Has TopTul scared GearWrench away?

[Merkava_4]

What the frick? Haven't heard anyone from GearWrench in a long time; did they get run off the board by Mike Wren?

 

[Fedwrench]

I doubt it. It's probably all the people returning their free tools looking a gift horse in the mouth and wanting something else.
Seriously though, as someone else already pointed out, it can be rough exposing yourself as either a tool manufacturing rep or tool dealer on this or any other board. I'm sure the Gearwrench reps are busy trying to expand their dealer network, developing new products like the mini files, hook and picks they recently released, or just trying to keep tool sales high in this weak economy. Hopefully, they be back when they have time.
As for Toptul, I think they're well made tools but, the jury is still out on their longevity. The Toptul wrenches, sockets, and other tools I've gotten are performing well. Mike does a great job and you really can't ask for a better tool dealer except for a local one. However, he's only one man. If Toptul could have a national distribution network, get people past the stigma of Asian made tools, and get the tools into people's hands to use, I think Gearwench would have some fierce competition from Toptul. Then again, Danaher is pretty big.

 

[speed bump]

Probably got downsized to focus on people who actually make products rather than marketing folk.

 

[Stuey]

Yep, I'm sure that's it... *rolls eyes slightly*.

Be patient. I'm curious to see where you even sent it back to.

 

[Danglerb]

Probably got downsized to focus on people who actually make products rather than marketing folk.

When does that ever happen?

Production gets layoffs while marketing goes to HI to strategize.

 

[eschoendorff]

You guys have some pretty wild imaginations. The GearWrench guys probably have actual work to do and don't have a bunch of extra time to hang out here.

 

[paramudduck]

Or they are just keeping quiet. Lurking and picking up trends.

 

[GearWrench Brand]

We're here.... just busy...

Thanks,

Steve

 

[PowderKeg]

...If Toptul could have a national distribution network, get people past the stigma of Asian made tools, and get the tools into people's hands to use, I think Gearwench would have some fierce competition from Toptul. Then again, Danaher is pretty big.

Umm, and just where does much (if not most) of the GearWrench stuff come from? The "Asian stigma", while still very present, is steadily waning, thanks in good part to GearWrench. Like you said at first, it's really nationwide distribution from major auto parts/hardware/supply retailers that's needed to get Toptuls in hand and ultimately compete with GearWrench - without that, Toptul will likely remain a very small player in the US mechanics' tools world. Nothing against Mike at all - he's doing a first rate job of promoting a new line of really nice quality tools - but he's just one distributor. Gonna take a loooooong time (if ever) to reach the popularity that GearWrench is increasingly enjoying these days.

 

[Fedwrench]

Umm, and just where does much (if not most) of the GearWrench stuff come from? The "Asian stigma", while still very present, is steadily waning, thanks in good part to GearWrench. /QUOTE]

I know all too well from owning most of their line where most Gearwrench products come from. At first though, Gearwrench was made in Taiwan for the most part and their torque wrenches are US made. Gearwrench carved a niche and has come to dominate the ratcheting wrench market with Taiwan made tools. However, most of their hardline (minus torque wrenches) is now made in the PRC. When I mentioned the Asian stigma, I feel there are distinct quality differences from tools made in Taiwan and the PRC. I don't care how tight your quality control is or what standards you have tools made to, the tools from the PRC are lesser quality than the ones from Taiwan. Maybe it will change, maybe it won't. I won't even get into the politics of which country to buy from. I also know that alot of people love European tools such as Hazet, Stahwille, Beta, Knipex, Wiha, Wera, Facom, etc. while not caring for Asian made tools. To each his own, buy and use the tools you like the most. I also feel that the advances made by Gearwrench in making imported tools more appealing will fall by the wayside if the PRC made Gearwrench quality doesn't improve. I for one don't see any new Gearwrench tools in my future unless they come out with something spetactular that I need made in Taiwan. There are a few more Toptul items I'm getting when the order comes in though.

 

[autoace]

What the frick? Haven't heard anyone from GearWrench in a long time; did they get run off the board by Mike Wren?

I saw Gearwrench run by. He was screaming, and I saw a green handle, protruding from his ***. Maybe true Merk. He said he would send you the Toptul ratchet, in place of your extensions.

Disclaimer: Some posts are for entertaining purposes only. Do not try this at home, with your tools. We are professional nuts here.

 

[Merkava_4]

^^^^
UPS tracking says the package with the magnetic extensions and universals arrived at Danaher's doorstep yesterday on the 18th. Enclosed in the package is a letter with very detailed instructions. I'll let y'all know how the trade comes out.

 

[wrenhandtools]

Hey guys!

It's very nice to see my name mentioned, and not related to some government bailout program!!!! ha!!! I think I must be one of the very few people right now to actually get a......wait for it...........gov't backed...small business loan to grow my business!!!! Talk about swimming against the current!!!

My business model really isn't set up to have local dealers in any area unless popularity demands it. I know it may seem like "how is he going to grow the business without local dealers".....but try to think of am Amazon with better service and targeted to just deal in quality tools at affordable prices.

By not having trucks and local dealers, I can use the UPS and USPS trucks to get the tools to you all, and have a much more concise business in which I will be able to kep the prices to be some of the best a person can find. This is key. To simply get you the best I can at the best price I can as well. There will be some (maybe a lot) that really want to touch the tools first, or have a good relationship with your driver of your favorite brands. This is 100% ok to me. The market for me is endless and there are many more that prefer just to order what they want via phone or internet, and get some damn good tools at a fraction of the price.

I have some other surprises and ideas to foster my relationships with customers, all of which are long distance. But I don't want to give the game away. Just know that unlike a lot businesses you are going to witness steady improvements.

I simply can't wait to have the new website for you all. It will make my service to you quicker as well.

Sincerely,

 

[Merkava_4]

^^^^

Hey Mike!! I got a question:

TopTul is a Taiwanese owned company with their roots in Taiwan, right? As opposed to an American owned company using Taiwanese labour?

 

[Basskiller]

Good luck Mr. Wren

I will be placing an order with you soon.
All the positive reviews are too great to overlook.

 

[PowderKeg]

...When I mentioned the Asian stigma, I feel there are distinct quality differences from tools made in Taiwan and the PRC.

Oh I'll agree with you on that thought, I'd just say it's more precisely a "Chinese stigma", re. mainland China PRC, that's mostly prevalent today, rather than an all-encompassing "Asian stigma" that would include Taiwan ROC, South Korea, Japan, whose products, while "Asian" in origin, have made gargantuan leaps in quality and reliability over the years. Although it seems India (IMHO) has taken over the "bottom-of-the-barrel" in tool quality from the PRC lately. We're on the same wavelength - it's sad that GearWrench started out with Taiwan sourcing until they started gaining popularity, but have now gone the cheaper red route on so much.

Toptul coming from Taiwan is what makes them acceptable to me as a source for quality lower cost tools to top-off my mostly US-sourced collection of tools.

 

[Merkava_4]

- it's sad that GearWrench started out with Taiwan sourcing until they started gaining popularity, but have now gone the cheaper red route on so much.

Is the labour cheaper in China than it is in Taiwan now?

 

[wrenhandtools]

Hey Merk,

Yes, Toptul is the "house brand" of Rotar Machinery Industrial Co LTD. To the best of my knowledge it has always been a Taiwan company. "Reverse Gear" on this forum would know for sure. He know A TON about the tool industry.

 

[Merkava_4]

^^^^
Mike!!

I'm thinking it's cool the Taiwanese dudes are wanting to put out quality product on there own without being some other company's contractor.

 

[Garage_Mahal]

Hey Gearwrench, what is your relationship to this company? http://www.newtools.com/pd.htm They seem to claim credit for some of your best designs.

 

[Merkava_4]

^^^^
This is starting to get interesting.

 

[reversegear]

Hey Gearwrench, what is your relationship to this company? http://www.newtools.com/pd.htm They seem to claim credit for some of your best designs.

I don't think we said that. What the website says is that the original designer of the geared wrench is now the GM of our company. Danaher and Gearwrench still have plenty of capable tool designers of their own, which is evidenced by the number of new products they have launched *after* our GM left Lea Way.

Credit to where credit is due. I don't know of a tool manufacturer in the world that is larger than Danaher, and I don't believe that is an accident. And I've personally worked with some of the Gearwrench guys on some projects, and have found them to be a sharp and professional bunch.

 

[Merkava_4]

reversegear,

Was GearWrench a sovereign Taiwanese company by themselves at one time?

 

[reversegear]

reversegear,

Was GearWrench a sovereign Taiwanese company by themselves at one time?

Nope. Just a trade name. It was registered in the U.S. several years after Danaher bought Lea Way. It is interesting (to me) to see them expand it to cover such a wide range of products. Since Danaher already owns several strong brands (Matco, Armstrong, etc.) they have to fit the Gearwrench line into the market somehow: above, below, or in-between existing brands.

 

[Merkava_4]

Nope. Just a trade name. It was registered in the U.S. several years after Danaher bought Lea Way.

What was Lea Way doing before Danaher bought Lea Way?

 

[reversegear]

What was Lea Way doing before Danaher bought Lea Way?

Producing hand tools.

 

[superautobacs]

So what products have moved production from Lea Way to mainland PRC? And do you know who makes them over there?

 

[reversegear]

So what products have moved production from Lea Way to mainland PRC? And do you know who makes them over there?

Too many Gearwrench products for me to know all that. I know that they have a huge manufacturing capacity in their Chinese Sata plant.

 

[superautobacs]

Would you happen to know how one would be able to differentiate product of Lea Way from product of Sata?

 

[reversegear]

Made in China vs. Made in Taiwan markings.

 

[superautobacs]

Fantastic...couldn't get any more obvious than that.

 

[Merkava_4]

Producing hand tools.

Was Lea Way producing the ratcheting box end wrench before Danaher bought Lea Way?

 

[Garage_Mahal]

Color me even more confused. The GearWrench brand was first owned by whom? I tried tracing it on that neat site someone else posted here for tracing brand names, but it didn't find GearWrench.

Could someone give me the full rundown on the name's history and the key players?

 

[Fedwrench]

Color me even more confused. The GearWrench brand was first owned by whom? I tried tracing it on that neat site someone else posted here for tracing brand names, but it didn't find GearWrench.

Could someone give me the full rundown on the name's history and the key players?

Gearwrench was a registered trademark of Easco Tools. Easco when bought by Danaher, was absorbed into KD tools. As the Gearwrench line expands its offerings, it has moved into becoming its own line under the Danaher owned empire. At least that's my perception of things.