Blue point

[Merkava_4]

^^^^
I was gonna say, the dude that started this thread is long gone.

 

[autoace]

^^^^
I was gonna say, the dude that started this thread is long gone.

You mean, he didn't think we were a likeable bunch, odd, very odd

 

[Merkava_4]

Chiao Ba ?Hung Jyeh ? Chang Loon ? Winnic ? ?

Chang Loon ....

 

[eschoendorff]

Monte, who do you work for? No consumer, European or American, knows all those companies and brands. And even I had to look up Frenway, as I only knew the Ampro brand. I think you must work in this industry. Come on, confess! Wuerth? Berner? Forch? Signet (ha ha ha)?

Now why the hell would he let on who he works for when you won't reveal the same about yourself???

 

[Monte]

The secret where Karl aehhhh reversegear works for was already revealed

Monte, who do you work for? No consumer, European or American, knows all those companies and brands. And even I had to look up Frenway, as I only knew the Ampro brand. I think you must work in this industry. Come on, confess! Wuerth? Berner? Forch? Signet (ha ha ha)?

You forgot KS-Tools ...

ps: if you send me the ratchet wrench test i`ll send you a 1/2" + 1/4" ratchet durability test from the TUV where ratchets of your company (and Snap-on, Hazet, Wurth, Berner, ks-tools (super-ten ), Forch, Facom etc.) took part in exchange (if you`re interested)

 

[slack]

All Blue Point items are not lesser quality than Snap On branded. Many are just different, or relabeled items. I have a fair amount of Blue Point, and only one is made in Asia and that's Blue Point labeled Gearwrench racheting wrenches. For example, I believe all the wood handled Ball Pein hammers marketed and sold by Snap On are Blue Point, made in USA. The Snap On crimping pliers that are popular on this board, obviously made by Snap On at the same place as many of their pliers, are labeled Blue Point (at least mine are, as are every pair I've seen in person). You know those smooth jaw Knipex pliers that are all the rage on this board? I have the Blue Point labeled 7" and 10" which are Knipex, made in Germany. And so on...

 

[superautobacs]

@reversegear: could you please tell me in which issue of the "Factory Gear Magazine" the test was in ?

I think I was reading that book, a 2007 edition (which means tests were done some time in the previous year). I borrowed it from a friend of mine and I can certainly borrow it again to see if it's the right issue (I've been wanting to....just lazy). Factory Gear has published 4 books thus far (I think) and if things haven't changed they probably just released a 2009 edition (their past two releases were issued on book stands in late February).

 

[reversegear]

The secret where Karl aehhhh reversegear works for was already revealed




You forgot KS-Tools ...

ps: if you send me the ratchet wrench test i`ll send you a 1/2" + 1/4" ratchet durability test from the TUV where ratchets of your company (and Snap-on, Hazet, Wurth, Berner, ks-tools (super-ten ), Forch, Facom etc.) took part in exchange (if you`re interested)

Deal. PM me your e-mail address.

 

[reversegear]

By the way, I hope the TUV guys properly executed the brake fluid and diesel immersion phases of the endurance tests. And let me add that among all the tool manufacturers in the whole world, only the Germans would come up with a brake fluid immersion test for a ratchet.

 

[Monte]

a real world test would take a little bit longer than 14 weeks
But hey better than no test and you can see other interesting things like that while for example SO made 1st place with the 1/2 ratchet but 6th with the 1/4 , the same with facom etc. etc. and the difference of the life of a ratchet from 43 cycles to more than 68000 etc...
I like these german tests

 

[Ballistic Jello]

So are we gonna get to see at least one of these tests? Would be much appreciated!

 

[Monte]

I think I was reading that book, a 2007 edition (which means tests were done some time in the previous year). I borrowed it from a friend of mine and I can certainly borrow it again to see if it's the right issue (I've been wanting to....just lazy). Factory Gear has published 4 books thus far (I think) and if things haven't changed they probably just released a 2009 edition (their past two releases were issued on book stands in late February).

Can you borrow it again ? Or just ask him which volume it is ? It seems they only have 2 different magazines in stock ? click
They have another issue: click

A ISBN Number would be helpfull too so i could order it here through the japanese bookstore.

 

[superautobacs]

Can you borrow it again ? Or just ask him which volume it is ? It seems they only have 2 different magazines in stock ? click
They have another issue: click

A ISBN Number would be helpfull too so i could order it here through the japanese bookstore.

I know that it's the 2007 edition and here's the ISBN (I dunno why there's two):
ISBN-10: 4056045321
ISBN-13: 978-4056045321
Only the 2008 and the 2009 issue (released Feb. 26) is in stock. It's likely that you'll never see the previous issues on sale again.
Here's the link to the two issues available at Gakken Mook, with ISBN numbers: http://shop.gakken.co.jp/shop/order/k_ok/list.asp

OT, but the 2009 issue features an interview with the 'father' of the gear-wrench, Mr. Hu, as well as Taiwan's tool industry and manufacturers.

 

[Monte]

Thanks !! I was at the bookstore today and unfortunately they only can get the 2009 issue, so i just ordered one. Now i have 2 weeks to learn japanese... lol

 

[superautobacs]

Now i have 2 weeks to learn japanese... lol

How much did it cost ya in $US?

 

[Monte]

i paid 23,79 $ , their normal price is i think 1500 yen which is $ 15,13. It`s ok i think (postage...) the japanese magazines are usually thick and heavy...
The other japanese magazines which i have (about 65 car magazines ) are luckily only about 750 yen ea. ...

 

[superautobacs]

A little pricy, but not too bad....especially when you're just yearning to see a new issue, hot off the press.

Don't you just love the magazines offered in Japan; full colour with lots of good content and awesome pictures.

 

[Monte]

I don`t know about the content (text) but the pictures are always nice.

 

[Monte]

got it today.... very interesting magazine
now i only have to find a japanese girlfriend or boyfriend :supergay:
for translation...

 

[superautobacs]

Right on!

BTW, I should be able to get the 2007 edition from my friend tomorrow.

 

[Monte]

sounds good !
Do you have a scanner ??


the magazine seems to be interesting. In this issue is a special about european, taiwanese and japanese as well as american tools, some factory visits, an interview with the inventor of the ratcheting wrench, and several reports about what japanese mechanics have in their tool boxes with lots of pics....

 

[Monte]

Right on!

BTW, I should be able to get the 2007 edition from my friend tomorrow.

Already got it ?? (sorry I`m annoying. ... i know... )

 

[woody 73]

Hi Bman,You did ok,take good care of your tools and they in return will take care of you! All the best Woody.

 

[superautobacs]

Already got it ?? (sorry I`m annoying. ... i know... )

Damn Monte, you're annoying for sure....keep nagging me about it.... just kiddin' ya.

I was supposed to have had it two weeks ago, but he forgot to bring it! Next time I plan to go to his auto shop, I'll make sure he brings it. Fair enough?

And yes, I do have access to a scanner, so I'll post them up.

 

[HandyManny]

Back in the old days Blue-Point tools may have been rebranded tools, but they were from great US tool companies, such as Diamond Caulk and others. Today it's all Taiwan made stuff. I can go buy good quality Taiwan made tools elsewhere for much less money.

 

[bushhawg73]

BMAN123
First: Be happy with your purchase. I would use my money to buy the best tool I could afford, take care of it and it will serve you well. The truck coming to the job is a BIG reason a lot of pro's buy the truck brands. If you are able to upgrade in the future keep the better tools at your job and take the others home. You may even pass them on to a son one day. Your investment is not in vain.

Second: I am 36 years old and it has taken me a loooonnnggg time to buy the tools that I do have. I am figuring another 35 years of buying and I will have a great set to leave to my sons. Tools are an investment, buy quality and they will take care of you.

Third: If the blue point is what you can afford and the people you work with have tried them they be happy.

Forth: There is a great welth of knowledge on this board. Some will not buy a tool just because it is not made in the USA and I respect their point of view. I try and buy the best for my money and how much I will use the tool. Case and point below.

I needed to pull a small bearing off of a shaft. I really like snap on quality but the price is sometimes just not worth it. I opted for the OTC set. Again it was my money and I am happy with my decision.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/OTC-4518-p-39002.html

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=302&PartNo=cj950&group_id=1207&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

The longer that you are on this board you will figure out who to listen to and who is just spouting off.

Good luck and enjoy your tools.

 

[HandyManny]

bushhawg73,
You make an excellent point. Good advice and great wisdom.

 

[HandyManny]

I'd have to agree that the fit and finish of Gearwrench stuff is top notch, even compared to most (not all) made in USA stuff.

Sadly this is increasingly becoming true. Lot's of USA made stuff is not what it used to be and going down hill in the quality department. I have lot's of high quality Proto, Wright, and Craftsman wrenches, sockets, and various breaker bars and ratchets. Most of my stuff in this area is 20+ year old or older, with the exception of a few newly made tools that were bought to replace some lost or stolen pieces. Most of the new stuff today (mainly in the Wright and Craftsman) are noticeable inferior with regards to the fit and finish compared to their vintage couterparts. Just my observation.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Sadly this is increasingly becoming true. Lot's of USA made stuff is not what it used to be and going down hill in the quality department. I have lot's of high quality Proto, Wright, and Craftsman wrenches, sockets, and various breaker bars and ratchets. Most of my stuff in this area is 20+ year old or older, with the exception of a few newly made tools that were bought to replace some lost or stolen pieces. Most of the new stuff today (mainly in the Wright and Craftsman) are noticeable inferior with regards to the fit and finish compared to their vintage couterparts. Just my observation.

I have noticed it also, which is sad, given that they are cutting their own throat by doing so, as the people who WANT to buy American, and pay the premium, are expecting, as they well should, the quality of old.

 

[mofo62]

sounds good !
Do you have a scanner ??


the magazine seems to be interesting. In this issue is a special about european, taiwanese and japanese as well as american tools, some factory visits, an interview with the inventor of the ratcheting wrench, and several reports about what japanese mechanics have in their tool boxes with lots of pics....

PrettY Awesome .Great!!!


Thanks for pictures!

 

[rhandwor]

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-94559.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-86016.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-86123.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-3866.html

Thats around $358, all USA made, much better quality than Blue Point Taiwan made, and also a lifetime warranty, however, if you use the right tools for the job, you shouldn't need much of a warranty anyway with that set.

There is still time to cancel that order!

I love snap on tools, but most Blue Point stuff is just extremely high markup overseas average stuff, with a good warranty.

The Blue point wrenches I have were made in the US and have held up well.
I purchased them at a flea market over 20 years ago.

 

[snapmom]

The older blue point is very good steel. esp. late 40s.

 

[Vinko]

re: a few messages above. I've bought some Blue Point tools off the truck of late, and they almost all were American-made.

 

[strnjss]

Not to revive an old dead thread, but my Blue Point general service set is the nicest tools I own. They are strong, the ratchet is as smooth as possible, and they are just as good as any Snap On I've used.

I'm sure you have a year or two of experience now with them.

I mean with tools this nice, you would probably have to be HEAVILY abusing them to ever notice a difference between Snap On and Blue Point.

And I don't understand the comparison to Craftsman, as Craftsman are fast becoming the bottom of the line, while Blue Point is one of the top.

Any flak you get about them is just because they aren't made in USA, which has no say in the quality of tools as Craftsman has proven

 

[Monte]

Right on!

BTW, I should be able to get the 2007 edition from my friend tomorrow.

tomorrow ?

 

[alvoski]

if you are looking for less mark up on blue point, jh williams sockets and ratchets from ebay vendors cost much less.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WILLIAMS-16-PIECE-3-8-DRIVE-SOCKET-AND-TOOL-SET-METRIC-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ130385141171QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[superautobacs]

tomorrow ?

Yeah, I just got it yesterday...what a coincidence?

What did this thread have anything to do with Blue-point? I've forgotten.

I'm gonna PM you.

 

[tyreguy25]

I just read this whole thread as I, too, am considering purchasing a BP service set and what not from my local SO dealer. It was informative.

Is there a retailer to find Williams stuff?

 

[Vinko]

I just bought (an apparently) NOS Blue Point tap wrench that's made in Germany. Great tool.

 

[gfd_703]

bman123
The one thing everybody has failed to take into account is that the Snap On truck comes by on Friday morning every week. The Blue Point tools have a lifetime warranty. Even if and that is a big if some other tools are better or a better value can you afford to take off work and hunt down a replacement for a broken tool? Part of why snappy and blue point are higher than internet brands is the personal service. SK, Williams,Proto and others are good quality American made tools. The problem is there is no place within miles of where I live that carries these tools or if they do they are only open when I am working. So be happy with your new tools.