Overall I have close to 30 ratchets of all makes to include Snap On, MAC, MATCO, Cornwell, Proto, Stanley, Craftsman and Gearwrench. The only Duralast tool I have is the 1/4" flex head ratchet. If I had to choose a reasonably priced ratchet and COO wasn't an issue I would go with Gearwrench. They have a higher tooth count and much smoother action than my Duralast. Duralast has a few advantages though: 1. Sealed Head 2. Easier warranty exchange
Autozone Duralast Tools
- Thread starter OctaneMotorsports
- Start date
mrholeshot
MEMBER EMERITUS
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- 8,043
chevy302dz
Well-known member
I think some of the stuff like wrenches, sockets, etc were moved out and then moved back or they had planned to move them out and it never happened. Several people contacted retailers and/or Proto directly and were told that the tools were now outsourced and MSC used to list most Blackhawk stuff as made in USA and then stopped so there has to be a reason why. Whatever the reason however I'm glad to see that they are still being produced here.
O.K., I see a pattern here. Many of us use and like the Duralast line. With that said, there is an alarming amount of evidence to suggest that the Duralast tools can NOT be used by AZ employees to replace batteries in AZ parking lots. Attempting such a procedure causes immediate destruction of the tools.
Otherwise, carry on!
ROFLAMO.......no doubt.....
Paco Pena
Well-known member
There are some great deals on new old stock Blackhawk USA made stuff out there.
Paco
Paco
Yes there are but it requires effort to go looking for them.
Some people think good deals just land in their lap by looking at Craigs List etc. Real deals are made by being active.
ajchien
Well-known member
All this talk about duralast ... With the other thread on a duralast ratchet - I had to go window shopping. I'm in the market, preferably for a long handled, flex or roto head, fine tooth ratchet, with easy store warranty. I'm always on a budget, so I'm not going to get everything I want.
First was sears, I looked at the raised panel line particularly the flex head - I liked how the ball detent keeps the flex head locked in set positions. I liked the warranty, I liked the handle length. I did not like the plastic selector switch that didn't fit well - some of them didn't even cover the hole it was set it. Kinda looked like a 3 year old's toy the way way the selector fit in place. It also wobbled all over the place when ratcheting.
Next was auto zone, they had nothing in stock except for great neck. I inquired about the duralast, and they girl said, "our store isnt big enough to get to carry the duralast line - you can go to x y z stores". So I went to another store, and found it. Flex head 11pm long ratchet. I asked about the warranty, they said it was just like sears - no receipt needed, lifetime warranty. Sealed head, biggest different is the metal selector - that seemed rock solid in place. Nice finish.
The craftsman was $21. Duralast $24. If you took the names off the ratchets, the duralast simpy looks like a finer built tool.
Unfortunately for me both these ratchets are 36 tooth. I wanted more. The gear wrench is a good option with more teeth, but their warranty is less convenient.
First was sears, I looked at the raised panel line particularly the flex head - I liked how the ball detent keeps the flex head locked in set positions. I liked the warranty, I liked the handle length. I did not like the plastic selector switch that didn't fit well - some of them didn't even cover the hole it was set it. Kinda looked like a 3 year old's toy the way way the selector fit in place. It also wobbled all over the place when ratcheting.
Next was auto zone, they had nothing in stock except for great neck. I inquired about the duralast, and they girl said, "our store isnt big enough to get to carry the duralast line - you can go to x y z stores". So I went to another store, and found it. Flex head 11pm long ratchet. I asked about the warranty, they said it was just like sears - no receipt needed, lifetime warranty. Sealed head, biggest different is the metal selector - that seemed rock solid in place. Nice finish.
The craftsman was $21. Duralast $24. If you took the names off the ratchets, the duralast simpy looks like a finer built tool.
Unfortunately for me both these ratchets are 36 tooth. I wanted more. The gear wrench is a good option with more teeth, but their warranty is less convenient.
stopdroplol
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 640
I was in Autozone yesterday buying polishing stuff and asked the guy behind the counter what the highest tooth count ratchet they had was, just for giggles. He gave me a blank stare for a moment and said he didn't know. I asked him what he used and he replied Sears.
I actually like Autozone more so than the other automotive places but I wouldn't buy tools from any of them.
I actually like Autozone more so than the other automotive places but I wouldn't buy tools from any of them.