OEMTools quality and service

[_brian_]

I have a fair amount of OEMTools products, OEMTools being a part of Great Neck. I am going to be a bit blunt, but I will remain polite and truthful.

I have overall great experiences with their brand, based on my experience with the tools of theirs I own. The tools I have are all Taiwan made, although I am aware that they have or had some made in China that I was cautioned to avoid. I have pullers, brake tools, axle sockets, one 3/8 rail socket set, a few specialty sockets, spark plug sockets, etc. from them. In total making up less than 5% of my tools, but a fair amount to have an opinion of the brand.

I recently purchased the 3/8 shallow rail socket set I mentioned as I came to a liking of the style, the matte finish and overall design. It seems they are rebanding some Euro brand as I see similar items in that market. I also see the rails they use in the Euro market. I contacted support on my purchase with some questions and received no reply. I had prior contacted them with an issue with their nylon/plastic trim tools and was not happy with how they replied to me. This series of recent experiences varies GREATLY from the prior experiences I had with them, specifically dealing with Richard Woods. I know that many who deal with the brand know who he is as I hear his name often. I will refrain from mentioning other names as I do not want this to be "that kind" of post.

My query is what has the experience been for others here with the brand? Is my experience an odd one, or has their service and support gone down? OEMTools, as a rebrander, had my business for the products I purchased because of the service I received. This made the markup their tools have worth the price. however, I question if the brand and quality of tool still matches up with the service and support they provide?

I am happy to discuss the specifics of each of the tools from the brand I have, but not going to make this a novel of a post unless someone specifically asks.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have some of their bright green stuff. An inner tie rod kit is probably my most used, sometimes I use my Mayhew "cam" style, sometimes the OEM. It's been a good tool. I probably have an axle nut socket or two. I've been VERY happy with an oil filter claw I got from them. Nice and small so it grabs the small japanese car filters with ease.

It isn't my first choice of brands, but they make decent stuff. It's all usable from my experience. FWIW unless you're talking about the most premium companies, or a few outliers known for customer support, I typically expect nothing from any company. Maybe an email gets returned if you're lucky. I specifically do business with AESwave, Astro Pneumatic, Snap On, etc because I know they're there for me when I have an issue or question.

Pretty sure my diag/teardown stand is OEM, despite being red.

 

[_brian_]

I have some of their bright green stuff. An inner tie rod kit is probably my most used, sometimes I use my Mayhew "cam" style, sometimes the OEM. It's been a good tool. I probably have an axle nut socket or two. I've been VERY happy with an oil filter claw I got from them. Nice and small so it grabs the small japanese car filters with ease.

It isn't my first choice of brands, but they make decent stuff. It's all usable from my experience. FWIW unless you're talking about the most premium companies, or a few outliers known for customer support, I typically expect nothing from any company. Maybe an email gets returned if you're lucky. I specifically do business with AESwave, Astro Pneumatic, Snap On, etc because I know they're there for me when I have an issue or question.

Pretty sure my diag/teardown stand is OEM, despite being red.

I won't comment on the brands you mention aside from Astro. Service there has been great for me. You make a valid point on brands that you know provide the service. For me, OEMTools used to be that, but my recent experience has shown otherwise.

BTW- I have none of their green stuff except nylon trim tools. All of my cases are red as are rubberized handles.

 

[BarrelRoll]

I bought a large oil filter wrench from them to tighten filters on Atlas copco compressors, it lasted 2 filters aka 1 service and was junk. These filters have to be dumb tight or they leak like crazy, I use big Knipex to get them off. Threw it out and replaced it with a blue point, no issues after 20-30 filters.

It was a $16 tool so I didn't expect much or try to warranty it after it bent, just threw it out and moved on.

 

[_brian_]

I bought a large oil filter wrench from them to tighten filters on Atlas copco compressors, it lasted 2 filters aka 1 service and was junk. These filters have to be dumb tight or they leak like crazy, I use big Knipex to get them off. Threw it out and replaced it with a blue point, no issues after 20-30 filters.

It was a $16 tool so I didn't expect much or try to warranty it after it bent, just threw it out and moved on.

Could I ask you when this was? Was it recent or years ago? Replacement with Blue Point is a good choice. Mostly Taiwan made, but well made.

 

[dnschmidt]

Don't consider them to be pro level. Don't consider them to be completely junk. Sort of Craftsman level in my opinion.

 

[woody 73]

In a different kind of take, I find that my brand loyalty, (so to speak) will go to the tool companies that offer the hands down best customer experience. Even if the tool, any tool is not up to par, and they tell me on the phone, oh just send it back, take a picture of it, or heck no problems we will send you a new one in the mail, will get my money.

No matter how good or bad the tool in question is I value customer service above all else. Again, just my two cents, as others will have their own opinions and I respect them all.

 

[BarrelRoll]

Could I ask you when this was? Was it recent or years ago? Replacement with Blue Point is a good choice. Mostly Taiwan made, but well made.

I bought it on October 19, 2021. It was a

OEMTOOLS 87115 Professional Swivel Oil Filter Wrench (4-3/4" - 5-3/4"), Oil Filter Wrench​

according to my amazon account history. Most of the guys on my crew have picked up the bluepoint set and not one has broken. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Swi...per-Heavy-Duty-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Set/OFWHD3KT there's not a lot of quality options in the larger than automotive filter wrench game.

 

[Benito]

Bought their puller set because I i thought it was one I saw in a video, turns out it's just a carbon copy of astro's and the thing lasted 2 hubs, 32 days after purchase. Can't return, wont answer warranty. Anyone need some scrap metal?

 

[CobraRed]

Bought their green ball joint press, bent it WITH HAND TOOLS.

 

[_brian_]

Bought their puller set because I i thought it was one I saw in a video, turns out it's just a carbon copy of astro's and the thing lasted 2 hubs, 32 days after purchase. Can't return, wont answer warranty. Anyone need some scrap metal?

Bought their green ball joint press, bent it WITH HAND TOOLS.

In a different kind of take, I find that my brand loyalty, (so to speak) will go to the tool companies that offer the hands down best customer experience. Even if the tool, any tool is not up to par, and they tell me on the phone, oh just send it back, take a picture of it, or heck no problems we will send you a new one in the mail, will get my money.

No matter how good or bad the tool in question is I value customer service above all else. Again, just my two cents, as others will have their own opinions and I respect them all.

Astro for sure makes some of the best pullers, especially in the front end and brake service, I have ever used. As a DIYer, such specialty tools can get be hard to justify the cost for. I personally own the Astro 7865 Ball Joint Service Set, 78825 Bearing Kit and the 78830 Hub, Drum and Rotor Kit. I purchased the three all within the same year and for the same vehicle. As a DIYer, that was a hard bill to bite. They are tools that I do not use very often, and there are often parts store rental options available.

I spoke to Chris at Astro a few times during the purchase process. I greatly appreciated his willingness to provide information. As I purchased them, the post sale service was also amazing. I have not broken any of them, so I cannot speak for warranty, but based on the service I have received on them, I have no doubts that at least they will make an effort should something happen. I know people like hearing real experiences, so I hope my sharing provides that.

As a non professional, such support is appreciated more than others might think. As `woody 73` stated above, customer experience is a large factor. My pullers from OEMTools are the smaller ones, such as the tie rod end and ball joint separator. If wanted, I am happy to share pics of the tools from the brand that I have. The tools have done me well, but if I could do it again and Astro has the same or similar offering, I would go with them. I dont mean to sound like an Astro advertisement, I am just sharing my experiences. It is somewhat disappointing to see that others have the "no response" from OEMTools, but it is also good to hear that I am not the only one, so the issue is not me.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have several OEM branded tools such as, 1/4 & 3/8 socket sets, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and a ratcheting wrench set. I've been happy with all of these items. They remind of KD mechanics hand tools in that, they're no frills, get the job done type tools. I also like the satin finish of their hand tools. They were all bought on sale or in the secondary market so, my investment pales in comparison to what the tools go for from Mobile Distributor supply today. I never thought about a warranty.
As for OEM tools line of shop equipment and specialty tools, I always considered them to be knock offs of better made tools, and stayed away from them. You just don't want to skimp on something like a ball joint press or a puller where you could get hurt if it failed while you were using it.

 

[_brian_]

I have several OEM branded tools such as, 1/4 & 3/8 socket sets, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, and a ratcheting wrench set. I've been happy with all of these items. They remind of KD mechanics hand tools in that, they're no frills, get the job done type tools. I also like the satin finish of their hand tools. They were all bought on sale or in the secondary market so, my investment pales in comparison to what the tools go for from Mobile Distributor supply today. I never thought about a warranty.
As for OEM tools line of shop equipment and specialty tools, I always considered them to be knock offs of better made tools, and stayed away from them. You just don't want to skimp on something like a ball joint press or a puller where you could get hurt if it failed while you were using it.

I can say that the OEMTools branded tools I have also get the job done. As you state, I also love the satin finish, although it is a tool and the finish does not make it work better or worse.

 

[Fedwrench]

I can say that the OEMTools branded tools I have also get the job done. As you state, I also love the satin finish, although it is a tool and the finish does not make it work better or worse.

I disagree. The finish of a tool can definitely affect the user's performance. For example, a fully polished wrench is more slippery when covered in coolant or ATF than a rougher finished version but, that's just my experience.

 

[_brian_]

I disagree. The finish of a tool can definitely affect the user's performance. For example, a fully polished wrench is more slippery when covered in coolant or ATF than a rougher finished version but, that's just my experience.

Yes, I have to agree with you. I do in fact find the matte finish and knurling to be nice. I was speaking in terms of the fit to the fastener and its ability to work over time reliably. I have grown to like the satin finish as well as the knurling options on things like extensions for that reason. All things equal, I would opt for those features. However, I am not sure I would pay much more for them, I just don't use the tools enough. Thanks for bringing up that point. It is one that I often overlook, although I do experience it.

 

[qqzj]

Knurling and satin finish are annoyingly hard to clean. they only appeal to those working with greasy hands and have no time to clean tools/hands. I like chrome a lot more and there is a reason it is the most popular choice.

 

[_brian_]

Knurling and satin finish are annoyingly hard to clean. they only appeal to those working with greasy hands and have no time to clean tools/hands. I like chrome a lot more and there is a reason it is the most popular choice.

This is why I avoided that topic. I see both sides. It is not a functional aspect. However, I appreciate the info.

 

[Tool Using Animal]

Astro for sure makes some of the best pullers, especially in the front end and brake service, I have ever used. As a DIYer, such specialty tools can get be hard to justify the cost for. I personally own the Astro 7865 Ball Joint Service Set, 78825 Bearing Kit and the 78830 Hub, Drum and Rotor Kit. I purchased the three all within the same year and for the same vehicle. As a DIYer, that was a hard bill to bite. They are tools that I do not use very often, and there are often parts store rental options available.

I've read a review about the 7865 and it said it was identical to the generic Chinese kits out there.

Astro:



***********:

 

[71firebird400]

I've read a review about the 7865 and it said it was identical to the generic Chinese kits out there.

Astro:



***********:

Only a casual would think those are identical.

 

[Tool Using Animal]

Only a casual would think those are identical.

"

Mike
1.0 out of 5 stars Quality Issues
Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
I ordered the Astro set expecting a better quality product as it was about twice the price and comparing pictures with other sets it seemed to have a better finish. To my dismay it arrived and the clamp seemed poorly machined with sloppy threads and the finish was not like in the pictures, but looked just like the cheaper sets. I re-boxed it and returned it within the hour. I re-ordered an OMT set at half the price and it looked as if it was made in the same place as the Astro set but without the clamp machining problems (although it to had a few quality issues with the Adapters (a couple painted over rust bubbles and a dented edge that I was able to un-dent). My feeling in the end is that the sets were probably identical (OMT's plastic carrying case was different and a little better) and you were at the mercy of poor factory quality control, so do not necessarily expect better quality just because you are paying more. I do not recommend the Astro set."

 

[Fedwrench]

Knurling and satin finish are annoyingly hard to clean. they only appeal to those working with greasy hands and have no time to clean tools/hands. I like chrome a lot more and there is a reason it is the most popular choice.

Your generalization and personal opinion which is fine. A quick trip to a cuda (hot water parts washer) makes the nastiest of tools super clean. No Cuda? Brake clean is your friend for the grimiest of metal tools then. Nitrile gloves keep your hands clean too.

 

[dchawk81]

I disagree. The finish of a tool can definitely affect the user's performance. For example, a fully polished wrench is more slippery when covered in coolant or ATF than a rougher finished version but, that's just my experience.

Horusdy FTW.

 

[dchawk81]

Your generalization and personal opinion which is fine. A quick trip to a cuda (hot water parts washer) makes the nastiest of tools super clean. No Cuda? Brake clean is your friend for the grimiest of metal tools then. Nitrile gloves keep your hands clean too.

Tub O' Towels can wipe anything down as well.

 

[nbpt100]

I have a few of their tools. I had a caliper pistion retraction tool that broke. Returned it to AZ and the manager replaced it on the spot. I have never needed to contact customer service. Like Dennis I see them as a Craftsman kind of overall quality. I do not use my OEM tools often. They have done the job except the tool I mentioned above.

 

[M6erfan]

I've read a review about the 7865 and it said it was identical to the generic Chinese kits out there.

Astro:



***********:

One look at the castings of both tells that they're hardly 'identicle'.

 

[dchawk81]

One look at the castings of both tells that they're hardly 'identicle'.

Obviously not identical but close enough to be of similar functional quality?

 

[kudakev615]

Obviously not identical but close enough to be of similar functional quality?

your post to signature quote is off the charts in this instance

 

[Tool Using Animal]

One look at the castings of both tells that they're hardly 'identicle'.

"To my dismay it arrived and the clamp seemed poorly machined with sloppy threads and the finish was not like in the pictures, but looked just like the cheaper sets."

 

[dchawk81]

your post to signature quote is off the charts in this instance

I was referring to the images only, not the review saying they didn't receive what was pictured.

 

[M6erfan]

I've never bought any of their shop tools but I really like their socket design. As previously mentioned the satin finish and knurling is excellent.

 

[M6erfan]

Obviously not identical but close enough to be of similar functional quality?

You're judging functional quality from pictures?

Sure.

 

[dchawk81]

You're judging functional quality from pictures?

Sure.

There's a question mark there for a reason...and a shrugging emoji.

I mean are you implying that they couldn't be based on what exactly? The name? The pictures?

 

[M6erfan]

I'm implying that judging functional quality of a tool of this sort, based on pictures, is idiotic.

 

[_brian_]

I've read a review about the 7865 and it said it was identical to the generic Chinese kits out there.

Astro:



***********:

Not at all identical. I have personally used some of the parts store rental kits. They do not compare to the Astro kit I have. The Astro c-frame portion is the most stable I have used. The adapters, I cannot really say. Maybe they all work the same, maybe not.

 

[dchawk81]

I'm implying that judging functional quality of a tool of this sort, based on pictures, is idiotic.

More idiotic to put words into someone's mouth for the purpose of picking a fight where none exists.

Mostly because I'm not doing what you accuse me of doing.

 

[dchawk81]

Not at all identical. I have personally used some of the parts store rental kits. They do not compare to the Astro kit I have. The Astro c-frame portion is the most stable I have used. The adapters, I cannot really say. Maybe they all work the same, maybe not.

It makes me wonder if Amazon shipped the wrong set to that reviewer. Some pickers or labelers don't know WTF they're dealing with so the wrong thing gets sent out.

 

[_brian_]

It makes me wonder if Amazon shipped the wrong set to that reviewer. Some pickers or labelers don't know WTF they're dealing with so the wrong thing gets sent out.

The Astro c-frame can be identified by the markings on the tool itself.

 

[dchawk81]

The Astro c-frame can be identified by the markings on the tool itself.

They wouldn't know that without opening the package. Does the case say Astro?

If the case says Astro and the c frame says Astro and it still looks like the cheaper Chinese one, Astro should be ashamed of themselves.

 

[_brian_]

I am not affiliated with Astro at all. However, I have purchased all of my Astro tools myself with my own money, almost all of them from Amazon. The kits like this all came in a blue blow molded case with Astro on them. For sure, looking at the tool, you might not know what you are looking at. Having used a few brands and eventually buying the Astro kit (and others), there is for sure a major difference.

 

[dchawk81]

I am not affiliated with Astro at all. However, I have purchased all of my Astro tools myself with my own money, almost all of them from Amazon. The kits like this all came in a blue blow molded case with Astro on them. For sure, looking at the tool, you might not know what you are looking at. Having used a few brands and eventually buying the Astro kit (and others), there is for sure a major difference.

I'm just trying to think of different ways someone could have received a cheap set when they ordered an Astro set beyond Astro themselves going down market to increase their margins.

I don't know what did happen.

I have a green OEM here. Ended up not using it on the project it was intended for so I don't actually know how it is yet. But it sure is pretty.