Goodbye Snap-on Hello TOPTUL

[vstoyko]

I recently broke a couple of Snap-on screwdrivers and discovered that both the Snap-on dealers nearest to me had left the business. I wasn't in the mood to chase down any of their other trucks or discuss the questionable condition on one of the handles so I sent Mike Wren @wrenhandtools.com an email and asked about his Toptul Go-Thru screwdrivers.

Mike got back to me the same day and told me if I wanted he could ship product (to my home in Canada) after he received an order he was waiting on. Last week I got an email from Mike advising that he shipped my order and he suggested that at my convenience I may want to contact him with my credit card info (great guy to deal with).

Received my screwdrivers yesterday and The Toptul Go-Thru screw drivers have all the qualities I've been looking for in a screwdriver and from initial feel/reaction it looks like they'll be the first screw driver I'll be reaching for. I can see where I'll be doing more business with Mike in the future.

Unlike the Snap-on statement "Screwdrivers are not designed to be used as striking tools. Impact with a hammer can cause the handle to split, mushroom, fracture tips or allow the blade stem to penetrate the handle." my Toptul Go-Thru are designed to be impacted, have magnetic tips, have hex heads on the shaft for wrenches, have octagonal shafts which adds additional strength, has flats for prying convenience and you can use a wrench closer to the head if you want. Additionally in my opinion they have a superior handle to the new style Snap-on (which I don't care for).

I don't have a love affair with any tool or tool manufacturer and as far as I'm concerned tools are just a means to achieving an end. I buy tools that I believe will serve me best and did I mention that the Toptul Go-Thru screwdrivers are very, very competitively priced when compared to the truck guys (even including the cost of shipping to Canada).

I attached a picture for comparison.

 

[Hiball]

I don't have a love affair with any tool or tool manufacturer and as far as I'm concerned tools are just a means to achieving an end. I buy tools that I believe will serve me best and did I mention that the Toptul Go-Thru screwdrivers are very, very competitively priced when compared to the truck guys (even including the cost of shipping to Canada).

I attached a picture for comparison.

I have a similar mindset as you, Im not as much in to "Brand Loyalty" As much as i just want a quality tool at a competive price. I too have been talking To Mike and he really seems like he wants to make sure that "I" am happy and i look forward to My order arriving. They are some nice looking screwdrivers though. Congrats

 

[fordracing200]

Glad your happy, but how the heck are you supposed to get those warrantied? And why all the hate on the new style snap on screwdrivers? i liked them...

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Hey ship me your broken Snappy stuff so I can "take care of that" for you.

I'll pay Shipping and Handling.

Adam

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

How much???

 

[slack]

To be fair, it should be pointed out that the two Snap On screwdrivers in your picture are around 30 yrs old. I'd also like to see how the Toptul tips hold up to being used as chisels and prybars. No matter who makes it, it's either a screwdriver or a prybar—not both.

 

[garfunkle24]

I recently broke a couple of Snap-on screwdrivers and discovered that both the Snap-on dealers nearest to me had left the business. I wasn't in the mood to chase down any of their other trucks or discuss the questionable condition on one of the handles so I sent Mike Wren @wrenhandtools.com an email and asked about his Toptul Go-Thru screwdrivers.

Mike got back to me the same day and told me if I wanted he could ship product (to my home in Canada) after he received an order he was waiting on. Last week I got an email from Mike advising that he shipped my order and he suggested that at my convenience I may want to contact him with my credit card info (great guy to deal with).

Received my screwdrivers yesterday and The Toptul Go-Thru screw drivers have all the qualities I've been looking for in a screwdriver and from initial feel/reaction it looks like they'll be the first screw driver I'll be reaching for. I can see where I'll be doing more business with Mike in the future.

Unlike the Snap-on statement "Screwdrivers are not designed to be used as striking tools. Impact with a hammer can cause the handle to split, mushroom, fracture tips or allow the blade stem to penetrate the handle." my Toptul Go-Thru are designed to be impacted, have magnetic tips, have hex heads on the shaft for wrenches, have octagonal shafts which adds additional strength, has flats for prying convenience and you can use a wrench closer to the head if you want. Additionally in my opinion they have a superior handle to the new style Snap-on (which I don't care for).

I don't have a love affair with any tool or tool manufacturer and as far as I'm concerned tools are just a means to achieving an end. I buy tools that I believe will serve me best and did I mention that the Toptul Go-Thru screwdrivers are very, very competitively priced when compared to the truck guys (even including the cost of shipping to Canada).

I attached a picture for comparison.

I'm glad you like your Toptul stuff, sounds like Mike is offering great value for money and has a lot of happy customers already.

I just wanted to point out that while some of the features you list are nice to have, none of them define a good screwdriver.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm wondering why they call them the "Go-Thru" screwdrivers.

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

I'm wondering why they call them the "Go-Thru" screwdrivers.

The shank goes through the handle to the cap.

 

[Merkava_4]

The shank goes through the handle to the cap.

Alright, thanks.

 

[old salvage]

To be fair, it should be pointed out that the two Snap On screwdrivers in your picture are around 30 yrs old. I'd also like to see how the Toptul tips hold up to being used as chisels and prybars....

or 30 years of use.

 

[Weedwaka]

They look nice but time will tell how well they hold up.

I have Jet brand screw drivers with hard plastic handles that I pound on with a hammer all the time. I have yet to break a tip. I will have a look at them at work tomorrow and see how far the shank goes in. They really hold their own and they have a lifetime warranty.

Lordco in Canada sells them.

 

[vstoyko]

If you have to depend on the warrantee for the tools you purchase maybe you're buying the wrong tools. Warrantee is one of the last of my requirements when deciding on a tool because I never have control over the actions of the warrantee provider. If they say no warrarntee it's usually not worth the cost to pursue it. If I really wanted to I could ship the tool for warrantee replacement just as I could ship the Snap-ons to Snap-on Canada in Alberta. The point I was trying to make is for me the Toptul is more feature rich than anything Snap-on has to offer and if warrantee is important, both companies offer it.

I don't hate the new style Snap-on handles, I just prefer the old style more but I have to mention that I was concerned that the Toptul would not stack up against the old style Snap-on so I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived and I got a chance to test the grip. I'm sure Mike would offer a refund if I wasn't happy because he seems like a real stand up guy. Hey, they're only screwdrivers, they didn't cost a lot so not much of a gamble to try a new tool company and first impression is I'm happy.

Adam, send me a PM if you want them.

Costs (Seven Go-Thru Impact Screwdrivers): Total before discount = $36.0
Total after discount = $ 28.86
USPS charge $ 27.75

Yes the broken Snap-ons are about 35 years old but I didn't think age has any bearing on a tools life. I think use is more probably the issue. The smaller screw driver has felt the blow of a ball pean on more than a few occasions, was used to pry out seals, pry off valve covers/oil pans/trans pans, and countless other things including removing/installing screws for 35 years. The larger was used only to remove and install screws so it was a big disappointment but hey I got my use out of it. I'm not comparing reliability because I don't know for sure how the Toptul will preform over time but I've pulled a wrench or two over the years and my impression is that it will better serve my needs than the Snap-ons being replaced. I respectfully disagree with the statement that it's either a screwdriver or a pry bar. If I own it - it will be what ever I want it to be. I have a 60 year old German cabinet screwdriver that has a through shaft with striking end and wood slats riveted to the sides and I couldn't count the number of 318 intake manifolds and heads it was used to decarbonize (using it like a chisel to break the carbon out) and it's still just as good as the day I got it. Nice handle and offers more control than a chisel for that job.

 

[Weedwaka]

I try not to buy anything if its hard to warranty.

Price was cheap enough though so if they **** your not out much.

 

[Vinko]

To be fair, it should be pointed out that the two Snap On screwdrivers in your picture are around 30 yrs old.

I'd say these held up pretty well since he bought them off the truck 30 years ago.

No matter who makes it, it's either a screwdriver or a prybar—not both.

 

[Vinko]

I think use is more probably the issue. The smaller screw driver has felt the blow of a ball pean on more than a few occasions, was used to pry out seals, pry off valve covers/oil pans/trans pans, and countless other things including removing/installing screws for 35 years.

..........

 

[nissan_crawler]

Yes the broken Snap-ons are about 35 years old but I didn't think age has any bearing on a tools life. I think use is more probably the issue. The smaller screw driver has felt the blow of a ball pean on more than a few occasions, was used to pry out seals, pry off valve covers/oil pans/trans pans, and countless other things including removing/installing screws for 35 years. The larger was used only to remove and install screws so it was a big disappointment but hey I got my use out of it. I'm not comparing reliability because I don't know for sure how the Toptul will preform over time but I've pulled a wrench or two over the years and my impression is that it will better serve my needs than the Snap-ons being replaced. I respectfully disagree with the statement that it's either a screwdriver or a pry bar. If I own it - it will be what ever I want it to be. I have a 60 year old German cabinet screwdriver that has a through shaft with striking end and wood slats riveted to the sides and I couldn't count the number of 318 intake manifolds and heads it was used to decarbonize (using it like a chisel to break the carbon out) and it's still just as good as the day I got it. Nice handle and offers more control than a chisel for that job.

Argh! My pet peeve. Screwdrivers are for driving screws. Chisels are for chiseling, scrapers are for scraping.

Yeah it worked better than a chisel for getting carbon off, because a chisel isn't the tool for getting carbon off.

Using a screwdriver on an oil pan...not even going there.

Anywho, glad you're happy with them. I'm hoping I hear about my order sometime soon...

 

[Underdog]

Argh! My pet peeve. Screwdrivers are for driving screws. Chisels are for chiseling, scrapers are for scraping.

Yeah it worked better than a chisel for getting carbon off, because a chisel isn't the tool for getting carbon off.

Using a screwdriver on an oil pan...not even going there.

Anywho, glad you're happy with them. I'm hoping I hear about my order sometime soon...

Thats what Craftsman screwdrivers are for.

 

[Stuey]

I just wanted to point out that while some of the features you list are nice to have, none of them define a good screwdriver.

I totally agree!

I respectfully disagree with the statement that it's either a screwdriver or a pry bar. If I own it - it will be what ever I want it to be.

Okay, but if you misuse a tool, you shouldn't be surprised to see it break.

 

[Weedwaka]

Thats what Craftsman screwdrivers are for.

 

[Vulturej]

I like the TopTul items I bought, but too say I wont buy any other brand of tool be it from SO or any other manufacture is a bit much for me. Also I have not had to wait 4 to 6 months to get something from SO.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have a Snap-on hard handle flatblade that is my multi-purpose tool. I use it for everything from prying, scraping, as a chisel to putting it in the vents of brake disks to stop the hub turning when i remove hub nuts. The thing will not die! (not that i'm trying to kill it) it holds up great and takes all te abuse i can throw at it.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it breaks. If/when it does i won't expect anything for it, poor ******* had a hard life.

I don't recall ever using it to remove screws..

If your Snap-on scewdriver survived 30 years of that you should be pretty damn happy it held up so long.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

Does he ship to Europe?

Looks like some nice stuff he has, wouldn't mind picking something up.

 

[wrenhandtools]

Warranty........if you're unhappy in any way............you get your money back, a new tool, or different tool. You choose. And yes I will have to send the replacement via UPS. If this is too slow of service I have a suggestion................don't become a customer.
Seems pretty simple to me.
And I can completely understand wanting to see my business get bigger and see if I can last before trying this brand out.
Thanks to all for any and all comments. It helps me to keep track of how to make customers happy!
sincerely,

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

It would good if you can sell them in stores in the usa.
wrenhandtools do you sell any 3/8 ratchets with out a grip?

 

[wrenhandtools]

Mr Nut....hmmmm I will have to check. The all metal ones are only available in 36 gear form so I have not been carrying very many of them at all since interest has been towards the other styles.
In order for a store to carry them , they would have to contact me. Store owners are having a hard time in this environment.
It makes much, MUCH more sense to be internet or mail based to save the money that would need to be spent on brick and mortar that has a VERY poor return on investment, unless you happen to be Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot..etc. And even then, the return on shareholder equity can fluctuate quite a bit.

Sincerely,

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Mr Nut....hmmmm I will have to check. The all metal ones are only available in 36 gear form so I have not been carrying very many of them at all since interest has been towards the other styles.
In order for a store to carry them , they would have to contact me. Store owners are having a hard time in this environment.
It makes much, MUCH more sense to be internet or mail based to save the money that would need to be spent on brick and mortar that has a VERY poor return on investment, unless you happen to be Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot..etc. And even then, the return on shareholder equity can fluctuate quite a bit.

Sincerely,

Ok I understand. the only bad part with dealing with the internet is shipping...
I hate so much...

 

[dwang0725]

Mr Nut....hmmmm I will have to check. The all metal ones are only available in 36 gear form so I have not been carrying very many of them at all since interest has been towards the other styles.
In order for a store to carry them , they would have to contact me. Store owners are having a hard time in this environment.
It makes much, MUCH more sense to be internet or mail based to save the money that would need to be spent on brick and mortar that has a VERY poor return on investment, unless you happen to be Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot..etc. And even then, the return on shareholder equity can fluctuate quite a bit.

Sincerely,

Mike, I sent you an email to your wrenhandtool email address. I am interested in making a purchase. Please respond when you get a chance. Thanks.

 

[Mezzanine]

Mike, I sent you an email to your wrenhandtool email address. I am interested in making a purchase. Please respond when you get a chance. Thanks.

dwang0725 and anyone else looking to make a purchase- Make it easy for Mike to ID you by including your GJ handle in all your correspondence. I can only imagine how difficult it is to deal with three different names: James -whatever-, goes by Jim, GJ handle of "MoMpoKr".

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Those snap on's did well for how old they are, i wouldn't stop buying snap on because they broke i would buy more if i could get 30's of screwing out of them. As for the toptul one's i try and stay away from anything that tries to be a chisel and a pry bar.
They look very smiler to the one's gray are making now.

 

[Vulturej]

Those snap on's did well for how old they are, i wouldn't stop buying snap on because they broke i would buy more if i could get 30's of screwing out of them. As for the toptul one's i try and stay away from anything that tries to be a chisel and a pry bar.
They look very smiler to the one's gray are making now.

Should have bought my wife from SO.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Those snap on's did well for how old they are, i wouldn't stop buying snap on because they broke i would buy more if i could get 30's of screwing out of them.

Should have bought my wife from SO.

Brilliant!

 

[Hawk321]

Ok, before you praise Toptul to much...just work with them some weeks...same issue with WERA, built for striking but the tips (slotted) will brake every week....that *****.

Snap-on screwdrivers are good...ACR works and they are really made for one purpose....turning fasteners.
Nothing more.
If you want to punch srcewdrivers...go to the next online store and buy some punches from Mayhew....and you know what? Even my Hazet punches brake!

So give us your assessment about the toptul quality/comparisonn later.

 

[Chris Adams]

The strike cap on screwdrivers is not really there to use them as a chisel, for those that are posting 'don't use them as chisels or cutting tools'.

The cap is for giving the driver a sharp whack when breaking loose a screw. You have to do this all the time with number 3 size screws, working on car doors for example.
An impact gun will strip the cross out of a big screw. You put the screwdriver in the slots, press it hard and whack it with a hammer once or twice. This often breaks loose the screw.


The makers know this, they built the striking cap screwdrivers for this use.

 

[The Muffin Man]

The strike cap on screwdrivers is not really there to use them as a chisel, for those that are posting 'don't use them as chisels or cutting tools'.

The cap is for giving the driver a sharp whack when breaking loose a screw. You have to do this all the time with number 3 size screws, working on car doors for example.
An impact gun will strip the cross out of a big screw. You put the screwdriver in the slots, press it hard and whack it with a hammer once or twice. This often breaks loose the screw.


The makers know this, they built the striking cap screwdrivers for this use.

+1

These go-thru screwdrivers are extremely helpful when the use of penetrating oil is not an option.

They work magnificently when combined with penetrating oil too.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Thats what Craftsman screwdrivers are for.

Actually, I have two sets of Craftsman screwdrivers. One is/was my portable tool set, the other was the home set. At the garage, we tended to use them for custom tools. When the boss cut his hand good (home project), he notched one of the flat blade ones, to help him hold brake springs. We still use it.

There are tools like this that are good for home use, and great for modding.

 

[trackwelder]

Me personally I would rather have snap on or some other quality brand
in the states that have more than a handful of dealers who don't have to wait for the boat to dock to get their inventory.

 

[Elroy]

Me personally I would rather have snap on or some other quality brand
in the states that have more than a handful of dealers who don't have to wait for the boat to dock to get their inventory.

What he said.

 

[vssjim]

My Snap on dealer is not too quick on orders so yes sometimes it takes six months or more to get stuff.