AmericanMechanic
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Are KD, Napa, and Allen really the same OEM with different stamps? Or one generally better? Thanks!
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Buying NOS wrenches - KD or Allen
- Thread starter AmericanMechanic
- Start date
plinker
Well-known member
Pretty much the same, both are/were Danaher era vintage. The pattern may differ (long vs reg.) and finish may differ, (satin vs polished).
Older Kobalt and Masterforce are the same satin finish wrenches. Armstrong & Matco (USA MCL series) are pretty much the same as the full polished as well. Some Napa wrenches also are same OEM & style.
Older Kobalt and Masterforce are the same satin finish wrenches. Armstrong & Matco (USA MCL series) are pretty much the same as the full polished as well. Some Napa wrenches also are same OEM & style.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
They were all made by Danaher and they run on the short side.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes and no.
They are if they're the same type, full polish or satin finished and of the same vintage.
KD for example had three versions of their full polished wrenches. the first generation looked like they took their satin finished wrenches and dipped them chrome to make shiny. The finish wasn't that great and the was a noticeable edge between the open end and the wrench beam. Most of this generation went to fill government contracts. later versions were just like the Armstrong made Craftsman Professional series wrench only in standard length and the name. These were great sleeper wrenches. You got a lot of wrench for little money
Excellent chrome, nice balance, and off corner engagement on the boxed end. They're still one of my favorite wrenches after many years.
Allen was the first brand to offer Taiwan made versions so, don't confuse those with the US made versions as they are different than the US made ones.
They are if they're the same type, full polish or satin finished and of the same vintage.
KD for example had three versions of their full polished wrenches. the first generation looked like they took their satin finished wrenches and dipped them chrome to make shiny. The finish wasn't that great and the was a noticeable edge between the open end and the wrench beam. Most of this generation went to fill government contracts. later versions were just like the Armstrong made Craftsman Professional series wrench only in standard length and the name. These were great sleeper wrenches. You got a lot of wrench for little money
Excellent chrome, nice balance, and off corner engagement on the boxed end. They're still one of my favorite wrenches after many years.Allen was the first brand to offer Taiwan made versions so, don't confuse those with the US made versions as they are different than the US made ones.
OP
AmericanMechanic
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Thanks. I ordered from Cripe using eBay coupon. What was available was a mix of full-polish and satin Chrome. But all USA-made. Not as concerned about finish as having the tool when I need it 
KDoug
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The Allen USA satin wrenches are on the thin side also.
ihateminimumwage
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Thanks. I ordered from Cripe using eBay coupon. What was available was a mix of full-polish and satin Chrome. But all USA-made. Not as concerned about finish as having the tool when I need it
They'll do you good.
Been running a couple wrench rolls in the service truck with a mix of USA Kobalt, Allen, KD, Armstrong & NAPA from 3/8" to 1-5/16" and 10mm-24mm all picked up through Cripe and HandToolsForLess for a few years now.
I think a read somewhere that if you're ordering from Cripe thru Ebay you should send an email so they give the best shipping rates. Not sure if this is still relevant.
BTW also bought a mix and match set and they are awesome. Almost no difference between the KD, ALLEN, NAPA etc. Basically Armstrong wrenches at dirt cheap prices. Got 20-32 with one or two skips for about $75 from Cripes.
BTW also bought a mix and match set and they are awesome. Almost no difference between the KD, ALLEN, NAPA etc. Basically Armstrong wrenches at dirt cheap prices. Got 20-32 with one or two skips for about $75 from Cripes.
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maxcarp709
Well-known member
I was looking for a set of metric wrenches for my Road Kit and I lucked into a 12pc set of NAPA Professional wrenches from HandToolsForLess for $55+ on eBay.Wrenches ran from 7mm-19mm,but no 17mm https://www.ebay.com/itm/Napa-Metri...a6302fc9c:g:RUMAAOSw9IpXwxF2&var=413593965091
I was sure that they were from the same batch of KD,Allen,and Kobalt wrenches Danaher pumped out,so I looked and I found a KD branded 17mm at Cripe Distributing.When I got it,it turned out to be a perfect match for the NAPA wrenches.I am seriously considering ordering a set of NAPA SAE wrenches to go with the metric set.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Napa-SAE-c...md3gqOdfx2LZCLm2UQmSOzA&var=413593965376.This is a Smokin deal on some really fine wrenches
I was sure that they were from the same batch of KD,Allen,and Kobalt wrenches Danaher pumped out,so I looked and I found a KD branded 17mm at Cripe Distributing.When I got it,it turned out to be a perfect match for the NAPA wrenches.I am seriously considering ordering a set of NAPA SAE wrenches to go with the metric set.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Napa-SAE-c...md3gqOdfx2LZCLm2UQmSOzA&var=413593965376.This is a Smokin deal on some really fine wrenches
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