Is Cornwell fading out

[mikebramel]

The Cornwell flyer is 8-10 pages packed full of sale items every month. There are usually good discounts, unlike the Snap on flyer which typically has a dozen items, maybe a couple on sale. My dealer Greg Fisher is a great guy and stops by regularly.

The imported items would be the bit sets and what not. They are of good quality. A Cornwell master bit set is say $250, Snap-on $800 so not much comparison on who provides a better value.

I'm a Snap-on fan myself but their retail pricing is becoming unheard of and one day the perception is going to start thinning.

 

[ianguilly]

I have a regular cornwell guy that stops in, ice probably spen t a good chunk on him buy I usually only keep a balance to keep him around. His truck is also a bit on the empty side a good % of the time.

 

[jvitez]

No Cornwell in Canada it seems, but I've got four Cornwell ratchets thanks to GJ, and my go to metric combination wrench set is a full polish Cornwell: beautiful chrome and very comfortable.

But, they should have an online presence. You should be able to input your zip/postal code and up pops your local dealer, but if you don't have a dealer in your area you should be able to buy online. Or maybe some dealers would be willing to add internet sales to their tool truck business. The prices should be the same so no one is undercutting a dealer.

Here in Canada, Snap-On's website allows direct sales at full prices with shipping extra. They say on their site to contact your dealer IF you already have a dealer serving you. But if you don't, they say buy online. If it works for Snap-On, why wouldn't it work for Cornwell?

 

[Wamsutta]

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[ttpete]

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.

Ford was always a big Cornwell user. I have a lot of it from the 35 years I worked there. There must be a factory rep or distributor in the SE MI area. You can go to their website and request your local dealer to call you.

 

[Formula]

I haven't had a Cornwell dealer in over 10 years. Never even see the trucks on the road. We have Snap On stop by regularly. MAC maybe once every couple months. There's a Matco guy but he doesn't stop by our shop.

Naturally you buy from what's available and who services you best. I'm not going out of my way to purchase tools from companies I can't get serviced from.

 

[espyking83]

I picked up some Cornwell Torx screwdrivers in the dollar bin at the pawn shop today. 4 were practically unused. 2 of them were gnawed to **** though. Pretty damned good deal for $6. They feel a lot like Felo or Wera.

 

[Wamsutta]

Naturally you buy from what's available and who services you best.

That's if you can live with the product they're offering. Some guys can't stand the Snap-on wrenches also known as "dull knife blades."

 

[ttpete]

That's if you can live with the product they're offering. Some guys can't stand the Snap-on wrenches also known as "dull knife blades."

I never had a problem with them working for many years, and never wore gloves. Soft cushioned tool handles didn't exist then, either. Hands harden up if they're not babied.

 

[Tanro]

I never had a problem with them working for many years, and never wore gloves. Soft cushioned tool handles didn't exist then, either. Hands harden up if they're not babied.

Funny you say that, I would rather use C-Man Raised panels than snap-on wrenches. The handles are too thin imo.

 

[Skin]

The only Snap-On wrench beams that are thin are their Long versions. Their standards are fine. People either blow it way out of proportion or just parrot what they read on here without any actual first hand experience.

If you really want a thin wrench beam try the older Taiwan Gearwrenches, especially the locking flex. Those things are crazy thin along the beam.

 

[LUKE221]

Cornwell is a brand that i really want to support. They are made here in USA and yes they may be more old school but i love them

 

[steelespeed]

I live about 20 miles from Cornwell's headquarters and have never, ever seen one of their trucks around the southwest Cleveland suburbs.

I know they have been around for ages, but their operation seems severely lacking when compared to those of Snap-on and the other big names. Just watch the Gearz/Stacey David video on YouTube where he profiles Cornwell and look at their facility versus the Snap-on "How It's Made" segments. Doesn't seem like much innovation happening over at Cornwell.

 

[TheRobotCow]

My experience with my Cornwell guy is great. At first I thought Cornwell was just a cheap tool manufacture. Was I wrong. I absolutely love their Usa made tools. He shows up twice a week.

 

[90zcar]

Who makes cornwells sockets these days?


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[TheRobotCow]

Who makes cornwells sockets these days?


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I think they make their own, at least the Usa made ones.

 

[Thumper]

The Cornwell man shows up every Monday morning like clockwork. He is all I deal with...great service...backs up the warranties....orders anything I want no question. First time I was on a Cornwell truck was 1974.

I have to chase down the Snap-On guy and the Matco guy is an *******.

 

[Brownsfan]

I live about 20 miles from Cornwell's headquarters and have never, ever seen one of their trucks around the southwest Cleveland suburbs.

I know they have been around for ages, but their operation seems severely lacking when compared to those of Snap-on and the other big names. Just watch the Gearz/Stacey David video on YouTube where he profiles Cornwell and look at their facility versus the Snap-on "How It's Made" segments. Doesn't seem like much innovation happening over at Cornwell.

There used to be 2 in the Parma North Royalton area. One was forced to give up his franchise due to being shady and doing illegal things and the other that took his place went out of business. I bought a few things from both. Almost bought a a.box from the last one.

 

[n8n]

The only Snap-On wrench beams that are thin are their Long versions. Their standards are fine. People either blow it way out of proportion or just parrot what they read on here without any actual first hand experience.

If you really want a thin wrench beam try the older Taiwan Gearwrenches, especially the locking flex. Those things are crazy thin along the beam.

They've gotten thicker over the years. The old script logo snap on wrenches are thinner and lighter than the newer ones that I have. That said I prefer the feel of my SuperKromes (I don't have any FDP wrenches, I can only spend so much money on tools!)

 

[Tyguy1209]

Heck no there not fading out...been at 3 shops in 6 years and each one has a cornwell guy. Always see cornwell. I have been professionally doing this for 6 years an have never once stepped for on or seen a matco truck

 

[Rogue1987]

I swear in STL I've only seen Cornwell and SO trucks in my part of town, nobody else.

North county / airport there's an awesome snap on guy, as well as a meh Cornwell guy and a mac and matco trucks who I've never met with but see driving around weekly.

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[timmyisme22]

I've seen all four (Cornwell, Snap-on, Matco, and Mac) here in Yakima, WA.

 

[monster1]

I saw a Cornwell truck a few month ago driving down the street. Damn near wrecked my truck in disbelief. I pulled over and waited for the tooth fairy riding a unicorn to pass.

 

[crab]

Mac is about gone in the st Louis area, matco is around but there are a lot of places they don't service. Cornwell is strong in st charles co. as is snap on. I guess you could google gross revenue for each company for a better idea.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I've dealt with one of the few Cornwell dealers in the major Chicagoland area and though I like the tools the dealer was such a tool himself I'd rather use Pittsburgh brand than deal with that scam artist.

TheGrooveking

 

[arz71]

I've dealt with one of the few Cornwell dealers in the major Chicagoland area and though I like the tools the dealer was such a tool himself I'd rather use Pittsburgh brand than deal with that scam artist.

TheGrooveking

I would rather have Cornwell than PITTS-burg garbage.

 

[90zcar]

I would rather have Cornwell than PITTS-burg garbage.

Not much difference if u ask me


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[LUKE221]

Heck no there not fading out...been at 3 shops in 6 years and each one has a cornwell guy. Always see cornwell. I have been professionally doing this for 6 years an have never once stepped for on or seen a matco truck

Hmmmm While not a huge fan of Matco. Are they really that bad like every one says? I know that i dont like their screwdrivers. Their sockets are ok i guess. I find that they are like a fancier version of Craftsman.

 

[LUKE221]

Mac is about gone in the st Louis area, matco is around but there are a lot of places they don't service. Cornwell is strong in st charles co. as is snap on. I guess you could google gross revenue for each company for a better idea.

I hate to say it, but with all the tool trucks disappearing, In the near future say 15 years, are the mechanics going to be using mail order or harbor freight instead of tool truck brands??

 

[RedneckWelder]

Hmmmm While not a huge fan of Matco. Are they really that bad like every one says? I know that i dont like their screwdrivers. Their sockets are ok i guess. I find that they are like a fancier version of Craftsman.

Witte makes their screwdrivers

The hardline is mostly Armstrong. Not a favorite of mine. I like the locking flex head ratchets, and that's about it.

I hate to say it, but with all the tool trucks disappearing, In the near future say 15 years, are the mechanics going to be using mail order or harbor freight instead of tool truck brands??

As a mechanic I almost exclusively online order tools (mainly Ebay and Amazon), get them from the local NAPA store, or buy at the flea market or through work. I spend very little on the tool truck, I just get so many more tools for the money from other sources.

 

[LUKE221]

Heck Yeah.. I am lovin the Carlyle stuff at NAPA stores. It seems like a lotta bang for the buck. And yeah I have a Matco 1/2" drive locking flex head ratchet with the long handle. It is nice.

 

[back2class]

They ****. I have had experiences with the local dealer who is now gone...right up the CEO. Craftsman quality tools for much of the line....and shoddy dist. network....and no vision. Drop prices, or up the level of service and they may have a chance. It is obvious they do not.

 

[90zcar]

I hope so as nothing cornwell impresses me. It all seems like rebranded craftsman stuff to me. Their ratchets are horrible aswell


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[bob15]

I hope so as nothing cornwell impresses me. It all seems like rebranded craftsman stuff to me. Their ratchets are horrible aswell


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Cornwell makes their own wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc. Not even close to C-man.

Now if you are talking about Matco or Armstrong, that is different.....

 

[90zcar]

Cornwell makes their own wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc. Not even close to C-man.



Now if you are talking about Matco or Armstrong, that is different.....

Yeah but it doesn't impress me whatsoever. I'm saying it seems like rebranded craftsman to me as far as finish/look to me. If I'm paying them high end prices I want something a little more


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[ClineWrench]

You know, I see a lot of trash talk about Cornwell tools. Let me just say this: I have Cornwell ratchets, wrenches, impact sockets, pry bars and other odds and ends...I swear by these tools every bit as much as I swear by my Snap On tools.

Cornwell is every bit on the same level as Snap On, Mac, Matco and SK.

 

[90zcar]

I wasn't trash talking at all. Just simply not impressed is all I'm saying


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[back2class]

You know, I see a lot of trash talk about Cornwell tools. Let me just say this: I have Cornwell ratchets, wrenches, impact sockets, pry bars and other odds and ends...I swear by these tools every bit as much as I swear by my Snap On tools.

Cornwell is every bit on the same level as Snap On, Mac, Matco and SK.

My 10 piece pliers set tells me otherwise. Yeah...made in china. Decent, but far below SO at the same price point. Much closer to Craftsman quality. First and LAST Cornwell purchase I make other than garage sale finds. I am ok with cheap steak, but don't charge me for a porterhouse....then slip me sirloin. Ratchets are arcane at best...would take a Gearwrench, Duralast or Titan any day over one. Yeah, they make good sockets and wrenches...so do many others. What are they offering that gives them a competitive advantage?....NOTHING