Given an Evolv tool - what to do?

[porphyre]

My Father gave me an Evolv ratchet for Christmas. It's an interesting gimmicky thing, but the tool itself doesn't matter. The fact it is Evolv does. Link to tool

I'm not a gung-ho 100% Tool Truck Only Guy and do own some quality Asian tools (Gearwrench), but I also believe Craftsman is the best known tool brand in America and is part of America's manufacturing heritage. I'm both sad and pissed off that they've begun moving hardline tool manufacture off shore. I'm pissed some of the new Evolv tools are dual branded using the Craftsman name. Sears is dragging Craftsman down in an effort to drag Evolv up.

So my point is, if it was any other Asian-made brand but Evolv (Duralast, Stanley, Pittsburgh, etc), I'd keep it and use it.

What would you guys do? Explain to your Dad your concerns and return the tool to Sears or Grin and Bear it?

I hate seeming un-gracious, but Evolv tools REALLY bother me. On a personal/political level. "Money talks" and all that, ya know? What if you were a Red Sox fan and somebody bought ya a Yankees hat?

 

[american lockpicker]

I would sit down and have a talk with your dad about how you feel about evolv and take it back for store credit. I know my mom keeps reciepts for everything she buys for people in case they want to return it so he will probably be cool with it.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

How close does Dad live to you? If he is there often and might see it in your box, keep it in the box and your mouth closed. You only have your Dad for what seems like a short time. Make the most of it.

If he lives far away and doesn't get to see you often, take it back and exchange for another tool. If he ever does ask about it, tell him Sears replaced it with an upgraded tool (no lying involved, they did replace it for some extra cash...) without explaining why it was replaced.

 

[Red Green]

A lot depends on how your dad thinks about such things. My family is very understanding about if something isn't going to be used that it should be returned for something that you are going to use.

I voted for a return with talking to your dad. If you think your dads feelings would be hurt I would keep it.

 

[Wes28376]

How close does Dad live to you? If he is there often and might see it in your box, keep it in the box and your mouth closed. You only have your Dad for what seems like a short time. Make the most of it.

I have to agree with keeping it. The fact that your father knows you like tools and made an effort is cool. Even if you never use it you will look at that tool and remember your Dad when he is gone. Take it from someone who is about to lose his Dad. My favorite (not best) tools is the small 3/8 craftsman set my Dad bought for me 15 years ago for working on my dirt bike. I hardly ever use the set but it will always have a place in my box.

 

[PaulR]

Road box.


I got a 100 or whatever Dremel accessory kit.
...aint got no Dremel.
Thanks dad.

 

[american lockpicker]

Road box.


I got a 100 or whatever Dremel accessory kit.
...aint got no Dremel.
Thanks dad.

Now you have a great reason to get a Proxxon.

 

[mrholeshot]

Hit him with it side the head and it's Snap-On or nothing, Just kidding

I've been faced with this many times before but with my kids giving me tools I don't like. I find it best to keep the tool and use it when in their pressence. My relationship means way more than any tool posibly could. I have a watch (I know it isn't a tool) that one of my sons gave me when he was 12. He's now 33. Each time he comes to visit I wear that watch. He worked his *** off to buy that 19 dollar watch and each year I have a new battery put in it and wear it for a short while during his stays.
When it comes to the tools I keep them inside and use them for minor indoor repairs and putting things together like bikes and stuff like that.

It all depends on how the other person would react. I have no problem with my kids returning something they don't like for something they rather have. I insist they do and I don't get my feelings hurt.

 

[Suprman]

a similar situation but with a straight talk phone plus charger and 5 months of minutes i got from my mother this year. I already have a phone and even though its not the nicest thing, its what i want.

she bought me a $100+ phone and 4 $30 and 1 $45 cards plus a separate car charger. all total close to $300. she included the receipt but she was really excited about it. dunno what to do.

 

[jeepnut24]

Use it, Ill use gifts if they are from family. Not like the tool is going to self distruct. Then later on explain to Dad why you don't like Evolv, and finally spend the effort to contact CMAN and tell them of your issues. Id rather have an Evolv ratchet from my dad and us talking and working together than return it and hurt feelings. Dad thought enough to buy me tools would be good enough for me. Spend the effort talking to Sears and CMAN about what they are doing, not Dad.


My mom got me a dog bone wrench for christmas. You can bet Ill be using it.

 

[seagravedriver]

I would keep it, as it would mean something to me. Heck, I bought relatives Snap-On ratchets and they still keep reaching for their Pittsburgh and unk name Harbor Freight ratchets more often than not! Saving a buck means more than a busted knuckle to them. It is kinda funny.

 

[gatewaysysop]

How close does Dad live to you? If he is there often and might see it in your box, keep it in the box and your mouth closed. You only have your Dad for what seems like a short time. Make the most of it.

I agree on this part. No need to potentially hurt anyone's feelings. The tool was free so just stick it somewhere and don't use it. It really ***** to feel like you've disappointed someone, especially with a present. Let it go.

 

[W650Mike]

"So my point is, if it was any other Asian-made brand but Evolv (Duralast, Stanley, Pittsburgh, etc), I'd keep it and use it."

I read and understand the paragraph preceding this quote, but still don’t understand how one retailer purchasing offshore is any different than another doing the same thing.

I suggest that you use it in front of your father and then toss it when he’s gone.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

Am I the only one with a dad that wouldn't be offended? My dad tells me if he doesn't like the tools I get him and why he doesn't like them. Then next time I know not to get something similar. I do the same, although when my dad gets me tools he knows more about why I need it than I do, haha.

I don't know your dad, but if it were my dad, I'd say Evolv is for women and hippies and throw it in my wife's tool box.

 

[Red Green]

"So my point is, if it was any other Asian-made brand but Evolv (Duralast, Stanley, Pittsburgh, etc), I'd keep it and use it."

I read and understand the paragraph preceding this quote, but still don’t understand how one retailer purchasing offshore is any different than another doing the same thing.

I suggest that you use it in front of your father and then toss it when he’s gone.

Sears has always had Craftsman advertised as USA made and Companion or Sears branded tools as lower cost imports. Now they are Adding the Craftsman name to the low cost imports.

 

[Steevo]

I remember the year that my dad wrapped up the lid to a pan from his kitchen and gave it to me for Christmas.

Be glad your dad knows the difference.

 

[bczygan]

OK,
You asked............you are being silly and stupid. Cutting off your own nose to spite your face.
Take the tool and give it a real workout. Find it's capabilities and limitations. Then put it in it's appropriate place, main box, car box etc. Getting a gift isn't the time to educate the gift giver on tools. Treasure it as something your family member picked out for you. The thought does count.

Bill

 

[Kurn]

OK,
You asked............you are being silly and stupid. Cutting off your own nose to spite your face.
Take the tool and give it a real workout. Find it's capabilities and limitations. Then put it in it's appropriate place, main box, car box etc. Getting a gift isn't the time to educate the gift giver on tools. Treasure it as something your family member picked out for you. The thought does count.

Bill

X2. Your dad isn't gonna be around forever.Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

[mrholeshot]

My Dad died in 1994. He left me all his tools. I was too good for his "old tools" and gave them to my stepbrother. I would give anything to have just a few of them back. I have a few of his other things. Just holding something he wanted me to have and what he held means more than what it is.

 

[porphyre]

Thanks for all the input, guys!

After listening to y'all, I'm leaning more towards explaining the issue to my dad and taking the tool back. I firmly believe he'll understand because we've had MANY discussions about COO. His dad was an AP mech for 40+ years with tons of Snap-on stuff. Dad's a paper pusher, but 90% of his stuff is Craftsman. One of his favorite rants is about how America doesn't make TV's anymore.

Frankly, I'm kind of surprised he bought it at all. My list had the new 84-tooth Premium ratchet on it - the store clerks were too incompetent to help him find/order one, so he got this instead. He's morally opposed to gift cards...

To answer some questions -
My folks live ~5 miles away. I see 'em at least every other week. His mom is 93 and kicking, so he's got a few decades left. I've got lots of stuff to remember him by... in our family, gifts aren't only given at Xmas & Bday.

W650Mike - I understand your confusion. Politics often aren't rational. Red/Green hit it on the head. Haven't you read any of the threads on here about Snap-On removing the COO from some products?

Bczygan - If it were any brand but Evolv, I'd agree with you. On your second point, though, education is a gift that keeps on giving.

 

[hguerrero]

you could always send it to me...

 

[Red Green]

Dad's a paper pusher, but 90% of his stuff is Craftsman. One of his favorite rants is about how America doesn't make TV's anymore.

In that case I would ask him if he thinks that the imported ratchet will work good enough to fix your imported TV.

 

[Auzivision]

Sears is just trying to compete with Menards, Lowes, Harbor Frieght Etc. I do agree they should make a clearer distinction between brands. At least they picked a completely different color unlike some of the champion junk I recieved a few years back packaged in craftsman red.

 

[ngk22r]

Its a gift, its not like you bought it.. He put thought into getting you a tool and regardless of where it is made, just keep it and remember he gave it to you. You may regret it later for not keeping it, whether you use it or not.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

You could always tell your dad "I already have plenty of ratchets, but I could use a set of pry bars..." or whatever tool you want to exchange it for at Sears.

 

[woody 73]

Ok my two cents and I have been around the block,so listen up! You keep that tool and give your Dad a big hug...Then you put it in your road box for junk yard work. Now when your Father is long gone from this Earth you will always think of him giving you that tool.

My Father died a long time ago on X-mas Morning and the very few tools he gave me I treasure them all the time.

 

[Thumper]

Keep it and use it......think of him when you do.....once he's gone it will mean something to you .....unless your a heartless *******.

 

[crewchief888]

Ok my two cents and I have been around the block,so listen up! You keep that tool and give your Dad a big hug... Now when your Father is long gone from this Earth you will always think of him giving you that tool.

My Father died a long time ago on tools he gave me I treasure them all the time.

Keep it and use it......think of him when you do.....once he's gone it will mean something to you .....

i think even if i never used it, i'd keep it.

my dads been gone a long time too
he didnt have much in the way of material things, but i do have his tools, his 2 guns, and his favorite shot glass.

i dont have kids of my own, i'd like to think my stepkids appreciate everything i give to them.
i know i appreciate everything they've ever given me
if i gave something to one of them, and found out they tossed it in the trash, i'd be a little hurt.

 

[Hiball]

Hell... Id Keep it, You might find a use for it someday.

 

[jhelrey]

Keep it! I bought a few sets of Evolv sockets. Torx and Allen sockets in 3/8. Why, $10.00 a set compared to $50.00. They still warranty it, etc. I don't use them enough to pay the big money.

 

[aar0s]

getting in on this party late but if it bothers you that much let him see you using it once or twice (for his benefit) then toss it in the road box and forget about it. If there is no chance that he will see you use it, like he lives 500 miles away or something, take it back and get one you will use.

 

[Scout Driver]

Keep it. Use it around the house or for lighter jobs and get some wear on it. Next time your Dad sees it, it will make his day to see that you've been using it.

Scott

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

it was a GIFT from your dad ... and what exactly are you gonna exchange it for? it's only $20 ... think about it.

 

[trexdoink]

I bought a MAC ratchet then stripped it out on a tough bolt and the rebuild kit the MAC guy had said "Stanley Japan" on the bag. So bottom line is unless it comes off the Snap-on truck all of them are probably Asian. (i'd rather have a Japanese than Chinese tool though) Put it to the test and let us know how many stitches you need when it bombs out!

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I'd keep it, but then I'm a sentimental type when it comes to gifts from Dad. Dad and I are close and he won't be around forever. It's something that he put thought, time and effort into getting and giving to you. But that's just me...

 

[PatentNonsense]

Hit him with it side the head and it's Snap-On or nothing, Just kidding

I've been faced with this many times before but with my kids giving me tools I don't like. I find it best to keep the tool and use it when in their pressence. My relationship means way more than any tool posibly could. I have a watch (I know it isn't a tool) that one of my sons gave me when he was 12. He's now 33. Each time he comes to visit I wear that watch. He worked his *** off to buy that 19 dollar watch and each year I have a new battery put in it and wear it for a short while during his stays.
When it comes to the tools I keep them inside and use them for minor indoor repairs and putting things together like bikes and stuff like that.

It all depends on how the other person would react. I have no problem with my kids returning something they don't like for something they rather have. I insist they do and I don't get my feelings hurt.

Amen to that - life's too short to cut off - in any way - people who are trying to give/love.

 

[Garage_Mahal]

Send it to the Will it Grind folks.

 

[bonneyman]

I'd return it, and pay the extra and upgrade to what you want. I've done it with Sears before. Had my ex-mother in law buy me some tools. She didn't have a clue, neither did the counter help. I went back in there and exchanged it for something I could use.
It's no different than with clothes that don't fit. You exchange them for stuff that does fit. Same with tools - it wouldn't be insulting IMHO.

 

[porphyre]

I ended up going with the unpopular option. I talked to him and we went to Sears. Spent some time looking at Chinese saw blades, Chinese wrenches, Taiwanese pliers, Indian abrasives and lots of Chinese power tools. Turned it in and placed an order for the 3/8 84 tooth. It was a good time.

While I understand where many of you are coming from, about it being a gift from Dad, I've got lots of stuff to remember him when he's gone and am sure I will collect much more in the coming years. Instead of "that **** ratchet my dad got me" it's become "this awesome ratchet I helped my dad get me". I've turned a gift that bugged me into a memory of wandering around the store with my dad bitching about COO, corporate mergers, and the environmental impact of gigantic transoceanic cargo vessels.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I ended up going with the unpopular option. I talked to him and we went to Sears. Spent some time looking at Chinese saw blades, Chinese wrenches, Taiwanese pliers, Indian abrasives and lots of Chinese power tools. Turned it in and placed an order for the 3/8 84 tooth. It was a good time.

While I understand where many of you are coming from, about it being a gift from Dad, I've got lots of stuff to remember him when he's gone and am sure I will collect much more in the coming years. Instead of "that **** ratchet my dad got me" it's become "this awesome ratchet I helped my dad get me". I've turned a gift that bugged me into a memory of wandering around the store with my dad bitching about COO, corporate mergers, and the environmental impact of gigantic transoceanic cargo vessels.

Thanks for the input guys.

Exactly what my dad and I would probably have done. Congrats on the Premium ratchet. They are very nice.