Gray tools (Canada) - The forbidden fruit

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Just to follow up, gave the new 1/4 drive ratchet its first serious workout today and am over the moon impressed. My new favorite. It has the lowest back drag of any ratchet I own of any size, even better than my Cornwell 3/8 drive in 1/4 body, which I thought was unbeatable. And this is right out of the box with no break in period. Will definitely be buying more from them next time I’m north of the border.

 

[Ton ton]

I believe millbank country hardware in Millbank, Ontario sells Gray Tools.

 

[shaune]

In 1984 I was awarded a high school award and it was $1200 worth of Gray tools…very substantial. Top box, 1/2“ drive, 3/8”, some 1/4” drive, full wrench set, screwdrivers, hammers, punches, cutting tools, measuring tools…..$1200 in 84 was a lot. I still have almost every tool from there. The top box is now gone home to my garage but the rest of the tools are still used in aircraft maintenance. Several years back I took a socket in for chipped chrome to see if they would warranty it. Gave me new several new sockets and several new wrenches….they don’t match my older stuff but hey…..no more flaky chrome. Gray has its place for sure, I found them to be more heavy duty, as in coarser ratchet teeth and very durable. I am a Gray fan till the end.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Anyone try the Gray 72 tooth ratchets? Have another trip to Canada planned and thinking of picking one up but haven't been able to find many reviews.

 

[petrocan94]

In 1984 I was awarded a high school award and it was $1200 worth of Gray tools…very substantial. Top box, 1/2“ drive, 3/8”, some 1/4” drive, full wrench set, screwdrivers, hammers, punches, cutting tools, measuring tools…..$1200 in 84 was a lot. I still have almost every tool from there. The top box is now gone home to my garage but the rest of the tools are still used in aircraft maintenance. Several years back I took a socket in for chipped chrome to see if they would warranty it. Gave me new several new sockets and several new wrenches….they don’t match my older stuff but hey…..no more flaky chrome. Gray has its place for sure, I found them to be more heavy duty, as in coarser ratchet teeth and very durable. I am a Gray fan till the end.

You are lucky because I called them twice to verify if peeled chrome goes under warranty they told me no twice. I also sent an email and they said no again. So will unfortunately not buy a new wrench and ratchet set from them.. that’s a bummer because I wanted to support Canadian made but for the price I cannot to have manufacturing defect not warranty. ( all my old gray tool have chrome peeling)

 

[petrocan94]

Anyone try the Gray 72 tooth ratchets? Have another trip to Canada planned and thinking of picking one up but haven't been able to find many reviews.

Im pretty sure they only go up too 40 tooth

Edit: nevermind I just found it on their catalogue. I wonder if it’s made in Canada

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Im pretty sure they only go up too 40 tooth

Edit: nevermind I just found it on their catalogue. I wonder if it’s made in Canada

Yeah they don’t say so on the website but based on other websites I believe the 72 tooth series is made in Taiwan. I never ended up getting one. Very happy with the low tooth Canada made Gray ratchets I have though

 

[NFH2740]

What is the verdict on the "single operator" pullers?

 

[scooby074]

Ive noticed some Gray tools starting to turn up on some Youtube Tool "Influncers" (geeze I hate that term). With the new-ish ownership I wonder if this signals a change in their marketing.

 

[Madjik Man]

I bought these off a member here a bit of go.

They ain’t pretty but they’re hefty. Just like my Aunt Gertrude.

 

[CGarage]

Capitalizing on “Made in Canada” would serve them well.

https://www.ipsos.com/en/nation-brands-index-2022

 

[esben57]

This was in a Gray Bonney set, covered in thick goop.
Bought a Gray combination 9/16" AF from local tools shop 1980ish. Excellent quality. Single Hexagon ring end, cost me the same as Snap on at that time. £6. GBP.
It grew legs and walked soon after. That really annoyed me. Preferred to the Snap on and Britool I bought after. Both 9/16" AF.
Snaps cost me £6 the Britool would have been £1 or just under, due to the discount our company was given at an Industrial supplies merchant.

 

[LWB]

I bought these off a member here a bit of go.

They ain’t pretty but they’re hefty. Just like my Aunt Gertrude.

That's a really nice set!

 

[esben57]

Had this 42 years, 20inches, has 2 sliding drawers and top compartment with tote tray. £35 from local toolshop. Sticker not original.. That was late 70's - 80's square letter style with radiused corners in brown and yellow IIRC. Sourced this from U.S.
Been through thick and thin and many jobs. Survived a tractor wheel falling.
Memsahib won't allow me to sell it

 

[MattV]

I'd been looking for a plain jain, no frills ratchet in 3/8 and 1/2 lately, just something to replace what I've brought to work. I was planning on getting something cheap, but after stumbling on this thread, I noticed Gray was offering 15% off for a first purchase. I officially spent twice as much as I was intending, but I like supporting made in Canada.

 

[Ayrhead]

Hi All: I picked up two 1/2” drive sets… one is a Gray-Bonney and the other is a Gray. Turns out they are both model SW23’s… I was wondering which would be the older set. The sockets have the same #’s but the design of the sockets look different. Pictures are attached.

 

[matthew]

Very cool!

If you search International Tool Catalog Library, there are some old Gray catalogs scanned there, you can likely figure out what pieces were originally included.

I think the Gray Bonney stuff is older. Not sure - I think there is some Gray stuff that predates Gray Bonney, but it would be an older, distinctly less modern style.

 

[Ayrhead]

Thanks I’ll check it out

 

[Ayrhead]

I did a quick check and I believe you’re correct the gray bonney is the older set probably early 1950’s and the gray set is probably the late 1958-1959’s

 

[Boilerhouse]

Here's a 1/2 inch imperial Gray set that I bought used, locally, a few months ago, for $25. If I had to guess, I would say it dates to the 1960's. The ratchet works great.

 

[MWEric]

For the American members that like to support US and Canadian manufacturing, Zoro now carries a limited supply of Gray tools. Easier than trying to get a Canadian retailer to ship to the US.

 

[jollygreengiant]

Seems to be a bit of a Gray following here so I'll through up a pic of my side box.

I honestly don't know much about Gray tools, I'll check them out. This box is one of my Dad's that I was able to bring home. Not a great pic but the only one I have.

 

[esben57]

Hi All: I picked up two 1/2” drive sets… one is a Gray-Bonney and the other is a Gray. Turns out they are both model SW23’s… I was wondering which would be the older set. The sockets have the same #’s but the design of the sockets look different. Pictures are attached.

This was what was left of a Gray Bonney set from local auction.

 

[Ayrhead]

Probably pieces from another SW23 set…

 

[Ton ton]

For the American members that like to support US and Canadian manufacturing, Zoro now carries a limited supply of Gray tools. Easier than trying to get a Canadian retailer to ship to the US.

Thank you!

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Anyone have a favorite lube for modern day Gray pear head ratchets? Bought one a couple years ago and it was butter smooth out of the box. Seemed to have medium weight grease in it which started to dry up after a year and a half making the action gummier. I cleaned it out and re greased it with superlube thinking it looked similar. This improved things but it's still not as good as it originally was. Next I'm thinking of trying permatex green disc brake caliper lube which I'd seen recommended for Cornwell pearheads and is a little lighter than superlube afaik but I'd love to hear if anybody here has suggestions.