My Cornwell Experience

[TheLS1Lover]

Hello everyone, I am making this to tell you all about my Cornwell tools experience. I have came to find that Cornwell has a sub-par rep on this site and I want to try and chance that.

I will admit that it took me a few days to find a dealer but once I did I was very happy! My dealer goes by the name Shawn and he has 5 years under his belt, he is actually a cool guy and gave me some really good prices on the items I purchased. His truck is VERY well stocked as well.

I ordered a Mobile Work Center in black, various 1/4" Drive, 3/8" Drive, and a few 1/2" drive socket set and hard handle fine tooth ratchets for them, both long and short, as well as a few extensions and swivels. I also ordered some SAE and Metric Ratcheting and non-Ratcheting wrenches. As far as I can tell the tools are VERY good quality and fit in my hand quite nice. The wrenches have very thick beams are just feel nice. I haven't broken anything yet and the fine tooth ratchets are very good. I am coming from some Craftsman USA and Proto tools and I like the Cornwell items more. I am not a "professional" but I do motorsport fabrication and some minor engine building.

Everything else that I buy will be Cornwell (beside screwdrivers which are all P.B. Swiss). Thank you everyone for checking out my thread, if you have any questions please post up!

 

[d.mcfarland]

What were the prices compared to the MSRP listed on the Cornwell website?

 

[Brownsfan]

Where are you located? My dealer went under and would love to find another. What mobile work center did you buy? Also don't count out the Cornwell screwdrivers. They are German made rebadged witte. I have few Cornwell ratchets are they are my favorite. I want a couple more of the fine tooth(flex heads and longer) but can't find a dealer

 

[TheLS1Lover]

A few things I got for 10-15% less, an example, the box I got cost $2,295.00 per their website, I picked it up for $1,850, and got free shipping on it. That is actually like 18% off now that I think about it. Some stuff I payed the website price, and some stuff was less. I actually got a utility knife for free though.

 

[Brownsfan]

You got the big cart. My nephew has one and it's huge. You will love it. It's stores a ton of tools. He is a dealer mechanic and it's his primary box. That's how big it is.

 

[TheLS1Lover]

Where are you located? My dealer went under and would love to find another. What mobile work center did you buy? Also don't count out the Cornwell screwdrivers. They are German made rebadged witte. I have few Cornwell ratchets are they are my favorite. I want a couple more of the fine tooth(flex heads and longer) but can't find a dealer

I am located in Tulsa Oklahoma, there are 3 or 4 dealers in my general area. I would just google search the largest city near you with Cornwell in there. Such as "Cornwell Tulsa", that is what I had to do because their dealer locator is horrendous.

I got this exact one. It seems to be quite roomy and should hold everything I have for a while. I definitely won't count out there screwdrivers for future purchases! I already have a nice selection of PB Swiss though.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=CTBMM800BK-%2d-Mobile-Work-Center,-Black

You got the big cart. My nephew has one and it's huge. You will love it. It's stores a ton of tools. He is a dealer mechanic and it's his primary box. That's how big it is.

Yeah, I could definitely see this box being a primary box. I don't have near enough to fill it up yet.

 

[RRmech]

I've found Cornwell ratchet's to be near bullet proof.

 

[TheLS1Lover]

I have had mine a short time and have been pretty abusive so far, I always clean my tools and they look really nice still. I have only had them 3 weeks but oh well.

 

[fatfillup]

Dealer service is everything.

One thing I really like about Cornwell is their pricing on non Cornwell tools. They sell many brands and their prices are not jacked up like snappy and the others. Not internet cheap but they can't be that low and give service.

Lots of fans of their ratchets.

 

[Brownsfan]

Yes they do sell non Cornwell stuff MUCH cheaper than any other tool trucks.

 

[TheLS1Lover]

Dealer service is everything.

One thing I really like about Cornwell is their pricing on non Cornwell tools. They sell many brands and their prices are not jacked up like snappy and the others. Not internet cheap but they can't be that low and give service.

Lots of fans of their ratchets.

Yeah, I also bought a Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" Drive Impact for a NICE price. I have a few other Milwaukee things but whatever else I buy will be from him!

Yes they do sell non Cornwell stuff MUCH cheaper than any other tool trucks.

Definitely so! I want to start getting some engine tools too.

 

[Dusty61]

i have some cornwell stuff, a few sets of impact socket i bought new a year ago and they are worn out to the point they wont stay on the gun anymore. pretty much regulated to "loaner" status now. they were good when new i guess, my set of snap on impacts which are over five years old, and look as bad (you look at how the square drive is peaned over) as the cornwell, but still fit good and tight.

 

[Skin]

Its not a cart its a tool box with a top till. Post pictures!

Dealer service is everything.

One thing I really like about Cornwell is their pricing on non Cornwell tools. They sell many brands and their prices are not jacked up like snappy and the others. Not internet cheap but they can't be that low and give service.

Lots of fans of their ratchets.

Cornwell in general is definitely the cheapest priced of the truck brands. Their monthly flier discounts are excellent compared to the other 3.

 

[Wamsutta]

i have some cornwell stuff, a few sets of impact socket i bought new a year ago and they are worn out to the point they wont stay on the gun anymore. pretty much regulated to "loaner" status now. they were good when new i guess, my set of snap on impacts which are over five years old, and look as bad (you look at how the square drive is peaned over) as the cornwell, but still fit good and tight.

For your future reference, the Matco impact sockets are a lot harder than the other truck brands. My Matco dealer used to brag about them all the time. He'd say the Snap-on sockets are too soft and start to fall off the impact gun after awhile. And another thing I noticed about the Matco impact sockets: They are a lot blacker than the Snap-on impacts. They make the Snap-on impacts look brown.

 

[Dusty61]

I have a few matco's...no complaint with them either. I would buy them if I needed a new set. I really like their swivles too, shorter overall and seem to be ab ke to index to a sharper angle then the snap on version.

 

[ianguilly]

I love my cornwell guy, he gets everything I ask for and is on time each week.

 

[BK13]

So what are some Cornwell must-haves?

 

[d.mcfarland]

So what are some Cornwell must-haves?

Hardline tools!

 

[devoncoolman]

I like their extensions with the universal joint built into the end. Very handy if u need to turn an odd ball socket into a swivel. Alot shorter and sturdier then adding a universal to a regular extension.

 

[Wamsutta]

so what are some cornwell must-haves?

wcm110lst

jrf72

 

[TheLS1Lover]

The JRF72 will be my next purchase!

 

[GTA Matt]

Usually I have to make sure I'm not eating or drinking anything when I'm flipping through the monthly sale flyer. They are awfully proud of their sockets and wrenches. I'm all about quality tools, but I usually find myself doing a double take at some of their prices.

 

[TheLS1Lover]

Idunno Matt, the tools are very good quality, and they are cheaper than Snap-On. I think they'll do me well!

 

[Fedwrench]

Some of the nicest tool dealers I've had over the years have been Cornwell dealers. Sadly, They usually don't last but, they were good people.

I personally feel all tool truck prices are insane but, I've been doing too long and am a bit cynical to say the least.

Cornwell only makes a small fraction of what they sell. If you get your hands on a price list, only the items in bold print are actually made by Cornwell which isn't much other than their chrome hardline. Screwdrivers are witte (german) or sunex (Taiwan), ratcheting wrenches are from Kabo in Taiwan. Pliers can be either channelock or PRC made. I find many of their designs are very dated from 50 years or more ago. 30 tooth ratchets maybe smooth as butter but, they're still only 30 teeth at the end of the day. Their 72 tooth ratchets are nice but, a little on the thick side. Their chrome sockets drove me crazy with only having a single hole for the detent ball of the drive tool on one side of the square drive end, while the rest of the world has machined detent cutouts on each side of the square drive.
I still have more than a few cornwell tools. My main box is a Kennedy made 60 inch wide top and bottom with end cab. My tool cart is a 700 series cart which is really my main box that carries most of what I use daily.
Enjoy your new tools and take care of your Cornwell dealer!!!

 

[pfhWJ]

View media item 38212
here is my haul from today. I got a smoking deal on this stuff. Our cornwell guy is calling it quits and selling off his stuff. would have bought more if i had the money.

 

[fatherof4]

So what are some Cornwell must-haves?

I love their combination wrenchs

 

[SS5150]

View media item 38212
here is my haul from today. I got a smoking deal on this stuff. Our cornwell guy is calling it quits and selling off his stuff. would have bought more if i had the money.

Where's your dealer? I'm worried my dealer may be hanging it up too, I've bought a few things from him but I think he's been having a tough time.

 

[pfhWJ]

Im in Woodstock, he's based out of Twin Lakes. A younger guy really cool guy sad to see him leave. He told me that some dealer from Fort Atkinson WI will be taking over the route. Im betting ill only see him once ever other week.

 

[SS5150]

That's the same guy I have. I liked him too, but our old Cornwell dealer was worthless and kind of ruined things for him. Just isn't much Cornwell stuff in our shop. Still I got a few things from him & he warrantied stuff right away for me. I was hoping he'd make it.

 

[dankicksass]

Cornwell is too much import rebrand junk. For a couple of months last year it was the only truck that came to the shop I worked at, not once did he have something I needed that day/week on the truck. Bought a few tools I didn't "need," was pretty pleased by the concept and functionality of their double jointed ratcheting wrenches but not the quality. Wasn't really surprised, pretty sure they're from EZ-Red OEM.

 

[wafrederick]

I don't like their impact sockets,seem to be too soft.I broke one in half with a breaker bar.I broke two brand new 13mm impact swivels in 3/8 drive the same day and they were used on a 3/8 impact.

 

[Brownsfan]

Those 2 Cornwell 72t ratchets pictured I would put up against any of the truck brands. My regret is not buying more from my Cornwell guy before he hung it up. I only ended up with a single jr72. I ended up buying more snap on. While I like the snap on stuff I prefer the jr72 over the fh80 I have. I ordered the jrf72h and never got it because he quit before it came in. I'm sure I would have liked it more than my flhf80. Dare I say.

 

[Shoebox Driver]

My Cornwell Master Torx Bit set has held up quite nicely and has been seeing a lot of use lately, especially for removing GM seats and the like. Good fit and finish; I would recommend it. Also, where space is not an issue, their 1/4" spinner works quite nicely and has a good solid handle.

 

[Murphy4570]

Only Cornwell stuff I have is a big hex bit set that I got second hand. I have never had a Cornwell truck in my area (south jersey). Cornwell is akin to the loch ness monster or bigfoot, just doesn't exist!

 

[mrborohachi]

WTF is with Cornwell's use of the word "Power" in their descriptions of their sockets/extensions/universals. Then in red caps highlighted in yellow "NOT FOR IMPACT USE!" An example of this below

 

[pfhWJ]

That's the same guy I have. I liked him too, but our old Cornwell dealer was worthless and kind of ruined things for him. Just isn't much Cornwell stuff in our shop. Still I got a few things from him & he warrantied stuff right away for me. I was hoping he'd make it.

I didnt meet the old cornwell guy. I just started recently; same thing at our shop. Just about everything is mac or matco, couple of snap on here and there. Better not have an issue getting tools warrantied.

 

[Skin]

Usually I have to make sure I'm not eating or drinking anything when I'm flipping through the monthly sale flyer. They are awfully proud of their sockets and wrenches. I'm all about quality tools, but I usually find myself doing a double take at some of their prices.

Do you not look at the competitions prices? Like I said Cornwell is by far the cheapest of any of the trucks. Hope you're sitting.

Cornwell 21pc Angle wrench set $860.00
Snap-On 21pc Angle wrench set (same sizes) ~$1350.00

Cornwell 38pc Master SAE Impact set $725
Snap-On 38pc SAE Impact set ~$1150

Cornwell is too much import rebrand junk. For a couple of months last year it was the only truck that came to the shop I worked at, not once did he have something I needed that day/week on the truck. Bought a few tools I didn't "need," was pretty pleased by the concept and functionality of their double jointed ratcheting wrenches but not the quality. Wasn't really surprised, pretty sure they're from EZ-Red OEM.

VIM, Witte, and Kabo are far from "junk".

WTF is with Cornwell's use of the word "Power" in their descriptions of their sockets/extensions/universals. Then in red caps highlighted in yellow "NOT FOR IMPACT USE!" An example of this below

Air ratchet use? Its probably CRV, Snap-On has some adapters that also have the appearance of impact sockets that aren't. Instead its industrial finish.

 

[TheLS1Lover]

Do you not look at the competitions prices? Like I said Cornwell is by far the cheapest of any of the trucks. Hope you're sitting.

Cornwell 21pc Angle wrench set $860.00
Snap-On 21pc Angle wrench set (same sizes) ~$1350.00

Cornwell 38pc Master SAE Impact set $725
Snap-On 38pc SAE Impact set ~$1150



VIM, Witte, and Kabo are far from "garbage".




Air ratchet use? Its probably CRV, Snap-On has some adapters that also have the appearance of impact sockets that aren't. Instead its industrial finish.

I agree on all of these points, for someone like me Cornwell is a great tool company. Hell, they are good enough for Stacy David.

I refuse to pay Snap On prices for a tool that I do not feel is justified in costing that much more. Plus my dealer is an awesome guy and I highly doubt I will have any warranty issues with him.

I believe the deal with the "power" sockets means that they are meant for power tools and not air tools.

 

[TheLS1Lover]

I'm going to buy some Impact Sockets next and a few other things and I noticed that some of you said you didn't like them. Those of you who said that, are you professionals? I am not and won't use them every day, maybe not even every week.

 

[Wamsutta]

Proto makes an excellent impact socket, and they're less money than Cornwell.