did anyone else get any tools fom triangle innovative tools?
- Thread starter sk farmer
- Start date
scooby074
Well-known member
FREE ratchet and sockets??? How the heck did i miss that one?
They look kinda neat. Interesting knurling for sure
They look kinda neat. Interesting knurling for sure
ah yes, another chosen one.
i really doubted i would ever see them or i would be inundated with ****. you will get a card and have to pick them up at the p.o. they came in a large padded envelope with some nice literature and a question form. they appear to be quite well made with a very nice satin finish. i put some superlube in the ratchet as it was pretty dry. i should have used rll. the handle on the ratchet is a little thin and could have had a little more contour but it does feel nice. it doesn't really feel slippery but i have not used it with oily hands either. i wonder who else will get them.
i had those concerns also. it has a ring on the bottom side. just pop it out with a pick and work it around the outside. it is pretty straight forward. 72 teeth in the head with dual pawls on the guts. the cap pushes in for a quick release. the u-joint appears very nice with an interesting twist on keeping it stiff. i have no idea how the will hold up but they appear well made. maybe someone will send me a hammer to test them with.
I believe the only GJ people invited were the top 5 members of all time
i can't argue with that but how did bull make the list then?
i guess he did but just could not beleive it.
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Looks like those of us who made comments expressing interest and openness to their products in this thread got invited to try some. Not sure how much they wanted posted, as I'd imagine they'd worry about the 'if it's free then I'd like one' responses, but I do hope to see some reviews on the board. Maybe post in this thread when you've had some time to test them out.
i can't argue with that but how did bull make the list then?
Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for sk farmer! He'll be here all week, folks.
I sent the gentleman who had contacted me a message. We'll see if I missed the boat.
Didn´t respond to Mr. Lin since he wanted to hear "the voice from professional users in USA at this moment." Maybe germany next time
You should have sent him a message anyways, worst he could do is say no. And of all the forum members here, you have one of the most interesting tool collections to compare it to, and appear to be pretty receptive to new products from whichever toolmakers offer them...
scooby074
Well-known member
Cool. I totally missed the triangle thread. Oh well. Free is good but i really dont need more tools
superautobacs
Well-known member
I'm awaiting to pick up my samples in the next few days.
Here's a picture of the staggered pawl that I've dug from my hard drive (saved from the net):
This design, like the older Proto dual-pawls, will inherently make the ratchet head taller than a conventional single-pawl design.
Here's a picture of the staggered pawl that I've dug from my hard drive (saved from the net):
This design, like the older Proto dual-pawls, will inherently make the ratchet head taller than a conventional single-pawl design.
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tonydanzah
Well-known member
makes the wrights pawl on each side look a little more favorable, could only compare if I had one to try out.
supertooljunkie
Well-known member
Yeah, Monte, give them a shout. You never know unless you try. I have enjoyed using my set. I just wish they had flex ratchets.
Jerry contacted me again, so maybe i can try out the tools soon too
supertooljunkie
Well-known member
Right now the tools are only available in the US through Sears. I was told, Triangle is going to set up a internet "company store" along the lines of Nepros. You can buy direct from Triangle. It was set to be up the end of this month. I haven't heard any more lately.
I was told Triangle is big in the Pacific Rim and Europe. They are trying to make a push into the States.
Finally picked up my Triangle tools from the post office.
Apparently the design is German.
I still have to submit the customer feedback form.
I really like the brochure that was included, and the fact that they provide torque comparisons.
The ratchet is smooth, but very heavy. I'm going to try 3-in-1 oil.
The extension is also heavier than I think it should be.
I like the large size stampings on the sockets.
I like the "grip" design, but I think it could be better, maybe sharper edges.
The spring loaded universal joint is awesome. They added a spring without adding any additional bulk to a regular universal joint. Very clever.
Apparently the design is German.
I still have to submit the customer feedback form.
I really like the brochure that was included, and the fact that they provide torque comparisons.
The ratchet is smooth, but very heavy. I'm going to try 3-in-1 oil.
The extension is also heavier than I think it should be.
I like the large size stampings on the sockets.
I like the "grip" design, but I think it could be better, maybe sharper edges.
The spring loaded universal joint is awesome. They added a spring without adding any additional bulk to a regular universal joint. Very clever.
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Theloniousmonk
Well-known member
I quite like the satin look of the ratchet. Is it smooth or have a fine grain texture?
thank you for posting pics.
thank you for posting pics.
supertooljunkie
Well-known member
I didn't really look that close. I see it now. I have no idea. I thought it might be a part number, but their part numbers are five numbers long. I will have to ask. Maybe a date code?
My ratchet came with no lube. I lubed mine up and it felt better. Good 'ol RLL.
The tools were jointly designed by a German, Dr. Roland Sommer. He is in the R/C aircraft design and manufacture, and a Mr. Chuck Chang, a tool designer and manufacturer. They were designed to work in the tight confines of R/C aircraft.
My ratchet came with no lube. I lubed mine up and it felt better. Good 'ol RLL.
The tools were jointly designed by a German, Dr. Roland Sommer. He is in the R/C aircraft design and manufacture, and a Mr. Chuck Chang, a tool designer and manufacturer. They were designed to work in the tight confines of R/C aircraft.
8mm socket is for screws with 8mm head which is a "M5" size screw (Metric 5mm)
10mm socket is for screws with 10mm head which is a "M6" size screw (Metric 6mm)
etc.
Funny, I had already written that in my review - was just going to wait to post it until I've taken some pics and tried the tools out a bit more to see if there's anything else I can add.
So are you getting a sample from Triangle, Monte?
supertooljunkie
Well-known member
Thanks for the information Monte.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Since I have some time in my hands right now I'd like to add a few comments:
My intial response with the tools are as follows:
Ratchet:
I wasn't expecting it to weigh so much! It's imbalanced, imo (head heavy). The ratcheting feels great with the audible fine clicks. It's not too heavy in terms of the backstroke drag, considering it's a dual-pawl mechanism. ...and hence, the head is bulky like I expected. The handle feels a bit too skinny, especially when considering the overall weight of this thing. I like how the directional switch/button/knob, whatever you wanna call it, works smoothly with ease.
Sockets:
All were finished well, with the exception of the 8mm socket where I noticed two small rust spots at the scalloped area (that part that takes the ball). The non-corner drive profile is very generic Taiwanese/Chinese examples with well sculpted, and rather sharp corners. I like the ridged design of the sockets--it does provide a lot more grip. Like others have mentioned the coresponding bolt sizing stamped onto the socket is a good idea (I've never seen it done with any other brand). I also think placing the size markings in two or more location is benefitial.
Extension:
Finished well. I don't mind the metric scale at all; if the space is available for it, why not, right? I question the merit of the flat parallel sides that allow for the use of a open-end wrench or pliers, but I guess it could be one of those features that may get you out of trouble/solve a problem. I'll probably add it to my road tool box. I can imagine the parallel sides providing additional turning grip as well.
Superman U-joint:
This was what most interested me when I heard about Triangle's products. I have a similar u-joint that incorporates a spring to keep it straight, only the spring is located outside, unhidden. The Superman version works just as well, without the bulk caused by the exposed spring. I do wish that the overall height was bit shorter/or try to place the pivot axis closer together so that it works even more smoothly.
I post another review after some more use.
My intial response with the tools are as follows:
Ratchet:
I wasn't expecting it to weigh so much! It's imbalanced, imo (head heavy). The ratcheting feels great with the audible fine clicks. It's not too heavy in terms of the backstroke drag, considering it's a dual-pawl mechanism. ...and hence, the head is bulky like I expected. The handle feels a bit too skinny, especially when considering the overall weight of this thing. I like how the directional switch/button/knob, whatever you wanna call it, works smoothly with ease.
Sockets:
All were finished well, with the exception of the 8mm socket where I noticed two small rust spots at the scalloped area (that part that takes the ball). The non-corner drive profile is very generic Taiwanese/Chinese examples with well sculpted, and rather sharp corners. I like the ridged design of the sockets--it does provide a lot more grip. Like others have mentioned the coresponding bolt sizing stamped onto the socket is a good idea (I've never seen it done with any other brand). I also think placing the size markings in two or more location is benefitial.
Extension:
Finished well. I don't mind the metric scale at all; if the space is available for it, why not, right? I question the merit of the flat parallel sides that allow for the use of a open-end wrench or pliers, but I guess it could be one of those features that may get you out of trouble/solve a problem. I'll probably add it to my road tool box. I can imagine the parallel sides providing additional turning grip as well.
Superman U-joint:
This was what most interested me when I heard about Triangle's products. I have a similar u-joint that incorporates a spring to keep it straight, only the spring is located outside, unhidden. The Superman version works just as well, without the bulk caused by the exposed spring. I do wish that the overall height was bit shorter/or try to place the pivot axis closer together so that it works even more smoothly.
I post another review after some more use.
We share almost the exact same observations
I used the tools a lot more today.
The ratchet is simply too heavy, and there are no real distinguishing features on the handle. This is my first experience with dual-pawl set up like this, and I noticed a little bit more drag than the pearheads that I'm used to.
I like the "knurling" on the sockets and extension, but would like it to be even more aggressive. I suspect the ridges start out sharp, but perhaps during the coating or plating process, they are covered and therefore less "grippy."
So far, my favorite "knurling" is by Koken.
I know, ratchets are always the most popular around here, so I'll start there. It's pictured with an old Husky (New Britain) to show the proportions. It's very similarly sized - the Triangle ratchet head measures 1.375" in diameter, and .981" deep, compared to 1.350" and .950" for the Husky. The Triangle is also about 1/4" longer. Personally I like the handle shape, the finish has more grip than polished chrome, the direction selector is easy to toggle, and the depression in the selector is easier than most for pressing the quick release button. Not surprisingly, the action is very fine. I'm used to 40-45 tooth ratchets, and while I don't think more teeth are necessary, they do give a nice feel to the ratchet. I may try some tool dip on the handle at some point partly for the look, partly for the grip, and partly so it's warmer to handle when the weather is cold. I also wondered why the selector doesn't have a triangular pattern forged into it? As to weight, it's about 20% heavier than the Husky, but the centre of gravity is a little further down towards the handle end, which I think is good.
Now for the sockets. To see how well the raised ridges work for finger spinning, I attached the sockets to a torque screwdriver, and applied torque with my fingers to the socket ridges. Unfortunately I couldn't get good reliable readings of where my fingers started to slip, but I would say the feature does give a bit more grip, and I think it would be quite noticable with oily fingers, but it's not any 2 or 3 times more grip, maybe 10-30%. Since a little extra torque when finger tightening is frequently useful, it's still a good feature. The size markings were also excellent - nice and large, properly stamped and not laser etched, and in 2 or 3 places around the socket. The standard thread size that corresponds to the socket is also engraved with the size markings - if you see the photos you'll see there's a triangle indicating M12 threads on the 19mm socket. Dimensionally, the 19mm socket measured 1.013" in diameter to the outside of the ridges, with the ridges being about .015". The socket is 1.228" high. For comparison, two other 19mm sockets in my box measured socket is 1.010" dia. by 1.021" high, and 1.003" dia. by 1.139" high. So the Triangle design doesn't seem to sacrifice too much clearance by having the gripping ridges.
Probably my favourite piece here is the U-joint. Normally I dislike U-joints, and avoid them whenever possible, always deferring to other tools or to a wobble extension first. This is the first U-joint that I actually like - the spring loaded design is a fantastic idea. I'll leave it to the career mechanics to confirm this, but I suspect that anyone who uses a U-joint regularly would find these worth buying. I've pictured it holding a 13/16" spark plug socket to give you an idea of the feel of the spring, and how it handles with a relatively heavy socket.
The extension is round with flat surfaces on two sides to turn with an 11mm or 7/16" open end wrench if you want a little extra torque when finger spinning. There is also a laser etched scale on the side, in millimetres, and the end has the gripping grooves like the sockets. I'm generally content with any extensions that have knurling on the shaft, but It would be interesting to have someone test out the Triangle extensions along with Toptul and Koken, for the best design. I do like the idea of being able to help turn with a wrench, but either a square or hex would seem more precise for that.
Finally, a few comments on finish. I think finish can be over-emphasized, as it doesn't necessarily reflect the strength of the steel underneath, and even an initially good finish may or may not prove to be durable and corrosion resistant in the long term. Even so, I have to say I was pleased with the finish. On all pieces it was nearly flawless, just a few minor marks on the ridges of the sockets which would have been left in the forging process. I haven't had much experience with satin finishes, but it's really nice - seems less slippery than polished chrome, and appears less likely to get marked up. I'll be looking for more stuff with this finish, whether it's on items from Triangle or elsewhere.
Overall I'm fairly impressed, seems like decent stuff to me. I wouldn't call most of it revolutionary, as it doesn't make my existing tools obsolete, but good markings on the sockets are a particular feature I look for. And the standout here is the U-joint.
Now for the sockets. To see how well the raised ridges work for finger spinning, I attached the sockets to a torque screwdriver, and applied torque with my fingers to the socket ridges. Unfortunately I couldn't get good reliable readings of where my fingers started to slip, but I would say the feature does give a bit more grip, and I think it would be quite noticable with oily fingers, but it's not any 2 or 3 times more grip, maybe 10-30%. Since a little extra torque when finger tightening is frequently useful, it's still a good feature. The size markings were also excellent - nice and large, properly stamped and not laser etched, and in 2 or 3 places around the socket. The standard thread size that corresponds to the socket is also engraved with the size markings - if you see the photos you'll see there's a triangle indicating M12 threads on the 19mm socket. Dimensionally, the 19mm socket measured 1.013" in diameter to the outside of the ridges, with the ridges being about .015". The socket is 1.228" high. For comparison, two other 19mm sockets in my box measured socket is 1.010" dia. by 1.021" high, and 1.003" dia. by 1.139" high. So the Triangle design doesn't seem to sacrifice too much clearance by having the gripping ridges.
Probably my favourite piece here is the U-joint. Normally I dislike U-joints, and avoid them whenever possible, always deferring to other tools or to a wobble extension first. This is the first U-joint that I actually like - the spring loaded design is a fantastic idea. I'll leave it to the career mechanics to confirm this, but I suspect that anyone who uses a U-joint regularly would find these worth buying. I've pictured it holding a 13/16" spark plug socket to give you an idea of the feel of the spring, and how it handles with a relatively heavy socket.
The extension is round with flat surfaces on two sides to turn with an 11mm or 7/16" open end wrench if you want a little extra torque when finger spinning. There is also a laser etched scale on the side, in millimetres, and the end has the gripping grooves like the sockets. I'm generally content with any extensions that have knurling on the shaft, but It would be interesting to have someone test out the Triangle extensions along with Toptul and Koken, for the best design. I do like the idea of being able to help turn with a wrench, but either a square or hex would seem more precise for that.
Finally, a few comments on finish. I think finish can be over-emphasized, as it doesn't necessarily reflect the strength of the steel underneath, and even an initially good finish may or may not prove to be durable and corrosion resistant in the long term. Even so, I have to say I was pleased with the finish. On all pieces it was nearly flawless, just a few minor marks on the ridges of the sockets which would have been left in the forging process. I haven't had much experience with satin finishes, but it's really nice - seems less slippery than polished chrome, and appears less likely to get marked up. I'll be looking for more stuff with this finish, whether it's on items from Triangle or elsewhere.
Overall I'm fairly impressed, seems like decent stuff to me. I wouldn't call most of it revolutionary, as it doesn't make my existing tools obsolete, but good markings on the sockets are a particular feature I look for. And the standout here is the U-joint.
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i don't have the triangle tool but first took a glance at a picture, first thing i thought was "hey it looks like TONE's stainless steel SRH41 1/2 ratchet."
I don't have TONE's ratchet either so i can't say much other than info off the net.
So... hight teeth count... maybe it comes in handy in tight spots... nice to have?
Here's the some info from Yahoo shopping
Funky translation by Dr.Google
Here's TONE's website.
Anyway... im not willing to pay $170+α for TONE's stainless ratchet.
I don't have TONE's ratchet either so i can't say much other than info off the net.
So... hight teeth count... maybe it comes in handy in tight spots... nice to have?
Here's the some info from Yahoo shopping
Funky translation by Dr.Google
Here's TONE's website.
Anyway... im not willing to pay $170+α for TONE's stainless ratchet.