have to find a way to make some excuses lol buy some haha. Still not passing up the deals they are having on the closeout tools though. Glad the tools won’t be as bad as the batteries are.

 

[RAS61]

The ****'s Sporting Goods store at Hayward CA locks up a lot of clothes using cables.

Interesting, they lock down the power tools on display at HD with hose and exhaust clamps, but not the hand tools. Must frustrate the hell out of shop lifters having to plan where to steal

 

[The Frisco Kid]

-edited after some more thoughts-

I am going to go the opposite way on these… If I am going to buy some cheap wrenches, I’m not paying these prices. The wrench looks fat on the open end and it is not very deep. The perspective in the photos above is a little tough to tell the difference, but these don't seem good compared to the SO or even the GW stuff that they are replacing. Fine if they are $20 for the set, not at the pricing these are coming in at. The TEQ Correct stuff was poorly named, but it was decent product. Really good value when on sale. Seems like Advance is going to slide this cheaper stuff in there and try to make more money and hope the normal consumer doesn’t notice.

The power tools are also cheap. Cheap power tools have a place in many if not most shops, but the Kimo is $59 and the Die Hard is $89. Am I going to pay a $30 premium to buy the DieHard from Advance? Nope. I can buy a corded 1/2” impact from Harbor Freight or Porter Cable from Amazon for 70-80 bucks, no way am I buying a Diehard branded tool for the same amount of cash. Same across the board on all of these power tools. If I want cheap, I can get it much cheaper. If I want to spend the money that they want, I am buying much better products.

 

[KnurledNut]

...

 

[Jtels85]

I am going to go the opposite way on these… If I am going to buy some cheap wrenches, I’m not paying these prices. The wrench is absolutely lobster claw fat on the open end and it is not very deep. The perspective in the photos above is a little tough to tell the difference, but these are not very good. Fine if they are $20 for the set, not at the pricing these are coming in at. The TEQ Correct stuff was poorly named, but it was decent product. Really good value when on sale. Advance is going to slide this cheaper stuff in there and try to make more money and hope the normal consumer doesn’t notice.

The power tools are also cheap. Cheap power tools have a place in many if not most shops, but the Kimo is $59 and the Die Hard is $89. Am I going to pay a $30 premium to buy the DieHard from Advance? Nope. I can buy a corded 1/2” impact from Harbor Freight or Porter Cable from Amazon for 70-80 bucks, no way am I buying a Diehard branded tool for the same amount of cash. Same across the board on all of these power tools. If I want cheap, I can get it much cheaper. If I want to spend the money that they want, I am buying much better products.

It doesn’t sound like you’re the type of tool user they’re marketing to then.

Every store who sells tools has their bargains and their rip off’s.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

Maybe not, because I do shop around a lot.

These new made in China tools are priced too high to be cheap tools and they seem to be too cheap to be priced where they are. The older TEQ product was pretty well slotted, I don't care for the hand or power tools for the most part. The $20 heat gun looks pretty perfect price vs value, so they aren't all misses for me.

Not trying to get anything going here, just sharing my opinion. I appreciate OP putting this info out there on a new product line.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

...

Yo, I don't know why you edited your post... I read it last night and it made me rethink and edit my post. You made some good points man.

I still don't like going from the GW/TEQ/Taiwan hand tools to this new DieHard/China tools at the same prices. If they adjust, then maybe it's something that I'll take a look at.

 

[Jtels85]

Maybe not, because I do shop around a lot.

These new made in China tools are priced too high to be cheap tools and they seem to be too cheap to be priced where they are. The older TEQ product was pretty well slotted, I don't care for the hand or power tools for the most part. The $20 heat gun looks pretty perfect price vs value, so they aren't all misses for me.

Not trying to get anything going here, just sharing my opinion. I appreciate OP putting this info out there on a new product line.

I see what you’re saying. A good example would be Duralast. They’re socket sets are bargain (IMO) for China made tools, but their 6 piece ratcheting wrench sets for over $70 after tax is absurd. They’re the same as GearWrench and I can get a 14 piece GW set for around $100 on eBay or Amazon. There’s no deal to be had there at Auto Zone.

I’m hoping AAP doesn’t price gouge just because of the Diehard name, but it’s too early to tell. If it’s the same Apex stuff as Husky and Duralast, but at a much higher price point… only those of us “in the know” will see it for it is. Most people would probably pay it thinking they’re getting a high quality tool just because of the Diehard name. People think they’re buying high quality Craftsman tools at Lowe’s just because of the name, when in reality they’re purchasing Chinese junk that’s lower quality than Pittsburgh stuff over at Harbor Freight.

I’m looking forward to see what their screwdrivers look like since I’m a screwdriver fanatic.

 

[AGuinn]

Checked store pricing on both the GW 81670 and the DH50025 - both are extended length 13mm wrenches - and the Diehard is priced ~14% higher (retail is 8.79 GW and 9.99 for the DH). It's a small sampling size, but I expect the rest of the line to follow suit - although ViceGrip increased 200+% in just 3 months. No idea what tools or sets are coming down the pipeline, since there is absolutely no cataloging anywhere for the DieHard line.

I'm on the CarQuest (independently owned) side of things, and my understanding was that CQ stores could stay with GW or switch to DH. The corporately owned stores (Advance) did not have an option. Our store opted to stay with GW, although availability of any GearWrench has been pretty iffy for a while.