Gray tools (Canada) - The forbidden fruit

[5ktq]

The last gray ratchet I got (little 32 or 40 tooth 1/4" guy) says "gray tools" instead of "gray canada".

I'm pretty sure it's still made here, but why would you move the marketing in that direction. Also their website has so little maple leafs. A US site with US made tools (eg proto) has a US flag on the page of every US made tool.

 

[MikeF2316]

I bought this li'l guy a couple of years ago. Other than this, I have a set of 3/8 drive long allen sockets and a 1/2 drive torque wrench.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The knurled grip on the 1/2" Dr. Miners Ratchet Part No.: 8740KLB
calls to me.

Edit: another user has a pic of his: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4723829&postcount=22931

 

[noid]

I went out to the garage and dug up all of the Gray stuff I could find. Everthing is Canadian-made except for the little gear puller (USA), and the locking pliers (Grip, Spain. - better than vise-grips!)


-Edit: And the adjustables, which I believe are Taiwan....

Someone should call Gray and confirm the COO on the adjustables.

At some point they were made in Canada:





The forging looks very similar on the handle end, between the dreadnaught (Pre 1960's) and what they are selling now.

The knurled grip on the 1/2" Dr. Miners Ratchet Part No.: 8740KLB
calls to me.

+1 on the knurling. Some may even call it a "frill".

 

[Millwrong]

I'm almost certain they're made my Proxene Tools Co, in Taiwan.


http://www.proxene.com.tw/web/index.php/en/product






They do also offer repair kits for the imported wrenches:

 

[ive]

The last gray ratchet I got (little 32 or 40 tooth 1/4" guy) says "gray tools" instead of "gray canada".

I'm pretty sure it's still made here, but why would you move the marketing in that direction. Also their website has so little maple leafs. A US site with US made tools (eg proto) has a US flag on the page of every US made tool.

Yeah. I’m Leary of that type of marketing. I dont want to order a bunch of Gray tools online and have them show up with no Canada stamp on them. If I dont see it before purchase, I probably won’t buy it to be honest. The price is fine for me if it’s stamped Canada, otherwise I feel ripped off in a way.

 

[KSB]

I’ve always been really happy with Gray. I have a ton of their stuff in my box.

My 3/4 drive set is all Gray as well as my metric 1/2 sockets and wrenches.

I’ll take some pictures this week when I’m at work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WittHay]

I love those boxes I’m still trying to find one of the older made in Canada boxes. I have a few of there ratchets and the older round heads are very nice and smooth.

My first tool box was a made in Canada Snap-on KRA56 like the one in the picture. Traded it in on something bigger a long time ago. A few years back, the local parts store had a Gray drop front chest for sale that i bought.

The Gray was Canadian made by Beach. Solid box reminds me off the old Snap-on. The drawer slides I think are better on the Gray, some of the smoothest acting friction slides I have used.

Kind of too bad that quality Canadian manufacturers like Beach have gone out of business.

 

[noid]

I'm almost certain they're made my Proxene Tools Co, in Taiwan.


http://www.proxene.com.tw/web/index.php/en/product






They do also offer repair kits for the imported wrenches:

I decided to call and ask; call couldn't have been quicker.

Me: "Hi, I'm looking at your adjustable wrench, was wondering where its made?"
Lady: "Do you have the part number?"
Me: "65304"
Lady: "Let me check, one moment, its made in Taiwan".


So that settles that, its made in TW. I'm very impressed by the no hassle telephone exchange though.

 

[noid]

Received the Gray sales flier in the mail a while back. The Robertson screwdriver set is on sale again. The handle is made in the USA but the shaft and tip is supposed to be made in Canada. I will probably buy the set.

I have a Gray 18" adjustable. Thinner head than a Crescent, better for hydraulic fittings. Doesn't say where it is made, assume Taiwan. The stainless Multigear flex ratchet wrenches are really good, way stronger than a GearWrench.

I ended up getting the Robertsons. Quality set, they feel very sturdy.

 

[gerryw]

I called, regarding mirror polished combo wrenches, “made here in Canada, is this building”
Hope she was wearing her ppe’s lol

Gerry

 

[Jazz1]

I noticed a screw missing and in the process of cleaning it up discovered it’s a GRAY. I’ve carried this for 20 years to lower the spare tire on my truck
It was $2 flea market find

 

[buckwheat_la]

Since someone woke up this beast of a thread, I have been looking at the Dynamic line of Gray, mostly Taiwan stuff but really nice tool designs.

 

[rmsg0040]

Was going to buy a tool cart at Harbor Freight next week but found a 5 drawer toolbox locally. Cheaper than buying the cart across the border. In the process of cleaning it up and lubing the slides. It will need a new cam lock as well as some casters. They are some of the smoothest friction slides I have encountered. Made in Canada, 5 drawer, I like it cause I can use my mechanic roller seat and see into the top drawer, will be real handy when working on the cars.

Basically an older version of this:

http://graytools.com/toolcatalogue/...2138&s_filter=&recPage=9&startRow=1&pageNum=1

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Anyone have recommendations on where to buy Gray tools in Toronto? Planning a trip there later this summer and would love to add some things to my small collection. Don't run across them often in the states but I pick them up when I can. The few Gray wrenches I have in rotation just feel so stout and unkillable.

 

[lilredex]

Probably your best bet is to order online and have them shipped to a Canadian location then pick up from there. Or, I have found Grainger to be very easy to deal with. Get back to me if you encounter any B.S.

Shipping Information

We process, ship, and deliver packages Monday through Friday to all Canadian provinces and territories.

shopgraytools.com

https://www.grainger.ca/en/search/?searchBar=true&nls=NLSAA_NA-1&text=gray

 

[Ton ton]

Millbank country hardware in Millbank, Ontario sells Gray tools. Sorry I am not familiar with Toronto.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Anyone have recommendations on where to buy Gray tools in Toronto? Planning a trip there later this summer and would love to add some things to my small collection. Don't run across them often in the states but I pick them up when I can. The few Gray wrenches I have in rotation just feel so stout and unkillable.

You are better off buying directly off the Gray tools online store. There is likely little to no inventory at the brick and mortar dealers as Gray is an industrial tool brand. You'll likely have to backorder anyways. Some of their tools are as expensive as Snap on and aren't worth buying.

 

[matthew]

Or if you have a friend (or if there’s a forum member from T.O.) that’s willing, you can ship it to them in advance…. Or you may want to contact Gray and ask if you can pick up online purchases in person. You might also see if you’re able to ship to an Amazon.ca pick up locker.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I have a pretty good collection of SAE Gray tools. Most are likely older than me. But unlike myself they have not been retired. I think my Grandson would appreciate them one day.

 

[Ton ton]

You are better off buying directly off the Gray tools online store. There is likely little to no inventory at the brick and mortar dealers as Gray is an industrial tool brand. You'll likely have to backorder anyways. Some of their tools are as expensive as Snap on and aren't worth buying.

Millbank country hardware does have Gray tools in stock. You have to see it to believe it.

 

[Jazz1]

Anyone have recommendations on where to buy Gray tools in Toronto? Planning a trip there later this summer and would love to add some things to my small collection. Don't run across them often in the states but I pick them up when I can. The few Gray wrenches I have in rotation just feel so stout and unkillable.

I agree on visiting the Millbank Country store. A bit of a shock finding a tool store with all that inventory in a one horse hamlet,,mabye a hour or so from Toronto.

 

[Ton ton]

I agree on visiting the Millbank Country store. A bit of a shock finding a tool store with all that inventory in a one horse hamlet,,mabye a hour or so from Toronto.

Thank you, sir .

 

[Boilerhouse]

I have a fair number of Canadian made Gray ratchets/sockets and wrenches. They were sold through Canadian Tire once upon a time and quite affordable.
An industrial supply place local to me went out of business recently. I was in browsing, and picked up a discounted complete metric Gray wrench set and asked how much, "You may be scared off - Its probably a couple hundred." Well that did not scare me. They then confirmed the price. "Eight hundred bucks" Yikes- that scared me!

 

[JradM]

I've never understood how Gray makes money. I like the look of the tools, but they're often scary expensive. The value proposition just isn't there.

Here's a nice looking 1/2" drive ratchet from Gray (8740LB):


40 teeth and a mere $106 cdn.

Of course, it looks an awful lot like this ratchet from Williams (SB-52EHLA) - which is also no slouch - and this one is $33 cdn.



This 21 piece set of Gray 6pt, 3/8" sockets (7-26mm) is on sale for $243:

I paid $93 for this lovely Williams MSB-20HRC 20pc set covering 5 1/2 - 24mm. To be fair, this is missing the two largest sizes when compared to Gray - that would add another ~$15 or so to buy the pair individually.

I'm picking on Gray a little bit with these comparisons. You can get a pair of linesmans for about $65, side cutters for $45 - that's not much different from many other pro brands. It's really the ratchets and sockets that seem wildly out of whack to me.

The ratchets and sockets are right around Proto pricing. In my opinion, that makes them surprisingly expensive - especially for 36-40 tooth ratchets.

I'd love to see the sockets in person and try them out. Maybe they are worth Proto-money. I might have to buy a few singles or a small set just to see.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Thanks for the replies. Will stop by Millbank if I'm in that area, that sounds great. I do have a place I could ship them so I may have to order some online but if possible I'd rather find a store where I can check them out in person. More fun that way. As some of you mentioned the prices are on the steep side so I'm just looking to pick up a couple wrenches.

In the spirit of this thread I was putting some hours in with this battle axe today. Good times had by all.

 

[matthew]

Williams (SB-52EHLA) - which is also no slouch - and this one is $33 cdn.

If you’re seeing that Williams at Cryer, I think that was set to USD - I’m getting C$41.49. Plus shipping. And I’d say that’s a bit of a bargain.

The Gray 1/2” long handles do go on sale in their flyer every once in a while. They’re not inexpensive, but not unreasonable. It is definitely the sockets that pricing makes me shake my head as a DIY…

 

[noid]

Anyone have recommendations on where to buy Gray tools in Toronto? Planning a trip there later this summer and would love to add some things to my small collection. Don't run across them often in the states but I pick them up when I can. The few Gray wrenches I have in rotation just feel so stout and unkillable.

Although Millbank is a good place, its a bit out of the way.

The best location to go is https://sbsimpson.com/

They have a location in Burlington and in Brampton; I know the Burlington location for sure has a Gray tools board behind the counter. Anything they don't have in location they can order for you to pickup. No account required, walk-ins are welcome.

 

[rustbucket5]

never understood the appeal of them. i like that they are made here in canada but the tools ive used by them (ratchets and sockets mainly) were crude and bulky and low tooth count with high back drag. all with a large price tag-no thanks

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Although Millbank is a good place, its a bit out of the way.

The best location to go is https://sbsimpson.com/

They have a location in Burlington and in Brampton; I know the Burlington location for sure has a Gray tools board behind the counter. Anything they don't have in location they can order for you to pickup. No account required, walk-ins are welcome.

Thank you, that sounds perfect.

never understood the appeal of them. i like that they are made here in canada but the tools ive used by them (ratchets and sockets mainly) were crude and bulky and low tooth count with high back drag. all with a large price tag-no thanks

Different strokes. My work is sort of half way between automotive and industrial. Wouldn't be my first choice in an engine bay but I use the Proto 24 tooth canoe paddle ratchets a lot so 32 or 40 teeth doesn't seem so bad to me. Plus I find that ring on the grip really comfortable.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

You can order Gray tools through staples.ca

Search | staples.ca

Shop keyword at Staples and save. Get fast free delivery, curbside pickup and easy returns.

www.staples.ca

 

[JradM]

You can order Gray tools through staples.ca

Search | staples.ca

Shop keyword at Staples and save. Get fast free delivery, curbside pickup and easy returns.

www.staples.ca

 

[JradM]

If you’re seeing that Williams at Cryer, I think that was set to USD - I’m getting C$41.49. Plus shipping. And I’d say that’s a bit of a bargain.

The Gray 1/2” long handles do go on sale in their flyer every once in a while. They’re not inexpensive, but not unreasonable. It is definitely the sockets that pricing makes me shake my head as a DIY…

Yep. That's what I was looking at and you're right.

I was poking a bit of fun at Gray. Some of the tool prices aren't that bad. It's mostly the ratchets and socketry that seem a little out of line. They seem roughly the same price as Proto premium stuff, but Proto is highly finished, fine tooth, very strong, etc.

Not that Gray is bad or rough, but you would save a bunch buying Proto's classic line or Williams USA - and I think it would be tough to explain how Gray is better (I kind of want to find a reason, just haven't yet). I might try a few to sample at some point.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

It's funny, I thought of a tangible way to explain why I like the feel of my Gray ratchet today. Can only speak for the round head as I haven't tried a pear head but I think it'd be the same. As a right hander when I am loosening a bolt directly above my head I like to hold the ratchet "backwards" with my thumb at the tail end- so I can pull it towards me with my palm side first instead of my knuckle side. Just feels more comfortable that way. As an Italian the easiest way to explain it is in this situation I like to pull the ratchet the way I would gesture for someone to come over here.

Here's a picture of this grip. See how on the Gray ratchet, this puts my pinky right on the grip ring. This makes it feel super stable and balanced.
I could wax on about low tooth count ratchets and how smooth this one is after a healthy dose of superlube but that stuff is subjective. What I can tell you for sure is that even though it's niche, I've found one circumstance where this ratchet is my favorite. Buuuuut that's why we need to have a whole drawer full of different ratchets.

Sorry for rambling. Maybe too much welding fumes today. As far as Gray vs Proto, funny thing is the configuration I've been using the past few days is this 3/8 ratchet with a set of sae Proto sockets. The tools seem to get along with each other well

 

[matthew]

Gray ratchet handles just feel good.

In terms of rationalizing Gray… That Williams at Cryer is a genuinely good deal. But I’ve been keeping an eye out for a 3/8” flex in chrome. Williams is 36 teeth, and has been $105 to $135 that I’ve found. Gray had theirs (45 teeth) on sale for around $90. I wouldn’t say Gray is a choice for someone wanting the lowest price. But ratchets look like ok value to me. Just wish the flex was offered without quick release.

I also don’t think people have to be scared off by lower tooth count. There is diminishing returns in increasing the tooth count. I might not buy the 20 tooth stuff, but my brother has my grandpa’s SnapOn long 1/2” that is I think 24 teeth and quite usable. My long 1/2” is 36 tooth and I haven’t found anything it won’t do. I often use a 36 tooth in 3/8” as well. For a 1/4” or 3/8” I’d say 40 teeth is decent a lot of the time, and most of us have a selection of other ratchets for the places we do want more teeth.

I’d also say the tool chests are good items for anyone wanting to have a bit of Gray in their collection.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Thanks for the replies. Will stop by Millbank if I'm in that area, that sounds great. I do have a place I could ship them so I may have to order some online but if possible I'd rather find a store where I can check them out in person. More fun that way. As some of you mentioned the prices are on the steep side so I'm just looking to pick up a couple wrenches.

In the spirit of this thread I was putting some hours in with this battle axe today. Good times had by all.

How did you get the stitches?

 

[JradM]

I’ve been keeping an eye out for a 3/8” flex in chrome. Williams is 36 teeth, and has been $105 to $135 that I’ve found. Gray had theirs (45 teeth) on sale for around $90.

Proto J5257F 3/8-Inch Drive Flex Head Ratchet, 8-1/2-Inch $107

That would be my choice.

Edited to add: I looked back at my purchase history to see how much I paid: $67 in September 2021. That looks like an aberration - but I bet you could wait for a price drop and get it for the same price as the Gray on sale.

 

[matthew]

That would be my choice.

Already was on my watch list

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

How did you get the stitches?

Freak accident, was awake too early with no coffee and my knife slipped, had to get surgery. Not a good time but them's the breaks. Led to interesting work though. Before that I used to fix guitars and loved it, don't have quite the dexterity for that anymore, but now I get to work on electric cars. Ratchets and multimeters instead of microchisels. Can't complain too much

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Exchange rate is great right now so I grabbed a couple treats from the great white north. 1/4 drive pearhead with the tapered handle and a 15mm socket to go with it. I’m not someone who needs a mirror finish but if you are, these have a great one.

Also got a rebuild kit for a worn out 3/8 drive flex ratchet I’d picked up earlier. Shimmed the pivot so it’s nice and tight. Have a feeling this is gonna be a favorite.

Both ratchets are very smooth. I’m relieved because old fashioned low tooth count pear heads can be hit or miss but I’d say these are on the Cornwell end of that spectrum.