Carlyle wrenches-quick pics

[NC-Fordguy]

All you posted was pictures of the wrenches, what else is there to discuss? Fix your macro setting go paint some bolts and post some comparisons on contact points. Post the thicknesses of the box ends, beam, and open ends. Add MEAT to your posts if you want more tool discussion .

It Appears there is nothing worth discussing any further. It has been determined ad nauseum that these tools are over priced imports and vendors should be boycotted if they sell imported tools.

Any other pictures, reviews, analysis, or comparisons will simply spur more finger fornication.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Enjoy your new wrenches and let us know how they work out for you. You're right that it's more about the tool's performance over the long haul than where it was made.

As for the design of the Carlyle open end, there are only so many ways to make an open end and there are existing patents to consider. I know before Matco came out with their current optitorque design, they radiused their v cut open end to mitigate some of the arguments posted here about strength. As for teeth placement, wright grip's are positioned towards the rear, FDP in the middle, so what's left?

I know it's the 4th of July. Red, white, and blue fever is rampant, and many spent coin at Epsteins, so the introduction of a new imported tool line in a large national auto parts chain may not set well with some.

I'm a tool junkie addicted to most things chrome. I will try some of the Carlyle tools and see how they measure up. Something tells me these are from Kabo and will do just fine.

I agree only time will tell on the performance. I too am skeptical on a new tool line especially given the history of hit and miss over seas production.

A wrench is merely a tool, nothing personal to be taken about it.
I'm not sure if I will like them in the long term or not, but once again only time will tell

 

[OEXL16B]

Where'd they come up with the name Carlyle ?

 

[Trucky]

Where'd they come up with the name Carlyle ?

This is the only Car"lyle" that I know...

http://www.carlisleevents.com/events/truck-nationals/index.asp

 

[2JZGTESC300]

I have a few Napa Master Hand books and I don't see many "Carlyle" brand tools in them. Been flipping pages trying to see what they carries, all I see are a bunch of Gearwrench, Evercraft, Irwin, Laser Etched Napa. It's 1806 pages.

 

[OEXL16B]

I have a few Napa Master Hand books and I don't see many "Carlyle" brand tools in them. Been flipping pages trying to see what they carries, all I see are a bunch of Gearwrench, Evercraft, Irwin, Laser Etched Napa. It's 1806 pages.

Here you go:

http://www.napaecatalog.com/WebProject.asp?CodeId=7.5.5.21&Archival=1&BookCode=car12flx#

 

[Hiball]

As for the design of the Carlyle open end, there are only so many ways to make an open end and there are existing patents to consider. I know before Matco came out with their current optitorque design, they radiused their v cut open end to mitigate some of the arguments posted here about strength. As for teeth placement, wright grip's are positioned towards the rear, FDP in the middle, so what's left?

LOL.. Thanks for that Fed.. I needed a Good laugh. On a Serious Note though, My Question about the Carlyle Grooves is still unanswered till better pics show up or someone has first hand knowledge. The Wright/Snap On Grips work by allowing the Fastener to somewhat rotate inside the Open ends till the grooves touch and bite into the fastener. Im Curios to How the Carlyle Open end being a V-Notch and What appears to be a full side of teeth accomplishes this task. It doesnt seem Feasible.. In My Mind, Maybe better pics would answer these questions or as Skin Recommended some Marking Paint and Fasteners would definitely do the Trick.

EDIT. I found this info on there catalog posted right above me.

I guess that radiused area in the Corner allows the Fastener to Rotate into the Grips.

 

[2JZGTESC300]

Nice, They got a online catalog just the other tool truck companies. I'll ask my brother in law tomorrow, he works at Napa. See what he says about "Carlyle" tools.

 

[Trucky]

LOL.. Thanks for that Fed.. I needed a Good laugh. On a Serious Note though, My Question about the Carlyle Grooves is still unanswered till better pics show up or someone has first hand knowledge. The Wright/Snap On Grips work by allowing the Fastener to somewhat rotate inside the Open ends till the grooves touch and bite into the fastener. Im Curios to How the Carlyle Open end being a V-Notch and What appears to be a full side of teeth accomplishes this task. It doesnt seem Feasible.. In My Mind, Maybe better pics would answer these questions or as Skin Recommended some Marking Paint and Fasteners would definitely do the Trick.

On the grooves and notch: I assume this is on purpose. Although I think I know what you are thinking, that the v-notch will take in the fastner head too much and not allow it to really rotate and contact the grooves well enough to work well. I'm going to go ahead with the idea that they wanted the grooves to work in either direction. We all (should) know the proper orientation of the open end when trying to use it on a fastner (Like with an adjustable wrench), but some use it either way. Now, assuming that this is the intent, I don't think the V-notches are tight enough (in tolerance and size
even) to really encapsulate the fastner head that much to affect the little rotation the fastner needs to really bite the grooves. Also, by not allowing the fastner head to move too much, you could help "protect" the grooves by only allowing so much contact on a side. If the head of the wrench remains rigid (as it should without too much force applied), then the grooves should do their job as I described. If not, well.. then that's their problem

I also would like to see a test of these wrenches to confirm our suspicions.

Maybe I'm giving them too much credit.

 

[franzdom]

It seems their 6-point wrenches are on point, meaning you can't flip it over to get a different engagement point. Otherwise the line looks good and they are obviously going after Snap-On for features, looks, and even online catalog design.

I do like that you can get metric stubby wrenches over 19mm, nice.

 

[superautobacs]

I've seen these wrenches sold here in Canada from early this year, at our local chain of autoparts stores called Lordco. They aren't that cheap. I have no personal experience with these.

They are made by a company called Infar, in Taiwan. They've been around for years, supplying various brands around the world.

 

[SquareBear]

Think the prices are bad, check out the ratchet warranty.

CARLYLE TOOL​

Line Abrev-CHQ Warranty Code 731 Limited Lifetime Repair & Return

This NAPA product line is warranted against defects in material & workmanship for the Limited Lifetime of the product.

Carlyle Professional Hand Tools warrants to the original purchaser that the company’s Ratchets are free from defects in material or workmanship for the Limited Lifetime of the product. We will provide a repair kit free of charge for any ratchet which fails to give satisfactory service due to defective workmanship or materials during the Limited Lifetime of the product. Products must be returned with proof of purchase to the store of purchase for a repair kit.

This warranty excludes ratchets which have been subjected to abnormal use, accident, neglect, or lack of maintenance. Any modification, disassembly of this ratchet will void the warranty.

This warranty gives you the specific rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state. The foregoing obligation is Carlyle Professional Hand Tools sole liability under this or any implied warranty and under no circumstances shall Carlyle Professional Hand Tools be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.

Note: Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Does that mean no Super Lube?

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I commend the OP for taking the time to post pics. I don't think you should take any of the comments on the tools personally. People here are interested in seeing them and sharing their opinions.

Naw it's not personal at all

But the political ranting over and over exponentially by many of the same folks ***** and gets old. It's akin to listening to a bunch of menopausal women bitching about their breast sagging.

I listen to stupid nonsensical **** from morons at work all day long but at least there I get payed for it

 

[concealer404]

I have a few Napa Master Hand books and I don't see many "Carlyle" brand tools in them. Been flipping pages trying to see what they carries, all I see are a bunch of Gearwrench, Evercraft, Irwin, Laser Etched Napa. It's 1806 pages.

I've seen these wrenches sold here in Canada from early this year, at our local chain of autoparts stores called Lordco. They aren't that cheap. I have no personal experience with these.

They are made by a company called Infar, in Taiwan. They've been around for years, supplying various brands around the world.

Not the same. Take a closer look.

 

[SquareBear]

$68.99 for 8pc. chinese screwdrivers.

 

[Hiball]

Not the same. Take a closer look.

Look the Same to Me....

 

[concealer404]

$68.99 for 8pc. chinese screwdrivers.

Please share your source on COO.

 

[concealer404]

Look the Same to Me....

Carlyle only has grip on one end.

I'd also bet that lengths are different.

 

[Hiball]

Carlyle only has grip on one end.

I'd also bet that lengths are different.

No its on both sides.. According to the Catalog anyways (At least if you blow up the pictures it appears there are grooves on both sides)

 

[concealer404]

No its on both sides.. According to the Catalog anyways (At least if you blow up the pictures it appears there are grooves on both sides)

Hrmmm... potentially my apologies, then. Maybe OP can confirm. I have a paper catalog here, and the grip is only showing on one side in that.

Who knows, though... that said, "an insider" did tell me that these tools are all made to Napa's specs, and are not rebadges. Of course, that information comes from their internal meetings/promotions.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Seeing how there is some interest in these tools other than whining about coo, the wife snapped a couple of pics.

I painted a bolt head white so hopefully you all can see a little better.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

The grooves are on both sides of the wrench. There also is a grove at the "V" in the open end of the wrench

 

[concealer404]

Thank you.

I'm hoping my stuff is available for me to pick up on Friday. I'll probably start a "Show Off Your Carlyle" thread or something and watch it go down in flames. Also planning on making another order for screwdrivers and pliers early next week.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I used the wrenches today...nothing major though. Changed out some 38 year old transfer case mounts

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Thank you.

I'm hoping my stuff is available for me to pick up on Friday. I'll probably start a "Show Off Your Carlyle" thread or something and watch it go down in flames. Also planning on making another order for screwdrivers and pliers early next week.

When I picked these wrenches up my napa dealer had a couple ratchet/socket sets and screwdriver sets.

The sockets looked nice and the ratchet was pretty smooth. It was a 60 tooth 3/8 drive and my first impressions on it was it's on par with the craftsman thin profile ratchets. If I didn't already have a buttload of sockets and ratchets I would have picked that up to.

I didn't look at the screwdrivers though so I'm interested in your findings.

My wrench set purchase was more of an impulse buy. I was considering getting a wright set but these were right in front of me and available to look at before buying

I may buy some more of these tools because I like supporting my local napa, plus it seems to piss off some folks here

 

[concealer404]

If they're as good as i'm thinking they are, i'll be buying a ton of them because they're easily accessible for a DIYer, there's Napas everywhere, and i like the idea of having a true full line i can buy from.

 

[Skin]

If they're as good as i'm thinking they are, i'll be buying a ton of them because they're easily accessible for a DIYer, there's Napas everywhere, and i like the idea of having a true full line i can buy from.

speak for yourself, i have one local napa and its like a dungeon. Its dark, everything is covered in dust, shelves with 1 item stocked or nothing at all. They cant even be bothered to stock common gasket makers and cleaners let alone tools. I dont set foot in there unless i absolutely have to.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

speak for yourself, i have one local napa and its like a dungeon. Its dark, everything is covered in dust, shelves with 1 item stocked or nothing at all. They cant even be bothered to stock common gasket makers and cleaners let alone tools. I dont set foot in there unless i absolutely have to.

Napa is basically a co-op that allows independent dealers exist so they can compete against advance auto, auto zone etc.

Unfortunately not every small business/franchise is a good place to visit.

The Napas around here a very good. It's a shame yours *****.

 

[stratman977]

speak for yourself, i have one local napa and its like a dungeon. Its dark, everything is covered in dust, shelves with 1 item stocked or nothing at all. They cant even be bothered to stock common gasket makers and cleaners let alone tools. I dont set foot in there unless i absolutely have to.

NAPA is not a big box auto parts store. My NAPA ***** too they have like 1 screwdriver hanging on the wall and maybe a case of loose oil on the shelves. They don't stock 99 cent one use packages of thread locker cause their typical customer doesn't buy that stuff. My NAPA is always busy when I go in there. Shops don't have time to waste talking to a 17 year old at Auto Zone who doesn't know the difference between a carburetor and a spark plug.

Last week I needed a voltage regulator for a farm tractor and NAPA was able to go in the book and match it up. Take it to Auto Zone or the like and when a 1958 international doesn't come up in the computer they tell you they cant get it.

 

[Trucky]

The Napa's around here **** as well. Nothing is stocked. Barely open a few hours before they close. Looks like they cleaned it right before Ford left office.

Meh. I have many other options available to me so they can leave the place like that for all I care.

 

[Fedwrench]

I guess I'm lucky. Our area Napas are open 0700-1800 Monday-Friday. They're clean, well lit, and well stocked. Now, they may not be the cheapest but, if you need something, they can usually get it.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I guess I'm lucky. Our area Napas are open 0700-1800 Monday-Friday. They're clean, well lit, and well stocked. Now, they may not be the cheapest but, if you need something, they can usually get it.

Hell, my local NAPAs are 0700 to 1900 m-f, 0700-1600 on Sat and 0900 to 1600 on Sun..

One day usually for parts unless special order.

I own a bunch of Euro cars so it's not my go-to, but they do go out of their way for me.

Much like anything else, it varies from retailer to retailer.

 

[thejudges69]

$68.99 for 8pc. chinese screwdrivers.

NOOOO. Taiwan, theres a difference

 

[concealer404]

speak for yourself, i have one local napa and its like a dungeon. Its dark, everything is covered in dust, shelves with 1 item stocked or nothing at all. They cant even be bothered to stock common gasket makers and cleaners let alone tools. I dont set foot in there unless i absolutely have to.

We also have one of the main warehouses here, so that helps.

 

[madbasser]

Seeing how there is some interest in these tools other than whining about coo, the wife snapped a couple of pics.

I painted a bolt head white so hopefully you all can see a little better.

OK, so here are some more of my observations.
First it looks like the grove pattern is different on each side, that seems interesting to me and i would like to hear some opinions on that. They seem to provide some amount of grip, and there is enough space integrated into the design to allow the groves to do their intended job.

Next, it looks like the box-end has a definite Flank drive pattern on it. This is nothing new, most of the wrenches produced nowadays are of the same design. None the less, it is a feature that is in line with the top line manufactures.

 

[transittech]

Thanks for the pictures! It looks like there's a lot of 'meat' around those open ends, you'll have to let us know how they fit (comparison wise) in tight areas.

 

[Notwerk]

I dunno, they look like fine tools – probably made by Rotar or Kabo. If they are, they'll turn nuts just fine and I'm sure you'll never have problems.

I can see your argument for supporting your local NAPA. Obviously, I try to buy American because doing so supports American workers. But the guy at NAPA is American and he's got a family to feed, too. If they've been good to you, I don't see any problem with throwing him a bone.

That being said, my local NAPA kinda *****. It's barely stocked, and most of the times I've gone in there, the employees could barely be bothered to help me with anything. They don't carry many tools, and I doubt I'd get very good service if I did have to warranty something.

I think the price is really the tripping point. Right now, we're pretty saturated with decent Taiwanese tools. Take Kobalt and the older Duralast stuff, for example. But both of those are cheaper than these and going the mail-order route opens up Top Tul (Rotar) as an option.

Given the prices on those, I'd rather buy SK and ship them to Ideal if I ever needed something replaced. I guess it's a regional thing.

But I guess the proof is in the pudding, so lets see some test results.

 

[Gabastone]

The center ridges on the open end does nothing for the grip - poor engineering.

 

[Trucky]

The center ridges on the open end does nothing for the grip - poor engineering.

By experience or a guess?

That's assuming the fastner head is perfectly formed and not rounded in any way... but I see what you mean. Maybe those are just for show?

 

[Gabastone]

By experience or a guess?

That's assuming the fastner head is perfectly formed and not rounded in any way... but I see what you mean. Maybe those are just for show?

I think that by having a ridge offset, it creates a larger point load on a stronger section of the nut - right under the corner. When you have multiple ridges, then it just distributes the forces back out.

They must be for show. But, yea, I never designed a wrench.