Recent content by Mike Hipp

I heard from a good source in the tool industry that HD cut a deal with Estwing to replace Vaughn. I think that is why HD is selling current Vaughn at low prices. It may not last long so buy if you can. they are good hammers.

All I know is that they sell them via Grainger. Normally Grainger sells high end stuff. Also they say the heads are bonded and wedged. Most wood hammers are only wedged

Most of their hard line tools were made in the US. Air tools were all from Taiwan and other tools (pliers, hex keys etc) were mixed. They were owned for about 10 years by Facom a French company and did rebrand some of their tools.

Check one of their HVAC distributors such as Johnstone Supply, Industrial Refrigeration etc

Not sure what the answer is but I know that mobile tool dealers buy new tools for between 30-40% off list. If you have an old tool that is damaged you can get a new one for free under wrranty so the resell value on old tools must be high.

From what I understand. Snap-On branded tools are made by Snap-On in the USA. Bluepoint brand can come from anywhere. This applies to tools only. Flashlights and other non-tool items can carry the Snap-On brand

Wright tools are made in Ohio, USA. They are very good industrial tools. In my opinion American manufacture Snap-On makes the best hard line (sockets, ratchets, etc) tools. Knipex (German makes the best plier type tools. e.g. retaining ring pliers. they are forged and fantastic) Cutting tools...

In my opinion SK hard line tools are better than Craftsman but not quite as good as Cornwell or Snap-On. I rank them as follows: Snappy, Cornwell, Mac, Matco and Craftsman. No reasons just a personal prefernce based on price, features, durability, easy of warranty replacement and fit & finish

A friend of mine at one time worked for Channellock. He said that all of their plier type tools are made in the US. But I agree that do not look as good as the older ones.

Are they KD or Gear Wrench? Danaher Tool Group and Cooper tools merged and they said they would kill the KD brand?

Both are good hammers but I use Nupla. the fiberglass handle has a lifetime warranty. It is a good compromise between wood and steel handle. Strong as steel, light weight and absorbs vibration. Very good on heavy sledges.

Most Hazet tools are made in Germany. The older ones that I had say hazet Germany on the tools. I used to live in Holland and they are considered one of the best tools in europe. lately I do think that they have started to make some in asia.

Looks like a Thor hammer to me. If you want to use it then the nylon will wear great (most new Thor hammers have two nylon tips std) plus the cooper is good for working on very soft metals. Cooper is 30% softer than bradd and 50% softer than nylon. If you want to look at it the cooper and...