any xelite tools rebranded?

[stage20]

was in the pawn shop today and saw a blue vinyl pouch with what looked to be an xcelite 99 series handle, and 3 different dual ended tips with the hex head.

it was nearly new except for the #2 phillips. each one had #1 flat and phillips, #2flat and phillips, and #3 flat and phillips.

marked on the back of the vinyl pouch was horizon usa #111.

ive googled and not comming up with anything.
i should have bought it.

 

[bonneyman]

Is it something like these? I'd snag it of you could get it for a buck or two.

http://www.all-spec.com/products/CK3.html

 

[nicksnothereman]

was in the pawn shop today and saw a blue vinyl pouch with what looked to be an xcelite 99 series handle, and 3 different dual ended tips with the hex head.

it was nearly new except for the #2 phillips. each one had #1 flat and phillips, #2flat and phillips, and #3 flat and phillips.

marked on the back of the vinyl pouch was horizon usa #111.

ive googled and not comming up with anything.
i should have bought it.

"horizon group usa" Never heard of them but stuff exists at places like amazon and sears (other seller). Dunno about the quality or relationship probably some form of knock off. Crescent also sold similar things (don't remember if they had a relationship with xcelite) which is more likely to be the "inspiration" for this. Crescent used to be fairly respected stuff.

 

[jeffmoss26]

"horizon group usa" Never heard of them but stuff exists at places like amazon and sears (other seller). Dunno about the quality or relationship probably some form of knock off. Crescent also sold similar things (don't remember if they had a relationship with xcelite) which is more likely to be the "inspiration" for this. Crescent used to be fairly respected stuff.

Crescent and Xcelite were both part of Cooper Tools which is now Apex.

 

[Burgerkong]

Pretty sure Vaco was also part of the same group (similar, if not identical to Xcelite).

 

[TomB19]

I always liked the Xcelite handle style. I still use an Xcelite nut driver set from the 1970s but the quality is pretty low.

 

[TomB19]

Pretty sure Vaco was also part of the same group (similar, if not identical to Xcelite).

There's a name I had forgotten for 30 years.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[bonneyman]

Pretty sure Vaco was also part of the same group (similar, if not identical to Xcelite).

I have a VACO 5/16" hollow shaft nut driver that I've had and used since 1988. Finally found the other sizes to make a complete set. Solid tools.

 

[SMKS]

This might be one, but I don't know for sure. The handle looks similar, but I don't know if it's an exact match and I'm too lazy right now to google and compare.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have seen Xcelite knock offs but the blades do not interchange. I used Xcelite a lot when I did electronics repair, but these days they just collect dust for the most part. Last week was the first time I took it out in nearly 10 years.

 

[stage20]

Is it something like these? I'd snag it of you could get it for a buck or two.

http://www.all-spec.com/products/CK3.html

yes, but in a blue bag. no xcelite branding.
im gonna snag it on saturday if its still there.

 

[stage20]

This might be one, but I don't know for sure. The handle looks similar, but I don't know if it's an exact match and I'm too lazy right now to google and compare.

if it wasnt made by them, their might be some infringements going on. LOL.

i love those handles. have a bunch of vaco stuff along side my xcelite. i like the larger handles of the vaco bull drivers, but the smaller handle version i really go for the xcelite shape. smaller vaco screwdrivers, and nutdriver handles dont feel as good for me to grip.

 

[Thumper]

This might be one, but I don't know for sure. The handle looks similar, but I don't know if it's an exact match and I'm too lazy right now to google and compare.

Those are old Cornwell handles from the mid 70's..

 

[SMKS]

Those are old Cornwell handles from the mid 70's..

They may be old, but they still could have been made by Xcelite.

I was just doing some googling and it sure looks like an Xcelite handle.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Vaco is still around in a sense; Klein owns them now. Their tools are in the Klein catalogue as Klein tools, but when you order them, they say Vaco and come in Vaco packaging.

Their tools are certainly similar to Xcelite, but I don't think they ever had any relationship (could be wrong). I think it's more a case of copying the market leader, the market being electronics tools, much in the same way most electrical tools are modeled after Klein and many mechanic's tools (e.g., HF and GearWrench ratchets) are modeled after Snap-on.

Yes, I have some VACO, Klein, and also Xcelite. The Kleins and the VACO were identical except for labelling (screwdrivers, nutdrivers). The Xcelite while close was not like either. I do also wonder though if Xcelite sometimes sourced things from another supplier, which might be very similar to actual Xcelite. Not VACO though. - Paul

 

[bonneyman]

One thing for sure - the VACO/Xcelite handles stink just like Craftsman clear handle drivers after awhile. Same/similar material?

 

[ImportTuner]

I have a complete set of yellow handle Xcelite screwdrivers that I bought many years ago from Scherba's ... they do smell bad.

 

[Burgerkong]

That sweet nasty scent.......

 

[brook41]

I have a 1/4 Xcelite nut driver that was perfect for bolt on circuit breakers. The face of the driver sits flush on the screw giving a very solid feel and the grips fit perfect in my hand. Unfortunately I loaned it to a coworker who with poor hand strength decided to use Channelocks on it chewing up the grips an marring the face. I was angry for days !!!!!

 

[stage20]

ive got a few free mins in the morning, im going to run by there and buy it if its still there and matches up. i am going to take my xcelite handle and hex sticks and see if they interchange.