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Duralast....who makes em

Hiball

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Missery
Rawr..... Why does other peoples opinions upset people so much here? Do you feel the need to defend your tools? Who gives a **** what tool brand anyone else is using, or what there opinion of it is, As long as #1 is happy that is all that matters. This thread was originated back in 2009, Resurected today 1 guy gives his "opinion" on the quality of Duralast tools he used while changing out a battery and all of a sudden we have members making assumptions about this person. What the Hell is wrong with you People?
 
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toolmaker1

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Oct 3, 2010
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Well i'm keeping my opinion to myself for now because i haven't owned my 2 duralast ratchets long enough to form a solid opinion but I will say that I have had them long enough to really question the "I break one a week changing batterys theory" I will say that alot of the two bolt retaining systems on older battery trays can be a real corroded S.O.B. but ive worked mine hard enough that I don't buy it. I will keep using them and testing long term durability but I have seen enough of them to say that "junk" is hardly correct.:thumbup:
 

shotgunfatcat

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I am the Wanderer
Rawr..... Why does other peoples opinions upset people so much here? Do you feel the need to defend your tools? Who gives a **** what tool brand anyone else is using, or what there opinion of it is, As long as #1 is happy that is all that matters. This thread was originated back in 2009, Resurected today 1 guy gives his "opinion" on the quality of Duralast tools he used while changing out a battery and all of a sudden we have members making assumptions about this person. What the Hell is wrong with you People?

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Exactly.
 

mrholeshot

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Jun 22, 2010
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Is it possible that Duralast is just a name Autozone puts on some stuff they market and that they could have changed their supplier from a China company to a Taiwan company for their Duralast stuff as of about a year ago?

I think the pearheads have been the same since 03-04. I just never took them seriously until recently. Bottom line, very nice ratchets no matter if they come out of India. I highly underestimated them. I had to go to the Betty Ford Clinic to come off the Kool-Aid:lol_hitti
 

mrholeshot

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Nobody made assumptions about you based on your opinions of tools... Plain and Simple.

Nobody said you did. You should stop assuming anyone assumed such a thing. It's seems to be hard to just agree with you.:headscrat
 

jeffk14

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Rawr..... Why does other peoples opinions upset people so much here? Do you feel the need to defend your tools? Who gives a **** what tool brand anyone else is using, or what there opinion of it is, As long as #1 is happy that is all that matters. This thread was originated back in 2009, Resurected today 1 guy gives his "opinion" on the quality of Duralast tools he used while changing out a battery and all of a sudden we have members making assumptions about this person. What the Hell is wrong with you People?
I dunno Hiball. I think people were just forming the opinion that the guy was stretching the truth a bit, that's all. I mean, breaking a ratchet a week (even a very, very sorry-assed ratchet, which the Duralast is not) changing out batteries is a bit far fetched, methinks.
 

Pro-Painter

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It has nothing to do with defending the tool. It has to do with defending the people who spend the time to comment and give real opinions based on real experiences in a professional, non abusive way. .

Personally, I look forward to conflicting opinions about tools. It lets you hear both sides of the story. But saying, "I used tool, it was junk" is not a helpful comment for ANYONE. Give details, be professional, and don't bend the Truth and I will look forward to reading your opinion.
 

Hiball

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I dunno Hiball. I think people were just forming the opinion that the guy was stretching the truth a bit, that's all. I mean, breaking a ratchet a week (even a very, very sorry-assed ratchet, which the Duralast is not) changing out batteries is a bit far fetched, methinks.

I didnt think i would ever say this but... This is a entirely diffferent "Duralast vs the Battery" story, from another member.

It has nothing to do with defending the tool. It has to do with defending the people who spend the time to comment and give real opinions based on real experiences in a professional, non abusive way. .

Personally, I look forward to conflicting opinions about tools. It lets you hear both sides of the story. But saying, "I used tool, it was junk" is not a helpful comment for ANYONE. Give details, be professional, and don't bend the Truth and I will look forward to reading your opinion.

Albeit.. its Not a Useful Comment, It is his Opinion of the tools that he used. Your gonna have conflicting opinions on just about every Tool Made, This doesnt mean your wrong, He's wrong it just means you cant make everyone Happy. With that said.. it also doesnt mean that he is a Anti Import guy as you referenenced in #3 of your List. I owned a 1/2" Drive Duralast Ratchet that i picked up 2nd hand, I thought the Action was terrible and the balance was off, That doesnt mean that the tool is Junk. I've been using Dual Paw, Fine tooth ratchets for so long that it just felt terrible. Even Kirbot (I sold it to him) clipped some spring off to smooth it out. Ive said this before and ill say it again, The Newer Import stuff is much better compared to 20+ years ago. I just dont like the fact that Most of the companies dont offer replacement parts etc, I dont want a New ratchet when the teeth wear. I want my Manufacturer to supply me with a Rebuild kit.. Does Duralast offer Replacement parts? Ive never read anything to indicate they do, But they Print on there Ratchet "Replace all worn parts" I find that Odd.
 
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Pro-Painter

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Does Duralast offer Replacement parts? Ive never read anything to indicate they do, But they Print on there Ratchet "Replace all worn parts" I find that Odd.

Me too. I emailed AZ and asked about a rebuild kit, or replacement parts and have not got an answer back yet.

I figure they put it their because the snap-on says the same thing. :headscrat
 

Hiball

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Me too. I emailed AZ and asked about a rebuild kit, or replacement parts and have not got an answer back yet.

I figure they put it their because the snap-on says the same thing. :headscrat

Its not completely unheard for Import Manufacturers to offer rebuild kits, I know Genius Tools offer kits (extremely cheap at that $2-3 bucks via a Online retailer) but definitely not the Norm.
 

mrholeshot

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Me too. I emailed AZ and asked about a rebuild kit, or replacement parts and have not got an answer back yet.

I figure they put it their because the snap-on says the same thing. :headscrat

They told me if it broke just bring the ratchet back and get a new one.
 

Pro-Painter

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Its not completely unheard for Import Manufacturers to offer rebuild kits, I know Genius Tools offer kits (extremely cheap at that $2-3 bucks via a Online retailer) but definitely not the Norm.

Yeah, Ive ordered the rebuild kits for my Import JH Williams ratchets (blue-point) before.

They told me if it broke just bring the ratchet back and get a new one.

That is what I'm expecting also. Autozone seems too willing to offer up a full replacement to offer rebuild kits.

Hell, it is Taiwan. Maybe they think "Replace worn parts" means "Ha Ha roundeye!" :lol_hitti
 

Thumper

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If you break it......just take it back like Mr.Holeshot says and they will give you a new one.
 

aussiek2000

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Their was the kid who "broke a ratchet per week" changing batteries, and now this latest un-detailed post about yet another junk duralast while changing a battery.

I was the kid that broke a ratchet per week. I have used many different brands of tools (matco, SK, snap on, craftsman, mac, great neck, duralast, williams, stanley) and the only ones I have managed to break without using them improperly were the duralast, great neck, and raised panel 1/4" craftsman. So take that for what it's worth.
 

airbuff101

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Quote:
"You are probably right, my head isn't thinking right today as posted in another thread. I thought I read somewhere that great neck is the actual umbrella company, but I will look into this. "


I was gonna buy one but after reading that they were made by an Umbrella company I'll look elsewhere...............
I would feel more comfortable if a vacuum cleaner company made them......
:)
Rob
 

Kirbot

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I've been using Dual Paw, Fine tooth ratchets for so long that it just felt terrible. Even Kirbot (I sold it to him) clipped some spring off to smooth it out. Ive said this before and ill say it again, The Newer Import stuff is much better compared to 20+ years ago. I just dont like the fact that Most of the companies dont offer replacement parts etc, I dont want a New ratchet when the teeth wear. I want my Manufacturer to supply me with a Rebuild kit.. Does Duralast offer Replacement parts? Ive never read anything to indicate they do, But they Print on there Ratchet "Replace all worn parts" I find that Odd.

I just wan't to clear something up...
Yes, I did clip the spring down shorter.
And yes, it smoothed it out quite a lot.
But, I would like to point out, that I have done the same, with similar results to most all my ratchets.
Including Craftsman raised panal (new and old), Snap-On, and Cornwell.

In my opinion, the ratcheting action was usable before clipping, but not great.
After clipping, it's up there with the best of the course tooth ratchets, (and I say that, owning a Cornwell JR-30)


.....
Alright, just one more point, then I'm getting out of here while I still can.
Imo, getting an entire, clean, shiny, brand new ratchet for a warranty replacement, is, if anything, better than just getting a rebuild kit.
It's certainly not something I would hold against it.
 

eurokid

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Dec 20, 2010
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Tacoma, WA
Not so fast......

As far as manufacturing goes then Taiwan has been far ahead of China. There are political differences as well.

Taiwan seems to know how to heat treat something and China doesn't.

I agree. Everything I own tool wise that's made in Taiwan is very good quality, professional quality. Most of what I've seen that's been made in china is total ****. I worked at a auto repair shop that had a lot of parts (engine swap parts) made in china and they were all ****. The headers were made from a low grade stainless steel that eventually would rust. Most all the welds were too cold and would crack. Granted this stuff wasn't tools, but it was a perfect example of cheaply made chinese product. You get what you pay for. Taiwan < China
 

millwrightjesse

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ephrata wa
So the duralast ratchets shouldn't be that bad. I'm trying to go good quality low budget. Also has anyone had any experience with the duralast torque wrench
 

Kirbot

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New Jersey
So the duralast ratchets shouldn't be that bad. I'm trying to go good quality low budget. Also has anyone had any experience with the duralast torque wrench

I haven't.
Although, believe it or not, the Harborfreight torque wrenches generally get good reviews. I'm going to pick on up the next time I'm there.
 

nato

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Dec 23, 2009
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Northeast Ohio
Can't really attest for much, but I have numerous chrome sockets of the Duralast variety and in a pinch, in between tool truck visits, they seems to work very nicely. When we have A/Z parts delivered, it's sooo nice that if in stock, we need some last minute tools, they can pull them off the hangers and bring them too. I'd buy Duralast sockets before even considering Napa, SK or Craftsman.
 

Wrenches of Death

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That leads me to believe one of three things.

1: The people "using" the ratchets in store are not too bright and are using the broken returned tools that customers have exchanged for new ones.

And then, when they're finished, they throw the broken ratchet right back in the same damn box...

"Duh, every ratchet in the store is broken..."

I almost wet myself laughing over your comment. Best laugh I've had so far this year.

WoD
 

caper

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cape breton
.....
Alright, just one more point, then I'm getting out of here while I still can.
Imo, getting an entire, clean, shiny, brand new ratchet for a warranty replacement, is, if anything, better than just getting a rebuild kit.
It's certainly not something I would hold against it.

I'm of a differing opinion.If I have a Duralast now and the quality is as good as you guys claim and it breaks I'd much rather get a rebuild kit for my known good tool versus turning it in for something that possibly may be made inferior.
Who is to say that Duralast quaility will be the same in 2yrs or 5 yrs? We have all seen the downward slide Craftsman has made. There are many guys who wouldn't turn in a 20 yr old RHFT Craftsman for the version that's sold today,mine's sitting in a drawer till I find a rebuild kit.The Duralast situation may very well be the same in a few years,if they're still around at all.After so many years in the mechanic trade you see many different stores and brands come and go. Autoparts chains come and go with the wind,and take their tools with them.

I'd much rather be able to keep a spare rebuild kit in my toolbox for the day when something happens to my awesome $25 ratchet than have to turn it in on a $10 POS.
 

Copytech

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Jan 9, 2010
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Ironton Ohio
You bumped a 3 Year old thread and not only insult the people who have posted here with the "use search" comment. but to also post a link to interview questions that nobody asked for! WHY???

--The original comment that I was referring to has been deleted.--
 
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Deception

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Jan 15, 2012
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New York
I have a Duralast 3 ton floor jack & stands that have lasted me 6 years & still going strong.. not bad for $100. COO is China I think. If they had HF in NY back then I probably would have went with one of their jacks though.
 
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