Any GRAY (Canada) Tool users here?

[Professional Tool User]

I agree they are a lot like Proto. Difference is that they are really good value. I am surprised they don't aim at the USA market as with the dollar difference they would make a killing.

They can't even seem to hold their ground in Canada. There's way more competition in the US and their distribution network in Canada even leaves a lot to be desired. The two Gray dealers where I live don't support the brand and only use them for specialty items. They would rather sell Jet tools. I have way more Snap on and Proto tools than I do Gray. Go check out their online store. You only get good value when buying used or when they put stuff on sale every now and then. Even if they are on sale, I have to think twice before buying. Some of their tools are as expensive as Snap on.

 

[Handyandy23]

They can't even seem to hold their ground in Canada. There's way more competition in the US and their distribution network in Canada even leaves a lot to be desired. The two Gray dealers where I live don't support the brand and only use them for specialty items. They would rather sell Jet tools. I have way more Snap on and Proto tools than I do Gray. Go check out their online store. You only get good value when buying used or when they put stuff on sale every now and then. Even if they are on sale, I have to think twice before buying. Some of their tools are as expensive as Snap on.

I agree with this assessment. I've been trying to support them with my purchases but I always seem to find more reasons not to. They don't seem to be very accessible through normal venues to the public. Some of their stuff is on Amazon but it is also more expensive for a more basic version.

Was looking at their Made in Canada pry bars, but I can get Made in USA pry bars for less money, and that have striking caps versus the Gray's not having them.

Ratchets are likely strong but seem to be shorter and lower tooth count than a lot of the competition in the same price range. I want to support local companies but there also has to be some value or innovation there.

 

[rmsg0040]

Their target market is industrial not homeowners, hence why it ain't cheap or innovative. Ratchets lengths are usually "industrial sized" not "automotive sized", you won't see a 3/8 drive ratchet that is 18" long.

Gray tools, proto, williams, armstrong, etc I would bunch into one category. Boring, dull, no innovation but solid working tools.

Believe it or not I only need 8 socket/wrench sizes at work, buy once and never buy again. We have a 20 tooth 3/8 gray tools ratchet kicking around at work, I hate the low tooth count, I use a HF composite 3/8 ratchet.

I would never want to be an automotive mechanic, it seems like every week you got to buy a new tool just to get work done.

 

[Handyandy23]

^ good point, I do acknowledge Gray is primarily intended for industrial use. Still, like you say, it would be nice to see some effort to keep up with current tools (like more than 24 or 36 tooth ratchets). Even in an industrial setting you will go for the finer tooth HF ratchet. Reliability is nice, but I also want the function.

 

[KamiCrit]

I've made lots n lots of orders with them! Really enjoy how easy the web store is to use (and the fact that they actually have a web store). Also enjoy that the tooling is aimed at the industrial sector (millwright apprentice).

Love seeing the deals in the quarterly flyer.

 

[rmsg0040]

My cutoff is 45 tooth, I find anything less makes me sick

 

[Millwrong]

I have a tonne of Gray tools, some of which were previously owned by my father and Grandfather. Most of them are beat up, and some have been modified, but they're all still good as new as far as I'm concerned. In the world of heavy industry up here in Canada, Gray and Proto are still king, although I've seen a lot of good Taiwanese tools creeping in recently.




Edit:


Here's a pic of some Gray stuff I scrounged up for a previous thread:

 

[Professional Tool User]

Their target market is industrial not homeowners, hence why it ain't cheap or innovative. Ratchets lengths are usually "industrial sized" not "automotive sized", you won't see a 3/8 drive ratchet that is 18" long.

Gray tools, proto, williams, armstrong, etc I would bunch into one category. Boring, dull, no innovation but solid working tools.

Believe it or not I only need 8 socket/wrench sizes at work, buy once and never buy again. We have a 20 tooth 3/8 gray tools ratchet kicking around at work, I hate the low tooth count, I use a HF composite 3/8 ratchet.

I would never want to be an automotive mechanic, it seems like every week you got to buy a new tool just to get work done.

But still, for an industrial tool brand, if I live in the big city, I expect them to have a decent local dealer nearby where I can walk in and pick up a quarterly flyer or if I had a business I would be able to negotiate a bit of a discount. Also you are not taking into account that a lot of big organizations that maintain their own heavy equipment whether they are in a manufacturing environment or not are part of their customer base. So the tools needs aren't always so simple.

 

[buckwheat_la]

But still, for an industrial tool brand, if I live in the big city, I expect them to have a decent local dealer nearby where I can walk in and pick up a quarterly flyer or if I had a business I would be able to negotiate a bit of a discount. Also you are not taking into account that a lot of big organizations that maintain their own heavy equipment whether they are in a manufacturing environment or not are part of their customer base. So the tools needs aren't always so simple.

Pretty sure Bolt Supply house is a distributor. Which city do you live in that doesn't have one?

 

[isb cornbinder]

I never use any of my Gray tools. I don't like the way they look and feel. SK has been my go-to tools for 60+ years. My Dad bought a set of 12 point 1/2" sockets with a ratchet, T handle and extensions in December, 1945. I have this set and use it sparingly.
I am starting to think about thinning out my tools and the first to go will be the Gray. I have a friend in Merritt, BC. He doesn't have a lot of tools, so, I will be giving all of my Gray to him in a month or so. This will include a full set of combination sae wrenches from 1/4" to more than an inch. This set is decades old and mostly not used.
I gave away dozens of screwdrivers and hammers and other hand tools that came out of an estate. I don't need or want any more tools. I have way too many as it is. I am passing my good fortune along to persons can use a hand up.

 

[Handyandy23]

Well I'm in the market for a set of deep 3/8 impact sockets, and figured I'd give Gray a look and support the local business. Price was about double Tekton, but I expected them to be more considering COO (or so I thought).

Just caught out of the corner of my eye before ordering COO was China (this was a full set of regular and long sockets). Then checked the long-only set and it said COO was Taiwan.

Guess not all of their tools are Made in Canada these days. Not shocking as I bought Grip On pliers that are made in Spain and distributed through Gray, but I had expected all of their own branded hand tools would be made here.

Makes the decision easy though - Taiwan made Tekton's for half the price.