Anyone using SONIC tools?

[bimmer630]

https://www.sonictoolsusa.com/?gcli...4LWzOtTrV8j05b2Fn82qlWG-TexJxKURoCP8IQAvD_BwE

Looks like decent stuff for the money, but I havent seen any of it in person.

The ratchets, sockets, and wrenches look like knock-offs of German Hazet/stahlwille type tools... And the pliers look to be made by Knipex

 

[Tenex]

I don't know anyone that uses them other than that YouTube yahoo ChrisFix. I don't think there is any reason to go out of one's way to purchase Taiwanese tools.

 

[GerMec]

Don´t use them but had my hands on them at a fair. I am used to Hazet but I was impressed by the fit of the sockets and the ratchets especially for the price.

 

[steelespeed]

Good question as I have only ever seen this brand pop up on youTube. To me, the sockets look like those sold by OEMTools and a few of their pliers are clearly marked as NWS.

A few other companies like Sonic have started appearing (Capri Tools come to mind) and they seem like more of a corporate branding exercise labeling products from China and Taiwan than that of a true tool company.

That's part of the problem, you can't seem to find these brands anywhere other than online. So, you can't actually handle them without buying them. My biggest issue with these and similar tool companies is the speed and frequency with which they change their product line supplier and/or completely disappear from the market. It's a problem I currently face as I update and upgrade some of my tools—I want to be able to easily replace a lost or broken tool from the larger set with a matching piece. In my portable or beater box it's not as big a deal, but I try to keep my stay-at-home tools in better condition. If I lose a 13mm socket three years from now, I want to be able to easily replace it and not have my OCD drive me up the f'in wall due to the new "orphan" 13mm in its place.

I think Tenex makes a good point about not going out of your way to purchase Taiwanese/Chinese tools when there are plenty of established brands doing the same exact thing.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Yup I'm pretty sure youtubers are the only ones using them. All I see around the shop is truck brands and maybe a Craftsman tool here and there.

 

[Jtels85]

I don't know anyone that uses them other than that YouTube yahoo ChrisFix. I don't think there is any reason to go out of one's way to purchase Taiwanese tools.

Have you ever used Carlyle? I’d go out of my way to buy them over SK.

 

[toolenthusiast]

Have you ever used Carlyle? I’d go out of my way to buy them over SK.

Why?

 

[Bobcat753]

I received a sample set from Sonic tools. They are actually pretty nice tools. The pliers are made by the German company NWS. The wrenches are nice so is the sockets and accessories. The ratchets are a bit to be desired but those can be easily substituted. When I finally upfit my new service truck I will get quite a bit from Sonic. One thing I LOVE is the foam trays.

As for COO on ratchets, sockets, etc they are Taiwan made. I will say that the quality is quite good and comparable to other european tool manufacturers.

 

[DTuck]

Have you ever used Carlyle? I’d go out of my way to buy them over SK.

X2.

 

[Tallpilot]

One thing I LOVE is the foam trays.

I too think the trays are awesome. But there seems to be a pretty big price premium compared to Carlyle. Are they worth the extra? I have no idea.

 

[Bobcat753]

I too think the trays are awesome. But there seems to be a pretty big price premium compared to Carlyle. Are they worth the extra? I have no idea.

There is a big difference in price but I think it is worth it. The tools are "european engineered" and they seem to put a lot of thought in the foam tray sets they put together. Also the teams and brands they have partnered with is quite impressive.

 

[xin]

Good question as I have only ever seen this brand pop up on youTube. To me, the sockets look like those sold by OEMTools and a few of their pliers are clearly marked as NWS.

A few other companies like Sonic have started appearing (Capri Tools come to mind) and they seem like more of a corporate branding exercise labeling products from China and Taiwan than that of a true tool company.

That's part of the problem, you can't seem to find these brands anywhere other than online. So, you can't actually handle them without buying them. My biggest issue with these and similar tool companies is the speed and frequency with which they change their product line supplier and/or completely disappear from the market. It's a problem I currently face as I update and upgrade some of my tools—I want to be able to easily replace a lost or broken tool from the larger set with a matching piece. In my portable or beater box it's not as big a deal, but I try to keep my stay-at-home tools in better condition. If I lose a 13mm socket three years from now, I want to be able to easily replace it and not have my OCD drive me up the f'in wall due to the new "orphan" 13mm in its place.

I think Tenex makes a good point about not going out of your way to purchase Taiwanese/Chinese tools when there are plenty of established brands doing the same exact thing.

I agree, that is one of the reasons I hope they do right with Craftsman bring the quality back and it is still around. That is why at the shop stuck with Snap-On as the other ones did not show up (maybe Matco).

 

[CR888]

These days with so many Taiwan tool co's offering essentially the same tools just in different clothes, using clever tool storage ideas really value adds to the product and can very often be the reason one chooses one product over another. I just bought a set of impact sockets that came in a regular metal socket case but within were cleverly put into a removable labled EVA foam tray. It was nice to be able to put them straight into my toolbox without buying additional socket holders/racks to store them. I have a gearwrench socket 3/8 socket set that too came in an EVA foam cutout tray. Its definitely something I look for now when choosing tools.

 

[BigBoreFan]

They sent me a sample set. I agree with Bobcat for the most part. Screwdriver handle has a nice feel. Foam trays are nice. Hard tools finish is beautiful, satin chrome, the non-shiny stuff. I have some Toptul sockets and ratchets, and they seem similar. The Sonic guy was on Facebook, I asked him if Toptul makes their stuff, he said no. I told him to drop by GJ and start a thread.

For my use, which is non professional DIY hack, I'd have no problems owning them. I like them myself. But I do feel they are a little pricey. If they were 30% to 50% less I think they'd be a player.

They make some nice garage storage units also.

 

[Jtels85]

Why?

Last set of SK tools my buddy purchased (#94549 3/8” Drive socket set), the ratchet was clunky and the finish in the sockets was awful. Sure, SK’s made in the USA, but that means nothing anymore. What SK stuff I personally have is comparable to my old USA Craftsman tools. It’ll get the job done.

I’d gladly put my Carlyle tools up against SK in a professional environment and I bet they would be on par, if not better. Made in Taiwan .

 

[Fedwrench]

I have some Sonic tools. Like others, I have their sample tool set, some vehicle service tools from their clearance section, and a 3/8 drive socket & bit set from a flash sale.

Sonic may be a company based in the Netherlands with a US distribution center in Alabama but, aside from their rebranded NWS pliers from Germany, everything I have is made in Taiwan. I'm surprised that Toptul doesn't make their wrenches because, they're very similar. Sonic chrome sockets resemble OEM tools sockets except that sonic's sockets are turned down more around the square drive area. They have a very nice satin finish.

Sonic ratchets leave quite a bit to be desired. Their 45 tooth pear head is head heavy to put it mildly, and their round head 72 tooth model is a lot like genius but, with a different shaped handle.

As others have said, sonic copies hazet & stahlwille designs into their Taiwan versions. I personally feel that their retail online pricing is pretty high when not on sale or clearance.

I fully understand that Taiwan made tools here aren't very popular in these pages. However, I really like the Carlyle tools I have. Tekton and Capri also have some gems in their line ups. Speaking of Capri, I'm not sure who actually makes their tools but, their bit socket sets are pretty strong for their pricing.

Although I haven't had to use it yet, sonic offers a replacement warranty wherein you send them a picture of your broken tool and they ship you a replacement within 24 hours.

I'm always on the lookout for good tools and where they're made is secondary to their performance.

One thing I forgot to add is that despite Toptul acting like it doesn't want to sell tools in the US, there is expansion in Taiwan made tools on sale here. In addition to Carlyle from NAPA, and the old standbys of Sunex and Grey Pneumatic, there's Teng tools online, JTC having at least one mobile distributor in the Atlanta area not to mention the new Craftsman tools from SBD some of which are from Taiwan.

 

[Tenex]

Have you ever used Carlyle? I’d go out of my way to buy them over SK.

I have Carlyle locking flex head ratchets in 1/4, 3/8, and soon to be 1/2. Some of their stuff is really good, but overall, too pricey for Taiwanese. I'll concede that SK needs to step up their ratchet game.

 

[steelespeed]

The tools are "european engineered" and they seem to put a lot of thought in the foam tray sets they put together.

I find that difficult if not near impossible to believe. I would bet that Sonic does what many others do—pick and choose their product line from a variety of suppliers and then sell to the end user. I agree 100% that the foam organizer trays are something that other brands should get on board with. Facom has offered really nice trays for their tools for many years.

Let me be clear, I have zero issues using a Taiwanese manufactured tool and have used/owned plenty over the years. My problem still has to do with how quickly these companies appear, reorganize, and then disappear. For example, I recently bought a small Duralast 3/8" socket set to replace a mismatched set in my portable box. Shortly after my purchase, Autozone changed the Duralast line quite completely.

I have no doubt that Sonic, Tekton, Capri, Teng, and similar brands may offer very nice tools. However, I can visit my local Napa to experience moderately priced Taiwanese tools in person, which is still very important to my buying decision. I also don't care who they "partner" with, it's just another marketing exercise anyway. Think about it, if you're in charge of a moderately successful race team on a tight budget would you turn down a chance to receive free tools as long as you place them in clear view in your pit area?

 

[steelespeed]

I forgot to mention, I do really like the satin finish. That's another feature I wish would show up on other brands. I think the Facom 440 combo wrenches have a similar finish and I have yet to read anything negative about those wrenches.

 

[Tallpilot]

I forgot to mention, I do really like the satin finish. That's another feature I wish would show up on other brands. I think the Facom 440 combo wrenches have a similar finish and I have yet to read anything negative about those wrenches.

This is actually the biggest reason I dislike "European"-style sockets and wrenches. I see the appeal for better grip with oily hands and increased scratch resistance but I like my man jewelry to sparkle. The first time I used a full polish wrench instead of a Craftsman raised panel I was hooked!

Sonic may be a company based in the Netherlands with a US distribution center in Alabama but, aside from their rebranded NWS pliers from Germany, everything I have is made in Taiwan. Sonic chrome sockets resemble OEM tools sockets except that sonic's sockets are turned down more around the square drive area.

As others have said, sonic copies hazet & stahlwille designs into their Taiwan versions. I personally feel that their retail online pricing is pretty high when not on sale or clearance.
...
However, I really like the Carlyle tools I have. Tekton and Capri also have some gems in their line ups. Speaking of Capri, I'm not sure who actually makes their tools but, their bit socket sets are pretty strong for their pricing.

I like the feature set of Sonic's bit sockets but they are basically twice the price of Capri. Sonic reminds me of Teng. European owned but mostly Asian production with a huge emphasis on sponsorships. If I had to guess the marketing budget (Motorsports teams, etc) far exceeds the R&D budget. With Snap-on you pay extra for the warranty and the valet service, with Teng and Sonic you pay extra for all of their marketing spend, with Carlyle (flyer pricing only), Tekton and Capri you don't have those extra costs added in which saves a good bit of money.

I’d gladly put my Carlyle tools up against SK in a professional environment and I bet they would be on par, if not better.

I only have a couple of random sockets so I can't speak to SK personally but all of these stories have led me to the same conclusion. SK roundheads from days past have a cult following which is fine. Current production with the possible exception of the X-frames is not bad but priced significantly higher than USA Williams for no justifiable reason I can determine.

 

[bimmer630]

Last set of SK tools my buddy purchased (#94549 3/8” Drive socket set), the ratchet was clunky and the finish in the sockets was awful. Sure, SK’s made in the USA, but that means nothing anymore. What SK stuff I personally have is comparable to my old USA Craftsman tools. It’ll get the job done.

I’d gladly put my Carlyle tools up against SK in a professional environment and I bet they would be on par, if not better. Made in Taiwan ����.

Its funny that people who dont mind crappy taiwan made ratchets (and im not singling you out, although you did mention your liking for carlyle...But Ive heard this from a few different people, and I may be wrong but those same people dont seem to mind the crappy action of a titan brand or harbor freight ratchet) , will call SK ratchets "Clunky". To me they are a timeless design with a great feeling mechanism that makes a great ratcheting "sound" and just looks and feels like quality.

What about the sk ratchet do you see as "clunky" by the way?

the first thing I look at with a tool company is the look (and if I can handle the tools, The action of) the ratchets. The sonic stuff looks like its pretty "CLUNKY" to me... But the Hazet and stahlwille ratchets seem to be the same way, and those companies make great tools

 

[JustinHokanson]

I don't know anyone that uses them other than that YouTube yahoo ChrisFix. I don't think there is any reason to go out of one's way to purchase Taiwanese tools.

Full transparency, I run the marketing efforts for SONIC in North America. I love this forum, always checking in to see what the latest discussions are. These forums are full of great discussions and quality people for sure. I just wanted to quickly reply, and if there's any other questions, I'll be glad to answer.

Regarding you not knowing anyone that uses SONIC Tools...Corvette Racing, Volkswagen Germany, Mercedes-Benz Germany, BMW North America, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, along with countless race teams and independent shops across the world. Audi stores, BMW stores, Mercedes-Benz stores, the list goes on and on. These are partnerships where these companies could have chosen anyone to partner with. Corvette, for example, has a massive racing budget from General Motors and could partner with anyone for their racing efforts, but they chose us because of the quality and organization. They're an outstanding group.

We're working with some awesome manufacturers and automotive groups at high levels to solve retention problems, etc. Bottom line, we might be new to North America, but SONIC isn't new to the industry. We've been around for nearly 50 years in Europe and very happy to be in North America.

I hope this helps lend some perspective and insight. Thanks for letting me chime in and again, love reading these forums and the discussions.

 

[DTuck]

Its funny that people who dont mind crappy taiwan made ratchets (and im not singling you out, although you did mention your liking for carlyle...But Ive heard this from a few different people, and I may be wrong but those same people dont seem to mind the crappy action of a titan brand or harbor freight ratchet) , will call SK ratchets "Clunky". To me they are a timeless design with a great feeling mechanism that makes a great ratcheting "sound" and just looks and feels like quality.

What about the sk ratchet do you see as "clunky" by the way?

the first thing I look at with a tool company is the look (and if I can handle the tools, The action of) the ratchets. The sonic stuff looks like its pretty "CLUNKY" to me... But the Hazet and stahlwille ratchets seem to be the same way, and those companies make great tools

My Carlyle ratchets are all around better than my SK ratchets. I'd grab any of my carlyle ratchets before my SK's. That's how I feel about them.

 

[Tallpilot]

Thank you for posting Justin. We like hearing from company reps and appreciate that you monitor our discussions to monitor the tool community zeitgeist.

 

[dnschmidt]

This is what got me so torqued off about TOPTUL. They make Snap-On quality tools (except for their ratchets which I agree are a step below) and sell them for K-mart prices, but, have no idea as to how marketing is done today. For better or worse (I vote for worse) The Nike model of making passable shoes for pennies in Third World slave shops, marketing the **** out of them, and selling them for ridiculous prices is the new world order. The European's understand this. Why do **** BMW's and Mercedes Benzes, two cars with the lowest resale values in the country due to being exorbitantly overpriced to fix and completely unnecessarily complicated have so many customers. Easy, there are countless fools that believe the marketing ******** of "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and "The Best or Nothing." **** that these company's feed them. Scotty Kilmer is right, and I seldom say that, any Toyota will outlast these "plastic cars" by ten years easy. But in this world ******** wins. Hey, look at Trump - proof positive.

I'm convinced Rotar makes a lot of Sonic's stuff, I don't care what they say, I trust my eyesight, especially now that I've had Lasik surgery, and their wrenches sure look like Rotar makes them to me. Sonic understands the new paradigm. Buy stuff for $1 and sell it of $10 and spend $5 convincing people that it's super good because some "influencers" like Michael Jordan with Nike push their ****. We all know that you can turn nuts and bolts perfectly well with Harbor Freight tools as about a million people do it every day but if Joe Superstar's team uses Sonic tools they've got to be the best.

As an engineer I HATE THIS FACT. As an intelligent observer of the obvious I'm forced to accept it. TOPTUL refuses to do that when presented with irrefutable evidence. When I think of TOPTUL I keep repeating that line from Marlon Brando in "On the Waterfront." I COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTENDER.

 

[Tenex]

My Carlyle ratchets are all around better than my SK ratchets. I'd grab any of my carlyle ratchets before my SK's. That's how I feel about them.

I have an SK 1/4 ratchet that has far less backdrag compared to the Carlyle, but I find myself using the Carlyle more due to the flex head and extra length. Each ratchet serves a different purpose. Don't write them off

 

[Jeepermike]

Full transparency, I run the marketing efforts for SONIC in North America. I love this forum, always checking in to see what the latest discussions are. These forums are full of great discussions and quality people for sure. I just wanted to quickly reply, and if there's any other questions, I'll be glad to answer.

Regarding you not knowing anyone that uses SONIC Tools...Corvette Racing, Volkswagen Germany, Mercedes-Benz Germany, BMW North America, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, along with countless race teams and independent shops across the world. Audi stores, BMW stores, Mercedes-Benz stores, the list goes on and on. These are partnerships where these companies could have chosen anyone to partner with. Corvette, for example, has a massive racing budget from General Motors and could partner with anyone for their racing efforts, but they chose us because of the quality and organization. They're an outstanding group.

We're working with some awesome manufacturers and automotive groups at high levels to solve retention problems, etc. Bottom line, we might be new to North America, but SONIC isn't new to the industry. We've been around for nearly 50 years in Europe and very happy to be in North America.

I hope this helps lend some perspective and insight. Thanks for letting me chime in and again, love reading these forums and the discussions.

Funny you mention AIM. I have a buddy that is a director for one of the schools. He is currently dumping his personal Snap On inventory for Sonic tools. I am grabbing them up as much as I can afford. Thank you for that!!

 

[M6erfan]

Funny you mention AIM. I have a buddy that is a director for one of the schools. He is currently dumping his personal Snap On inventory for Sonic tools. I am grabbing them up as much as I can afford. Thank you for that!!

Nice

 

[JustinHokanson]

Funny you mention AIM. I have a buddy that is a director for one of the schools. He is currently dumping his personal Snap On inventory for Sonic tools. I am grabbing them up as much as I can afford. Thank you for that!!

That's good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

 

[JustinHokanson]

This is what got me so torqued off about TOPTUL. They make Snap-On quality tools (except for their ratchets which I agree are a step below) and sell them for K-mart prices, but, have no idea as to how marketing is done today. For better or worse (I vote for worse) The Nike model of making passable shoes for pennies in Third World slave shops, marketing the **** out of them, and selling them for ridiculous prices is the new world order. The European's understand this. Why do **** BMW's and Mercedes Benzes, two cars with the lowest resale values in the country due to being exorbitantly overpriced to fix and completely unnecessarily complicated have so many customers. Easy, there are countless fools that believe the marketing ******** of "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and "The Best or Nothing." **** that these company's feed them. Scotty Kilmer is right, and I seldom say that, any Toyota will outlast these "plastic cars" by ten years easy. But in this world ******** wins. Hey, look at Trump - proof positive.

I'm convinced Rotar makes a lot of Sonic's stuff, I don't care what they say, I trust my eyesight, especially now that I've had Lasik surgery, and their wrenches sure look like Rotar makes them to me. Sonic understands the new paradigm. Buy stuff for $1 and sell it of $10 and spend $5 convincing people that it's super good because some "influencers" like Michael Jordan with Nike push their ****. We all know that you can turn nuts and bolts perfectly well with Harbor Freight tools as about a million people do it every day but if Joe Superstar's team uses Sonic tools they've got to be the best.

As an engineer I HATE THIS FACT. As an intelligent observer of the obvious I'm forced to accept it. TOPTUL refuses to do that when presented with irrefutable evidence. When I think of TOPTUL I keep repeating that line from Marlon Brando in "On the Waterfront." I COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTENDER.

Toptul (Rotar) does NOT make SONIC hand tools, toolboxes, storage systems, etc. Again, they do NOT make our products. We aren't affiliated with them.

 

[WittHay]

I think the marketing issue for higher quality Taiwan tools is there are at least 20 brands of Taiwan tools that are readily available from tool stores, tool trucks, equipment dealerships, parts places and more.

When somebody mentions US tools I think of Snap-on and Proto. German =Hazet, Japanese those high quality brands i never heard of in the Japanese tool thread

For me Taiwan is a blur of similarly priced and quality tools. The simple thinking is how much better is a new internet brand when there is so much decent quality readily available at a cheaper price

 

[steelespeed]

Full transparency, I run the marketing efforts for SONIC in North America. I love this forum, always checking in to see what the latest discussions are. These forums are full of great discussions and quality people for sure. I just wanted to quickly reply, and if there's any other questions, I'll be glad to answer.

Regarding you not knowing anyone that uses SONIC Tools...Corvette Racing, Volkswagen Germany, Mercedes-Benz Germany, BMW North America, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, along with countless race teams and independent shops across the world. Audi stores, BMW stores, Mercedes-Benz stores, the list goes on and on. These are partnerships where these companies could have chosen anyone to partner with. Corvette, for example, has a massive racing budget from General Motors and could partner with anyone for their racing efforts, but they chose us because of the quality and organization. They're an outstanding group.

We're working with some awesome manufacturers and automotive groups at high levels to solve retention problems, etc. Bottom line, we might be new to North America, but SONIC isn't new to the industry. We've been around for nearly 50 years in Europe and very happy to be in North America.

I hope this helps lend some perspective and insight. Thanks for letting me chime in and again, love reading these forums and the discussions.

Ahh, marketing speak. Justin, I appreciate your reply to this thread to help throw some light on Sonic Tools. However, partnerships don't mean much in the greater scheme of things depending on how the partnership is arranged.

Regarding the 50 years the brand has been around, that seems strange to me. I have been an avid Formula 1, MotoGP, World Superbike, and endurance racing fan since the late 80s and don't recall ever seeing a Sonic Tools logo on any vehicle or in any garage. In fact, I was 100% unaware of the brand until a year or so ago when I caught a video on a different YouTuber's channel. The "About Us" section on the Sonic Tools website is also completely vague on the topic of the company history. In fact, that whole page doesn't give much information to the interested user at all. Many of us here are familiar with brands from all over the world, Sonic just doesn't seem to be one of them.

I'm not trying to be argumentative here, I have just spent my fair share of time in marketing and communications departments to have a pretty good idea of how things work.

 

[BigBoreFan]

this thread needs pictures

 

[BigBoreFan]

This was my fist exposure to Sonic. Troy Lee is a hlemet painter in the motorcycle scene. Runs a motocross team now, Sonic is a sponsor.

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks for the pics. I like the look of those tools. I prefer satin finish and finally a company that puts 'real' knurling on their sockets.

BTW, welcome Justin. Tough crowd around here...

 

[davethorik]

I think the marketing issue for higher quality Taiwan tools is there are at least 20 brands of Taiwan tools that are readily available from tool stores, tool trucks, equipment dealerships, parts places and more.

For me Taiwan is a blur of similarly priced and quality tools. The simple thinking is how much better is a new internet brand when there is so much decent quality readily available at a cheaper price

I agree...Carlyle was smart by selling in Napa. But all these other companies...huh? All looks like the same stuff, so why buy the most expensive? Especially when they just sell rebranded stuff anyway.

This was my fist exposure to Sonic. Troy Lee is a hlemet painter in the motorcycle scene. Runs a motocross team now, Sonic is a sponsor.

...and your point? I couldn't care less who sponsors race teams, motocross, etc. This shouldn't influence ANYONE on a decision to buy tools, especially if it drives up price.

BTW, welcome Justin. Tough crowd around here...

Rightly so. This is where the tool nerds of the world gather. Generic Taiwanese tools at high prices? I don't think anyone has a need for that, and GJers will see right through it. judging by the response to this thread I would say that is accurate.

 

[M6erfan]

Maybe Justin can tell us what sets Sonic apart from the other Made in Taiwan hand tool Co's? If anything...

 

[Tallpilot]

I agree...Carlyle was smart by selling in Napa

My understanding is Carlyle (the name of one of the Napa founders) is a house brand. They spec and rebrand tools from various manufacturers. Trusty Cook hammers for one like Mac and Matco. They get most or not all of their hardline tools from Taiwan (maybe pliers from NWS?). Suspiciously the rebranding of Napa professional to Carlyle seems to be exactly when the off shoring took place. But they spec quality stuff and when it’s on sale the prices are pretty good. Cheaper than Blue Point and likely close in quality.

 

[gtlaw]

The sockets look quite similar to oem.

 

[Fedwrench]

The sockets look quite similar to oem.

Yes, they are very similar but the bases are turned down much more on the sonic versions than the OEM but, they could still be from the same factory