Eklind Is Closing Its IL Plant

[Farmall450]

The blister pack isn't doing their image any favors. If they had an image in the first place.

It's a set of cheap USA hex keys, not an engagement ring.

 

[willf650]

Sad news, I use their stuff daily!

Have that same set and the blue metric counterpart.


I just ordered a straight set of precision drivers to go with the ball end set I have. I specifically like the Eklind precision drivers better than the bondus I have. Have to get them while they are available.

Been messing with some RC cars while I'm recovering from a hip replacement. Everybody is poo pooing Eklind versus Bondhus. All I got to say about that after using both the past few days is Bondhus WTF.

These are the same size drivers. Eklind on the left and Bondhus on the right.

There is something said about not wearing folding hex keys out. On the odd occasion I stripped one out the issue is solved by nipping off the end with a die grinder and you are back in business for another decade. Most of my all metal sets of them are 30+ years old. Don't lose them and they'll literally last a lifetime.

 

[neophyte]

The blister pack isn't doing their image any favors. If they had an image in the first place.

In case you are unfamiliar with Industrial tools, made for actual industrial use, many come in the most underwhelming packaging possible.
Porter Cable, back before the Black & Decker purchase, when Porter Cable where considered the “Industrial” power tool brand for woodwork use, and usually with a higher price than their competitors, typically just came in white or brown cardboard boxes, that Porter Cable, with a bit of colored printing.
It was usually cheap tools for homeowner use that had full color packaging, with photos on the packaging.
The same mundane packaging was also the case for Milwaukee, Black & Decker’s Industrial line, and Fein.
For hand tools, Armstrong just had boxes that said “Armstrong” with a label on the side.
Plenty of decent hand tool brands, whether Estwing, or Vaughan, that are sold around the globe, simply come in bulk packaging, maybe with a plastic sleeve or bag over the tool.
There are weird exceptions. But decent tool manufacturers usually just focus on the tool, and packaging that gets the tool to the user.

 

[dchawk81]

In case you are unfamiliar with Industrial tools, made for actual industrial use, many come in the most underwhelming packaging possible.
Porter Cable, back before the Black & Decker purchase, when Porter Cable where considered the “Industrial” power tool brand for woodwork use, and usually with a higher price than their competitors, typically just came in white or brown cardboard boxes, that Porter Cable, with a bit of colored printing.
It was usually cheap tools for homeowner use that had full color packaging, with photos on the packaging.
The same mundane packaging was also the case for Milwaukee, Black & Decker’s Industrial line, and Fein.
For hand tools, Armstrong just had boxes that said “Armstrong” with a label on the side.
Plenty of decent hand tool brands, whether Estwing, or Vaughan, that are sold around the globe, simply come in bulk packaging, maybe with a plastic sleeve or bag over the tool.
There are weird exceptions. But decent tool manufacturers usually just focus on the tool, and packaging that gets the tool to the user.

That's kind of my point. No packaging would be better.

The blister pack makes it like a cowboy and indians play set at dollar tree.

Most hand tools are just hanging on a peg plain.

 

[neophyte]

That's kind of my point. No packaging would be better.

The blister pack makes it like a cowboy and indians play set at dollar tree.

Most hand tools are just hanging on a peg plain.

Baaic Hardware stores probably wanted some sort of hanging clear packaging, several decades ago.
Eklind designed, or probably paid someone to design and make the packaging, and they have been using the same packaging ever since, because it fits the requirements of the customer, and Eklind doesn’t want or feel the need to spend more money to change things.

 

[dchawk81]

Baaic Hardware stores probably wanted some sort of hanging clear packaging, several decades ago.
Eklind designed, or probably paid someone to design and make the packaging, and they have been using the same packaging ever since, because it fits the requirements of the customer, and Eklind doesn’t want or feel the need to spend more money to change things.

I get it it's just pretty cheesy looking for hand tools.

It's not a huge deal to keep discussing I was just making an off hand comment about it.