Evolv tools at Sears

[billymade]

Look, the quality of the tools are very low compared to what we are used to in a pro level tool; I guess we are just intrigued by something "new"! One thing to keep in mind regarding the warranty; the companion line only had a 1 year warranty compared to this "limited" life time warranty. Did you see the ratchet with the adjustable grip? Kinda bizarre!

Evolv 3/8 In. Drive Extendable Ratchet
Sears item# 00910033000 Mfr. model# 50293 You Pay: $19.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00910033000P

This is the most expansive tool set in the evolv tool line that is being offered:

200 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
Sears item# 00910026000 Mfr. model# 50200 You Pay: $99.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00910026000P

You can check out the full line of tools here; as they finally put them up on sears.com : http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_1...tools&gobutton.x=0&gobutton.y=0&gobutton=find

 

[Stuey]

Am I the only one that thinks that that tip is painted?

 

[davestlouis]

My stores have them in the locked cases, with the "real" tools

 

[Stuey]

My stores have them in the locked cases, with the "real" tools

That's what I like about Sears Essentials stores - there are no locked cabinets! At most, there are locks placed on the pegs to prevent product removal.

 

[davestlouis]

We don't have "essentials" store, just Sears mall stores, and Sears Appliance stores that used to be Sears Hardware

 

[Stuey]

I'm guessing that the Essentials stores were converted from lackluster K-Marts.

Edit: Here are the photos I took when I first noticed the first Evolv tools a few weeks ago. Notice the "lifetime warranty." Honestly though, some of the tools seem okay, others look terrible.

 

[bchee]

Evolv 3/8 In. Drive Extendable Ratchet
Sears item# 00910033000 Mfr. model# 50293 You Pay: $19.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00910033000P

Harbor Freight has a similar ratchet
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98802

 

[64merc]

My stores have them in the locked cases, with the "real" tools

That really ***** doesn't it? I'm down to only one store in my area that doesn't lock their cases. Damn theives screw everything up for everyone.

 

[davestlouis]

I'm also seeing more stores with signs up in the tool aisle, "Smile you're on video". Until very recently, I could tell what kind of neighborhood I was in by whether the gas station made cash buyers prepay for gas...when gas shot up to $4/gallon, damn near every local station went to prepay.

Back to topic, sort of. It takes so long to get a clerk to open the locked case, then I have to make small talk with someone who thinks they know tools, but knows even less than I do, then when I say "thanks, but I'll pass today" they act put upon.

 

[billymade]

Retail is tough because you have to strike a balance between having a bunch of tools going out "the back door" and having them accessible for the customer; finding the right "balance" is the key, I do think in extreme cases of attempted "security"; it kills sales! On the other hand, we have had some really bold customers who will pick up say a pretty large box with a power tool in it thats not "tied down" with cables/lock and literally walk out the door! These "thieves" amaze and shock me with their boldness or assumption that they won't be caught stealing these items! Sad thing is, many get way with it and the store takes a hit! Then, the loss prevention will get all ********* and draconian about having practically every tool strapped to the floor! Ahhh, finding the right "balance"; sounds like eastern philosophy or something.... its something thats hard to find!

 

[philw]

Why doesn't Sears go to the alarm gate system? I don't care for Walmart much but one thing they try to do correctly is cut down on theft.
Thieves cost us honest people money. I don't care if I have to show a receipt to someone, if it's saving me or the retailer a few $$ then it's worth it.

I saw the Evolv tools at our Sears last week. I thought they seemed nicer then the old Companion line and for someone who rarely uses tools they would be more then adequate.

 

[Searsdrone]

Some of the Evolv stuff is just rebadged companion tools. Check out the nutdrivers. Identical except for the logo on the handle.

 

[bchee]

Some of the Evolv stuff is just rebadged companion tools. Check out the nutdrivers. Identical except for the logo on the handle.

I just noticed that too. What's funny is that I went to a different part of the tools section and they had the Companion nutdrivers hanging on the wall. Looked exactly the same.

 

[Stuey]

Same tool, different packaging, different price - Sears does this on at least a handful of products. Bits, ratchets, tool storage, etc. But in this case, they'll probably eventually slowly clearance off the Companion line and keep everything as Evolv. The shafts could have already been manufactured, so switching branding would have been a cinch.

Were they the same price at least?

 

[billymade]

One is "packaged" as a "normal" bit accessory; while the other one is a "Speed-Lok" system based accessory! That being said; are the essentially the same product? Yes, they probably are but they are in two different lines of tools they are selling... yeah, sears is confusing and half the time what they do doesn't make any sense... welcome to the world of sears...

 

[Stuey]

Sears just started advertising evolv tools on its site. I saw product listings about a week ago, but this is the first time that I've seen them actively promoting the line.

LINK

 

[wfgibson]

locked cases at the stores depend on the risk level of the store and amount of shrink that is at the store due to theft. If you have locked cabinets at the Sears store you shop at, that means they are a high shrink store and experience most of the shrink due to theft and not inventory control.

 

[wfgibson]

That really ***** doesn't it? I'm down to only one store in my area that doesn't lock their cases. Damn theives screw everything up for everyone.

locked cases at the stores depend on the risk level of the store and amount of shrink that is at the store due to theft. If you have locked cabinets at the Sears store you shop at, that means they are a high shrink store and experience most of the shrink due to theft and not inventory control.

 

[GearWrench Brand]

The new Evolv tools website has launched. Check it out below:

http://www.evolvtools.com/

Steve

 

[Diesel-Mech]

So these are manufactured by Danaher?

 

[Stuey]

The new Evolv tools website has launched. Check it out below:

http://www.evolvtools.com/

Steve

I think that the site is overall very effective as well as nice and simple as this line of tools claim to be.

I like the simplicity of the "feedback" tab on the bottom right hand corner as well as the few background questions it asks. However, I think that the "where do you shop for tools" question should allow for multiple selections instead of only one.

I have other comments/criticisms about the new website, but conveyed them to Steve via PM so as to not detract from this thread's focus on the tools themselves.

 

[phi2039]

Yeah, these just showed up at my store the other day; I don't know if this is a direct "connection" but evolv is a sports based company that specializes in footwear for mountain climbing/extreme sports. I don't know if they are directly linked to the tools but the logo looks very similar if not the same! http://www.evolvesports.com/
The ratchet head looks identical to the old companion design; the wrenches look pretty good and they sockets look "ok". I mean this stuff is really cheap; so, I would expect much in the way of quality! Hell, the quality of the standard line of Craftsman tools are declining; so, I don't expect any miracles from the economy line offered.
Danaher guys; do you produce any of these tools or is this another OEM altogether? The packaging does say "distributed by Sears" and with lifetime warranty; it also says you can return them to a evolv dealer; apparently they have dealers (http://www.evolvesports.com/dealers.htm) that seem to be based in outdoor suppliers and sports stores.

One thing that is strange is that these new tools are no where to be found on the sears.com website; maybe they will be rolling out more marketing, the closer we get to the holidays.....

If they are in fact linked to "evolv sports" mentioned earlier; then the marketing, packaging and "natural" feel to the brand makes sense. I would be interested in seeing our display when it goes up; we haven't put everything up yet for Christmas....

No connection at all...Evolv makes a great climbing shoe, though...

BTW...That is Chris Sharma, the strongest climber on the planet, climbing the hardest known route on the planet (for which those shoes are named). Because the route is overhung, a helmet would not be of any use (several hundred feet off the ground) and every extra ounce counts. Can't speak for the shirt, but If I looked like Chris Sharma, I would never wear a shirt...

 

[amishman]

These tools look nice and pleasing to the eye. I saw them tonight at Sears. Not sure of the quality, but they seem decent. My guess is they are on par with HF tools and the like. The Crescent style wrenches seemed beefy when I grabbed them. Maybe will have to get a set and could use them in cars, etc... tj

 

[amishman]

I do like the easy read sockets. They seams easier the read than my craftsman sockets. Tj

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Pffffft!! I climb towers for a living for nine years, and I would never do what he is shown doing; not even for a photo shoot! Way to dangerous, working THE world's most dangerous job for most of your adult working life has a way of making your working life much more safe.

Know many a guy who is no longer with us by overlooking an equipment safety situation. It only takes one fall.

Adam

 

[amishman]

well, I looked closer today while at Kmart. Unfortunately, I feel the Evolv tools are below par. Looking closely at the ratchets, the ratchet mechanism seems real, well, crappy. Maybe like a 4 gear mechanism. hehehe. Well, not that low, you real clunky. I had high hopes as I like the idea of the line. The crescent wrenches looked nice and sturdy, and I like the color of the tool handles. But, the Evolv logo is worn off the handles of the ratchets I looked at.

I think a good idea, cool name, cool packing, but sub standard tools. That is too bad.

Just my opinion.

tj

 

[Goop]

I wonder if these are rebadged Blue-point tools from Snap-on???

Evolv, $15:

Blue-point, $80, via the Snap-on website:

 

[amishman]

The pliers actually looked not bad. The ratchets and screwdrivers to me looked cheap, like black paint on tips of screwdrivers like someone else noted. Not sure if it is paint, but it does not look right. The wrenches felt nice to me though.

tj

 

[billymade]

Man, thats crazy... those Bluepoints look close! I was handling the Evolv pliers and wasn't impressed... make you wonder though, seeing how the pics look so similar!

 

[chrisexv6]

Checked out KMart tonight (all the Companion stuff is on clearance).......they had the nut driver set on clearance. Walked thru the normal tool section, and the Evolv nut drivers look EXACTLY the same as the companion (same color codes, handle shape, etc) except Evolv logo is on them instead. And of course those were full price.

 

[Willy Victor]

I have a 1/2 Craftsman rachet on the fritz, I better get over there and replace it. I smell a rat from Sears.


Willy

 

[Phatsub]

I spotted the Evolv tools in my local Kmapart over the weekend. My Wife even said they looked cheap. I noticed on the back of the bland cardboard it says "Made in China". I'll pass.

 

[Thumper]

I was checking out the Companion blue handle screwdrivers the other day and they appear to be the same as the old Craftsman.....right down to the "WF" on the handles.

 

[Jay H 237]

I spotted the Evolv tools in my local Kmapart over the weekend. My Wife even said they looked cheap. I noticed on the back of the bland cardboard it says "Made in China". I'll pass.

The Kmart by me has been starting to stock them the past few weeks too. I don't know how well they are selling, it would be interesting to know to see how well they are being recieved by average people and not "tool people" like on here. I'm still sticking to mainly Craftsman and Gearwrench with some Snap-On mixed in for my weekend mechanic needs.

 

[Jay H 237]

I was checking out the Companion blue handle screwdrivers the other day and they appear to be the same as the old Craftsman.....right down to the "WF" on the handles.

This post just made me think of something.

I found 2 solid red handled Craftsman screwdrivers in my toolbox I got from somewhere. They look like a regular Cman screwdriver but the handles are a solid medium red color and have the 5 digit Cman part number. I would guess they are less than 10 years old as I only really started buying tools the past few years. I was wondering if Billymade or someone else might know when they are from or where they fit in the Cman product line?

 

[Fedwrench]

Those solid red handled Craftsman screwdrivers were sale items. They regularly sold for $1.99 but, often went on sale for 99 cents each and came in a wide variety of sizes. They were definitely a good buy if you got to Sears when they first opened on sale day.

 

[billymade]

Those screwdrivers came off the truck as a "price leader", bulk quantity item with its own card board box "merchandizer", these were typically advertised in "super saturday" types of sales. We would put them out and they sold pretty quickly, they are lifetime warranty and you will get a "normal" type of screwdriver as a replacement. Unfortunately, all the low line screwdrivers have gone down in quality IMHO; the metal is just too soft for everyday usage... if you have to buy Craftsman, go for the Craftsman Pro line the metal is better and last longer....

 

[Thumper]

I have some of those Red handles and some Orange handle Phillips...and yes, they were bargain priced at the time!

 

[kartracer23]

I just picked up a set of metric and a set of SAE hex drivers. As far as looks, they look fine, holder is nice (better than my Lisle holders) and the markings are easy to read.

I normally wouldn't buy bottom end tools, but the Craftsman version was $29 / set, the Gear Wrench (which would match my ratchets) is $57. These were 9 bucks.

I just couldn't tell the difference between the three different sets-one for $18 total, one for $58 total and the other for $114. I mean, that's a big difference - $18 vs. $114?

 

[khiemmin]

This is not related to GearWrench, but I thought I'd chime in and add some detail since it looks like there is some interest. I've been involved with the Evolv project. It's been many months in the making.

As many of you have commented, this line is not targeted at the Professional or Serious Enthusiast that describes most of us on this board. It was/is developed for the do-it-yourselfer who is more of an occasional user of tools, but values things like dual-material grips, a nice quality finish, and packaging that is simple and easy to shop. Of course, price point is also a key factor here.

These tools are not spec'd as high as Craftsman - the more serious tool user will definitely want to step up. With that said, the Evolv line has some cool tools for the segment of users that it targets - and more coming!

Sears and DTG have partnered to promote this line so more info will be coming soon. Also, there is no affiliation with the previously mentioned line of outdoor sporting goods.

Thanks,
Steve

wow i'm kicking myself for not researching before buying... i'm a firsttime buyer of tools so i fell for the tricks that retailers set up =[ i find it pretty stupid that they put these under the professional section at the sears by me... then again i guess that was my fault for not knowing...