Caryle tools at NAPA

[KEH]

In a NAPA store today. The NAPA rep was restocking displays and I asked him about Caryle tools, he took me to the big NAPA truck and showed me the ratchets. All tools I saw were made in Taiwan, BTW.

They have a swivel head ratchet that has 100 teeth. Very smooth. It is disseembled by an Allen bolt in the top. It is a non quick release type, as were the others. They also have 2 grades of pear head ratchets. The better one has 80 teeth, direction change lever on top. It is dissembled by an unusual snap ring on the bottom, looked simple. The other pear head has fewer teeth, don't know how many, looked a lot like an old Snap on, and is dissembled by 2 screws, sorry, don't remember whether from top or bottom.

Combination wrenches were very well made with nice finish as were the ratchets. I guess they can still chrome plate tools there, I fail to see why we can't do that here and still safely dispose of any waste products. Combo wrenches were a little longer that Craftsman, at least the ones I saw. Prices were not posted yet and I didn't take up time asking prices, they will be up the next time I visit.

KEH

 

[BJ42LX]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156506

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156583

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156407

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156934

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2418909

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2418262#post2418262

 

[mudflap]

From what i have seen, and read, i think i might like them. Our NAPA rep is going to bring some by the shop on Monday for us to try out. I guess the question will be, are they priced right. What would be an apples to apples comparison for taiwan-pro tools for price. Blue Point ? ?

 

[DTB]

What would be an apples to apples comparison for taiwan-pro tools for price. Blue Point ? ?

Probably GearWrench..or MAC

I'm still waiting for them to show up locally.I'd like to see the 90 tooth ratchets,and the long pattern wrenches.

 

[TinKnocker]

i will continue to buy craftsman made in USA. and if they stop making them in the states, i will buy harbor freight junk and be unhappy forever.

 

[osborn.ozzy]

i will continue to buy craftsman made in USA. and if they stop making them in the states, i will buy harbor freight junk and be unhappy forever.

have you been hiding under a rock?

 

[mudflap]

So where in the pecking order does Blue Point come in, better or worse than gearwrench/mac ?

 

[TwoInch]

the carlyle combo wrenches seem much higher quality than the gearwrench stuff. had them side by side when i checked out the stuff at napa.

 

[TinKnocker]

have you been hiding under a rock?

um no. let me try again... if the craftsman is going to be made in china or taiwan... i wont pay craftsman prices. ill go to harbor freight and buy pitt. pro.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

lol I think you have been. Its already began, craftsman is going china/taiwan

 

[concealer404]

From what i have seen, and read, i think i might like them. Our NAPA rep is going to bring some by the shop on Monday for us to try out. I guess the question will be, are they priced right. What would be an apples to apples comparison for taiwan-pro tools for price. Blue Point ? ?

MSRP of the Carlyle stuff seems to be between the street price of the truck brands and Gearwrench, which makes these comparisons a bit weird.

What are you guys using in the shop now?

 

[stratman977]

By the way I bought the 90 tooth 1/4 inch drive Carlyle ratchet. It was really smooth out of the package but it is in no way comparable to a truck brand. I usually use my regular length 1/4 inch drive ratchet to break loose anything 7/16 or 12mm and below that way I cant overpower it and snap the bolt.

The other day I was using it to open a radiator drain on my farmall, 7/16 fine thread bolt and it slipped a tooth and now it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to. I could see where the really fine teeth would be great for turning in or out a tight location bolt cause the ease of turning but it isn't meant for breaking anything loose like I would use it for. My cornwell is still my favorite.

 

[TwoInch]

By the way I bought the 90 tooth 1/4 inch drive Carlyle ratchet. It was really smooth out of the package but it is in no way comparable to a truck brand. I usually use my regular length 1/4 inch drive ratchet to break loose anything 7/16 or 12mm and below that way I cant overpower it and snap the bolt.

The other day I was using it to open a radiator drain on my farmall, 7/16 fine thread bolt and it slipped a tooth and now it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to. I could see where the really fine teeth would be great for turning in or out a tight location bolt cause the ease of turning but it isn't meant for breaking anything loose like I would use it for. My cornwell is still my favorite.

did you open it up to see what happened? im sure many here would be interested(myself included)

it would be nice to see the internals also, so im gonna put the heat on ya to open it up and post a couple pics at your soonest convenience...

 

[NC-Fordguy]

did you open it up to see what happened? im sure many here would be interested(myself included)

it would be nice to see the internals also, so im gonna put the heat on ya to open it up and post a couple pics at your soonest convenience...

X2........

I've been looking at the carlyle ratchets debating on making a purchase.

 

[OEXL16B]

I've been looking at the carlyle ratchets debating on making a purchase.

You better find out about those soft grips first. Whether they're replaceable, warranty-able, or what. . .

 

[NC-Fordguy]

You better find out about those soft grips first. Whether they're replaceable, warranty-able, or what. . .

I don't buy ratchets with soft grips as I have man hands.

However I can understand why you may want them since you brought it up.......

 

[monster1]

If I recall, duralast tried the same ********. They were supposed to be the tools that put everyone else out. All I have to say is I won't open my wallet unless the prices reflect COO.

 

[stratman977]

did you open it up to see what happened? im sure many here would be interested(myself included)

it would be nice to see the internals also, so im gonna put the heat on ya to open it up and post a couple pics at your soonest convenience...

I'll do it tonight.

 

[OEXL16B]

The other day I was using it to open a radiator drain on my farmall, 7/16 fine thread bolt and it slipped a tooth and now it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to. I could see where the really fine teeth would be great for turning in or out a tight location bolt cause the ease of turning but it isn't meant for breaking anything loose like I would use it for. My cornwell is still my favorite.

Wait a minute, you mean I haven't even laid eyes on these ratchets yet and we're already hearing stories of slipping teeth? That *****.

 

[plinker]

In a NAPA store today. The NAPA rep was restocking displays

Out of curiousity, were the Carlyle tool's replacing the regular Napa Pro hand tool line?
Or just being added?

 

[HandyManny]

Wonder what folks will say when those Taiwan made Carlyle tools perform just as well as other pro grade tools. COO is no indication of quality. Just look the junk that Danaher had been making for Lowes and Sears until recently. Sure they were USA made, but not all that great, about the level of quality that the most economy grade US made tools were like in my day.

 

[bluechevy94]

Wonder what folks will say when those Taiwan made Carlyle tools perform just as well as other pro grade tools. COO is no indication of quality. Just look the junk that Danaher had been making for Lowes and Sears until recently. Sure they were USA made, but not all that great, about the level of quality that the most economy grade US made tools were like in my day.

 

[concealer404]

Out of curiousity, were the Carlyle tool's replacing the regular Napa Pro hand tool line?
Or just being added?

Yeah, they're replacing that tool line.

That tool line was just rebranded Gearwrench for the most part anyways.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Wonder what folks will say when those Taiwan made Carlyle tools perform just as well as other pro grade tools. COO is no indication of quality. Just look the junk that Danaher had been making for Lowes and Sears until recently. Sure they were USA made, but not all that great, about the level of quality that the most economy grade US made tools were like in my day.

So far I'm liking what I bought, but since the tools are new I personally can't rate how well made of a tool they are yet. Only time will tell.

I'm being open minded and looking at the tools itself, not where they are made to base my opinion as I like many here, prefer made in USA tools.

I do believe quality tools can originate globally. Unfortunately there are those on this forum who do not and will ***** and whine and ruin any discusion for political reasons

 

[stratman977]

So the inspection of the ratchet revealed one small chip in one of the teeth, the picture makes it look alot worse than it is. There was absolutely no lubricant inside which I think is 99% of the problem. Its working better with some spray grease I put in it but I noticed something. The gear has alot of left and right play, if you push sideways on it the smallest bit it feels really rough but if you just spin it normally it feels smooth. I'm going to continue to use it for a while and see if it self destructs or if it wears in nicely.

There's nothing more to the ratchet than whats on the pictures, the selector handle has a little pin coming out of it which moves the pawl left or right. Its not removable as far as I can tell.

 

[biscuit141]

Do we really need 90 or 100 teeth? As small as they are in that rachet it is no wonder i skipped a tooth.

 

[OEXL16B]

Looks like that snap ring doesn't have any ears on it. I wonder how a person is supposed to get it out when it doesn't have any ears for the snap ring pliers to grab. . .

 

[stratman977]

Looks like that snap ring doesn't have any ears on it. I wonder how a person is supposed to get it out when it doesn't have any ears for the snap ring pliers to grab. . .

It was actually really easy to pop out. It has a generous groove towards the open end. I just stuck a jewelers screwdriver behind it in the groove they left and once it began to come out I just slid the screwdriver around it and it came right out.

 

[OEXL16B]

It was actually really easy to pop out. It has a generous groove towards the open end. I just stuck a jewelers screwdriver behind it in the groove they left and once it began to come out I just slid the screwdriver around it and it came right out.

Does it have a little pawl spring and a steel ball? Thanks for posting the pictures by the way. . .

 

[Toolhorder]

MSRP of the Carlyle stuff seems to be between the street price of the truck brands and Gearwrench, which makes these comparisons a bit weird.

What are you guys using in the shop now?

Snap on mostly probably 80% US made, Gearwrench wrenches I use daily though. No way to get around that one Taiwan has the patent. Just use them for the ratcheting feature mostly or I get a real wrench if I want to break loose something. Usually a US Mac long pattern double box OR a Snap on flank drive wrench.

 

[stratman977]

I got curious myself and tore it apart again. It has two springs. It engages 12 teeth in both directions (14 if you count the two half teeth on the ends). It also has the smallest head out of any of the 1/4 ratchets I own. It's actually a pretty decent design. I'm thinking it has its place but its not meant to break stuck bolts free due to the small teeth.

 

[OEXL16B]

I got curious myself and tore it apart again. It has two springs. It engages 12 teeth in both directions (14 if you count the two half teeth on the ends). It also has the smallest head out of any of the 1/4 ratchets I own. It's actually a pretty decent design. I'm thinking it has its place but its not meant to break stuck bolts free due to the small teeth.

Is that pawl and reverse lever all one piece?

By the way, I think you should ask NAPA to give you a free rebuild kit. Just tell them the truth about what you did and see what they say. . .

 

[stratman977]

The pawl is separate. Somehow it didn't make it into that second picture.

 

[OEXL16B]

The pawl is separate. Somehow it didn't make it into that second picture.

Oh I see. . . those springs and their attached plungers go into a hole on each side of the selector (reverse lever) correct?

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Is that pawl and reverse lever all one piece?

By the way, I think you should ask NAPA to give you a free rebuild kit. Just tell them the truth about what you did and see what they say. . .

^This

You should get a rebuild kit since it broke under normal usage.

With that being said is this a fluke or indicative of things to come?

 

[Skin]

By the way I bought the 90 tooth 1/4 inch drive Carlyle ratchet. It was really smooth out of the package but it is in no way comparable to a truck brand. I usually use my regular length 1/4 inch drive ratchet to break loose anything 7/16 or 12mm and below that way I cant overpower it and snap the bolt.

The other day I was using it to open a radiator drain on my farmall, 7/16 fine thread bolt and it slipped a tooth and now it doesn't move as smoothly as it used to. I could see where the really fine teeth would be great for turning in or out a tight location bolt cause the ease of turning but it isn't meant for breaking anything loose like I would use it for. My cornwell is still my favorite.

fine tooth doesn't mean weak. Its all about surface area and how the load is spread out. I wouldn't hesitate to put the pipe to my matco or cman 84t ratchets any day. Either you got unlucky or their steel is substandard.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

so is this an indicator that the 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets wont be able to be used for breaking loose bolts and doing heavy duty work? i was looking forward to cranking down on them see how they hold up. twice my FH80 snap on felt like it skipped a tooth, and both times i was tightening up an oil drain plug, wasnt even fully tight yet, and it made almost a popping sound.

 

[TwoInch]

looks fine to me, as long as its high quality steel, and tolerances are good it will be strong.

1/4 drive ratchets arent the beefiest ratchets on the block. i have never had a problem with any 1/4 drive ratchet, but thats probably because i would have used a 3/8 drive in the situation mentioned above. really anything that takes any considerable torque i will ise a wrench or 3/8s. i leave 1/4 for interior stuff, and when dealing with plastics and things like that.

that said, i would hope they atleast tested these product a little before passing them off as pro competitive tools..... im sure they handle torque as well as any mid level ratchet, equal to GW or craftsman premium at least i would think

 

[Hetman]

I guess they can still chrome plate tools there, I fail to see why we can't do that here and still safely dispose of any waste products.

They do NOT dispose it SAFELY, they just dispose it...

 

[HandyManny]

So far I'm liking what I bought, but since the tools are new I personally can't rate how well made of a tool they are yet. Only time will tell.

I'm being open minded and looking at the tools itself, not where they are made to base my opinion as I like many here, prefer made in USA tools.

I do believe quality tools can originate globally. Unfortunately there are those on this forum who do not and will ***** and whine and ruin any discusion for political reasons

I own and use mostly older USA made hand tools, many from companies that no longer exists, bought the vast majority of mine from the 1950's up to the 1980's. Comparing many current higher priced USA made tools to my older better quality tools I can say the USA has a lot of catching up to do, we just don't make them like we used to. I will say that in recent years I've seen some pretty phenominal quality levels in tools being made in Taiwan. Don't know about the new NAPA stuff, but I can say that many tools coming out of Taiwan rival some of the better made older USA stuff.

As far as COO goes......What you younger guys need to learn is that by 1945 most of the developed world (except USA) had been bombed and destroyed to rubble. They were all in the process of rebuilding from 1945 up to the early 1970's, so in the late 1940 to the 1960's it's no wonder that the USA was doing the bulk of the worlds manufacturing during that time period, but not all of it was high quality, it was just domestic made. Not sure why so many people believe that USA made means quality.