RAS61
Well-known member
How good are these and how do they compare to the NAPA Wittes from a few years ago? They seem like knock-offs of the same design.
NAPA Carlyle Screwdrivers?
- Thread starter RAS61
- Start date
Man....Napa Carlyle tools in general are a bit weird IMO. They work, no doubt about it. But they're charging SOOO much for Chinese made tools.
The Wera screwdrivers in my experience have been better.
Not to mention the warranty on the Carlyle stuff, you HAVE to have the proof of purchase when returning a tool to them. How's that gonna work in 4-5 years when it breaks?
Sad warranty policy because the tools themselves are better then GearWrench/Tekton in my experience.
Oh well
The Wera screwdrivers in my experience have been better.
Not to mention the warranty on the Carlyle stuff, you HAVE to have the proof of purchase when returning a tool to them. How's that gonna work in 4-5 years when it breaks?
Sad warranty policy because the tools themselves are better then GearWrench/Tekton in my experience.
Oh well
visionguru
Well-known member
I have a set of 8 Carlyle screw drivers. How good? The workmanship is probably better than anything from a store shelf. Better than Gearwrench.
I don't own the old Napa Wittes. But based on my experience with German screw drivers (Felo), they are definitely better than those German ****, which are not as good as Craftsman.
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carlyle not bad quality taiwan made and set ranges okay but would want buy when on offer feel got good value from it .
Pending on what you doing williams hard handles, toptul and wera do some nice screwdrivers at sensible pricing .
Pending on what you doing williams hard handles, toptul and wera do some nice screwdrivers at sensible pricing .
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I own a couple of the Carlyle screwdrivers along with a bunch of the old Blue/Yellow handled German made NAPA screwdrivers. I don't care for the shape of the Carlyle handle. The blades are good. I just don't like the shape of the handle but, I also hate the Instinct handle too. I prefer the old German made versions. I don't think the current Carlyle screwdrivers are a knockoff. they are their own unique design.
As for price, NAPA tools have always been on the pricey side when not on sale. The trick is to buy the stuff during their quarterly real deals specials. I think right now the 8 piece combination screwdrivers sets are on sale for $39.99. There are some people on ebay that are just crazy listing sets at twice or more of their sales price.
As for price, NAPA tools have always been on the pricey side when not on sale. The trick is to buy the stuff during their quarterly real deals specials. I think right now the 8 piece combination screwdrivers sets are on sale for $39.99. There are some people on ebay that are just crazy listing sets at twice or more of their sales price.
Mhyde52
Well-known member
I own a couple of the Carlyle screwdrivers along with a bunch of the old Blue/Yellow handled German made NAPA screwdrivers. I don't care for the shape of the Carlyle handle. The blades are good. I just don't like the shape of the handle but, I also hate the Instinct handle too. I prefer the old German made versions. I don't think the current Carlyle screwdrivers are a knockoff. they are their own unique design.
As for price, NAPA tools have always been on the pricey side when not on sale. The trick is to buy the stuff during their quarterly real deals specials. I think right now the 8 piece combination screwdrivers sets are on sale for $39.99. There are some people on ebay that are just crazy listing sets at twice or more of their sales price.
I'll second the idea of not buying sets till they're on sale. At full price most of the Carlyle stuff is too expensive. The funny thing is their individual prices of some pieces are reasonable, whereas many other brands are way too expensive individually.
Which brings up MY issue with Napa Carlyle tools: IMO they have a pretty good line of tools that many people could/should invest in. But they have to market this stuff like they are serious about it. My local branch is one of a dozen or so owned by one company. But they have maybe a 3'x4' section of sets on shelves in the store, and that's it. Whenever I look (on Prolink, where an account can view all stores in their network and all corporate Napa distribution centers) for individual tools, they generally have none in stock at any location. Most of the time there are none in stock at the regional distribution centers either. Often the less common sets are 0 quantity at the DC's. What that amounts to is, I would have to order the tool or set of tools from my Napa store, and pay for shipping to my Napa store. By the time I do that, I could buy a comparable or better tool from a tool truck, or a local brick and mortar store. That is not how a serious local hand tool retailer would do things.
A suggestion I made to my salesman when he asked me about Napa tools was, since they already know how to operate a fleet of delivery vehicles and They already know how to handle credit accounts, maybe they could look into doing a small van or truck that had a dedicated tool salesman, similar to the other brand tool trucks. I'd buy from them at that point.
visionguru
Well-known member
I paid $30 for this set.
The handles feel a little bulky. I only use them when more torque is required.
The handles feel a little bulky. I only use them when more torque is required.
most of the carlisle line does nothing for me. i have never seen a well stocked display and sets do not exist.
i was in my local napa and wanted to get a wire stripper. the one i want is part of a set that is on sale this quarter. the sets are non existent in any local store or warehouse. nearest set was on the east coast. asked about a pair of pliers as well. guess what? same thing only the nearest one was on the west coast. how many thousand stores and warehouses and nobody has anything?
i have never been impressed with carlisle. are they ok or even good tools? i suppose but service, price and availability ****. they are nothing more than overhyped import tools in a ****** display.
every store i have been in has that ****** sliding panel on rollers that sounds like hell and acts like it will tip over when you try and see what is on the panel behind. even harbor freight and sears have better diplays
i was in my local napa and wanted to get a wire stripper. the one i want is part of a set that is on sale this quarter. the sets are non existent in any local store or warehouse. nearest set was on the east coast. asked about a pair of pliers as well. guess what? same thing only the nearest one was on the west coast. how many thousand stores and warehouses and nobody has anything?
i have never been impressed with carlisle. are they ok or even good tools? i suppose but service, price and availability ****. they are nothing more than overhyped import tools in a ****** display.
every store i have been in has that ****** sliding panel on rollers that sounds like hell and acts like it will tip over when you try and see what is on the panel behind. even harbor freight and sears have better diplays
visionguru
Well-known member
that is not a great buy. they look like hf screwdrivers that are cheaper and more than likely better. spend a little more and get the williams. then you will have something. a very similar 8 pc set for less than 50 bucks
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xin
Well-known member
I agree - I hardly find any Taiwan republic of CHINA tools a bargain. Plus the fact their old tool line was made in USA (it had a WARRANTY) so much for that....
So you get your made in USA tool (replaced with some China garbage)??? NO thanks.
Carlyle has some excellent tools, but their screwdrivers leave a lot of be desired. The handles are ridiculously uncomfortable. I’ve been suggesting to them for awhile to update their handle design.
Some of their tools are reasonably priced, others are way out of the line. Marketing *****, lack of inventory *****. They need to put more effort into the line and get it out there in the hands of mechanics and DIY people.
Some of their tools are reasonably priced, others are way out of the line. Marketing *****, lack of inventory *****. They need to put more effort into the line and get it out there in the hands of mechanics and DIY people.
Mhyde52
Well-known member
I'm surprised that people have issues with tool warranty at Napa. I've only swapped out maybe 3 pieces, 2 of which were quite old. Replaced with Carlyle, no questions asked. Must have much more to do with the person/store than Napas policy.
I'm with you there. The few warranty returns I had were handled really well. None of this nonsense with receipts or other hassles. If I'm really in a jam, I call the store, telling them what I need, and they deliver it. Pretty hard to beat that. The slot and Philips set is almost always 40$, that's 5$ for a screwdriver with a lifetime warranty that you can exchange anywhere.
Mhyde52
Well-known member
There is some added value to a tool when it's replacement is hand delivered within an hour or two!!
Flinter987
Well-known member
I love mine, but haven't used them much yet.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Many of you will never accept a non US made tool brand and look down on Taiwan made tools and that's ok because, it's your choice.
However, if you regularly deal with NAPA or have a commercial account Carlyle might have a lot to offer you. I've used their 90 tooth ratchets, 1/4 & 3/8 chrome sockets, along with their long pattern anti slip combination wrenches for several years now without issue. In fact they're my reach for first tools on my cart. I'm quite happy with my purchases.
NAPA Carlyle isn't the only tool brand to put a tool in a flyer and not have it in stock. I've had that experience with every tool truck brand over the years. As for no sets or a decent supply, the corporate NAPA stores I deal with have good size displays and are well stocked. As for marketing, NAPA does a pretty good job with their Real Deals Flyers. Carlyle may not be everything to everyone but to me, it's a viable option when I need another tool.
However, if you regularly deal with NAPA or have a commercial account Carlyle might have a lot to offer you. I've used their 90 tooth ratchets, 1/4 & 3/8 chrome sockets, along with their long pattern anti slip combination wrenches for several years now without issue. In fact they're my reach for first tools on my cart. I'm quite happy with my purchases.
NAPA Carlyle isn't the only tool brand to put a tool in a flyer and not have it in stock. I've had that experience with every tool truck brand over the years. As for no sets or a decent supply, the corporate NAPA stores I deal with have good size displays and are well stocked. As for marketing, NAPA does a pretty good job with their Real Deals Flyers. Carlyle may not be everything to everyone but to me, it's a viable option when I need another tool.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Don't agree with the first part but I do the second. I got a set of new SO instincts off fleabay for not much more.
why not?Don't agree with the first part but I do the second. I got a set of new SO instincts off fleabay for not much more.
there is a magazine out there, (someone with better google foo than me will find it) that tested a bunch of screwdrivers and found that one set of hf screwdriver sets tested as well or better than many of the higher priced sets. they highly recommended them.
pretty sure it this set. i think they are taiwan made. don't get me wrong, i am not a hf fanboy, just saying that just because it says carlysle doesn't mean it is good or even better than anything else and more than likely is not better than these.
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plinker
Well-known member
It seems that product availability (& support) is a very regional thing. Sellers whether mobile or stationary, vary considerably on service and selection.
In this area Napa stores have a decent assortment of said tools. As such I've bought a fair bit of stuff over the years. Dont have any of their screwdrivers though.
In this area Napa stores have a decent assortment of said tools. As such I've bought a fair bit of stuff over the years. Dont have any of their screwdrivers though.
Many of you will never accept a non US made tool brand and look down on Taiwan made tools and that's ok because, it's your choice.
However, if you regularly deal with NAPA or have a commercial account Carlyle might have a lot to offer you. I've used their 90 tooth ratchets, 1/4 & 3/8 chrome sockets, along with their long pattern anti slip combination wrenches for several years now without issue. In fact they're my reach for first tools on my cart. I'm quite happy with my purchases.
NAPA Carlyle isn't the only tool brand to put a tool in a flyer and not have it in stock. I've had that experience with every tool truck brand over the years. As for no sets or a decent supply, the corporate NAPA stores I deal with have good size displays and are well stocked. As for marketing, NAPA does a pretty good job with their Real Deals Flyers. Carlyle may not be everything to everyone but to me, it's a viable option when I need another tool.
I don’t have much experience with tool truck brands being that I’m not a professional. I can tell you that I always thought my Craftsman low profile ratchets were the bees knees until I bought my first Carlyle Power 90. I have since accumulated 3 more Power 90 models and am moving on to getting the flex head versions next, although I read somewhere that those are 72 teeth if I’m not mistaken. Either way, I had a chance to try out my buddy’s new Snap On FL80 or whatever the hell its called. He’s a tech for Mercedes. It’s a really nice ratchet... but it does not even compare to my Taiwan Made Carlyle. Just my humble opinion.
I have way more positive things to say about the brand than negative. But it does not seem like they push the brand to the average walk-in customer. I’m glad they work hard to get the tools into the hands of techs, that’s great. I just wish I could walk in and buy what I need right there without having to wait a day or two for them to order it... or tell me they can’t order it at all. The screwdrivers are great quality, don’t get me wrong. They do get dirty fast as someone else mentioned. They have a 1/4” drive spinner handle/extension for a socket that resembles the old Mac & Snap On hard handle screwdrivers. I really wish they would make a screwdriver set out of that style handle. I’d buy 2 or 3 and they would absolutely be my go-to sets. The handles on their current screwdrivers... they ****. Sorry.
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buffalobill
Well-known member
We have the blue and yellow 8 piece wet at work, iirc it was 40 bux. They work well, I have mac hard handles at home, and someday will replace them with a set of Carlyle's, I like them that much. I liked the macs until I had a tight Flathead setscrew and the tip twisted instead of the screw.
buffalobill
Well-known member
You don't need proof of purchase to warranty tools at Napa, plus our local store will cut us deals and run tools out to us same day.
buffalobill
Well-known member
They are pretty good, I'd take the Carlyle screwdrivers over my macs, I don't know anything about the Hf screwdrivers. I guess if you don't have any around it's hard to try them but these aren't just overhyped gearwrench or ampro with a different name. I'd put any of the Carlyle stuff up against SK, as far as strength and durability.
Not all Napa tools are MIC, most Carlyle hand tools are made in Taiwan and some made in USA, Germany, etc.
Wera screwdrivers are made in Czech Republic
I've only warrantied one tool at Napa and they didn't require my original receipt. Painless warranty service, at least at my store.
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Not sure if you're interested, but there are still some of the Wiite produced Napa screwdrivers on ebay currently from this seller: http://stores.ebay.com/sellular?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
not a fan of quoting myself but my prediction rang true. i was in my local napa store and all of the tools were in boxes and part of the display was on the floor. i asked why. their reply was that the wall and display was not heavy enough and it had started coming loose, falling away from the wall.
the only reason i came back to this was someone "liked" it and i could not remember what i said. i still agree with all of what i said almost 4 years ago.