Anti-Cornwell, Why?

[Blacknwhitepit]

Since I have wrenched about every tool known to man and used all manufacturers of tools; Yet, I still have read very negative things about Cornwell tools.

My experience with Cornwell has been superb. I have a great dealer where I am (Yes, I know dealers can make quite a bit of difference).

While their wrenches are not the prettiest, I have yet to break one.

Personally, I believe since it still is a family owned company, they do not put much into changing their line, for example, making a polished line of wrenches. It seems to me that their management still believes in the old Ford quote "They can have any color they want, as long as it is black".

But the quality is there.

I can get on the MAC truck and buy Taiwanese all day, but at least Cornwell's Hard line of tools is still made in Mogodore Ohio.

IMHO Cornwell hard line tools are the absolute best value on EBAY. They are so overlooked, they go at a great discount.

What are your experiences with Cornwell?

-BWP

 

[ImportTuner]

I have never seen a Cornwell truck in the area; their customer service is excellent though; I called and asked for a catalog and received it via UPS 2 days later at NO charge .... and the tools looked pretty good too ..

 

[DR_K13]

I might start selling cornwell.......

 

[ericthewrench]

I have a few Cornwell tools, never had any problems with them. I always liked their prices. I no longer have a Cornwell dealer in my area otherwise I would probaly have more of their tools. I still have Snap On, Matco and MAC in my area with most of my money going to Snap On.

 

[wilbilt]

I think the Cornwell trucks are a myth. I have never seen one here in sunny California.

 

[MarkH]

Like them, too often difficult to find. Wish they had a web store for areas that do not have a dealer and if there is one give the dealer a cut for delivery of large items, etc.

We use Cornwell and Wright with selected Craftsman in our business and at times seem like we are marching to a different drummer. Then we also run mainly Agco farm equipment too.

 

[DR_K13]

I think the Cornwell trucks are a myth. I have never seen one here in sunny California.

I just saw one today. South Orange County.

 

[wilbilt]

I just saw one today. South Orange County.

I hope you took a picture for posterity....Hell, it was probably stolen...from New Jersey, most likely....

 

[Moltar]

I love Cornwell tools too. Of all the tool trucks that stop at my dealership the Cornwell guy is the best as far as customer service. The tools are priced right and are excellent quality. My favorite thing about Cornwell is that they put a price tag on all of their tools.

 

[DR_K13]

I hope you took a picture for posterity....Hell, it was probably stolen...from New Jersey, most likely....

There is another one outside my job..........


here is a pic.

edit------

 

[KingAirNut]

"(Yes, I know dealers can make quite a bit of difference)"

You got that right. "Our" Cornwell man visits the Completions Center, but doesn't step foot in our Service Center anymore. Don't know why. Our department is the money spenders due to the need for tools all the time. So, I don't buy from him. All of my money goes to Snap-On, Craftsman, Mac, Matco, in that order...

"They can have any color they want, as long as it is black".

And that's why I think the company doesn't do near as well as the other big three....

 

[-lecroix-]

I have a few Cornwell items ... they perform as well as the others in my box ... not better ... not worse.

 

[ImportTuner]

There is another one outside my job..........


here is a pic.

Wow, looks totally different than the Snap On, Matco, Mac Tools truck ...

edit------

Wow, looks totally different than the Snap On, Matco, Mac Tools truck ...

 

[Fast Orange]

I can't say much of anything regarding Cornwell.There's a truck that I see every few months,but I've never been on it and have no idea how to reach the guy if I wanted to check out his stuff.I've seen a few of thier boxes at various shops,but I don't know the guys who own them well enough to check the boxes out.If the Cornwell stuff is nearly as good as the other truck brands,I don't know why they're not more popular around here.Maybe Cornwell needs to do a little revamping of thier marketing?

George

 

[eschoendorff]

I have exactly one old Cornwell wrench. Ugly little thing too. I have never seen a Cornwell truck.... I am assuming that my wrench originally came from some truck someplace?

 

[kartracer55]

The only Cornwell I have is a set of 1/4+3/8 drive Long metric hex sockets. I havent really used them that much so I really cant comment on quality, but fit and finish seems excellent. They also use this sort of "flank drive" on the corners of the drive square, probably to reduce mushrooming from impacting.

My biggest gripe? MADE IN TAIWAN!!! Their corprate website is Obviously very misleading, and alot of thier stuff is rebadged, probably more than any other brand. They play up the "made right here in Ohio, but as I learned, anything with the prefix CBS is made in Taiwan. For what I paid, I didnt make a big deal, as they are still high quality if they are sold on the truck. This is the only item I have ever used from them... Not too much presence in NJ apparantly

Jim

 

[Moltar]

My Cornwell guy told me there are only 700 dealers in the US.

 

[Deafautotech]

i dont see any cornwell tool truck in Indy.... but i own SAE long ball hex bit with driver sockets. i was surprised that it is rebadged.... but i dont use it often because i used it for work on my 2004 harley sportster and it dont require a lot of maintenance.... i paid it for 25 dollars and it is seem good quality for cheap price than have high quality but price is too much for me if i dont use it much....

 

[martell06]

i just looked at the online catalog and none of the hand tools have a CBS prefix. i don't think they'd still be in business if their stuff was made in taiwan.

 

[kartracer55]

i just looked at the online catalog and none of the hand tools have a CBS prefix. i don't think they'd still be in business if their stuff was made in taiwan.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Common Service/205bitbitsockets.html

Dont make me take a picture of the box... lol

 

[ImportTuner]

http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Common Service/205bitbitsockets.html

Dont make me take a picture of the box... lol

So, is the CBS equivalent to Snap On's Blue Point line (outsourced)?

 

[Tim G]

I've been at the same shop for 22 years,and the BEST tool wagon guy has been coming in longer than that!
Up until 3 years ago,he was a Cornwell dealer,as a lot of Cornwell specialty tools were Lisle,Streamline/ Martin body tools,etc,He'd sell stuff from different vendors,outside of Cornwell.
Long story short,with 2 weeks notice,Cornwell corperate terminated his franchise agreement because he wasn't selling enough tools for the size of his territory.
I've never seen another Cornwell truck,got a drawer full of tools that need warranty,Think I'll EVER buy anything from Cornwell again?
Snap On is just as bad,we've had 6 or 7 dealers over the course of time,and right before they go out,any warranty claims are impossible to get!

 

[KingPerformance]

I have broken more cornwell tools then craftsman. When your pay check is determined on how quickly and the quality of your work, it ***** when you can only get tools replaced once a week especially when every week you are handing over multiple tools. I gave them a chance and they failed. I switched companys and haven't had that same problem since. Yeah, I break tools, but I don't break as many, as often, and they just seem to work better IMHO.

 

[eschoendorff]

http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Common Service/205bitbitsockets.html

Dont make me take a picture of the box... lol

Those tools look suspiciously like the stuff made by VIM tools....

 

[TNToy]

While their wrenches are not the prettiest, I have yet to break one.

I broke one on it's third use. An extra-long 13mm. That was enough of that.

...My favorite thing about Cornwell is that they put a price tag on all of their tools.

Cornwell doesn't do that. Your dealer does that. I've never seen a price tag on any cornwell tool.

Wow, looks totally different than the Snap On, Matco, Mac Tools truck ...

It's not because it's a Cornwell truck. It's just a standard cab-over rig. Most of 'em have japanese drivetrains (usually Nissan or Hino/Toyota, I think). There are a few of 'em running around Memphis. Our Matco guy has one.

Better fuel economy and incredible reliability are their strong points, along with a wicked turning radius - the front tires turn almost 90 degrees. The drawback is that you have to get out of the truck and go around to get in the back. That's why most drivers don't want one.

So, is the CBS equivalent to Snap On's Blue Point line (outsourced)?

Just stands for "Cornwell Bit Set". Cornwells part numbers are a bit more logical than, say, Matco's. They usually have a 3-letter-prefix and then a bunch of gibberish. Clues you in when something is rebadged, too, since a "cornwell" puller might have the part number OTC-889DB8... Care to guess who makes that?

 

[kartracer55]

Those tools look suspiciously like the stuff made by VIM tools....

Definetly. My boss has a set of VIM 1/4 drive extra stubby hex bits in a blue case thats packed almost identical to the cornwells. Oh well.

Jim

 

[Thumper]

I ain't never had a problem with them. If I did break one ( very rarely) .no problem, my tool guy would bring me one ASAP .

 

[chevy302dz]

Those tools look suspiciously like the stuff made by VIM tools....

Definatily

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/VIM-XZN100.html

 

[justinmc]

I've got a bit of Cornwell stuff including a flex head 3/8 long handle ratchet that I LOVE to death. I've also got a set of Cornwell torx bits and a set of 1/4" sockets. Some misc cornwell extensions and things as well. However I also have a stack of Snap-On stuff laying next too all that cornwell.

If I compare the pieces side by side (the torx sockets vs. my snapon allen sockets is a good fair comparision I think) I can say that the finish on the Snap-On pieces seems alot better and the chrome is more "clear". The Cornwell stuff also seems a little "lighter" in metal content but so far both have performed flawlessly when asked to do their job.. which is VERY important when your working with things like allen bolts on an intake manifold or torx bits for a seat belt, etc. Overall for the $$ I'd buy Cornwell again for sure but I don't have a regular Cornwell guy. They are in the area but he doesn't stop at the shop I have my stuff serviced through.

I actually have a 1/4" ratchet from them that needs a rebuild right now and a broken swivel joint. Cornwell is good stuff when you can find it

Maybe they should invest in a e-comm site for customers to buy who don't have dedicated dealers in their area.

 

[skirk55]

I emailed Cornwell and they asked my job location I told him it is for home not work I never got another reply! I got upset with Craftsman and unloaded my set. I called Snap on no answer I guess they also do not like homeowners. I called Matco no reply! So I went to Napa and purchased Everything Evercraft makes. Now I am purchasing Napa Pro tools to get what Evercraft skips making. I have to wait until the Snap on man stops at my son and laws work to purchase special tools from him and you never know when he is going to show up.

 

[ImportTuner]

I emailed Cornwell and they asked my job location I told him it is for home not work I never got another reply! I got upset with Craftsman and unloaded my set. I called Snap on no answer I guess they also do not like homeowners. I called Matco no reply! So I went to Napa and purchased Everything Evercraft makes. Now I am purchasing Napa Pro tools to get what Evercraft skips making. I have to wait until the Snap on man stops at my son and laws work to purchase special tools from him and you never know when he is going to show up.

Why did you get upset with Craftsman? ... for DIY'ers and low cost, they offer decent tools ...

 

[MarkH]

Why did you get upset with Craftsman? ... for DIY'ers and low cost, they offer decent tools ...

After trying to explain this so many times, I am glad someone else understands what Craftsman markets to, well said. The addition of the pro line has been nice for the next level of tool and something cheap enough we can abuse on the farms.

Years ago when Craftsman made its reputation, they also had a higher price and even some places that they ran tool trucks to.

 

[blueflowershorts]

I a a set of wrenches from cornwell 1/4 - 1 1/4 and 6mm-21mm and the only complant i have is that some of the metric could be a bit longer. The cornwell guy in my area (Bangor, Maine) is awesome. his service alone won meover. I go to school at Eastern Maine Technical College adn do you think the mac or snap-on guy show up.. no, but craig the cornwell man is there every tuesday. he really makes the extra effort. He made an extra trip to bring me a double flaring tool one day because i broke the cheapy i had and was in the middle of doing brake lines. good stuff.

 

[Deafautotech]

I a a set of wrenches from cornwell 1/4 - 1 1/4 and 6mm-21mm and the only complant i have is that some of the metric could be a bit longer. The cornwell guy in my area (Bangor, Maine) is awesome. his service alone won meover. I go to school at Eastern Maine Technical College adn do you think the mac or snap-on guy show up.. no, but craig the cornwell man is there every tuesday. he really makes the extra effort. He made an extra trip to bring me a double flaring tool one day because i broke the cheapy i had and was in the middle of doing brake lines. good stuff.

some of tool truck dealers will make extra effort to make money from clients. As i did asked my snap on guy about used snap on master serie like KRL1001 because it was used by my good friend and master tech for chrysler that worked in my work and he trade in for same toolbox but come with stainless top and workstation riser. my snap on guy offer me for half price on krl1001 then i took it with trade in so price is down BUT i paid full once... then i need buy used snap on chest and my snap on guy said will show me a picture of used chest and will bring it to show me what i want see from picture. then i pick the KR1201 and he sold me for much cheap. both snap on toolboxes come with lifetime warranty. i paid both total below than new snap on cheat KRL1201's price....

but i dont see or buy any tools from cornwell truck because no one in Indianapolis.... so i cant comment about it....

 

[MAD]

While their wrenches are not the prettiest, I have yet to break one.

Personally, I believe since it still is a family owned company, they do not put much into changing their line, for example, making a polished line of wrenches. It seems to me that their management still believes in the old Ford quote "They can have any color they want, as long as it is black".

IMHO Cornwell hard line tools are the absolute best value on EBAY. They are so overlooked, they go at a great discount.

-BWP

Cornwell does make polished wrenches and yes they can be a great deal on EBAY. I bought a ten piece full polish metric combination wrench set 10mm - 19mm in great shape for $33.00 including shipping. There were only two bids.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Wrenches%20%26%20Striking%20Tools/76metriccombinat.html

 

[blueflowershorts]

Cornwell does make polished wrenches and yes they can be a great deal on EBAY. I bought a ten piece full polish metric combination wrench set 10mm - 19mm in great shape for $33.00 including shipping. There were only two bids.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Wrenches%20%26%20Striking%20Tools/76metriccombinat.html

now thats a deal!

 

[ImportTuner]

Cornwell does make polished wrenches and yes they can be a great deal on EBAY. I bought a ten piece full polish metric combination wrench set 10mm - 19mm in great shape for $33.00 including shipping. There were only two bids.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/OnlineCatalog/Wrenches%20%26%20Striking%20Tools/76metriccombinat.html

That's a super good deal; what condition are the wrenches in?

 

[MAD]

That's a super good deal; what condition are the wrenches in?

Just a few very minor chrome chips on the edges of the open ends. Other than that...

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Spent the day filling the new box. Now I am an even bigger fan of Cornwell! Really love this box

-BWP

 

[billymade]

How about some pics with the tools in the drawers?