Anything negative about Toptul yet?

[back2class]

ATT,

The other brands that are in this mid range group would include KD, SK, Wright, Grey, Proto and Sunex (insert your favorite here). All will do the job and last a long time.

WOW~! Never knew Proto was Midgrade.

 

[back2class]

I am not trying Toptul. Can not see the point of buying mailorder tools of unknown reputation (midgrade at best) and who knows how long they will exist. Lots of mid grade stuff available much easier to buy and warranty. I just do not see the attraction. If I want a real bargain I go to the flea market. Lots of great stuff cheap. I will also let others test them for about a decade before I would consider them.

 

[Vinko]

They appear to be a good value but then again, many other tools are in this same price point category. Those brands also come with a warranty that equals Toptul without having to send them back to the point of sale.

Just a general comment:
Warranty almost always means nothing to me. If a tool fails, it can cost me money. And it costs me money to have to warranty a tool. It often costs me more money to drive to Sears to replace a tool than the tool's worth. That said, I have sent Proto and Mac in for replacement by mail and it was easier and cheaper for me to scrawl a quick note, throw the tool in a mailer and be done with it.

 

[Vinko]

made in republic of china , no truck credit , no truck , made in republic of china
but the finish is fantastic

Taiwan (ROC) is a very different entity than China (PRC).

 

[Vinko]

Check out some of the prices at places like Tooltopia and you might be surprised how cheap SK and some of the other brands are.

I bought a 3/8's SK set for $100 off Amazon about 5 or 6 months ago. It's been a good little general maintenance set.

 

[johnny1290]

Truth is I'd rather warranty something by mail anyhow, going to a store to do it is worse than a trip to the dentist.

That said, I haven't warrantied something in forever. I like to know that I could if needbe, though

 

[DashEight]

I have nothing negative to say about my Toptul Tools. They work well for me and I'm sure that only a SO dual 80 could keep my Toptul 72 tooth flex ratchet in the tool box. On the other hand, I also have an Love for Armstrong Tools that is boarderline crazy. I cyber stalk them on Ebay and Craigslist daily if not hourly looking for deals to take advantage of. I don't have a lot of money. I try to find "quality used" or "Great Value for the Cost." Toptul is the later of the two. -Patrick

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Oh,yeah,one negative, they're too cost efficient.(just kidding mike)

 

[Joelfke]

Just a general comment:
Warranty almost always means nothing to me. If a tool fails, it can cost me money. And it costs me money to have to warranty a tool. It often costs me more money to drive to Sears to replace a tool than the tool's worth. That said, I have sent Proto and Mac in for replacement by mail and it was easier and cheaper for me to scrawl a quick note, throw the tool in a mailer and be done with it.

x2

 

[Joelfke]

Truth is I'd rather warranty something by mail anyhow, going to a store to do it is worse than a trip to the dentist.

That said, I haven't warrantied something in forever. I like to know that I could if needbe, though

agreed....especially with all the horror stories of sears not wanting to warranty items for one BS reason or another

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

back2class,

The "mid grade" that I am talking about concerns PRICE. When a set of 25 HF wrenches can be had for $30 or less and the same number of Snap-on wrenches cost $1,200 or more, I consider something in the $100 to $400 dollar range as "mid grade".

Like the old saying goes, they ALL work (even the HF ones) it's just that some work better than others.... Personally, I like SK and Proto just as well as my Mac and Snap-on. They both work just as well; feel just as nice and I never have broken one.

 

[Joe Mamma]

WOW~! Never knew Proto was Midgrade.

Yeah, Proto and Wright are definitely NOT mid-grade (by quality or price) in my book. Those are top grade quality tools, and expensive. Or maybe everyone else has bad luck with them, and knows cheaper places to get tools than me . . .

I also consider S-K pretty much top grade for quality. But, I guess GeorgiaHybrid is right that they are more affordable and maybe mid-grade based on price (nowadays, thanks to internet prices).

Joe Mamma

 

[ATTappman]

The "mid grade" that I am talking about concerns PRICE. When a set of 25 HF wrenches can be had for $30 or less and the same number of Snap-on wrenches cost $1,200 or more, I consider something in the $100 to $400 dollar range as "mid grade".

Ok, I understand now. You're right, compared to tool truck brands, SK/Wright/Proto are mid-range, so I guess Toptul and Craftsman are sort of the high end of the low range. I was curious who else occupies that high end of the low range.

I don't own any SK or Proto tools (although I ordered two SK swivel sockets that are supposed to be here today) so I can't compare them with my Toptul tools. The SK swivel sockets I bought were $13 each; the three Toptul swivels I have were about $4 each I think. Equivalent Snap-on price is about $35 each. So yes, I think you were right to label SK "mid-range."

Maybe a little over-analytical. Sorry.

 

[CatfishXpress]

It don't bother me that some of you guys are unwilling to try toptul,

that just means there is more for me

 

[Joelfke]

It don't bother me that some of you guys are unwilling to try toptul,

that just means there is more for me

hahaha x2!!! agreed! more in stock for the rest of us

 

[bb1970]

I thought about making a purchase. I just can't do it. They might be great. But the fact is they are imported. And I know lots of things are. But I still try to buy American. Hell I've never owned a foreign car.

 

[Joelfke]

I thought about making a purchase. I just can't do it. They might be great. But the fact is they are imported. And I know lots of things are. But I still try to buy American. Hell I've never owned a foreign car.

Working fulltime for GM its sad to say that most "american cars" are imported or a majority of the parts are imported

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Taiwan (ROC) is a very different entity than China (PRC).

and I agree

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Working fulltime for GM its sad to say that most "american cars" are imported or a majority of the parts are imported

nafta makes canada and mexico in a big happy family with us [mexcanus]
have fun working in general michelle

 

[S85B50]

I really like their premium series called "Stahlwille"

It´s Made in Germany

 

[r6_cannibal]

I really like their permium series called "Stahlwille"

It´s Made in Germany

I had a tough time buying tools from Taiwan. I figured that since I already buy a lot of things that are made in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and so on that it didn't really matter where I bought the tools from as long as it was a company I could stand behind.

 

[kmorgancraw]

Made in taiwan, very few dealers, made in taiwan.

While the number of dealers varies depending on where you are, you have described Snap-On, Matco, MAC and Cornwell unless you are buying wrenches or sockets....

 

[trackwelder]

While the number of dealers varies depending on where you are, you have described Snap-On, Matco, MAC and Cornwell unless you are buying wrenches or sockets....

I don't think so.

 

[Joelfke]

I don't think so.

it is in my area....snapon guy is there a week not there then there a week...mac guy is random....once a month if your lucky...matco and cornwell guys dont exist in my area

 

[trackwelder]

it is in my area....snapon guy is there a week not there then there a week...mac guy is random....once a month if your lucky...matco and cornwell guys dont exist in my area

Maybe because you guys are buying Toptul and not spending any money?

And the "I don't think so comment" was towards saying that everthing else except sockets and wrenches are imports...thats far from accurate.

 

[Joelfke]

Maybe because you guys are buying Toptul and not spending any money?

And the "I don't think so comment" was towards saying that everthing else except sockets and wrenches are imports...thats far from accurate.

oh...than forgive me i read it wrong

i actually WANT a matco guy and would gladly buy quite a few items from him but hes nowhere to be found and the other techs said he went under a couple years ago..id buy off the website but im way too lazy

 

[trackwelder]

Yep same here no matco guy. The last one was real cool but a nasty divorce put him under.

 

[Joelfke]

Yep same here no matco guy. The last one was real cool but a nasty divorce put him under.

its always because of women! damnit! haha jk

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

women ar magic - they make hot rods and self respect disappear

 

[Joelfke]

women ar magic - they make hot rods and self respect disappear

 

[CamarosRus]

I'd like to READ informative comments about TOPTUL's Chrome Finish Long Pattern Combo Wrenches from somebody actually owning and using them ???????

Mike will sell (with his current 30% off til Oct 15) a 1/4"-1 1/4" SAE set of TOPTUL for less than 1/2 of what TOOLTOPIA wants for similar S-K SuperKrome.............

 

[WSMC633]

Came across this thread and thought I'd follow up.

Toptul stuff is still holding up great and free from any mechanical problems.
The more and more I use them I've come to this opinion of them:
They are a step above CMAN but still a bit below the premium truck brands. Everything is flawlessly finished but for lack of better words, lacking some of the special little touches that sets say Snap-On apart. It's like they said Let's make a wrench and designed and produced a remarkably nice very useful wrench but didn't take into account how people use the wrench. Does that make sense? My Toptul wrenches get the job done very nicely almost all the time. Fit's fasteners great etc. but My SO's are just a little slimmer. seem to fit in the hand just a little better, offer maybe a little more clearance.

A perfect example is the socket ratchet combo. The Toptul 1/4 Ratchet and a short socket are each just a little thicker or taller than a Dual 80 and a short socket. Combined the thickness just doesn't fit into some areas where the SO does.

Does any of that make sense? It just seems like they're lacking a little design refinement. I bet it will come in time. USA/import arguments aside, I would take them any day over a CMAN.

For those who just call them Chinese ****, that's just pure ignorance. They're worlds away from your average HF tool purchase.

I do agree that perhaps, Mike's stellar service does certainly help the tools reputation. Though, how many times do we say that a dealers service is what helps us decide on tools? I can think of a lot of MAC vs. Snap-On threads we're people say go with the dealer that will service you. Mike offers great service......

CamaroRus, I'd say get them. I have have the standard length combos and use them everyday. I love my SO's but I'm not sure 100% of the time the price difference is worth the small refinements. Best Case you love them. Worst Case you can I bet easily sell them here to someone else.

 

[wrenhandtools]

Just a quick note since I haven't posted in quite sometime.
I think the above comment from WSM is absolutely perfect. It accurately describes the differences. And I think there is very little if any..performance difference. In other words Toptul tools will get the job done because they are a quality item. BUT...I also know that since we're talking tools ....there will sometimes be A LOT of personal preference that enters into the equation. And I think a lot of the time SO or MAC or Brand X will be the favorite to someone. But when you factor in the price, there is a world of difference. I just happen to think that the prices for tool truck brands are too high. That is the only comment I have. I think the quality for of the tool truck brands is awesome...very very high.
But when you step back....making a good tool is not hard in this day and age. Any company with the desire can make a good tool, in any country you care to mention.

I don't want to ramble on but the reason I have this brand is that it seems there is an area between Cman and Snap On that doesn't get served too well. Cman is well...Cman. Nuff said.
And the truck brands are...well...damned expensive.
All I'm trying to do is serve the middle ground as best I can with a quality item.

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

Sincerely,

 

[Kjbakke2]

well i pulled my trans yesterday out of my mustang
i used my 3/8 felx head ratchet 72 tooth and decided what the hell let put her through the ringer
those bolts were tight
i mean realllllllly tight
aluminum bellhousing on steel bolts with red loctite and it was cold out (40-50 degrees INSIDE my shop)
im a 270 pound college kid and a former football player and shot putter and i had to pull realllly hard

the damn ratchet didnt even shudder
bolts came off
no flexing
solid as a rock

i will buy toptul without hesitation

 

[usmc_noma]

a few months ago all the commotion was going about toptul. lately it has definitely subsided and transfered to gearwrench. with all those that bought a lot of toptul items the last few months, i'd like to see how they were used and how they've lasted. i could only imagine a lot of positive feedback and a little negative. i'd personally like to purchase some toptul tools but who knows when that would be.

i also haven't seen mike post on here as of late. wonder how everything is?

 

[Kjbakke2]

a few months ago all the commotion was going about toptul. lately it has definitely subsided and transfered to gearwrench. with all those that bought a lot of toptul items the last few months, i'd like to see how they were used and how they've lasted. i could only imagine a lot of positive feedback and a little negative. i'd personally like to purchase some toptul tools but who knows when that would be.

i also haven't seen mike post on here as of late. wonder how everything is?

mike is good....came down with the flu last weekend
hes been a pretty busy dude
and as for the tools.....check out my last post and the toptul review thread
i love them
and i will be ordering more from mike
not to mention the awesome pricepoint before he takes the "garage-journal-rocks-so-im-going-to-take-20%-off" discount

 

[TireTracks]

Anything bad happen yet, or are they still holding up well? I'm thinking of buying a few small things to try.

 

[mn_commander]

I'll throw in my 2 cents. I ordered a complete set of 1/4 dr. w/ extensions and two ratchets from Mike back in September I believe. We all know the finish is good , but I wanted to see how they work. For the price I paid I must say I really happy. I am an auto body tech, so I use my 10mm and 13mm almost exclusively on a Milwaukee 12v cordless impact Still look brand new and the fit is great on all the sockets. IMO, the Toptul sockets feel heavier than my c'mans in hand. Really like the curved handle 72tooth ratchet. Smooth, plus the knurled rim comes in very handy when space is limited. Also bought the metric long pattern combo wrenches just to see how these performed. I took a bolt and put the head in a vise. Then I put a short sleeve over the bolt and threaded a nut onto the bolt ( the kind of nut that has a washer crimped on to the nut, but it is loose). I hand tightened the nut, then gave it all I could to the point where the washer was starting to fold over. Pretty impressive if you ask me. All in all, I am pretty happy with my purchase. Yes, dealing with Mike's GREAT customer service might factor into the great reviews, but thats also why people pay top dollar for the truck brands. Order something and try it. I think you'll be impressed.

 

[nissan_crawler]

No complaints. I've laid into my chrome sockets, hold up great.

 

[expatriated]

Anything bad happen yet, or are they still holding up well? I'm thinking of buying a few small things to try.

I still love my ratchets and sockets. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you order some. If you don't like them, I'm sure you'll have no problem selling them on the site here.

And, yes, Mike is great to work with.