Best stuff from Cornwell?

[rockettauto]

So I've used just every kind of tool brand out there at some point. Replaced whole sets due to turbulent life events etc. I've never been much of a tool snob... whatever got the job done, even as a pro mechanic for 20+ years but lately I'm feeling a bit sentimental plus thinking about what kind of stuff I want to pass to my sons so I've been jumping on the high end train more. Always loved Wright as they are based in my hometown of Barberton, OH. Just found out today that Cornwell makes most of their stuff next door in Mogadore ( can't believe I didn't know this)

As my tool sets are pretty complete I'm mostly replacing something good with something better, or in the case of my second box, something DIY with something pro.

That said, what are some of the best items they make?

What are your favorites?

What items are superior?

I'll probably snag a box from them, but how about other items, particularly things from Mogadore? ( This is most of the hand tool items as far as I'm aware)

 

[Fedwrench]

Unfortunately, I feel Cornwell isn't a segment leader in anything. The amount of stuff on a Cornwell truck that is actually made by Cornwell in Ohio is dwindling. Some of the best dealers I've encountered over the years were Cornwell dealers. they didn't last but, great people.
I feel the Cornwell brand has been diluted by all of the Imported Blue Power stuff.

 

[rockettauto]

Unfortunately, I feel Cornwell isn't a segment leader in anything. The amount of stuff on a Cornwell truck that is actually made by Cornwell in Ohio is dwindling. Some of the best dealers I've encountered over the years were Cornwell dealers. they didn't last but, great people.
I feel the Cornwell brand has been diluted by all of the Imported Blue Power stuff.

Got the feeling just looking around most people don't even know the blue power is all import.....and has a ridiculous markup for import stuff the same stuff under other names sold for half consistently.

 

[Callelle]

Cornwell has enough funky stuff to make me wish we had a dealer in our area. Their long universal impact sockets have a unique locking feature for examble, or their 44" long 1/2" flexhead ratchet for example.

 

[rockettauto]

Cornwell has enough funky stuff to make me wish we had a dealer in our area. Their long universal impact sockets have a unique locking feature for examble, or their 44" long 1/2" flexhead ratchet for example.

I'm looking but not seeing the locking feature your talking about...

Seen the locking extensions, those are cool but not unique.

 

[Ton ton]

Do you actually have access to a Cornwell truck? I have heard that Cornwell brand of wrenches are pretty nice. I'm not sure if you can get them USA made or not? Hopefully you have a decent dealer.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Double flex wrenches and prybars are nice. Generally their rebrand items when on sale are just a little more than the OEM.

 

[rockettauto]

Do you actually have access to a Cornwell truck? I have heard that Cornwell brand of wrenches are pretty nice. I'm not sure if you can get them USA made or not? Hopefully you have a decent dealer.

Not 100 percent sure, I found a listing for a dealer about a mile from my new place that has been listed for about 13 years but I'll have to confirm they're still in operation.

Other than when I'm being a cheapskate and buying husky I have no reason to buy any wrenches that aren't Wright. Stubbies maybe?

I was hoping there was that "one thing" everyone likes. Seems every brand has that. Maybe this is part of why they aren't doing so hot.

I know I need to do some looking around anyhow just too see what other brands have things made there. Wright, Cornwell, proto used to make boxes there, Ridgid I think still makes some things there....I'm sure with all that and knowing how much industry is around there there's probably plenty of gems I could collect, made in Ohio still.

Either way I'm not having a hard time finding quality US stuff as I thought I would.

 

[tamaraw]

Catalog and monthly fliers can be found here: http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/Publications/

My Cornwell dealer is really nice and the only truck guy I normally talk to. I also find prices also tend to be much more reasonable than the other trucks. YMMV

While I am a fan, there isn't much in their collection that is technically superior compared to other options. It's a weird mix of retro-vintage USA stuff that hasn't changed in decades, a few new tools to match the times, a whole bunch of cheap import stuff, and some decent rebranded items.

The Ohio manufacturing seems to still be done at least partially by hand, so expect to see slight imperfections that you wouldn't find on other brands with more automated manufacturing techniques. Nothing crazy that affects functionality, just stuff like a round handle not being perfectly round if you look at it from the end or a wrench being ground slightly differently on either side of the box end. Kind of neat as a novelty/throw-back thing but could be jarring if you are used to modern tools and weren't expecting it.

One of my favorite Ohio forged tools is my long 1/2" drive 30 tooth ratchet. It's essentially the same design they have been making for 70+ years which is pretty cool if you are into vintage stuff. It has a very solid hefty feel, the mechanism is really smooth, it's easy to clean, and the handle feels great in the hand. Their coke bottle handles are actually the nicest metal handles that I have come across. They also offer newer higher tooth count models, I just haven't tried them myself.

Another pretty cool thing is that their black oxide stuff is actually a polished finish kind of like bluing, which is rather unique for tools in my experience. I think they just make a few ratchets and wrenches like this, wish they did more.

I don't own a box from them but I have seen a few and they look really nice; modern designs, heavy duty construction, vertical/power drawer options on some, USA built if that matters, etc.|

I would skip most of the blue-power stuff though, that's their import sub-brand and you can find similar items for way less under other names. The Witte/Lisle/VIM/etc. rebrands are generally pretty good deals though if you don't mind paying a few dollars more to get a truck branded version.

 

[Oil leak]

Cornwell boxes are made in Van Wert Ohio in the Kennedy toolbox factory.

 

[rockettauto]

Cornwell boxes are made in Van Wert Ohio in the Kennedy toolbox factory

Yep, the box may be a no- brainer. I've used them and they're great! To boot they may be the least expensive of all the big brands. So far everything else that seems to have potential, Wright has them beat.

 

[rockettauto]

Catalog and monthly fliers can be found here: http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/Publications/

My Cornwell dealer is really nice and the only truck guy I normally talk to. I also find prices also tend to be much more reasonable than the other trucks. YMMV

While I am a fan, there isn't much in their collection that is technically superior compared to other options. It's a weird mix of retro-vintage USA stuff that hasn't changed in decades, a few new tools to match the times, a whole bunch of cheap import stuff, and some decent rebranded items.

The Ohio manufacturing seems to still be done at least partially by hand, so expect to see slight imperfections that you wouldn't find on other brands with more automated manufacturing techniques. Nothing crazy that affects functionality, just stuff like a round handle not being perfectly round if you look at it from the end or a wrench being ground slightly differently on either side of the box end. Kind of neat as a novelty/throw-back thing but could be jarring if you are used to modern tools and weren't expecting it.

One of my favorite Ohio forged tools is my long 1/2" drive 30 tooth ratchet. It's essentially the same design they have been making for 70+ years which is pretty cool if you are into vintage stuff. It has a very solid hefty feel, the mechanism is really smooth, it's easy to clean, and the handle feels great in the hand. Their coke bottle handles are actually the nicest metal handles that I have come across. They also offer newer higher tooth count models, I just haven't tried them myself.

Another pretty cool thing is that their black oxide stuff is actually a polished finish kind of like bluing, which is rather unique for tools in my experience. I think they just make a few ratchets and wrenches like this, wish they did more.

I don't own a box from them but I have seen a few and they look really nice; modern designs, heavy duty construction, vertical/power drawer options on some, USA built if that matters, etc.|

I would skip most of the blue-power stuff though, that's their import sub-brand and you can find similar items for way less under other names. The Witte/Lisle/VIM/etc. rebrands are generally pretty good deals though if you don't mind paying a few dollars more to get a truck branded version.

I am liking that all their ratcheting wrenches are spline drive....but I think all the ratcheting is Taiwan anyhow. Probably can't and maybe shouldn't try to avoid Taiwan for ratcheting wrenches...must admit they seem to make the best.

I do like the character of hand stampings etc. So I'd be curious to examine some of that anyhow.

I'll just have to arrange a visit with the local dealer and see.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

If you want something from Cornwell my recommendation is the TR-32 compact 3/8 in 1/4 body ratchet. It's the same type 30 tooth mechanism @tamaraw mentioned so that may be a dealbreaker but it is the smoothest and lowest backdrag ratchet I own. Agreed about the handle style too.

 

[rockettauto]

If you want something from Cornwell my recommendation is the TR-32 compact 3/8 in 1/4 body ratchet. It's the same type 30 tooth mechanism @tamaraw mentioned so that may be a dealbreaker but it is the smoothest and lowest backdrag ratchet I own. Agreed about the handle style too.

Thanks! The Wright 3430 looks better on paper but 3/8 mini is kind of niche anyway so it's not too critical and I think I like the Cornwell's selector better...seems maybe a thinner handle so I'd guess that kind of evens out the 45 vs 30 tooth thing. If it's got a low backdrag then I think this may be the ticket. Just so I can include something Cornwell. I'll check one out.

 

[KnurledNut]

If you want something from Cornwell my recommendation is the TR-32 compact 3/8 in 1/4 body ratchet. It's the same type 30 tooth mechanism @tamaraw mentioned so that may be a dealbreaker but it is the smoothest and lowest backdrag ratchet I own. Agreed about the handle style too.

Thanks! The Wright 3430 looks better on paper but 3/8 mini is kind of niche anyway so it's not too critical and I think I like the Cornwell's selector better...seems maybe a thinner handle so I'd guess that kind of evens out the 45 vs 30 tooth thing. If it's got a low backdrag then I think this may be the ticket. Just so I can include something Cornwell. I'll check one out.

The TR32 is 5".
They also have a TR42 which is the 8" version.
They both use the same repair kit.

 

[Zewnten]

I like their impact swivel sockets, no collar, not bulky on the drive side. Impact sockets don't seem to be a soft as others.

 

[ecotec]

I have a set and a half of Cornwell 3/8” extra shallow impact sockets that I love.

I have a lot of older Cornwell sockets and wrenches, and have been happy with them.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I like the Wright ratchets but one thing to know is I think at some point they started making their compact 3/8 ratchets in the body of their 2492 “high strength” 1/4 ratchet instead of their usual 2426 1/4 ratchet. The head on this one is a good deal bigger. I don’t have a 3430 to confirm this but I have a 3440 compact flex ratchet. Here it is next to the high strength ratchet and their regular size 1/4 flex ratchet:


this shot of the compact 3/8 next to the 1/4 flex shows the size difference better:


Don't have a 3430 to compare but have seen videos of them and they appear built the same way. The identifying features are the extra ring around the selector switch and the little circle on the front face next to the drive stud.


All to say one of the Wright compact's advantages is mostly negated. Still nice and it does have a higher tooth count but it is about the same size as the Cornwell. Don't have them with me but can take a comparison picture tomorrow.

Thanks! The Wright 3430 looks better on paper but 3/8 mini is kind of niche anyway so it's not too critical and I think I like the Cornwell's selector better...seems maybe a thinner handle so I'd guess that kind of evens out the 45 vs 30 tooth thing. If it's got a low backdrag then I think this may be the ticket. Just so I can include something Cornwell. I'll check one out.

 

[rockettauto]

I like the Wright ratchets but one thing to know is I think at some point they started making their compact 3/8 ratchets in the body of their 2492 “high strength” 1/4 ratchet instead of their usual 2426 1/4 ratchet. The head on this one is a good deal bigger. I don’t have a 3430 to confirm this but I have a 3440 compact flex ratchet. Here it is next to the high strength ratchet and their regular size 1/4 flex ratchet:


this shot of the compact 3/8 next to the 1/4 flex shows the size difference better:


Don't have a 3430 to compare but have seen videos of them and they appear built the same way. The identifying features are the extra ring around the selector switch and the little circle on the front face next to the drive stud.


All to say one of the Wright compact's advantages is mostly negated. Still nice and it does have a higher tooth count but it is about the same size as the Cornwell. Don't have them with me but can take a comparison picture tomorrow.

The renewal kit specified for the 3430 is still the same as 3440.... Doesn't mean it's just not been updated...but I'd be interested to find out.

 

[Snaparxon]

Sadly, the majority of Cornwell's best stuff was made over 25 years ago or more.

 

[rockettauto]

Sadly, the majority of Cornwell's best stuff was made over 25 years ago or more.

It's actually impressive that not only myself, but people on this forum too, are having a hard time finding a reason to buy something from them.

That's not an easy feat.

 

[tamaraw]

It's actually impressive that not only myself, but people on this forum too, are having a hard time finding a reason to buy something from them.

That's not an easy feat.

I understood your question to be along the lines of "What do they make that is a better tool than anyone else?" in which case the answer is "not much". But that would be a hard question for a lot of brands. It doesn't make them bad or mean that I struggle to buy their stuff.

Besides vintage charm or cool design elements like handle shape or finish, I find their stuff to be perfectly serviceable at reasonable prices. Like I said above, it's the only truck brand I buy from and I have a small but growing collection of Cornwell produced as well as Witte, Lisle, Lang, VIM, etc. rebrands. YMMV.

 

[KnurledNut]

I understood your question to be along the lines of "What do they make that is a better tool than anyone else?" in which case the answer is "not much". But that would be a hard question for a lot of brands. It doesn't make them bad or mean that I struggle to buy their stuff.

Besides vintage charm or design elements like handle shape or finish, I find their stuff to be perfectly serviceable at reasonable prices. Like I said above, it's the only truck brand I buy from and I have a small but growing collection of Cornwell produced as well as Witte, Lisle, Lang, VIM, etc. rebrands. YMMV.

I really like my Cornwell stuff. The brand doesnt have much popularity around here so I typically refrain from posting about it. Im sure im not the only one.

 

[Fedwrench]

I really like my Cornwell stuff. The brand doesnt have much popularity around here so I typically refrain from posting about it. Im sure im not the only one.

Cornwell has timeless designs such as their 30 tooth ratchet with its coke bottle shaped handle that's probably 75 years old or older. My main box is a 60 inch Kennedy made Cornwell branded set. I still have some of their tools from many years ago. It's just that they haven't come out with anything original and new in an awfully long time. I feel their efforts are directed in rebadging other people's designs which in the area of ratcheting wrenches, might be a good thing but, when most of your line up is imported Blue Power hand tools, we've lost our way.

 

[rockettauto]

How about their twister adjustables?

Those look mean, and kinda unique.

Edit...dammit, those are imports.

 

[KnurledNut]

@rockettauto

Recommend:
Line wrenches
Extra long combos
Extra long zero offset double box wrenches
1/2 f to 3/8 m extension adaptors
Impact swivel sockets
Pry bars

 

[rockettauto]

@rockettauto

Recommend:
Line wrenches
Extra long combos
Extra long zero offset double box wrenches
1/2 f to 3/8 m extension adaptors
Impact swivel sockets
Pry bars

Perfect, thanks! I'll throw that 3/8 mini ratchet on there with your list and I'll have a nice shortlist of things to check out when I meet up with the truck.

 

[Snaparxon]

My main issue besides the foreign made tools is warranty if needed. Most dealers are more lenient on tool "warranty" than the supplier and warranty is on site. We had a MAC dealer many many years ago, bought several tools, he quit the business, no warranty unless I pay freight to MAC. Same with Cornwell, no dealer for over 50 years, one finally shows up from 130 miles away, super nice guy but when will the price of diesel cause him to quit driving 300 miles round trip to sell a few tools when a Snap on guy has been here constant for over 50 years and Snap on pays freight to warranty.

Can't buy tools direct from Cornwell either I believe

For the OP's original question,

I like the feel of their USA combo wrenches
Their ratchets are nice
Impact sockets are harder, don't mushroom out like other brands.
I like their older square handle tools like screwdrivers and gasket scrapers.
Punches are ok
The chrome sockets have a large size stamping for older eyes to see

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

@rockettauto sorry I’m getting back to this late but here are some pictures comparing my Wright 3440 and Cornwell tr32. Head width is about the same, Wright has more compact shoulders as a roundhead, and cornwell is thinner front to back. So both have areas where they come out ahead but I like the feel of the cornwell mechanism better.

 

[rockettauto]

@rockettauto sorry I’m getting back to this late but here are some pictures comparing my Wright 3440 and Cornwell tr32. Head width is about the same, Wright has more compact shoulders as a roundhead, and cornwell is thinner front to back. So both have areas where they come out ahead but I like the feel of the cornwell mechanism better.

Those are all pretty ****.
I think from the pics I'd like the Cornwell for a mini 3/8 better. For 1/4 the wrights Im gonna have to jump on.

I barely use my old wright standard 3/8 comfort grips and probably just keep them out of sentiment, but I like the contour ones and think I'd use at least the 1/4 size.

 

[ianguilly]

I have a set of 3/8 swivel socket from them that go up to like 24mm that are deep and I love them. They have a lot of random stuff that I like but I've also bought a ton of non cornwell from him.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

That's a good call. I think as far as ratchets 1/4 drive is where Wright really provides something useful for the auto industry with their tiny head size. And agreed on the contour grips

 

[chris142]

The few Cornwell tools I have are not the greatest. Their impact sockets are garbage. I've broken too many Cornwell swivel sockets to remember.

I have a whole 3/8 impact set that I wore out in a couple of years. They Cornwell guy wont warranty them unless they are broken. Wear is not warranted.

 

[Ton ton]

I believe some of Cornwell's pliers are rebranded channellocks. I find this a bit humorous because any hardware store worth it's salt has at least some channellocks in stock.

 

[WordMan]

I believe some of Cornwell's pliers are rebranded channellocks. I find this a bit humorous because any hardware store worth it's salt has at least some channellocks in stock.

Everyone sells rebranded Channellocks. The advantage of most tool truck Channellocks is they can warranty what the big box store won't.

 

[Ton ton]

My local Do It Best warranteed a channellock ratchet for me. But then again I spend a ton of money @ my local hardware store.

 

[WordMan]

My local Do It Best warranteed a channellock ratchet for me. But then again I spend a ton of money @ my local hardware store.

The issue is more with their pliers. Channellock will not warranty the pliers if the handles have turned green. Seriously.

 

[Cruzan80]

That is due to the fact that green dipped handles are made by Diamond, not Channellock...

 

[WordMan]

That is due to the fact that green dipped handles are made by Diamond, not Channellock...

Yeah... I wish such were the case. I used to use a steel wool pad and some carburetor cleaner to get down to the blue so they'd warranty them for my customers.

 

[Ton ton]

The issue is more with their pliers. Channellock will not warranty the pliers if the handles have turned green. Seriously.

Wait a minute! I thought green handled pliers are the hottest new thing. I can dispose of these green handle pliers if you need help.