cornwell dilemma

[freeskier]

so i know a lot of guys on here are big snap on people and i as well love those tools but my box containes about as much cornwell and some matco as well. the problem is that while i have ample axcess to more than one snap on truck, there is no cornwell guy near me. after emailing cornwell i recieved a prompt response only to find out that there is no oone in my area, as i had suspected. i really like these tools and and pretty sure im going to buy a roll cab of the same brand but the lack of a dealer worries me. any thoughts?

 

[scott37300]

I'm not positive but I thought I read on here that cornwell will only warranty their tools threw local dealers. Which leaves you in a bind if you don't have one. I thought there was a member on here that had this problem and cornwell basically told him there was nothing they would do.

 

[econoaddict]

Cornwell has left me hanging.
I have a cornwell double bank box and it's the biggest pile-o-garbage I have ever owned.
Nothing but problems from day one, drawers way to loose in the slides, lots of play left to right with drawer open...etc etc...
Will be trading for a snappy box soon.
I have alot of their tools as well and a dealer that refuses to come by because we don't buy every time he stops, he also won't warranty stating I didn't get the tools from him.

 

[Seanbev24]

A Cornwell driver came by the shop last week. I wasn't there, but the next time I came in there were catalogs on everyone's boxes. My problem is I haven't seen a cornwell truck in many years, so if I buy a bunch of tools, what happens if this guy disappears? Then, flipping through the catalog, I realized that pretty much everything but their basic hard line tools are just rebranded from other companies.

If I want a tool made by OTC, why would I go through cornwell when I can get it much cheaper online? Also, its not like the hard line tools are much cheaper than snap on. If a buy a $300 wrench set, I need to be positive that I can easily warranty them if something goes wrong.

Yeah, I'll just stick with Snap-On.

 

[freeskier]

the email i got from cornwell said that i could ship my tools to them for warentee but that there was no one local. my buddy and i share a shop and he has a snappy krl, i just dont want the cornwell to feel like second line garbage next to it.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

the email i got from cornwell said that i could ship my tools to them for warentee but that there was no one local. my buddy and i share a shop and he has a snappy krl, i just dont want the cornwell to feel like second line garbage next to it.

I would not buy a Cornwell box unless you find a used one at a great price. They do not manufacture their own boxes and parts can be difficult to find for models that have been out of production for a few years.

 

[freeskier]

diesel mech, that was the plan, i seem em real cheap all over craigslist and was gonna go that route

 

[SMKS]

I'm not positive but I thought I read on here that cornwell will only warranty their tools threw local dealers. Which leaves you in a bind if you don't have one.

Incorrect. I've mailed warranty tools to Cornwell twice. Also, they told me to do this if I didn't have a dealer.

 

[scott37300]

Incorrect. I've mailed warranty tools to Cornwell twice. Also, they told me to do this if I didn't have a dealer.

That's nice to know. Sorry for the misinformation, thought I had read that on here at one time.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

I would stick with Snap-On!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

One of the local Snappy dealers told me that some boxes (truck brand) for sale on Craigs List have a lean on them from the dealer. Buyer beware!

 

[csmitty]

I sent my JR30 in, got another back in about 10 days.

 

[freeskier]

is there any way to tell if the box has a lean on it? im sending cornwell some sockets next week, i will let you all know how that went.

 

[scott37300]

is there any way to tell if the box has a lean on it? im sending cornwell some sockets next week, i will let you all know how that went.

I would start by calling cornwell and asking them if the can tell you from the serial number.

 

[freeskier]

I would start by calling cornwell and asking them if the can tell you from the serial number.

perfect, thats what im gonna do. do any of you guys have a 58" cornwell box?

 

[35mastr]

One of the local Snappy dealers told me that some boxes (truck brand) for sale on Craigs List have a lean on them from the dealer. Buyer beware!

He only wants you to buy one from him.

 

[freeskier]

mainly im trying to compare the box model #CTB58B and #CTBCAB5824. neither of these numbers include color tags. i know the secound one is cheaper but there is not storage volume listed. thanks

 

[Mr Ratchet]

He only wants you to buy one from him.

I'd think that too if he was not such a good guy, plus I'm already getting a used one from him.

 

[cdseven95]

When I worked in Nashua a Cornwell dealer came every week for 6 months dropped off fliers or showed us specials... I bought one or two things.. I work in multiple different car dealers everyday now and see Cornwell dealers multiple times a week from north of Dover nh to Boston to Fall River to Fitchburg.... I see very few Cornwell boxes though and don't typically go around checking them out..

 

[econoaddict]

I have the #CTBCAB5824 in yellow.
Things I don't like:
The drawers do not open far enough to access rear area easily (aprox 3-5") is hidden.
The slide/drawer attachment is crappy at best, some slides do not lock onto the drawer and allow it to "wobble" left to right ALOT.
The finish stains easily and chips even easier.
Seams and spot welds are below average.

This box will become my home box soon and a snappy will replace it at the shop.

I got the deal buy a box and get the cart free, my partners HF cart looks and feels sturdier than the cornwell cart. I have the "catches" on the cart adjusted to full loose and it still takes 2 guys and a wench to open a drawer on it, I leave them open just a bit so I don't have to fight it. The cart is the CTBMM100

I know some have great experiences with Cornwell boxes, good for them.
I wish I would have saved half the money and just bought a 72" us general box.

 

[HandyManny]

Only ever seen a Cornwell truck on three occasions in my life. All of them within the past year. Two times it was the same truck, very old and badly faded paint job, must have been out of service as a tool seller. The third was a newer truck, looked like he was just passing through, dealers phone number area code was not from my state.

 

[freeskier]

I have the #CTBCAB5824 in yellow.
Things I don't like:
The drawers do not open far enough to access rear area easily (aprox 3-5") is hidden.
The slide/drawer attachment is crappy at best, some slides do not lock onto the drawer and allow it to "wobble" left to right ALOT.
The finish stains easily and chips even easier.
Seams and spot welds are below average.

This box will become my home box soon and a snappy will replace it at the shop.

I got the deal buy a box and get the cart free, my partners HF cart looks and feels sturdier than the cornwell cart. I have the "catches" on the cart adjusted to full loose and it still takes 2 guys and a wench to open a drawer on it, I leave them open just a bit so I don't have to fight it. The cart is the CTBMM100

I know some have great experiences with Cornwell boxes, good for them.
I wish I would have saved half the money and just bought a 72" us general box.

i found a dealer where i live, not work, and am arranging to see a couple boxes. when it comes down to buying time, it will all just depend on if i can get one of these or a SO krl cheaper.

 

[mrshaun]

the old cornwell man was here for 20 something years ( never sold boxes but did sell some hand tools ) his replacement was 375bs and never got out of the truck. he lasted 6 weeks and still has his old truck in his drive way. His replacement lasted for 2 years and he just left for MAC....
does not look good for conrwell here.

 

[Roots]

It still bewilders me that the Cornwell truck dealer in my area won't sell to me because he can't come to my work place, do to Federal security procedures. As a new customer, offering to place a $300 order - just to TRY the brand out, I would have thought they'd love that. Oh well, looks like I'll primarily be sticking with: Snap On, Matco, Armstrong, Thomas & Betts, Proto, Knipex, Greenlee, Klein, Wera, and Wiha.

I'm just amazed that they've survived with their apparent aversion to business or sales. Snap On Industrial-Corporate and Matco/Armstrong's parent company Danaher's Reps are an absolute pleasure to deal with. Especially when my outfit was averaging 100k a month in our tool budget.

 

[freeskier]

the cornwell guy in manchester nh seems to be a good and cooperative guy, spoke with him today. has also agreed to handle my warentee stuff so thus far im satisfied

 

[glenmore]

As others have suggested, unless you can get a super deal on the Cornwell, stick with Snap-On. Not much can go wrong with a box but if you do have problems like econoaddict, then you are stuck.

Just like salvage titled cars, you buy cheap and if you ever have to sell, you'll sell cheap.

Much easier to buy a known quantity like Snap-On, and your resale should be much better, if you ever decide to upgrade.

BTW, it is "lien", not "lean".

 

[mepilotunot]

If you make it to PA I have a garage full of Snap on, Mac, and others that have been traded in on the Cornwell Boxes I have sold. Just picked up two MAC tech1000s today. One was traded in on a new Cornwell 58 and the other for a MM800 cart. The new Cornwell Boxes that are about two years old now are a large improvement over the old. I have a KRA that is only 1yr old that was traded in on a cart from Friday. I have no problem moving boxes and I have 7 Snap Dealers, 3 Mac Dealers and 2 Independents rolling in my territory.

 

[airbuff101]

If you make it to PA I have a garage full of Snap on, Mac, and others that have been traded in on the Cornwell Boxes I have sold. Just picked up two MAC tech1000s today. One was traded in on a new Cornwell 58 and the other for a MM800 cart. The new Cornwell Boxes that are about two years old now are a large improvement over the old. I have a KRA that is only 1yr old that was traded in on a cart from Friday. I have no problem moving boxes and I have 7 Snap Dealers, 3 Mac Dealers and 2 Independents rolling in my territory.

touche'

 

[tkcaudill]

It still bewilders me that the Cornwell truck dealer in my area won't sell to me because he can't come to my work place, do to Federal security procedures.

Now I know they all have territories but I moved shops all the way on the other side of town were I'm at and my cornwell dealer still hits me up once a week, I guess I'm just having good luck with him.

 

[freeskier]

is the older eleit model a real problem? PA is not out of th qustion

 

[LARSOFVT]

The segment I saw on the "Gearz" TV show said/showed Cornwell's hand tools being manufactured in their own US plant.

Does Snap On manufacture their own boxes?

A Cornwell driver came by the shop last week. I wasn't there, but the next time I came in there were catalogs on everyone's boxes. My problem is I haven't seen a cornwell truck in many years, so if I buy a bunch of tools, what happens if this guy disappears? Then, flipping through the catalog, I realized that pretty much everything but their basic hard line tools are just rebranded from other companies.

If I want a tool made by OTC, why would I go through cornwell when I can get it much cheaper online? Also, its not like the hard line tools are much cheaper than snap on. If a buy a $300 wrench set, I need to be positive that I can easily warranty them if something goes wrong.

Yeah, I'll just stick with Snap-On.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

The segment I saw on the "Gearz" TV show said/showed Cornwell's hand tools being manufactured in their own US plant.

Does Snap On manufacture their own boxes?

Cornwell only manufactures a core hardline of hand tools, things like wrenches, ratchets, sockets and a few other odds and ends. What they do actually make are very nice tools.

Yes Snap-on manufactures their own boxes in house, the same is true for MATCO and Mac.

 

[tkcaudill]

The only thing I dont like about Cornwell is there boxs to me are ugly and a bit over priced IMO

 

[treasureseeker]

I just sent in an old Cornwell Ratchet without paying return shipping. I got a new SR-50 in seven days but was poorly packed. It came in a large bubble wrapped lined envelope about ten times the size of the ratchet UPS ground.

 

[Toolhorder]

I was told by Cornwell dealer all their hardline is made in the USA stamped USA and from USA tool steel.

 

[tkcaudill]

Cornwell like snap on and matco have cheap sides to them that are not USA made

 

[TheGrooveking]

Cornwell like snap on and matco have cheap slides to them that are not USA made

Fixed it.

TheGrooveking