Gray tools (Canada) - The forbidden fruit

[noid]

Not to be confused with Grey, or any other kind of Gray.

A bit of forbidden fruit for our US neighbors; considering Gray has very limited distribution in the US.

Recently ordered a couple new ratchets from Gray and felt like sharing since its not something often covered:






Compared to a run of the mill Stanley Ratchet:





Weight difference is substantial, the Gray is built very hefty:




These ratchets ooze industrial. The shorter ratchet is only available in 20, 32, and sit down for this one, 40 tooth.

The flex head is 45 tooth.

Each click sounds like an achievement, and the handle feels like its ready for a cheater bar.

Not something that will replace my 120 tooth or 72 tooth ratchets when working in tight spaces, but I don't doubt they will outlast them in the long run.


Bit of history on Gray; founded 1912, third generation family owned until a few years ago, when Alex Gray III didn't have any children who wanted to carry it on, so he sold the majority shares to at the time president and marketing director, with Alex Gray III (76yr) remaining as the chairman; continues to be privately owned.

Hardline tools are made in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, by a senior staff of under 60 employees.

Among other interesting history, Gray had partnered with Bonney from the 1940's until the 1960's, under the Gray-Bonney name.

https://shopgraytools.com/pages/our-heritage

A video about the new owners and their vision:

 

[Millwrong]

Nice ratchets! I have no doubts in regards to the quality of my Gray tools, they are certainly built to last. I have Gray stuff that my grandfather used that I still put to work almost daily. Rebuild kits are still available too.

 

[ive]

I’m really heavy into the Canadian made Gray tools. It’s top quality stuff. They have sales as well on their website.

You neglected to mention that the steel is from Hamilton as well.

 

[gerryw]

They have ongoing limited 2 day sales right now!
The mirror finish combo wrenches are nice, and i just bought some satin finish adjustables, which are also very nice.
The Hamilton steel is nice to know

Gerry

 

[davethorik]

I believe I read on here their hard handle shape came from Bonney. I used to have a Bonney 1/2 breaker bar that looked similar.

 

[RoundedNut]

Philips instead of Robertson screws... its treason then.

 

[mikebaker1129]

How much did those ratchets run you ?
1/4 or 3/8 drive?
Awesome,thanks for sharing! Gray is not too common here in Texas.

 

[JWILL]

I've had an unhealthy ***** for Gray tools Canada's tool boxes for years. The kind that will end your marriage.

 

[noid]

Nice ratchets! I have no doubts in regards to the quality of my Gray tools, they are certainly built to last. I have Gray stuff that my grandfather used that I still put to work almost daily. Rebuild kits are still available too.

Got pics of your grandfather ratchets?

They have ongoing limited 2 day sales right now!
The mirror finish combo wrenches are nice, and i just bought some satin finish adjustables, which are also very nice.
The Hamilton steel is nice to know

Gerry

For black Friday I believe its a 30% off sale on a different segment every 2 days, today being the last day for wrenches.

Next is hex keys for tomorrow and Sunday. (attached)

How much did those ratchets run you ?
1/4 or 3/8 drive?
Awesome,thanks for sharing! Gray is not too common here in Texas.

Both are 3/8:

MSRP for the fixed ratchet is $67CAD (51USD), but currently on sale for $43 CAD (33USD).

https://shopgraytools.com/collectio...et/products/reversible-ratchets-chrome-finish

MSRP for the flexible is 110 CAD (84USD) and currently on sale for 99 cad (75 USD).

https://shopgraytools.com/collectio...ts/3-8-drive-reversible-ratchet-flexible-head

I've had an unhealthy ***** for Gray tools Canada's tool boxes for years. The kind that will end your marriage.

Which line? The Pro line or the Marquis?

 

[rmsg0040]

We use some gray stuff at work, not all gray tools are Canadian made

I have the allen keys that are bronze in colour, excellent quality but not Canadian made

Have couple pilers that are German, I think they are orbis rebrands?

Screwdrivers with metal caps are Mayhew catspaw, Taiwain, tough stuff

Just be aware

 

[buckwheat_la]

I have a whole set of Gray tools I bought on a tool store clearance. Great quality and I couldn't beat the price. Ratchets are bullet proof however low tooth count isn't anything to write home about.

 

[superautobacs]

The Gray/Bonney handle shape lives on!

It's hard for me to swallow the price tag on Gray tools, and they certainly don't make everything they sell. Lots of imported stuff: Asian, US, some European

 

[rmsg0040]

If it aint stamped Canada then its made somewhere else

Gerry posted those adjustables, we have them at work, good quality, I assume Taiwan

Hardline like sockets, wrenches, chisels, ratchets are Canadian

Comparing to say SO, this socket set is way cheaper and is made in Canada:

https://shopgraytools.com/collections/2018-fall-promotion/products/11-piece-3-8-dr-metric-socket-set

They cater to the industrial crowd more so

Our supplier Clark Industrial carries gray tools, our maintenance team can get any tool within reason which is company paid for which is why I own some of their tools

I personally wouldn't go out of my way but it's nice to see a Canadian company still alive

 

[rmsg0040]

The Gray/Bonney handle shape lives on!

It's hard for me to swallow the price tag on Gray tools, and they certainly don't make everything they sell. Lots of imported stuff: Asian, US, some European

I find that strange in terms of price tag as you post quite a bit of Japanese tools

 

[deluser-u]

I find that strange as you post quite a bit of Japanese tools

I don't like to buy re-branded tools, I prefer to get them from the OEM. I would venture to guess that superautobacs feels the same.

 

[noid]

I don't like to buy re-branded tools, I prefer to get them from the OEM. I would venture to guess that superautobacs feels the same.

Are you saying superautobacs doesn't buy Gray because its re-branded tools?

Because, thats not the case for the hard line items, and for those soft items or filler items, its understandable you would want to go to the OEM.

To rmsg0040 point, look for the Canada stamp.

The Gray/Bonney handle shape lives on!

It's hard for me to swallow the price tag on Gray tools, and they certainly don't make everything they sell. Lots of imported stuff: Asian, US, some European

In most cases, Gray has been doing a good job in re-branding quality items for the soft and filler items. However, I disagree with it, because they have self identified that the import stuff should go under the Dynamics line.

Unfortunately, its common practice, everybody seems to do it. Snap on, Mac, heck, even Koken had a run of wrenches out of Italy.

Wright seems to be the only brand I can think of that is diligent in keeping rebranded stuff under the cougar pro line. May have something to do with their run in with the FTC however:

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/closing_letters/nid/160715wrighttoolletter.pdf

I do wish that one day the major brands go back to considering themselves as manufacturers rather than a one stop shop for their end customers (at the cost of rebranding).

 

[WittHay]

Philips instead of Robertson screws... its treason then.

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.

 

[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.

Also been looking at the robertson screw drivers. Got the full range from PB swiss, but they dont carry robertson, so im left searching for a good alternative.

The adjustable wrenches used to be stamped forged in the USA, supposedly Wright rebrand.

Never tried myself, but apparently if you call them, they provide COO without hassle for any tool.

 

[Can I try?]

Copied from the Gray website:

US and International shipping is not available at this time.

Can any Canadian GJ members provide some insight as to why this might be the case?

Is it possible there is some sort of international non-compete agreement in effect? For example, are there equivalent US brands that are difficult to source in Canada? Or, are there Canadian exporting regulations playing a role in this decision? Something else?

 

[noid]

Copied from the Gray website:



Can any Canadian GJ members provide some insight as to why this might be the case?

Is it possible there is some sort of international non-compete agreement in effect? For example, are there equivalent US brands that are difficult to source in Canada? Or, are there Canadian exporting regulations playing a role in this decision? Something else?

That is why I called it the forbidden fruit. Its rather hard to get Gray tools in the US, or anywhere else for that matter outside of Canada.

I don't think it has anything to do with non-compete agreements, as at one point there were limited Gray distributors in the US.

I think overall its a matter of Gray mainly catering to industry and not to end customers. Other then the shopgray website, they sell through industrial distributors, who mainly deal with businesses.

Catering to international end users is likely more work then they are willing to do, as it would require commercial invoices, export declarations (if shipping outside of NA over X value), etc.

If someone really wants some of their tools, shoot me a PM, and I can forward the mail from my Canadian address.

 

[KnurledNut]

I like the adjustables with the modified jaws.
IIRC, these are made by Proxene, same as Carlyle.
The low teeth count ratchets are nice and strong.
I would say on par with the early SO ratchets, but with a better selector.
Since Gray pulled from the US, our supplier now warranties Gray with similar Wright.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Its too bad that Gray doesn't do more in the USA. Definetly high quality tools and with the exchange how it is I would say excellent value too

 

[rmsg0040]

I believe that rebranding is a necessary evil to ensure survival, kinda like what mac, matco, cornwell does

Gray tools is like Wright. Proto and williams are backed by larger companies

Comparing say snap on catalog to gray tools catalog is quite different, SO has a ton of tools, gray not so much, wright tools catalog is also small

Industrial brands serve companies/industries with large pockets where the end user uses very little tools and rarely buy new tools or replaces tools

Total contents of my work tool bag is $803

 

[JWILL]

Noid. The pro line or as they call it the pro+ line now. They're like all the old Mac and Matco boxes.

 

[3baygarage]

Noid, very nice looking ratchets. I like the Gray handles.

Tooth count, hey if it works for them. I found reference to Gray’s 40 tooth ratchet in a thread by Billymade from 10 yrs ago! I guess it works. Look at Proto for example, their classic design still the same all these decades.

Just looked at the Gray site, it’s been a while. Seems the 1” ratchet may still made by Wright. Always find it interesting how Wright has supplied their large ratchets to so many brands.

 

[noid]

I believe that rebranding is a necessary evil to ensure survival, kinda like what mac, matco, cornwell does

Gray tools is like Wright. Proto and williams are backed by larger companies

Comparing say snap on catalog to gray tools catalog is quite different, SO has a ton of tools, gray not so much, wright tools catalog is also small

Industrial brands serve companies/industries with large pockets where the end user uses very little tools and rarely buy new tools or replaces tools

Total contents of my work tool bag is $803

It could go both ways, if your catalog is smaller, it should also be easier to make everything.

Noid. The pro line or as they call it the pro+ line now. They're like all the old Mac and Matco boxes.

Thats what im running now actually.

I got mine while they were still made in Canada, before they went Pro+ (roller bearings, made offshore).

I love it, its a quality toolbox, and the handles are much more pleasant to use over the new style most toolboxes have.

I like the adjustables with the modified jaws.
IIRC, these are made by Proxene, same as Carlyle.
The low teeth count ratchets are nice and strong.
I would say on par with the early SO ratchets, but with a better selector.
Since Gray pulled from the US, our supplier now warranties Gray with similar Wright.

I wish they kept the ON/OFF stampings.

 

[Odes]

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


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Jazz1]

I have various GRAY tools. One set of vintage SAE wrenches in one of my truck kits. Got my son a brand new in box top chest for $200 couple years ago, smokin' deal and very heavy. Top quality.
The 1/2" ratchet I found in floor boards of a shed on my property. Its 40's vintage. Nova Pro got me a kit for it.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I personally have a handful of of gray tools. Some of their tools are reasonably priced when they run their specials off their website. Their ratchets are too low tooth count to make it worth while. However as a Canadian, I find myself buying way more Snap on and Proto simply because my local Gray dealers ****. Other than buying decent quality Canadian made tools , I really don't have any reason to choose gray.

 

[ive]

Yeah. The ratchets have Far to few teeth.

I’m in the market for some metric sockets that I’ll probably buy from them at Christmas.

They also make great prybars that are stamped Canada.

I still only buy their Canadian stuff, and the website has free shipping over a certain amount.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I personally have a handful of of gray tools. Some of their tools are reasonably priced when they run their specials off their website. Their ratchets are too low toothcount to make it worth while. However as a Canadian, I find myself buying way more Snap on and Proto simply because my local Gray dealers ****. Other than buying decent quality Canadian made tools , I really don't have any reason to choose gray.

Not sure who your dealer is but Bolt Supply is a nationwide dealer and always treated mr well. Amazon and Staples also carry them

 

[superautobacs]

I find that strange in terms of price tag as you post quite a bit of Japanese tools

Yes, and that still doesn't change my earlier statement! ....and that even includes comparative items from Nepros too!
So, considering the price they go for, even on sale, Gray socketry items, other than being made in Brampton and having a long history, just doesn't have much appeal to me. They are an industrial, no-frills, orthodox, kind of tools. Nothing wrong with that at all....just not my cup of tea.

Are you saying superautobacs doesn't buy Gray because its re-branded tools?

Because, thats not the case for the hard line items, and for those soft items or filler items, its understandable you would want to go to the OEM.

I wouldn't buy the US-made re-branded items because I can source it from the US for cheaper. But that's my case, where I don't live far away from the US border. That's not the case for many others though. And many are probably not aware of the re-branding or could care less about that fact and price premium it carries. Interestingly my first new tool purchase through Gray was when they first starting introducing Grip-On locking pliers ten years ago.

In most cases, Gray has been doing a good job in re-branding quality items for the soft and filler items. However, I disagree with it, because they have self identified that the import stuff should go under the Dynamics line.


Unfortunately, its common practice, everybody seems to do it. Snap on, Mac, heck, even Koken had a run of wrenches out of Italy.

Wright seems to be the only brand I can think of that is diligent in keeping rebranded stuff under the cougar pro line. May have something to do with their run in with the FTC however:

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/closing_letters/nid/160715wrighttoolletter.pdf

I do wish that one day the major brands go back to considering themselves as manufacturers rather than a one stop shop for their end customers (at the cost of rebranding).

but there certainly are imported items even in the Gray line, both Asian and European.

Yes, to survive they've had to become closer to a one-stop shopping destination just like many other tools brands have done. I'm sure they did very well selling their hardline stuff during the war years, and the decades that followed, which included supplying the national chain store, Canadian Tire with the maple leaf logo wrenches. That likely stopped about three decades ago so that must've been a huge blow to their business.

Regarding Ko-ken offering Beta wrenches:
Starting some time in the 90's, Ko-ken became the OEM for some of the socketry items Beta sold....even today. In exchange, Beta offered certain wrenches for Ko-ken, but that was only for one manufacturing lot.
The only thing that comes to my mind that Ko-ken offers as a re-brand are Intercable insulated tools and sets. But it's not really a re-brand as they clearly state in their catalogue that it's made by Intercable.

 

[ive]

Not sure who your dealer is but Bolt Supply is a nationwide dealer and always treated mr well. Amazon and Staples also carry them

There’s still a lot of industrial wholesale places that carry Gray pegboards.

 

[noid]

Yes, and that still doesn't change my earlier statement! ....and that even includes comparative items from Nepros too!
So, considering the price they go for, even on sale, Gray socketry items, other than being made in Brampton and having a long history, just doesn't have much appeal to me. They are an industrial, no-frills, orthodox, kind of tools. Nothing wrong with that at all....just not my cup of tea.


but there certainly are imported items even in the Gray line, both Asian and European.

Yes, to survive they've had to become closer to a one-stop shopping destination just like many other tools brands have done. I'm sure they did very well selling their hardline stuff during the war years, and the decades that followed, which included supplying the national chain store, Canadian Tire with the maple leaf logo wrenches. That likely stopped about three decades ago so that must've been a huge blow to their business.

Regarding Ko-ken offering Beta wrenches:
Starting some time in the 90's, Ko-ken became the OEM for some of the socketry items Beta sold....even today. In exchange, Beta offered certain wrenches for Ko-ken, but that was only for one manufacturing lot.
The only thing that comes to my mind that Ko-ken offers as a re-brand are Intercable insulated tools and sets. But it's not really a re-brand as they clearly state in their catalogue that it's made by Intercable.

To a large extent, in my opinion, their image and history is endearing but their decline is self inflicted.

Endearing because I think almost every Canadian (including myself) has a story about how they found, got handed down, or otherwise acquired a Gray tool. Generationally they have had an effect on everyone, they last, their tough and their Canadian.

They truly do however need to innovate; they can't ride "endearing" forever.

The Gray name in Canada is recognized enough to compete against the big three in the automotive world (as they did in the past) and their history is solid enough to make big inroads into the US market.

Its a matter of marketing their history, focusing on making everything in Canada, and expanding their offerings to align with modern expectations; like higher tooth counts and low hanging fruit like using a new font.

I think they are missing a huge opportunity by not plastering Made in Canada everywhere. Instead of Canada, they should put Made in Canada on the tools, they should release videos of their folks making the tools, their website and catalog should have the COO everywhere (similar to Made in USA that Wright does in their catalog).

 

[ive]

To a large extent, in my opinion, their image and history is endearing but their decline is self inflicted.

Endearing because I think almost every Canadian (including myself) has a story about how they found, got handed down, or otherwise acquired a Gray tool. Generationally they have had an effect on everyone, they last, their tough and their Canadian.

They truly do however need to innovate; they can't ride "endearing" forever.

The Gray name in Canada is recognized enough to compete against the big three in the automotive world (as they did in the past) and their history is solid enough to make big inroads into the US market.

Its a matter of marketing their history, focusing on making everything in Canada, and expanding their offerings to align with modern expectations; like higher tooth counts and low hanging fruit like using a new font.

I think they are missing a huge opportunity by not plastering Made in Canada everywhere. Instead of Canada, they should put Made in Canada on the tools, they should release videos of their folks making the tools, their website and catalog should have the COO everywhere (similar to Made in USA that Wright does in their catalog).

Agree.

 

[JWILL]

Thats what im running now actually.

I got mine while they were still made in Canada, before they went Pro+ (roller bearings, made offshore).

I love it, its a quality toolbox, and the handles are much more pleasant to use over the new style most toolboxes have.



I wish they kept the ON/OFF stampings.

If I could get the Gray Pro+ line even down here in the US I'd actually buy quite a bit of it.

 

[Jazz1]

Acklands carried GRAY and supplied many company tool cribs locally. Local Nova Pro and a couple other industrial suppliers still carry the GRAY pegboard. When I needed a pry bar this is what got tossed in my box.

 

[noid]

If I could get the Gray Pro+ line even down here in the US I'd actually buy quite a bit of it.

Check with these guys:

https://www.sbsimpson.com/shipping-policies

They carry Gray boxes and may be willing to freight to the US.

 

[MWEric]

I picked up some Gray tools from Thetoolstore.ca they ship to the U.S. As has been stated the adjustable wrenches are the same as the Napa Carlyle (maybe ultra pro as well?). They are the best adjustable wrenches I have used.

 

[Millwrong]

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-on, Spain. - better than vise-grips!)


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