Best Taiwan tools companies

[kippieland]

So with Craftsman moving a lot of stuff to China and higher quality items to Taiwan, I find myself saying "well why I am I going to pay more for Craftsman Taiwan tools then HF Taiwan tools...." But after seeing Genius tools first hand (and their price...much higher then HF), I started thinking that this mindset can't be true. So the question I throw out to the board is, which Taiwan manufactured tools are quality? Price is really not a concern, just more quality of the tools. Just seems to be a long list of companies that manufacture there.

Just FYI, I do my best to buy USA made tools and will by used to get it(been on a used Matco spending spree as of late.) So I am not asking this question because I don't care, but more for knowledge of a different market of tools. I know opinions run strong with the topic of "import" tools, so don't blame me for asking a question!

Have fun!

 

[pipsters]

I was going to start a thread titled "If US was not an option what imported tool brands would you buy?". This is right along the same train of thought.

I don't know of any specific tool companies that own their own brand. Most are US based brands that make their tools elsewhere like Taiwan (Harbor Freight comes to mind).

 

[american lockpicker]

Why not get German instead? A lot of their hand tools can be found cheaply.

 

[jjjrmx5]

So the question I throw out to the board is, which Taiwan companies are making good quality tools? Price is really not a concern, just more quality of the tools.

While a loaded question, I think it is the same answer you will get from any mfgr. co. who is off-shore subconracting.

Ask VW. Mercedes or BMW who makes their wheels. Some are BBS. Some are ATS. Some are OZ. Many other suppliers as well.

They are made to a supplier listed std. no matter the mfgr.
"In theory."

Trying to souce the tool mfgr in the myrid of offshore tool madness is useless in my eyes.

Makes no difference . It's like trying to find a needle in a needle stack. LOL.

Srsly.

 

[wreckerman5357]

Gearwrench stuff is Taiwan and its pretty decent stuff. Lots of decent stuff comes out of Taiwan. I'm not one of those guys that gets Hung up on COO. I buy tools to make a living with them, not try to support our country's failed manufacturing industry. Given the choice I by USA made, but I give more weight to 3 more important characteristics. Those characteristics are quality, price, and convience, in that order. I buy a lot of Snap-On, because I get the highest quality products at a fair price (relative to similar brands), and they are the only tool truck that comes to my shop. That said, I buy stuff from HF, Sears, and others when I believe it will do the job and the price is fair for the product offered. I don't understand how people can only buy US made tools. Quality is quality wherever its made.

 

[kippieland]

OK, I see that my question has some wholes in it, so lets change it more like Pipsters idea, only with Taiwan. How about any are there any quality tools that you would buy from Taiwan? I know the rest of the world makes great tools...definitly not saying that after buying my Wiha screwdrivers. Taiwan seems to be very popular with a lot of manufactures.

This thread may not work...but I thought I would at least ask!

 

[wreckerman5357]

In addition to Gearwrench, I also have some Taiwanese stuff from NAPA that I like. Also Blue-Point makes good stuff in Taiwan.

I think that was more on topic, sorry about earlier, had few beers.

 

[Skin]

If Taiwan was my only option i'd be shopping toptul. Their offerings seem to be very good and pricing is so cheap you could buy one of any given tool plus two backups for the same you'd spend on imported truck brand lines. Honestly all i've seen of thir product just reeks of the highest quality.

 

[Sick Puppy]

King Tony rate a mention - their stuff is widely distributed here, and gets good reviews. Genius get good reviews here on GJ, it's sold here, but I haven't seen that much on the shelves.

JTC ratchet wrenches look just like Blue Point/ Williams ones...

 

[dieselmike]

This thread makes me sick

 

[diesel research]

In addition to Gearwrench, I also have some Taiwanese stuff from NAPA that I like. Also Blue-Point makes good stuff in Taiwan.

I think that was more on topic, sorry about earlier, had few beers.

These are now mostly china, not taiwan. The tools you have from 2yrs+ are not the same as those produced today. Can say "I bought them last week" but that means the store was just slow selling. Same with northern and craftsman full polish. Mostly all china danaher.


________________________

Sunex and GP need to be added to the list. Top notch regardless of price.

Blackhawk ratchet wrenches. Sweet pieces, although you have to experience failures of lesser units before seeing what I am talking about. Use them more, you will. (blackhawk counts because they are pretty much imported subsidiary of proto, not a USA brand with a few taiwan pieces)

 

[Sick Puppy]

This thread makes me sick

Without wanting to start a flame war, may I ask why?

Bearing in mind that many GJ members are not from the US, and US tools are not necessarily widely available outside the US, asking re: quality tools in Taiwan I feel is a valid question. Thirty years or so, people were placing Japan in the same boat Taiwan is in now in terms of quality, and look where Japan stands now. Taiwan will get to that level much quicker - not because they are superior to Japan, but manufacturing technology has improved since then.

China is the one place I feel we all have a common cause over - I believe that China is causing a whole bunch of long term problems for the world economy (some of it self inflicted by the west), but Taiwan is not China...

 

[oldtools]

Eclatorq
William Tools Co., Ltd
Stand Tools

 

[kythri]

Without wanting to start a flame war

Likewise:

China is the one place I feel we all have a common cause over - I believe that China is causing a whole bunch of long term problems for the world economy (some of it self inflicted by the west), but Taiwan is not China...

Speak for yourself, not the membership at large. Quite a few people here don't have a problem with a wide selection of Chinese-manufactured tools.

 

[mofo62]

.

V!

 

[Fedwrench]

It's not Taiwan Craftsman, it's PRC (People's Republic of China) Craftsman, and there is quite a difference between sustained quality levels with the two different origins.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand,

There are two King Tony lines, KT and KT Pro. The KT Pro tools are more expensive but, have great chrome.

Grey Pneumatic Impact Sockets. Strong, durable, and a very wide selection of sizes available individually.

Genius Tools. Not everything is great but, there are some excellent choices such as their extra long zero offset metric boxed end wrenches.

Toptul: Durable product but, very small distribution network.

SUNEX: another choice for impact sockets. Some of their tools such as pliers are now PRC made.

VIM: Great torx, hex bit drivers and other tools.

There are some other excellent Taiwan tool companies such as Kabo, and Reverse Gear that manufacture tools for other brands such as EZ Red's long flex head ratcheting boxed end wrenches and many tools off of the tool truck.

 

[plinker]

I'd add the Taiwan made Williams to the list, along with Napa's impact sockets (rebadged Sunex).

One thing with Sunex, thier wrenches (raised panel type) can be made in India or china.

 

[woody 73]

It's not Taiwan Craftsman, it's PRC (People's Republic of China) Craftsman, and there is quite a difference between sustained quality levels with the two different origins.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand,

There are two King Tony lines, KT and KT Pro. The KT Pro tools are more expensive but, have great chrome.

Grey Pneumatic Impact Sockets. Strong, durable, and a very wide selection of sizes available individually.

Genius Tools. Not everything is great but, there are some excellent choices such as their extra long zero offset metric boxed end wrenches.

Toptul: Durable product but, very small distribution network.

SUNEX: another choice for impact sockets. Some of their tools such as pliers are now PRC made.

VIM: Great torx, hex bit drivers and other tools.

There are some other excellent Taiwan tool companies such as Kabo, and Reverse Gear that manufacture tools for other brands such as EZ Red's long flex head ratcheting boxed end wrenches and many tools off of the tool truck.

Very good reply

I am sold on the Grey impact sockets
I would like to buy and try the Sunex and the Vim tools I am hearing very good things about their tools.

 

[ishiboo]

As a whole, I think just as China is considered "the cheap junk" country, Taiwan could be considered the "inexpensive decent stuff" country . The Taiwan COO tools on average have great finishes, high quality and very decent QC. The Kobalt/Pro-Grade I have has also performed flawlessly so far.

I never used any of it, but I actually thought the Craftsman China sockets/ratchets/etc. looked better than the Craftsman USA stuff sitting on the shelf.

 

[plumber84]

Proxene for high quality adjustable wrenches and Lancer for screwdrivers.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

matco

 

[Monte]

www.newtools.com

 

[kippieland]

This thread makes me sick

Sorry man, I know from previous threads you have stated that you have been to Taiwan and have decided not to buy anything from their because of the experience. I respect that and completely understand. As I have stated many times, I do my best to buy US made tools, even if its used.

My point behind the thread was that there are so many companies that have their tools manufactured their, they can't be all the same.

I am not using this to buy the tools, only to gather as much information as possible so I don't get confused when buying tools. Its just a question to clarify things.

 

[kippieland]

These are now mostly china, not taiwan. The tools you have from 2yrs+ are not the same as those produced today. Can say "I bought them last week" but that means the store was just slow selling. Same with northern and craftsman full polish. Mostly all china danaher.



Sunex and GP need to be added to the list. Top notch regardless of price.

Blackhawk ratchet wrenches. Sweet pieces, although you have to experience failures of lesser units before seeing what I am talking about. Use them more, you will. (blackhawk counts because they are pretty much imported subsidiary of proto, not a USA brand with a few taiwan pieces)

This is helpful for me because I don't know which tools are made in China or Taiwan
________________________

 

[kippieland]

It's not Taiwan Craftsman, it's PRC (People's Republic of China) Craftsman, and there is quite a difference between sustained quality levels with the two different origins.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand,

There are two King Tony lines, KT and KT Pro. The KT Pro tools are more expensive but, have great chrome.

Grey Pneumatic Impact Sockets. Strong, durable, and a very wide selection of sizes available individually.

Genius Tools. Not everything is great but, there are some excellent choices such as their extra long zero offset metric boxed end wrenches.

Toptul: Durable product but, very small distribution network.

SUNEX: another choice for impact sockets. Some of their tools such as pliers are now PRC made.

VIM: Great torx, hex bit drivers and other tools.

There are some other excellent Taiwan tool companies such as Kabo, and Reverse Gear that manufacture tools for other brands such as EZ Red's long flex head ratcheting boxed end wrenches and many tools off of the tool truck.

Fedwrench, I swear you know everything when it comes to tools!

I do agree with you about Craftsman

 

[kippieland]

I'd add the Taiwan made Williams to the list, along with Napa's impact sockets (rebadged Sunex).

One thing with Sunex, thier wrenches (raised panel type) can be made in India or china.

Yeah, I found that out the hard way. I got some socket extensions off of Ebay that are Williams. I was under the impression they were going to be USA....until I saw Taiwan on them. Now I know...no wonder they were so cheap!

 

[crewchief888]

Gearwrench stuff is Taiwan and its pretty decent stuff. Lots of decent stuff comes out of Taiwan. I'm not one of those guys that gets Hung up on COO. I buy tools to make a living with them, not try to support our country's failed manufacturing industry. Given the choice I by USA made, but I give more weight to 3 more important characteristics. Those characteristics are quality, price, and convience, in that order. I buy a lot of Snap-On, because I get the highest quality products at a fair price (relative to similar brands), and they are the only tool truck that comes to my shop. That said, I buy stuff from HF, Sears, and others when I believe it will do the job and the price is fair for the product offered. I don't understand how people can only buy US made tools. Quality is quality wherever its made.

well said

for a lot of people convience is a major factor in buying anything, including tools.
luckily, i dont have to buy too many working tools anymore, and if i do i usually dont have to step onto a tool truck to do it.
most of what i end up buying is for house DIY, or a garage project.
when i budget renovations, remodeling, i figure in what new tools or equipment i'll need. for a one time job, i can usually get by with spending a little less money on tools, and a little more on the renovation.
sometimes i get a surprise, the cheap grinder i bought 5 years ago, is working, right along with the hitachi and dewalt. however the "bargain" pad sander i bought didnt make it, and i didnt expect it to for the $10 price tag.

quailty, and **** come from everywhere, it's up to the individual to decide.

 

[bobcatdan]

Buy SK! I want Ideal products to know it was a good idea to save SK and keep production in the good ol US of A.

 

[Mickey O]

Anyone know what the best Yugo model is?

 

[kc-steve]

Anyone know what the best Yugo model is?

LOL, I didn't know they made more than one model, or that they are still in business. Good one!

Steve

 

[bmxr4life87]

Sunnex and gp are of high quality same as gearwrench. most of my Taiwanese hf tools have held up just fine also dont forget astro pneumatic all pro quality tools that are mostly made in Taiwan

 

[1969 roadrunner]

Amen bro!

 

[Brownsfan]

I own mostly American Made Craftsman, Snap on, Cornewell. I do have some Kobalt Ratchets and they are WAY better than the Craftsman. The Kobalt are the only off shore tools I own. I really like these ratchets. I hate to say it but I am starting to use them more than my Snap on.

 

[countryroad82]

For the money I like Performance Tool. They are well made Taiwanese stuff I have a few ratchets I should have broke years ago!

 

[Aviatordoc]

I was at sears today and they have socket sets made in USA still on shelves, also saw new sets made both from Taiwan and from China.

 

[shoturtle]

It depends, some of the HF stuff is taiwan made. Like their ratchets, which are pretty nice quality. But other stuff is made in china and india, like some of their wrenches and sockets.

Craftsman new stuff is mostly china, like their new pass throughs and rp ratchets. But others are sourced to taiwan plants, like their thin profile and black universal ratchets.

You really need to take each tool on their own bases. The GW ratchet wrenches are made in taiwan, but their pass through are made in china. And it goes for williams, bluepoint, stanley and all the other brands.

At the same time, some of the chinese made pass throughs are well made tools, given craftsman, gw or kolbalt pass through. I pick the kolbalt as they are made in taiwan and they do not skip sizes if you get the right set. HF ones skip sizes. So the 3/8 HF pass though for 25 dollars vs the kolbalt for 39, the full set gets my vote form 10-19mm and it is a universal spline/zxn/triple square.

And I would go with the kolbalt flex stubby ratchet over the HF 3 pack. As the kolbalt is a much better stubby and will take abuse better the the HF. Sometime more is not better.

 

[DFW-LSX]

Anyone know what the best Yugo model is?

I bet the clothes you are wearing were made in china...chump

 

[TwoInch]

I never used any of it, but I actually thought the Craftsman China sockets/ratchets/etc. looked better than the Craftsman USA stuff sitting on the shelf.

maybe because they can use the old bright chrome, that we dont use over here anymore?

 

[shoturtle]

are we talking craftsman evolv or craftsman sockets. I have not seen a craftsman non evolv socket made in china yet.

 

[TwoInch]

i dont believe any of the regular sockets have gone over seas, standard craftsman that is.