Lisle tools

[Snappy]

Does anybody have much experience with Lisle tools ? I 've had some for years but I don't use them alot. I never had anything break on me. I recently bought a set of torx drivers & I'm wondering how they will hold up. I also have a set of Mac torx that I got from a big lot on ebay. I want to keep the better of the two.
...Scott

 

[Fedwrench]

It's feast or famine with Lisle. Either their specialty tools are the best thing since sliced bread or they break easily or may not get the design just right. I'm not a fan of their one piece black Torx drivers. I've snapped too many. I think you have to consider each Lisle tool on a case by case basis and not order sight unfelt. I know Lisle products are rebadged and sold by Matco, Cornwell, and others.

 

[Merkava_4]

They've got a bearing packer that you hook up to your grease gun that is flat out bad-***. They also have a disc brake caliper pad spreader that works real nice too.

 

[jdcompman]

It's feast or famine with Lisle. Either their specialty tools are the best thing since sliced bread or they break easily or may not get the design just right. I'm not a fan of their one piece black Torx drivers. I've snapped too many. I think you have to consider each Lisle tool on a case by case basis and not order sight unfelt. I know Lisle products are rebadged and sold by Matco, Cornwell, and others.

I'm with Fedwrench on this one. The Black one piece torx drivers, I have snapped more than I can remember. I'm not sure their QC is very good on them as well, I've gotten more than one that had the square drive not even shaped properly. Sears had the balls to try and deny a replacement of the ones that were manufactured wrong!! They eventually replaced them but not until I raised a stink about it!!

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

I post this as a reminder every few months. Lisle makes some good stuff, but not their black TORX sockets. This pic is after 1 use.

-BWP

 

[vssjim]

I will say other than the Male torx sockets most of their stuff is pretty good and really priced cheaply.

 

[mulepackin]

I have quite a lot of their stuff and have been satisfied with most of it. I don't care for their on the car valve spring compressor. Just never worked well for me. I've got the Torx sockets and haven't had that problem yet.

 

[speed bump]

They must of changed they black torx drivers in the last couple of years because my dad has a 15 or so year old set that see a lot of use and have held up just fine.

Personally I buy KD or Lisle specialty tools whenever I run into them for a good price.

 

[CatfishXpress]

i've got a couple of their two piece hex sockets, (black and chrome) and they are holding up well.

The T-55 has seen heavy use doing brakes on Chevy trucks.

 

[Snappy]

Thanks for all the comments. I used a Lisle hex socket tonight to take a brake caliper off. It held up with a 16" breaker bar hooked to it. I think I'll sell the Lisle torx on ebay and keep the Mac set. At least they have replaceable tips.
Scott

 

[quattrojon]

I like Lisle stuff. I have the torx sockets and the hex sockets, in SAE and metric. The only thing i have broken is the T40 torx and that was replaced without quibble.
Lisle also make a range of two piece torx sockets that look better made than the one piece version - i might even buy some!

 

[ron in sc]

I've posted this before:

I would not be able to trust a Lisle impact tool. I had a Lisle 41500 Pickle Fork Kit.

Below is a picture of what happened to a tie rod separator I was using in 2004 with my air hammer and yes I was wearing safety glasses. I have since used only bits in the air hammer that have made in the USA stamped on them.

Here’s how Lisle describes tool: For Separating Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Pitman Arms and Other Uses.
Six tools in one for exceptional versatility and value. Kit consists of three forks and two handles; one for hammering, the other for use with an air hammer (.401" shank). All forks are threaded to interchange with either handle. Forks are heavy-duty forgings, handles are heat-treated alloy steel.

Shipping Weight: 3 lb. 15 oz.
Suggested Retail: $ 47.95
UPC Code: 083045415008

 

[jerk_chicken]

I have some triple squares that I've had for about ten years. I feel I should have gotten more use out of the one I used for cylinder head bolts. I did pull 5 cylinder heads off, and a sixth, with a subsequent install. The splines are all twisted and chewed up. Maybe I got my money's worth, I don't know.

I use the smaller for axle joints. Did a bunch of them, but the splines are chewed up pretty bad.

 

[billymade]

I have the same pickle fork set that I purchased in the 90s; I haven't used it allot or with a air hammer even less. It seems to be ok for me but its obvious, yours didn't hold up! I don't think allot of their stuff is pro grade but their prices are reasonable compared to the truck brands. I would contact Lisle and get it warranted; they have a lifetime warranty and they will send you a new one! Contact them here: http://www.lislecorp.com/contact_us.cfm
or email them here: http://www.lislecorp.com/contact_us.cfm
My brother sent in a basic battery post cleaner tool that broke; they sent us a new improved version back, free of charge!

I emailed them and got this response; you can also send it in, as well... :

Lisle carries a lifetime warranty on all tools. The customer can return it
to the store for replacement, and the store returns the defective tool to
the warehouse you purchased it through.
--
Alan Ascherl
Lisle Corporation
807 East Main Street
PO Box 89
Clarinda, IA 51632
712-542-1937
Fax 712-542-6591

 

[autoace]

Lisle tools are mediocre, at best...but they have a few one off specialty tools that are good.

 

[walrus]

i've got a couple of their two piece hex sockets, (black and chrome) and they are holding up well.

The T-55 has seen heavy use doing brakes on Chevy trucks.

Napa T-55 like to snap right off at least on my trucks

 

[Danglerb]

I just bought a few more Lisle tools, the right angle impact wrench,a spark wire tester, and a hose removal tool. Thats the sort of tool I like from them, for heavy impact and pounding better to stick with HF or SO or best in torx and triple square Hazet.

 

[rhandwor]

For specialty tools they are adequate for home mechanics. Otherwise buy OTC I think they are better quality. Some are the same as OTC just look before purchasing.

 

[JayL]

Are these still Made in USA?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRG4S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

tks

 

[scott37300]

Are these still Made in USA?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRG4S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

tks

You can see the lisle made in USA flag on the picture you linked to. Can't read it but it's the same stamp they use for made in the USA.

 

[billymade]

I believe they still are but you can email them here: http://www.lislecorp.com/contact/feedback/

I have broken some of the pieces in this set; they are not indestructible! I just had my set warranted recently! That being said; they were broken using the set with a air hammer attached to them, needless to say you can break anything when attached to one of these! There are probably stronger sets out there from other brands.... Caveat emptor!

 

[Theloniousmonk]

e torx sockets seem to hold up ok... one piece torx ****, hit-miss w/ the hex bits from my experience... I think more than anything, Lisle's QC is a bit lacking - BUT they do offer a great lifetime warranty.

 

[Johnny chaos]

I broke one of the pickle fork ends and tried to warranty it out at Sears where I bought it and they told me I would have to do the warranty directly with Lisle (which I am yet to do) so that is kind of a PIA, other than that I have had pretty decent luck with their tools.

 

[chevy302dz]

As has already been stated most things are great and some are worse than HF. The one piece torx sockets are junk, the pickle fork set I had one break similar to the pic that was posted however the second set has been ok so far, I also had a windshield wiper arm remover that was useless. Now for the good, the 2 piece hex sockets are great, the piston ring expanders work well, the trim clip remover is good, the ford ratcheting headlight adjuster works great and there are several more tools that I have but can't think of off the top of my head that work well .

 

[sselander]

Just saw RockAuto nows sells Lisle

 

[4x4gearhead]

I think they stamp "Wear safety glasses" on their torx sockets for a reason, I have actually had my cheek cut open using a T45 one piece socket of theirs, for this reason the whole set was retired to the steel dumpster out back, I was going to give them away but it felt like I would be hurting someone more than helping.

 

[Kev442]

Bought a T50 male, broke it on the first bolt, went back to the store where I had bought it 30 minutes earlier and the same counter guy told me I was SOL. That was the end of me and Lisle.

 

[american lockpicker]

Their auto center punch is very well made.