Is Cornwell fading out

[dsimatt]

I think its a reginal thing with the brands, i know that around here cornwell can't keep a guy going because no one really buys much knowing that the driver won't last long and their prices aren't really that good anyways.

Snap on is king around here with plenty of trucks, then matco has a few and mac has a couple and they are barely hanging on.

 

[dsimatt]

Got some hardline Cornwall tools. Not too impress with them. Their price is almost same as SO so I rather get SO. I am surprise they are still kicking with so little trucks running around and no internet sale. I probably will see a HF truck before I see a Cornwall truck.

I agree, their product isnt bad but i could usually get snap on for close if not cheaper than what the cornwell prices were.

 

[jonjon1]

Around here it is mostly Snap-on, Not one Matco, havent seen the mac guy in years, and 1 cornwell, probably about 7 snap-on guys...

I don't own much cornwall or mac {a mac wrench set and I like the cornwall interior tools} and I would contribute that to no support, if the tool truck stopped I would most likely have more of the brands..

 

[Skin]

I think its a reginal thing with the brands, i know that around here cornwell can't keep a guy going because no one really buys much knowing that the driver won't last long and their prices aren't really that good anyways.

Snap on is king around here with plenty of trucks, then matco has a few and mac has a couple and they are barely hanging on.

Got some hardline Cornwall tools. Not too impress with them. Their price is almost same as SO so I rather get SO. I am surprise they are still kicking with so little trucks running around and no internet sale. I probably will see a HF truck before I see a Cornwall truck.

I don't know what Snap-On prices you two are looking at but since their last two price increases Snap-On has become the clear leader in highest prices compared to everyone. With Cornwell you don't buy at list, you buy through their monthly flyer deals. They have the most active flyers of anyone and it makes their tools quite affordable as far as truck brands go. Far far below Snap-On.

Quick example from their March flyer

Cornwell 7Pc Extra Long Standard Set 225.95
Snap-On 7Pc Long Standard Set 351.50

Cornwell 4Pc lady foot prybar set 155.95
Snap-on 4Pc lady foot prybar set 249.80

Cornwell 10-24mm shallow impact set 158.95
Snap-On 10-24mm shallow impact set 260.00

What Cornwell has in their favor is a fairly short list, but pricing is absolutely one of them.

 

[dsimatt]

I don't know what Snap-On prices you two are looking at but since their last two price increases Snap-On has become the clear leader in highest prices compared to everyone. With Cornwell you don't buy at list, you buy through their monthly flyer deals. They have the most active flyers of anyone and it makes their tools quite affordable as far as truck brands go. Far far below Snap-On.

Quick example from their March flyer

Cornwell 7Pc Extra Long Standard Set 225.95
Snap-On 7Pc Long Standard Set 351.50

Cornwell 4Pc lady foot prybar set 155.95
Snap-on 4Pc lady foot prybar set 249.80

Cornwell 10-24mm shallow impact set 158.95
Snap-On 10-24mm shallow impact set 260.00

What Cornwell has in their favor is a fairly short list, but pricing is absolutely one of them.

I don't buy tools all the time and its mostly when i find a good deal, we also haven't had a cornwell dealer for 2 years so im going off old prices.

I'm not knocking cornwell but with their history around here it doesn't pay to buy from a dealer that will be gone pretty quick, most guys at work have either traded or replaced their cornwell tools with others.

 

[stage20]

Actually Cornwell started in 1919. http://www.cornwelltools.com/History/History.php

the cornwell guy doesnt even know?

 

[thatonedude]

I know we have a cornwell truck in our area seen it a few times but is so elusive. Its not worth tracking him down.

 

[Wamsutta]

Its not worth tracking him down.

I would disagree with you on some items. Cornwell combination wrenches and ratchets have features that are so much different than other brands - that I think they ARE worth tracking down.

 

[John in OH]

I would disagree with you on some items. Cornwell combination wrenches and ratchets have features that are so much different than other brands - that I think they ARE worth tracking down.

I'm only vaguely familiar with Cornwell so could you expand on your statement regarding features that are different?

 

[MrJason]

We're alive and well and not going anywhere...but up. I can have a dealer in your area contact you and if there is not a dealer, why not become one yourself? Sounds like you've considered it. Keep in mind Cornwell Tools were the FIRST, starting in 1928. It's a solid company, employee owned and some of the nicest people I've ever met and some of the finest tools made.

I'd like it if I knew who my representative was, as I've got a list of Cornwell tools I want to buy and I just can't find the guy.

I made several attempts on the last few months to ask corporate, but no response.

Location: Bakersfield, CA. 93312

Jason

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Cornwell just hasn't kept up with the times as well as the other tool companies. There are many of us that would buy from them if they offered a means to buy their products outside of the truck. Personally, I feel they have gone offshore with items they should be making in house.

 

[Skin]

Cornwell just hasn't kept up with the times as well as the other tool companies. There are many of us that would buy from them if they offered a means to buy their products outside of the truck. Personally, I feel they have gone offshore with items they should be making in house.

Unfortunately I think part of this is the fact that they're employee owned. I imagine they need to all sit down and do something like agree to no raises for a year to update some equipment. The chrome socket/extension retention it a prime example. I literally think they're the only professional tool manufacturer left that only put a hole vs scalloping out the insides. A process which everyone else switched to decades ago. Its a shame because their chrome and finish can be excellent looking but i'll never buy their extensions, universals, or standard chrome sockets because of this.

 

[softailgarage]

OK, since it looks like I'm the only Cornwell Dealer here, I'll try to answer some of these. Keep in mind I'm still new with Cornwell

The point is that the general public would rather have HF than Cornwell. It's unfortunate.

I don't know how you could say that considering we don't sell to the public. The truck brands (snap on, matco, etc.) were all started to service the automotive and airline repair industries, thats it. Snap On now sells to the public, I believe Matco does too.

In the tacoma area we have multiple snap-on dealers, a matco dealer that is very unreliable, an independent truck (lisle, SK, knipex, etc), and a cornwell dealer named Sean Fenton. Sean is definitely my favorite truck to buy from simply for the customer service.

^ That Sean Fenton name sounds familiar. Isn't he the guy featured in the Cornwell videos?

Sean is one of Cornwell's top dealers, doing over $1 million in sales a year.

Snap-on started in 1920. This is their 95th anniversary.

My bad, Cornwell started in 1919. They opened the plant in Mogadore, Ohio in 1928

+1 !! I agree with this comment!

Unless Cornwell is totally happy with limiting their market to only professional mechanics in repair shop locations, they will never grow the company. There are very few non-pro mechanics or home-shop guys that will go to the extra effort to track down a tool truck to buy a few selected items. I buy most of my tools on-line while sitting on my sofa watching NCIS on TV.

I admit the non-pro market may be small in comparison to pro sales, but I buy several hundred dollars of tools a year just for my personal use. Take that few hundred dollars per year and multiply it by the number of shade-tree mechanics in the country and that's a sizable chunk of change! As it stands now, my few hundred dollars per year goes primarily to Wright, Armstrong, and SK.

Cornwell wants to remain a small company, a family company that doesn't serve the general public and they're doing just fine.

Y'all are full of it everyone knows that cornwell trucks are mythical creatures like unicorns and leprechauns

Hmmm, will that increase it's value?

Got some hardline Cornwall tools. Not too impress with them. Their price is almost same as SO so I rather get SO. I am surprise they are still kicking with so little trucks running around and no internet sale. I probably will see a HF truck before I see a Cornwall truck.

I agree, their product isnt bad but i could usually get snap on for close if not cheaper than what the cornwell prices were.

Really? What are you smoking, I want some! One of the first things guys say when they get on the truck is "****, I just payed Snap On twice the amount for the same thing" No way are you going to find Snap On prices lower than Cornwell (they need money to keep that Snap On Koolaid flowing)

I'd like it if I knew who my representative was, as I've got a list of Cornwell tools I want to buy and I just can't find the guy.

I made several attempts on the last few months to ask corporate, but no response.

Location: Bakersfield, CA. 93312

Jason

Jason- I know the District Manager in that area, I'll find one for you.

Cornwell just hasn't kept up with the times as well as the other tool companies. There are many of us that would buy from them if they offered a means to buy their products outside of the truck. Personally, I feel they have gone offshore with items they should be making in house.

As stated above, Cornwell chooses to remain a small company, dedicated to professionals in the automotive industry only. I'm curious as to what offshore items you mean. Cornwell has always made their own hardline (sockets, prybars, punches, etc.) Guy's, you have to understand something, every tool truck is carrying off shore products and they all come from the same vendors, whether it's Lysle or OTC or Milwaukee. Often the truck companies will "brand" the product. For instance, we carry some impact guns made by Ingersol Rand, but have the Cornwell name on it, the only way to tell would be the part # which would start with IR. So when you get that screwdriver set that says "Snap On" on it for $250.00, you could go and get the exact same set that says Cornwell on it for $175.00 because they both came from Apex, you're just paying for the Snap On name.
The tool truck business is a tough position and many dealers don't make it past 1 year, I myself am struggling and dont know how far I can get. Your not only selling tools, you're selling loans and believe me that takes a lot of $$, not to mention the hours on the truck and work involved. I'm typically on the truck from 7:00am to 10,11:00 pm. Last Tuesday I had a large order come in and got off the truck at 2:00am and then up at 5:00am. So if your tool guy suddenly disappears this could be why. BTW, the biggest reason Cornwell dealers quit is ...divorce.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I live in the Lilburn, Snellville, Lawrenceville triangle east of Atlanta, GA. There is a Cornwell dealer local. I have seen his truck in Lawrenceville, and down 124 towards Snellville. I have been seeing "A" Cornwell truck for several years. Don't know if it is same guy sighting to sighting, but he is there. Can't say I have seen one down 78, or 29.

I have seen Matco trucks on both 78 & 29. don't know if it the same fellow. There are 2 Snap on dealers in the area. One covers 78 from Snellville down toward Stone Mountain. Another covers 29 from Arcado/Beaver Ruin down towards Indian Trail/ Killian Hill.

I saw an SK truck on 29 at Killian Hill couple days ago. I saw an independent dealer in the newer semi cab tool truck, Thompson Tools, on 78, just east of Loganville, this past Friday. One truck I haven't seen in a llooonnngg time, is a MAC Tools truck. The last Mac item I had warrantied was in Wilkes Barre, PA. I was working there & found a dealer with the socket. I had found a dealer in Covington, GA, but he didn't have the socket. Hell, he had very little inventory. Around here it is MAC that is sucking "hind ***".

I have never been on the Cornwell truck. I wouldn't mind looking around. All of my Cornwell stuff has come from pawn shops, or flea markets. I used to buy everything Cornwell item I found, but now only buy metric, or ratchets, & extensions.

I haven't bought from a tool truck in quite a while. I have warrantied some items with Snap on, but all the truck have gotten to high. My favorite places are pawn shops now.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Cornwell is the best truck that visits my shop. Good guy, good stuff, boys in the shop prefer him to,the others. I've always like the Cornwell product myself.

 

[pi_guy]

I can not remember ever seeing a Cornwell truck on Long Island.

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm only vaguely familiar with Cornwell so could you expand on your statement regarding features that are different?

Sure. The main thing that sets Cornwell apart is their attention to ergonomics. Their combination wrenches have a nice comfortable beam profile with their rounded edge on the beam; they feel great in the hand. They also go and remove any unneeded material around the open end and box end to aid in clearing obstructions; their wrenches are lean cut in all in the right spots. And then there's the balance; their combination wrenches are balanced very well which makes them feel lighter than they really are.

 

[BJ42LX]

BTW, the biggest reason Cornwell dealers quit is ...divorce.

Softtail,

Don't you mean, "the biggest reason Cornwell dealers quit is ... to try to save their marriage?"

Makes no sense to quit the job after the divorce.

Nice truck, BTW.

 

[yellowbox]

We have Cornwell, but the driver has decided we aint worth stopping for ....too bad cause snap on picks up the lost business

 

[cityjack]

For what its worth. I guy who drives a Cornwell truck lives two houses up from me. I have his 15' catalog. I prefer to find the corwell tools cheap at flea markets because nobody really knows who they are or what they're giving away for that matter. Last week in Charlotte I bought a 15/16, 1, 1 1/16, and a 1 1/4. Dollar a piece and all in decent shape. 1/2" drive. Walked across the aisle where another guy had a bunch of stuff, bunch of chinese and Taiwan stuff. I found a single SO socket. Nice shape. Guy said 15 bucks. I kept walking and I'll continue to look for Cornwell.

Have a good night guys.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

As stated above, Cornwell chooses to remain a small company, dedicated to professionals in the automotive industry only. I'm curious as to what offshore items you mean. Cornwell has always made their own hardline (sockets, prybars, punches, etc.) Guy's, you have to understand something, every tool truck is carrying off shore products and they all come from the same vendors, whether it's Lysle or OTC or Milwaukee. Often the truck companies will "brand" the product. For instance, we carry some impact guns made by Ingersol Rand, but have the Cornwell name on it, the only way to tell would be the part # which would start with IR. So when you get that screwdriver set that says "Snap On" on it for $250.00, you could go and get the exact same set that says Cornwell on it for $175.00 because they both came from Apex, you're just paying for the Snap On name.
The tool truck business is a tough position and many dealers don't make it past 1 year, I myself am struggling and dont know how far I can get. Your not only selling tools, you're selling loans and believe me that takes a lot of $$, not to mention the hours on the truck and work involved. I'm typically on the truck from 7:00am to 10,11:00 pm. Last Tuesday I had a large order come in and got off the truck at 2:00am and then up at 5:00am. So if your tool guy suddenly disappears this could be why. BTW, the biggest reason Cornwell dealers quit is ...divorce.

I understand they all offshore and relabel tools, but I don't see how this helps a small family owned American business? The tools that I've been in the market for and passed on from Cornwell are their roto ratchets and screwdrivers. Also, there have been other ratchets that I passed on because they had Taiwanese guts. If I want a 72t Taiwanese ratchet, I'll get one for $18 from someone else. If Snap On can make all of this plus more in America, Cornwell can too. The list goes on.......picks, pliers (not models made by CL), ratchet wrenches, bit sockets, etc.

FWIW, I have USA and import Cornwell stuff and it's all served me well, so I'm not hating on them. Their prices are probably the best of all the trucks.

Cornwell tools I have:
- Compact multimeter (unknown Chinese origins)
- Master torx set (VIM Taiwanese)
- 3/8" torque wrench (USA made by CDI)
- 1/4" torque wrench (USA made by CDI)
- 3/8" SAE/MM standard and deep impact socket set (USA)

I understand it takes capital to manufacture, but Cornwell just hasn't invested in their future. Their sockets (mentioned 10x already) are evidence of this. Their wrenches are arguably another example. Also, they've chosen to turn their marketing efforts into trinkets; the swords in the monthly flier are ridiculous. If they chose to market new quality tools in the monthly flier I bet they could afford new tooling in the plant.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've said this before but, I'll say it again. Some of the nicest tool dealers I've ever dealt with over the years were Cornwell dealers. Unfortunately, they almost always failed but, were nice while they lasted. The issue with Cornwell is simply that they aren't a segment leader in anything. There just isn't any tool in their line up that is the best available period.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

The issue with Cornwell is simply that they aren't a segment leader in anything. There just isn't any tool in their line up that is the best available period.

I agree. MAC was on the same path for a long time, but they seem to be righting the ship. When was the last time Cornwell introduced an innovative product? When was the last time Cornwell revamped their hardline? Their hardline is okay, but their ratchets are lacking features (as smooth as they are) and their wrenches have nice chrome, but don't beat Wright, Proto, or Snap On when it comes to a flank drive feature.

 

[bobbycos]

I can not remember ever seeing a Cornwell truck on Long Island.

From my research, there are none in Long island and NYC and Westchester county

 

[stage20]

For what its worth. I guy who drives a Cornwell truck lives two houses up from me. I have his 15' catalog. I prefer to find the corwell tools cheap at flea markets because nobody really knows who they are or what they're giving away for that matter. Last week in Charlotte I bought a 15/16, 1, 1 1/16, and a 1 1/4. Dollar a piece and all in decent shape. 1/2" drive. Walked across the aisle where another guy had a bunch of stuff, bunch of chinese and Taiwan stuff. I found a single SO socket. Nice shape. Guy said 15 bucks. I kept walking and I'll continue to look for Cornwell.

Have a good night guys.

this has no relevance on this topic.

i do the same thing at sales , but us buying dollar cornwell items does nothing for the future of cornwell innovation, sales, marketing, etc......

 

[IFMJohn]

Sean is one of Cornwell's top dealers, doing over $1 million in sales a year.

Yep! And i can honestly say, I dont buy from him because of sales pitches or some stupid deal or anything like that. I buy from him because he's an honest guy who I feel that i can rely on. He tells us weeks before he takes a vacation, he comes by 1-2 times a week. If i need something, he will swing by that day and drop it off. It comes down to customer service for me.

 

[pi_guy]

From my research, there are none in Long island and NYC and Westchester county

I just did a search for snap on, same way I did for Cornwell. But this time I had a return of 2 addresses <wherehouses> on Long Island. I think near me in northern Nassau county there are 6 or 7 SO trucks. There are two SO trucks that come in my town.
I will ask my dealer if he has ever seen a Cornwell truck? He has been around for a few years.

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

What I have bought from Cornwell I have been happy with, I think they make a pretty solid line of core tools. Their tools are geared towards automotive repair and being heavy equipment I am limited in what I can buy either because I own it already or it doesn't cross over. What they re badge I can find cheaper somewhere else. With that said the dealer that stops at our shop is another story. I got tired of his bs and ended up paying my bill in full about 5 months ago and haven't stepped foot on his truck since then. At lunch time we usually run into mechanics from other shops in town and from the sound of it I am not the only one.

 

[Wamsutta]

This thread here has some pretty good pictures of Cornwell wrenches:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207799

 

[econoaddict]

We have multiple Cornwell trucks running around. Sadly if you don't owe them money or buy big ticket items every other week they will not stop at your shop. Call one and ask him to stop by so you can buy a screwdriver and he may show within 6 months, ask about a toolbox and he will be there before you hang up.

 

[RedneckWelder]

We have an awesome cornwall dealer but the product line is underwhelming. It doesn't help me at all when I know I could buy the same thing from other sources for half to two thirds the cost on the Cornwell truck.

It also doesn't help that everything is oriented towards the automotive side. The heavy diesel side, well my Cornwell dealer doesn't carry 3/4 stuff on the truck, he doesn't carry larger wrenches on the truck, he doesn't carry specialty tools suitable for diesel work, so it kind of ***** not having much relevant items to choose from.

 

[firebox40dash5]

We have an awesome cornwall dealer but the product line is underwhelming. It doesn't help me at all when I know I could buy the same thing from other sources for half to two thirds the cost on the Cornwell truck.

Well to be fair, that last part is true of all 4 major truck brands, including Snap On, although to a lesser extent than the other 3.

We had a Cornwell dealer for about the 1st year at the shop. We didn't know it at first, but he was renowned for basically disappearing every summer to do his inflatable party bounce house thing... and he did that year. He came back for a bit that fall, then just ****** one day, he was gone. My boss owed him about $2k for financing a welder, and had to track him down to pay him the rest of it.

We went like 2 years without a Cornwell dealer. A couple times the regional manager went around and promised that they'd have a new guy in the area, never happened. Then by serendipity, one day a friend snapped a jaw on one of my Cornwell-branded Channellocks, and the next week we had a Cornwell guy again. The new guy is cool, and nice enough... but his truck isn't stocked for ****, and I don't think he's going to do too hot. Doesn't help that he got slammed with 2 years' worth of "where's the Cornwell dude?" warranty swaps in his 1st month.

Honestly, their product selection really is rather blah. Their ratchets (and selection of them) do nothing for me. The rest of their hard line I'm sure is fine, and they're a little cheaper than the rest, but I can't imagine the resale (if you care about that) is as high or as easy as the rest. The one thing I'll give them is they seem better than the rest as far as pricing on electronics like scanners and Power Probes, especially on sale... but of course they're still MUCH more expensive than buying the same thing online. In short, I don't think they **** or that their stuff is ****, but they don't have a whole lot going for them to make them stand out from the rest, either.

 

[MG44]

I have a business less then 40 minutes from Mogadore Ohio.

We HAD a Cornwell driver. Guy was a *****. I kicked him out of the property due to his rude comments towards technicians. He shows up whenever he so pleases and thinks everybody can drop what they are doing to run to his truck so he does not have to wait, sorry buddy not happening!

Cornwell catalog prices are not far off from Snap-On prices. It is the drivers choice whether or not the want to distribute fliers for pricing, this ***** did not. Also this particular ******** driver wants everything on their TechCredit or whatever the hell it is program, nothing on truck credit.

******** pimps Autel scan tools. This ***** was wanting near Snap-On Solus pricing for a Maxidas 708 and he got upset when we purchased another SnapOn unit instead of his Autel. We purchased a Snap-On smoke machine ($1300) which is far better then the Redline unit they sell @ ********. He whined and cried about that when he seen it sitting on our Diag cart. Sorry buddy, SnapOn put it all on truck credit. We paid 40% down and $100 a week on both the EVAP Smoke Machine & another Solus. Deal worked out perfect. The financing is built into the pricing, I am not going to pay 20%+ on TechCredit, NEVER going to happen!.

I would say 60-70% of the tools on his truck were not even cornwell. He had a ton of GearWrench, ATD, OTC, Astro, etc...

I bought the GearWrench long pattern metric. I was interested in his set, almost $200 freaking dollars. Less then $90 at Menards. I know the truck guy has his own costs, but I can't pay over double, sorry. $10-20 more, maybe... over double his ridiculous.

For the little bit of money you save on ********, unless you buy it all outright, its going to cost more with financing then the SnapOn counterpart.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have a business less then 40 minutes from Mogadore Ohio.

I bought the GearWrench long pattern metric. I was interested in his set, almost $200 freaking dollars. Less then $90 at Menards. I know the truck guy has his own costs, but I can't pay over double, sorry. $10-20 more, maybe... over double his ridiculous.

For the little bit of money you save on ********, unless you buy it all outright, its going to cost more with financing then the SnapOn counterpart.

Bootstrapping a business and picking asian gearwrench and comparing to twice as expensive Cornwell isn't exaclty fair.

 

[MG44]

Bootstrapping a business and picking asian gearwrench and comparing to twice as expensive Cornwell isn't exaclty fair.

To make it clear, my ******** driver was selling the same Gearwrench set for $200. The cornwell brand is much more expensive then $200 for a 8mm to 22mm set

 

[d.mcfarland]

To make it clear, my ******** driver was selling the same Gearwrench set for $200. The cornwell brand is much more expensive then $200 for a 8mm to 22mm set

Ok. Makes sense now.

In my opinion as an individual not working in a shop with zero tool trucks stopping here, I can say that the driver is the business. Seems like people hate inconsistent drivers and almost everyone will pay for great service here.

 

[rayh91]

SO comes every Friday. Cornwell Comes every Monday. MAC comes every Tuesday. Matco comes every Friday.

So I think I have it good so far... Matco doesn't last around here (new guy last month, we haven't had one for at least 3 years). The Cornwell guy first came here 6 months ago but he's pretty consistent.

 

[Hammer1963]

Doubtful

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I haven't seen a Cornwell truck in years at work. Guy used to show up every week and do a bunch of business, but they had a territory dispute with another driver and never seen either again. Only truck I see now is Snap On and USA. Matco drivers change so much and now the latest one only comes when second shift is there.

 

[Mastermind]

Cornwell is like a unicorn for me. Never been on a truck. My buddy two towns over has one, but he covers a huge area and we are out of his range. Supposedly there's a new one in our area, I was behind his truck on my way in the other day, no phone number I could read on the back, and he drove right by the shop. If anyone in the Plymouth/canton area knows this guy I would love to buy some stuff.