jniolon
Well-known member
I've been in two H.D.s this week and wandered through the tool section. I see NO Husky tools, boxes or nuthin ??? Had H.D. dropped their line and boxes ??? Or have I been living in a cave ???
john
john
Husky tools ????
- Thread starter jniolon
- Start date
Uncle Buck
Banned
Not much left in my local store either, not that I ever bought much from them.
I was in HD here in Canada the other day and they still had some Husky boxes, but I didn't notice if they were selling the tools.
I did check Home Depot's Canadian website and they do list some Husky tools and the Husky website says that Home Depot is the only place to buy their product.
BTW Home Depot has a great deal on a 40 pc socket set at $5.99, but I don't think its Husky.
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/...ode+matchall&recN=118275&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber
I did check Home Depot's Canadian website and they do list some Husky tools and the Husky website says that Home Depot is the only place to buy their product.
BTW Home Depot has a great deal on a 40 pc socket set at $5.99, but I don't think its Husky.
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/...ode+matchall&recN=118275&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber
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T56 Impala
Well-known member
Just for kicks I took a look at the Husky tools at My local HD last wekend. I was far from impressed. As much as I hate to say it, the HF Tools look to be better quality.
I did notice they didn't have much im stock, and the things that were there have been collecting dust for a very long time. All of their boxes were out in the front of the store. No prices on them. Everyone of them looked damaged. Kinda like they have been there for a while and have been moved several times.
I did notice they didn't have much im stock, and the things that were there have been collecting dust for a very long time. All of their boxes were out in the front of the store. No prices on them. Everyone of them looked damaged. Kinda like they have been there for a while and have been moved several times.
Last time I was in a HD they still had a small section of tools. That's too bad that they're pulling out since I know that a lot of people probably counted on their "lifetime" warranty. The only Husky tools I own were either bought used for cheap or were bought because I had a gift card burning a whole in my pocket. Their stuff seems about as good as any other mid-level tools.
The HD by me still has a pretty nice selection of Husky. I did notice that the Husky screwdrivers are made in a USA with a lifetime warrenty. They look an awful lot like standard Craftsman screwdrivers with a different colored handle for about 25% less then what Sears charges for them.
MAD
Well-known member
I noticed that H.D. also has a a Husky version of the Craftsman Professional Screwdrivers as well but with a cushion grip similar to Klein screwdrivers instead of a soft grip . Western Forge makes them for both Sears and H.D.
mikester
Well-known member
I called the Husky toll free number when I wanted to buy a side box for my 41 inch combo and there were multiple selections to choose from as far as extensions to call. I was told by someone at Stanley Tool (which was the extension for tool boxes) that most of the wrenches ,sockets, and screwdrivers were made by them for HD. I have an awl and a cotter pin remover that are EXACT duplicates of Craftsman pieces. They just have Husky instead of Craftsman on them. Side by side you cant tell the difference.
MAD
Well-known member
I bet your cotter pin puller and awl have the WF mark that indicates that they are made by long time Craftsman OEM Western forge. Stanley sold the Husky name to H.D. and they are free to contract the different tools in the Husky line to any manufacturer that they choose now.
At ours the screwdrivers and other tools were plentiful. The wrenches and sockets have been decreasing each time I have visited. Right now no individual, just sets. For sockets there were about 3 different size sets for sale and wrenches only a couple combination only sets.
It is looking like the homeowner stuff is there and the automotive stuff is gone.
It is looking like the homeowner stuff is there and the automotive stuff is gone.
Merkava_4
Banned
What's Home Depot going to replace their Husky line with? Not that I care; just curious.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I don't think they'll replace the Husky line. I think they'll just let it die. Homee Depot could easily use Stanley stuff or any of those Chinese task force or workforce brands. The doesn't seem to be much of a market for automotive tools in the large home improvement stores.
Merkava_4
Banned
MAD
Well-known member
I have noticed the same trend. The open stock wrenches and sockets are down to just a few with lots of empty pegs. I didn't tend to buy their sockets and wrenches accept on occasion to replace missing tools for the common shop tools at my job. The last time I was at H.D. though, I splurged and spent a whopping $2.49 on a Husky long polished 6 mm combination wrench that had a yellow clearance tag.
Merkava_4
Banned
Maybe my one single 10mm 1/4 Dr. deep Husky socket will be worth a mint someday.
MAD
Well-known member
Maybe my one single 10mm 1/4 Dr. deep Husky socket will be worth a mint someday.
One of these maybe.
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HD & Lowes made a big push about 5 years ago into mechanics tools. It really did not work for either of them and they both backed off of the business and refocused on places they could make more money. It appears now that HD has given up while Lowe's is taking another shot at it. I'm sure they make money on the mechanics tools but they probably don't make more money than they would using the shelf space for other products. The challenge with mechanics tools is that in order to be a serious competitor, you need to carry a wide selection that includes a lot of low volume items that don't make much money for the space they take up.
Oh, my local HD has the same set of crappy Husky tools that they have had for the last couple of years. The big toolboxes look beat up and old.
Oh, my local HD has the same set of crappy Husky tools that they have had for the last couple of years. The big toolboxes look beat up and old.
Merkava_4
Banned
That reminds me of the circular saw they had on display at my local Home Depot with its cord cut off.
What's Home Depot going to replace their Husky line with? Not that I care; just curious.
My guess would be RIDGID hand tools. Made in China, of course.
Looking at the hand tools that are automotive related at both our Lowes and HD the pickings have become very slim. A few years ago both of them had almost enough stuff to rival Sears. Today they stock just enough to meet the home repair and those who can get by with a minimal selection. Compressors being a big tool and multi-use I expect to stay.
It appears the money must not have been enough so they are going more specialized.
It appears the money must not have been enough so they are going more specialized.
Chris Adams
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2007
- Messages
- 2,117
Killed by Harbor Freight.
And its competitors.
Sears will last longer than anyone else, but is having to change to compete.
Tools always had a seriously high markup. The profit on a hand tool historically ranges from 75% to 1500%.
A tool line is expected to return 200-300%.
Places like HF are willing to settle for 50-150%.
Thus as has been stated, the shelf space, inventory dollars and man hours are more profitably spent on bathroom fittings, tile or lumber in these big stores.
Ain't gonna change.
martell06
Well-known member
Too bad Husky's on its way out. They actually had a pretty good warranty program. A friend had a socket set and when he broke one he just called the 1-800 number and they shipped him a new one no questions asked and he got it two days later.
knuckleduster271
Banned
I used to have craftsman tools but i broke ALOT of them, their ratchets are heavy and they slip alot imo. Their drive tools are a pain to remove from their sockets espiecially extensions. Their swivel sockets have a terrible pin style design that wont stand up to regular use. i bought a husky set in 99 when we got a local hd store, I have never broke a socket yet aside from a couple torx sockets. My favorite husky tools are my micro tough ratchets, I also have a set of mac micro tough which is the same exact tool but it has a solid handle but i like the husky ones better becuase they have a comfort style grip. I once had a 3FT cheater bar on a 3/8 husky micro tough to break a bolt loose that was in a tight area and i was sure it would break the ratchet as it has a 72 tooth gear but i was amazed that after 45 degrees of movement the bolt broke loose and the ratchet still worked great, sounds like bs huh? but i swear on everything its true. If you have never seen one of these ratchets before look them up they have a super small head and you can fit them about anywhere, compare them to the mac micros and you will see. Their pro line of tools resemble alot of mac stuff. husky is owned by the stanley corp and so is mac. If you ever break a husky tool call their 1800 # and they will ship it to your door no questions asked. We also have a harbor fright lol and these tools do not hold a candle to husky. I have bought a few tools from harbor and i have broken all of the ones i use frequently except for my $20 sawzall. I have been through 4 of their $15 angle air die grinders, their warranty ***** because you have to have your reciept for everything. I have an ingersoll titanium impact and i have used standard husky sockets with it on occasion and never broke a one. I love their wrenches too i havnt had any problems with them either, but i also like craftsman wrenches.
I just checked HD website and can not find the Husky micro finish rachets.
Have they already discontinued them?eschoendorff
Well-known member
Welcome to the madness. If you stick around here long enough, you'll eventually find out that everything you do is going to fail unless you use Snap On tools.
Seriously.... Aside from being made in China and Taiwan, I cannot really find fault with any of my Husky tools. I especially like my pre-offshore-production Husky full polish wrenches. Those USA made wrenches are really quite nice.
And, before you go hatin' the HF, Check out some of their latest tools... very similar to feel and quality of their Husky counterparts.
knuckleduster271
Banned
ebay has some, both mac and husky, look there. I dont believe they discontinued them yet but its hard to say. I tried to post pics of mine but when i try to upload it says the size or pixels, something like that are to much. Ill try again
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Merkava_4
Banned
You mean at some point they started outsourcing the manufacture of Husky wrenches to an Asian contractor?!!?
The Husky wrenches I remember were the polished chrome wrenches made by Stanley during the mid 1990's.
You mean at some point they started outsourcing the manufacture of Husky wrenches to an Asian contractor?!!?
The Husky wrenches I remember were the polished chrome wrenches made by Stanley during the mid 1990's.
I use to have a 3/8" drive socket set bought brand new around 1980. It was made in the USA and great quality and fully polished. Someone felt that they needed it more than me, so i don't have it any more.
I still have a few 1/2" drive sockets from the same period and are equal to anything else I own, including dare I say, Snap-on.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
You mean at some point they started outsourcing the manufacture of Husky wrenches to an Asian contractor?!!?
Uhhhh... yeah... where have you been?
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Back several years the Home Depot Husky line was nothing more than some of the Blackhawk line rebadged Husky. They were decent tools for the money but, it was a small selection. As the Blackhawk line moved production to Taiwan, so did Husky. Those fully polished chrome combination wrenches now don't have a country of origin on them. I remember the full polish wrench sets were popular with auto students as they were cheaper than the Craftsman pro sets but, had more sizes. How things have changed with time.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Back several years the Home Depot Husky line was nothing more than some of the Blackhawk line rebadged Husky. They were decent tools for the money but, it was a small selection. As the Blackhawk line moved production to Taiwan, so did Husky. Those fully polished chrome combination wrenches now don't have a country of origin on them. I remember the full polish wrench sets were popular with auto students as they were cheaper than the Craftsman pro sets but, had more sizes. How things have changed with time.
Country of origin = China
Coach James
Well-known member
I was in a HD in Raleigh NC last weekend. Tons of power tools and a lot of hand tools for carpentry and general purpose as well. Wrenches, sockets in sets only. The Lowes and HD stores around here tried to get people to buy automotive tools but never offered more than combo wrenches, basic ratchets and sockets. No automotive specialty tools, flex head ratchets, etc. Not even floor jacks or jack stands. Plus the Kobalt ratchets were/are crazy expensive.
I have two sets of pre Asia Husky combo wrenches and a socket/ratchet set that I like fine. The wrenches are not full polish and actually look a lot like the current production Kobalt wrenches.
Coach
I have two sets of pre Asia Husky combo wrenches and a socket/ratchet set that I like fine. The wrenches are not full polish and actually look a lot like the current production Kobalt wrenches.
Coach
This is what Elroy thinks of Husky tools and Bob Dole:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=31153&highlight=Husky#post31153
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=31153&highlight=Husky#post31153
kartracer55
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 5,317
Hahaha that made me laugh Elroy. Good thread.
I hate to admit it, but husky tools have held up very well. My dedicated track extension is a 6 inch husky 3/8 that sees the end of a cordless impact gun. It has been 2 years with the impact andan additional 2 years of hand use and it has held up well. great finish on it. I also use a husky 13mm deep socket on this impact and on a ratchet more than any other socket and it too looks almost brand new. Excellent tools that I didnt pay all that much for, but when your in a jam, it doesnt matter how much it costs (or where its made) if you NEED it you NEED it
Jim
I hate to admit it, but husky tools have held up very well. My dedicated track extension is a 6 inch husky 3/8 that sees the end of a cordless impact gun. It has been 2 years with the impact andan additional 2 years of hand use and it has held up well. great finish on it. I also use a husky 13mm deep socket on this impact and on a ratchet more than any other socket and it too looks almost brand new. Excellent tools that I didnt pay all that much for, but when your in a jam, it doesnt matter how much it costs (or where its made) if you NEED it you NEED it
Jim
My dad got a whole set of husky tools from the militairy when he was in vietnam. I have so many fond memories of using those tools and I cant remember a single one of them ever breaking. Top shelf, awsome tools that have proved themselves over the years. That being said, the husky stuff that home depot has ever sold is total ****!
knuckleduster271
Banned
I agree, I have never had a problem with them.
Merkava_4
Banned
Vietnam ?!!? I had always thought Husky was a brand name that Home Depot came up with in the mid 1990's. I suppose I'm missing some information somewhere.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Vietnam ?!!? I had always thought Husky was a brand name that Home Depot came up with in the mid 1990's. I suppose I'm missing some information somewhere.
Husky was an established brand (I think supplied by New Britain - but I'd have to double check). All HD did was buy the rights to the name.
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
husky was started in the 20's. new britain bought them in the 30's.