New comer questions

[lexustoyotav8]

Hello all, I’m a new guy here. I have started building up an official tool box, with a us general 5 drawer 30 inch from harbor freight for 180 bucks brand new! I have some questions and slight frustrations about tools. I started out with a gearwrench 300 something piece mobile mechanic box, and it served me well for a year or two. But now I’m starting to build up an official tool box. And my question is regarding sockets, mainly Taiwanese ones. I am a huge huge huge fan of Carlyle tools, as we have a lot at work. I have a complete 3/8 socket set in shallow, and my deeps are gearwrench Taiwan made. I bought a complete shallow half inch Carlyle set for half off (all my Carlyle is bought half off on big sales only). I need a deep socket set, and a 10-24 mm set from them is 115 bucks. I went out and bought the icon set for 60 bucks and I am not pleased by the looks of them and the reviews. They are both Taiwan made, but I feel as Carlyle sockets are premium. Are they? I am probably returning the icon set and will buy the Carlyle. Is there a difference betweeen icon and Carlyle chrome socket quality?

I bought the Carlyle long reach wrench set 6mm-24mm and I am very very happy with them. They compare well to the snap on wrenches at work. The tools I buy are for at home use, but I want nice tools. I want to keep my tools forever, and I want them to look nice and I want to feel good about them. My frustration is the lack of affordable but high quality tools. I know of tekton, I’m not interested in tekton, I’m well aware of tekton.

In conclusion, here’s some photos of my setup, my next addition will be the icon flex head wrench 12 piece set, and most likely the deep half inch Carlyle metric set. And the main question is, how’s Carlyle compared to icon sockets? Something doesn’t seem right about the icons. Thanks, sorry for the rambling post. I just want to feel good about some quality tool purchases , despite the over priced nature of Carlyle tools. But I can’t find any other IN PERSON tools to purchase with complete sets

 

[jack stand]

Start with the less expensive but good warranty tools. I used to be a tool snob, but have become a believer in the much cheaper "Husky - Kobalt - HF" type tools that continue to surprise me as to their performance.
I'm not certain that if I were "turning wrenches" for a living that I would think any differently. I do have Snap On torque wrenches, IMHO if I'm going to bother measuring torque, I want it as accurate as reasonably possible.
If you're just starting out, your lesser standard (inexpensive) tools will slowly and as necessary be upgraded and become your "2nd string" players over time and become travel or yard tools. Still very useful.

 

[ycgoat]

I can not speak on Carlyle or Icon, I had always used Craftsman USA sockets and wrenches, Klein for screwdrivers and cutters, ideal wire strippers, and channel lock pliers. Since Craftsman USA is gone I buy Wright or SK.

 

[Beauregard]

I've had good luck with my Icon mid-length 3/8" sockets and have read many good reviews.
Could you elaborate on what your issue is with them? Especially since you plan on returning them. Just curious.

 

[lexustoyotav8]

My issue with them is 1. They don’t look as good as my Carlyle’s, I can notice manufacture defects and it has two less sockets than the Carlyle
2. I saw a video made by a guy I think called Mr Subaru, and he was saying they were binding up on nuts when he was rebuilding an engine, and they were rounding off bolts till the point he grabbed his snap on socket and took them out no issue.

I haven’t returned them yet as I’m just waiting to see what you guys think. I see myself not using half inch deep sockets that much unless I’m torquing my lug nuts, so maybe I’ll keep them. I kinda want my whole tool box of sockets to be one brand, something about Carlyle just looks and feels right. They’re Taiwan tools same as icon, but they definitely look and feel better. Im just lost in the world of tools. My jobs tools are paid for by tax payer dollars, lots of snap on and lots of Carlyle, and I’m very pleased with both. I want to like icon, maybe someone can sway me. But Carlyle sets are truly complete, and look so damn good! My half inch Napa shallows look way better than the icons, and my Napa long wrenches look so damn good. I don’t mind spending a lot for tools as long as it’s not snap on prices. I’ll only buy snap on ratchets, and a torque wrench sometime in the future, although the icons some to actually be really good torque wrenches when tested

 

[lexustoyotav8]

I’m just all over the place, and that’s why I joined the forum. I love my gearwrench Taiwan sockets but I go out of my way to avoid china tools, I know for a fact they would serve me well, but I don’t want em. I want to feel good about my tool box like the tool box at work is

 

[lexustoyotav8]

The main point of my thread is what’s the deal with Carlyle, how good are they really. I’ve found threads from the past but the consensus is they are the same as gearwrench in terms of quality but maybe a little better. My opinion is Carlyle is Matco tool truck quality, and I want validation on that opinion so I have the green light to go all in on Carlyle

 

[no704]

Depends on your use. Do they function ok? They don’t need to be purdy!

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

how’s Carlyle compared to icon sockets?

Chances are, both made by Kabo. GTG!

Edit: this belongs to the Tools Forum.

 

[Mikeske]

The main point of my thread is what’s the deal with Carlyle, how good are they really. I’ve found threads from the past but the consensus is they are the same as gearwrench in terms of quality but maybe a little better. My opinion is Carlyle is Matco tool truck quality, and I want validation on that opinion so I have the green light to go all in on Carlyle

Carlyle tools are perfectly fine tools and should last a long time. I never needed the truck tools as when I was working I had Bonney from 1983 today and retired in 2017 then have used the same tools in my home setup. The thing is you saved a lot of money in comparison to the truck brands. With the savings you can invest in other tools which you will need in the future. I saw other mechanics have all different brands and it did not matter as that bolt nut does not care what brand is used.

 

[CraigStu]

I don't know if I have ever heard of Carlyle tools before so no help there. I have a lot of the old Craftsman and a fair amount of SnapOn from working as a dealer tech. But I retired 12 yrs ago and now get most tools at lowes. One nice thing going on there in the last couple of years is they now have the modern Craftsman line plus things like Klein and other known brands in addition to their Kobolt line which is usually pretty nice. 6 months ago I wanted another 1/4 drive ratchet. Went to Lowes and there were the above brands and each had a couple of different ratchets so maybe 5-6 choices. I handled all of them and bought the one I liked best. Push button release, fine teeth inside, exterior finish all mattered. I do agree w/ jackstand that some of the 'cheapies' are better than you think. Over the years I have bought several of those 50 (or?) piece suitcase tool sets to put in the trunk of the car, or in the boat, or in my daughter's car. They do fine for an emergency use but what is funny they come in handy at times too. The cheapy channel lock is quite thin so looks kind of weak but those jaws fit where my 'good' channel locks don't. One of them has a nut driver w/ maybe 10 interchangeable tips all held in a rubber holder. I have grabbed that quite a few times for out in the yard or the other end of the driveway where I am not exactly sure what tip I will need. I guess overall, you have a good grasp of what you like so look around. Over the next 6 weeks you will be in several stores that have tools. Look at every set of flex head wrenches (your stated next purchase) you find. Buy whichever you like best. Brand doesn't matter because there is no way Carlyle is going to be the best in every type of tool. They might be 3rd or 5th down from the top in flex head wrenches but first in double open ends.

 

[Zewnten]

Carlyle tools are gearwrench with a different stamping. HF Pittsburgh line used to be the same thing, might still be. The “quality” of Carlyle is fine and yes probably inline with Matco because they’re the same socket different stamp. You like Carlyle, buy Carlyle don’t worry about justifying it with other people.

Personally I don’t care for Carlyle. If you’re open minded there are better deals out there for the equivalent or better quality at Carlyle price point.

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Carlyle tools are gearwrench with a different stamping. HF Pittsburgh line used to be the same thing, might still be. The “quality” of Carlyle is fine and yes probably inline with Matco because they’re the same socket different stamp. You like Carlyle, buy Carlyle don’t worry about justifying it with other people.

Personally I don’t care for Carlyle. If you’re open minded there are better deals out there for the equivalent or better quality at Carlyle price point.

How in the world are Carlyle tools gearwrench with different stampings when their wrenches look nothing alike, their locking flex head designs are different, and ever single gearwrench product I find is made in china, and every single Carlyle item I find is made in Taiwan ???

 

[lexustoyotav8]

I appreciate the comment but I don’t see how Carlyle and gearwrench are the same thing at all lol. I own both brands, and I own a significant amount of gearwrench and Carlyle

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Welcome to the forum. I’m a Toyota tech and I use tools everyday at work and home. I love my Carlyle tools. I don’t buy them often unless as you mentioned there is a sale because I think they are very overpriced. Personally at work and home I use a hodgepodge of brands from Carlyle to Snap-on to Craftsman. I only own a few Icon things. My friend once bought an Icon set of sockets when they first came out and almost immediately the chrome started peeling on them. They may have fixed that issue now but it happened to a few of them then. He sold the set after having them warrantied. Also Pittsburgh Pro line they have is made in Taiwan it’s pretty nice for sockets. I’d buy them over Icon but that’s because I’ve used the Pittsburgh ones for years with success. Also Power Torque brand sockets from O’Reilly Auto Parts are made in Taiwan and are another good brand I’ve had good luck with too if you are wanting something locally.

And no Carlyle is not the same as Gearwrench. They are a step above, If you want tools close to Gearwrench quality then Husky and Duralast are made by the same company. Since Gearwrenches move to china by Apex Tool Group I haven’t really thought anything however I’ve had extremely good luck with Duralast and Husky tools in a professional setting too as well as DieHard just saying in case you wanted to know a bit more about those brands too.

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Welcome to the forum. I’m a Toyota tech and I use tools everyday at work and home. I love my Carlyle tools. I don’t buy them often unless as you mentioned there is a sale because I think they are very overpriced. Personally at work and home I use a hodgepodge of brands from Carlyle to Snap-on to Craftsman. I only own a few Icon things. My friend once bought an Icon set of sockets when they first came out and almost immediately the chrome started peeling on them. They may have fixed that issue now but it happened to a few of them then. He sold the set after having them warrantied. Also Pittsburgh Pro line they have is made in Taiwan it’s pretty nice for sockets. I’d buy them over Icon but that’s because I’ve used the Pittsburgh ones for years with success. Also Power Torque brand sockets from O’Reilly Auto Parts are made in Taiwan and are another good brand I’ve had good luck with too if you are wanting something locally.

And no Carlyle is not the same as Gearwrench. They are a step above, If you want tools close to Gearwrench quality then Husky and Duralast are made by the same company. Since Gearwrenches move to china by Apex Tool Group I haven’t really thought anything however I’ve had extremely good luck with Duralast and Husky tools in a professional setting too as well as DieHard just saying in case you wanted to know a bit more about those brands too.

Thank you for the reply! Awesome to see a Toyota tech in the thread. Die hard Toyota guy and I’m starting a collection of Toyota Lexus vehicles, mainly from the 90s-2006 era. Thanks for the reply. I want to get snap on sockets but can’t afford, and I want to make sure Carlyle is a step above most Taiwan made tools like icon, which I believe it is. Can’t afford snap on but I can Carlyle and I just want high quality sockets, despite not needing them I want good solid stout tools

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Thank you for the reply! Awesome to see a Toyota tech in the thread. Die hard Toyota guy and I’m starting a collection of Toyota Lexus vehicles, mainly from the 90s-2006 era. Thanks for the reply. I want to get snap on sockets but can’t afford, and I want to make sure Carlyle is a step above most Taiwan made tools like icon, which I believe it is. Can’t afford snap on but I can Carlyle and I just want high quality sockets, despite not needing them I want good solid stout tools

Carlyle is definitely stout. In my area they don’t sell full sets at any of the stores which is why I don’t have more than I do. I’d take Carlyle over Icon any day based on the feel and overall chrome quality as well. I like Carlyle availability of 6 points sockets over 12 though too.

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Carlyle is definitely stout. In my area they don’t sell full sets at any of the stores which is why I don’t have more than I do. I’d take Carlyle over Icon any day based on the feel and overall chrome quality as well. I like Carlyle availability of 6 points sockets over 12 though too.

Awesome. I order my Carlyle for in store pickup and it’s ready the same day, probably because the gigantic Napa warehouse that serves the entire Chicagoland metro area is 10 mins from me. That particular Napa is actually connected to the distribution center. So I’m very lucky

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Carlyle is definitely stout. In my area they don’t sell full sets at any of the stores which is why I don’t have more than I do. I’d take Carlyle over Icon any day based on the feel and overall chrome quality as well. I like Carlyle availability of 6 points sockets over 12 though too.

How long have u been a Toyota tech? Proud owner of a 2001 tundra limited 2uzfe with 160k miles 4wd, purchase in 2020 with 129k, own a 1994 ancient 1uzfe ls400, and my favorite gen Camry with the 1mzfe 2001. Will sell the Camry or Lexus for a lx470 someday

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

How long have u been a Toyota tech? Proud owner of a 2001 tundra limited 2uzfe with 160k miles 4wd, purchase in 2020 with 129k, own a 1994 ancient 1uzfe ls400, and my favorite gen Camry with the 1mzfe 2001. Will sell the Camry or Lexus for a lx470 someday

I started with Toyota in 2019, left that place in 2020, went to Subaru and then stayed with them till 2022 then they moved me to the Toyota franchise till now. So basically 4 or 5 years. Subaru is much easier to work on but they gave me what I wanted at Toyota. My dealership now has 10 brands though if I ever decided to work on something else lol.

 

[bcradio]

Carlyle and Icon are on the same level quality wise and some of their tools are virtually the same. I'd go for whichever you can get a better deal on and warranty easier.
If you like Carlyle, go that route. The larger sets are nice.
I'd say current Chinese made Gearwrench is a step below both of the above

 

[Zewnten]

How in the world are Carlyle tools gearwrench with different stampings when their wrenches look nothing alike, their locking flex head designs are different, and ever single gearwrench product I find is made in china, and every single Carlyle item I find is made in Taiwan ???

Because 10 years ago when I was looking at buying Carlyle they were literally the same sockets sets, specialty wrenches, etc. the only thing unique were the wrenches, but not really as channel lock were and Milwaukee are the same and now Icon.

Things have changed in 10 years I’m sure but as I wrote Carlyle off at that time I haven’t bothered keeping up with anything they do. Even the new ratchets members discuss here are over priced low quality.

Like I said before “enjoy what you enjoy” no skin off my nose but getting worked up because someone doesn’t agree with you also means you’re not listening or learning.

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Because 10 years ago when I was looking at buying Carlyle they were literally the same sockets sets, specialty wrenches, etc. the only thing unique were the wrenches, but not really as channel lock were and Milwaukee are the same and now Icon.

Things have changed in 10 years I’m sure but as I wrote Carlyle off at that time I haven’t bothered keeping up with anything they do. Even the new ratchets members discuss here are over priced low quality.

Like I said before “enjoy what you enjoy” no skin off my nose but getting worked up because someone doesn’t agree with you also means you’re not listening or learning.

I’m not worked up, just asking why you think so. I’m relatively positive it is not the case anymore if it was the case in the past. I am not happy with the new Carlyle wrench I purchased (120 tooth locking flex 3/8 long handle) it’s garbage. No need to think I’m getting worked up lol

 

[lexustoyotav8]

But I can see a clear difference in socket quality compared to gearwrench, same with wrenches. Most definitely not the case anymore, assuming it was in the past. Thanks for the input though I’ll look into it more

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Carlyle is made by Kabo and infar, gearwrench is Apex

 

[Hakeem]

If you prefer the Carlyle sockets over the Icon, just buy them. Personally I think they’re massively overpriced but lots of people like them.

 

[Ton ton]

I like everything Carlyle except for the wire strippers. I would say the Carlyle experience depends more on the employees of your local Napa. My local Napa is horrible but I do like Carlyle overall.

 

[Ton ton]

.

 

[Wamsutta]

I don't like the open end on Carlyle combination wrenches. Totally unnecessary and gimmicky.

 

[dclark2171]

I’m starting a collection of Toyota Lexus vehicles, mainly from the 90s-2006 era. I want to get snap on sockets but can’t afford.

Maybe there is a CAT dealer close to you. CAT's sockets seem to be made by Snap=On and are the same quality at a fraction of the price. You can find some on Ebay (brand new). I'm not aware that CAT sells them directly online anywhere. Do not forget about KTC Tools. Their (non NEPROS) are much more affordable and of high quality. I believe KTC is the official tool supplier for Toyota in Japan inside their factories. Also, I believe TONE sockets are made in Japan https://www.amazon.com/Trusco-HS312/dp/B002TF19UY?tag=atomicindus08-20Good Luck

 

[CraigStu]

Hey 22yr Lexus tech here retired in 2012. Don't own any but have had several Toyotas which are the same quality build but w/ less nice features and somewhat lower quality interior pieces. 2nd year at lexus in 93 I had to replace heads on the old iron block aluminum head V6. So 24 valves right? I moved all the valve parts to the new castings one valve at a time. Of the 24 valves I had to change the shim on two of them by one thickness. Later maybe 2002ish there was a TSB about a rumble noise on the V-8 at idle that could only be heard w/ AC on but radio off. Turned out they wanted to tighten the front main bearing clearance. This is what blew me away; there were 5 grades of standard size main bearing shells marked by color of paint on the edge. Call the stock one zero and there was one .0002" and one .0004" thinner and the same on the thicker side. We were to replace whatever the engine had in it by one 2 steps thicker to reduce the main clearance by .0004" which got rid of the noise. Unbelievable then and somewhat more common now. I asked about this at my next tech training and the instructer says they measure EVERY bearing shell they make. Most companies would have called all of them standard and been done. But Lexus also measured every crank they made and at assembly they chose bearings from the 5 standard sizes to get the clearance they wanted on every crank. IE they didn't want a slightly thin crank to get matched to slightly thin bearings so they measure both and select fit them. He didn't know what happened to cause the reason for the noise but we fixed them.

 

[WhataTool]

Carlyle is always a bit pricey, but just as often quite good as well

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Carlyle and Icon are on the same level quality wise and some of their tools are virtually the same. I'd go for whichever you can get a better deal on and warranty easier.
If you like Carlyle, go that route. The larger sets are nice.
I'd say current Chinese made Gearwrench is a step below both of the above

The icon set I just got had a terrible chrome finish (sockets) . And they’re key differences between the two and I’m actually curious if this is a big deal in a socket. Here is a picture. The icons have a way shorter area of grab on a nut or bolt whereas the Carlyle goes all the way down, this seems useful for lug nuts. I have a Carlyle set and an icon set right in front of me and they are nothing alike at all lol. But I’m just curious why you think they are virtually the same? I’m genuinely curious. Both of these pictures are of the Carlyle sockets, notice how the inside of the socket is truly deep? It goes all the way down to the bottom, whereas the icons do not, they stop grabbing like an inch down, even the 24mm, way smaller area of contact on the icons, I’ll have to take a pic of them later. Anyone know what I’m talking about?

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Hey 22yr Lexus tech here retired in 2012. Don't own any but have had several Toyotas which are the same quality build but w/ less nice features and somewhat lower quality interior pieces. 2nd year at lexus in 93 I had to replace heads on the old iron block aluminum head V6. So 24 valves right? I moved all the valve parts to the new castings one valve at a time. Of the 24 valves I had to change the shim on two of them by one thickness. Later maybe 2002ish there was a TSB about a rumble noise on the V-8 at idle that could only be heard w/ AC on but radio off. Turned out they wanted to tighten the front main bearing clearance. This is what blew me away; there were 5 grades of standard size main bearing shells marked by color of paint on the edge. Call the stock one zero and there was one .0002" and one .0004" thinner and the same on the thicker side. We were to replace whatever the engine had in it by one 2 steps thicker to reduce the main clearance by .0004" which got rid of the noise. Unbelievable then and somewhat more common now. I asked about this at my next tech training and the instructer says they measure EVERY bearing shell they make. Most companies would have called all of them standard and been done. But Lexus also measured every crank they made and at assembly they chose bearings from the 5 standard sizes to get the clearance they wanted on every crank. IE they didn't want a slightly thin crank to get matched to slightly thin bearings so they measure both and select fit them. He didn't know what happened to cause the reason for the noise but we fixed them.

And that’s exactly why I drive what I drive! Awesome

 

[lexustoyotav8]

And here’s the inside of the icons… what the hell is that bs???? It’s not even a true deep socket, doesn’t seem good for lug nuts

 

[lexustoyotav8]

the inside is like 3/4 of an inch deep whereas the Carlyle’s go the whole length down, another example of how icon and Carlyle sockets are not the same thing lol. And the chrome looks amazing on the Carlyle

 

[bcradio]

The icon set I just got had a terrible chrome finish (sockets) . And they’re key differences between the two and I’m actually curious if this is a big deal in a ratchet. Here is a picture. The icons have a way shorter area of grab on a nut or bolt whereas the Carlyle goes all the way down, this seems useful for lug nuts. I have a Carlyle set and an icon set right in front of me and they are nothing alike at all lol. But I’m just curious why you think they are virtually the same? I’m genuinely curious. Both of these pictures are of the Carlyle sockets, notice how the inside of the socket is truly deep? It goes all the way down to the bottom, whereas the icons do not, they stop grabbing like an inch down, even the 24mm, way smaller area of contact on the icons, I’ll have to take a pic of them later. Anyone know what I’m talking about?

Looks like you're pretty new to this, and that's okay—we all started somewhere.
You're diving deep into the nuances of tool quality, and it's cool to see someone so engaged. Noticed your point on the chrome finish and the depth differences in the Icon and Carlyle socket sets. About the chrome finish on your Icons, sounds like you might've just had bad luck with that set. My Icons? Their chrome is spot-on, so it might be worth checking into a replacement if it's looking off.

Onto the broach depth you mentioned - the shallower broach in the Icon set is not a flaw but a feature that’s actually sought after, much like what you’d find in top-shelf Snap-on sockets (below). Didn't realize Carlyle was different in this respect, but this actually nudges Icon up in my book. Why? When you’re starting a nut or bolt, a shallower broach means it won’t slip too deep, making it easier to get the threading right without fuss.

But hey, for lug nuts, you're right to think deeper might feel better. That's where specific lug nut sockets come into play. They’re built for that exact job, so maybe that’s what you're looking for in those situations.

Icon is known for copying Snap-On because they are usually regarded as the best.

 

[lexustoyotav8]

Looks like you're pretty new to this, and that's okay—we all started somewhere.
You're diving deep into the nuances of tool quality, and it's cool to see someone so engaged. Noticed your point on the chrome finish and the depth differences in the Icon and Carlyle socket sets. About the chrome finish on your Icons, sounds like you might've just had bad luck with that set. My Icons? Their chrome is spot-on, so it might be worth checking into a replacement if it's looking off.

Onto the broach depth you mentioned - the shallower broach in the Icon set is not a flaw but a feature that’s actually sought after, much like what you’d find in top-shelf Snap-on sockets (below). Didn't realize Carlyle was different in this respect, but this actually nudges Icon up in my book. Why? When you’re starting a nut or bolt, a shallower broach means it won’t slip too deep, making it easier to get the threading right without fuss.

But hey, for lug nuts, you're right to think deeper might feel better. That's where specific lug nut sockets come into play. They’re built for that exact job, so maybe that’s what you're looking for in those situations.

Icon is known for copying Snap-On because they are usually regarded as the best.

Gotcha, thanks

 

[Robinson1]

I don’t understand the whole Icon business model. They’ve been successful and people seam to like them and I’m fine with that but it really makes no sense to me. It’s also strange to me that Harbor Freight compares Icon to Snap-On, seems they should be comparing to Blue Point or Williams Taiwan.

I look at Icon about like I look at Hercules the house brand power tool that Harbor Freight loves to compare to Dewalt. The fact of the matter is if I’m spending Hercules money on a power tool I’d much rather walk across the street to Lowe’s and get a Dewalt. The price difference on most items is going to be about 15%.

Now comparing Icon to Snap On price is a whole different argument that comparing Hercules to Dewalt. But comparing it to Williams and you’ll be closer. Compare it to Williams Taiwan and you’ll be super close.

So that brings us to is Icon as good as Williams Taiwan or is it better? And while I can’t really answer that. I will say I’d trust Williams (Snap On Industrial brand) to source a quality Taiwan made tool a whole lot more than I would Harbor Freight who got their start importing tool shaped objects make from metal with similiar properties as cheese.

Harbor Freight has came a long way. I actually like Harbor Freight. I’ve bought a lot from them over the years. The Pittsburgh Pro tools are good to go in my books. I just can’t see spending Icon money on a Harbor Freight tool.

Carlyle seems like nice tools but much like Icon their pricing structure makes me scratch my head.

Napa was never known for great values in tools. Yes they sold tools and yes they were decent tools and could be charged to accounts and most could be delivered to shops with parts orders. A lot made their way into mechanics boxes.

There’s nothing wrong with Napa tools. In fact their success is a little bit like Craftsman. They were easily accessible and decent quality. Their success is a little bit like Snap On too since they could be bought on in store credit accounts and delivered to you. Warranty issues were easy to deal with as you could just swap a broken tool for a new one the next time you needed parts.

All that being said, Carlyle is just another import brand. It’s a decent quality import brand but it’s got a pretty good price tag on it.

Im not saying Carlyle or Icon are bad tools. But in 2024 with lots of options available from tons of sources. They probably don’t represent the best value for the dollar

 

[lexustoyotav8]

My main thing I like about Carlyle besides the looks of them, is that I don’t like buying tools online, I like to buy them in person. So this is why these online brands people recommend to me I don’t really care about. And Home Depot, harbor freight, autozone, and maybe a few others is basically the only other places to buy tools, and they never have complete socket sets in stock! But my Napa does and they look awesome