Opinions on Toptul.

[Bustawrench]

Came across some Toptul sets for sale on the internet. They look pretty nice, but the fact that they are half the price of a similar set in SK or Craftsman kinda sets off the alarm bell.

I know they have been discussed here before, but the threads allways seem to be a "I just got this and it feels great!" kind of thing...................

How 'bout now that they've been in your possesion for a few months.........

Are they holding up?

 

[jerk_chicken]

Careful...I said a few things just like that and got hit with some sharp words back. What I've seen is "They look great, so they must be quality!" or "They're made in the same factory as X!" in those kinds of threads. If they are a viable alternative, that's great. I guess time will tell and we're seeing the first sets roll out (other than the ones that have been on fleabay for a few years now), and barring brand loyalty and unwillingness to admit is something went bad, we'll be getting some reviews over the coming years. I think now it's too soon to tell. On top of that, how often does one really wear out a socket or a wrench? Ratchets break, sockets break, wrenches generally last, screwdrivers wear out, etc.

Other issues is stock when you want something, along with stock if you need a warranty replacement.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a set of 3/8 drive satin finished metric sockets and extra long combination wrenches that get used everyday at work. I've been using the tools for about 4 months without any issues. The sockets are usually on an air ratchet. The extra length of the wrenches has come in handy more than a few times. The tools are well made, have great fit and balance, and are finished niccely. Four months isn't very long but, they're doing ok so far. I would that if you don't have basic hardline tools, or you needed to expand your tool set, Toptul would be a good choice but, I wouldn't see the need to upgrade to Toptul if you already had alot of Craftsman or SK,etc. Compare your deal prices with what Mike from Wrenhandtools before buying. Mike has some great prices and his stock order should be arriving soon. Scroll down to the vendor review section for more opinions.

 

[Vulturej]

I own the 1/4" drive SAE & Metric sockets deep and shallow, and wobble extensions 1/4" thru 1/2". I had them for a little for 6 months with no issues. For the price they are an excellent value.

I gave them a 3.

 

[speed bump]

I wouldn't say they are perfect tools but they do a pretty good job especially for the price. That being said I have about $150 worth of tools on order from Mike after trying them and plan on buying more unless for some reason these tools show up and **** completely (which shouldn't happen).

 

[Bo Heck]

IF YOU VOTE, SAY WHY YOU VOTED OR IT MEANS SQUAT

Someone voted a 1 but I do not see a post saying "I bought them, and I hate them, they ****"

 

[The Muffin Man]

I've had a couple screwdrivers, SAE wrench set, and some flex head ratchets for about 4 months now.

The screwdrivers have seen the most amount of use during these couple months, and I am still very happy with them. The tips are holding up great, no deformation at all or signs of wear. The satin chrome finish isn't flaking off anywhere either. I was impressed enough to order over two dozen more screwdrivers.

PS: Mike is a phenomenal person to deal with too!

 

[PowderKeg]

Came across some Toptul sets for sale on the internet. They look pretty nice, but the fact that they are half the price of a similar set in SK or Craftsman kinda sets off the alarm bell.

There's some truth to the "they look nice, so they must be quality" thought. A company out to produce a cheap tool as cheaply as possible isn't going to put the effort or expense or attention into smoothing sharp edges, or ensuring a consistent chroming job, or deep readable brand/size engravings. Quality control will likely be hit 'n miss and consistency between tools will likely be wide. Knurling, if present, might be wide and overly sharp and/or noticeably raised above the surface. A tool doesn't have to cost big $$$ to be "quality", but it does need to display the attention to details and quality control that separate the junk from the good stuff.

I bought some screwdriver/torx driver sets and some wobble extensions from Mike awhile back (and have more extensions, sockets, and drivers on order), and I'm very pleased to date with them. They haven't seen a great deal of use, but they have performed as good (and better) as they look and feel. Screwdriver tips are intact, not deforming, and haven't cammed out easily to ****** up screw heads, magnetic tips are strong (without being too strong), chrome hasn't shown any signs of peeling or chipping, and the knurling is finely finished and doesn't bite hard into the fingers. The wobble ends lock securely into sockets and have a good consistent wobble range. While ease and speed of warranty can be a concern, I'd rather have a well made tool that lasts and may never need to be warrantied, than one that is relatively easy to get replaced every time it does fail. My time (and travel) spent returning tools is worth something to me.

I have no problem recommending to others to check Toptul out. If at some point in the future I starting seeing/having problems, then I'll start to revise my opinion of Toptul, but that's not the case now. Looking forward to getting the stuff on order from Mike. And ditto the comments that Mike is a great dealer to deal with!

 

[vssjim]

I have a assortment of tools from Toptul and so far they have been 100% use them at work and the extra long combo wrenches work great the screwdrivers, extentions, screwdrivers and other tools are a good value and are a quality tool.

 

[Bo Heck]

Seriously, two more votes for "1" but no posts saying "Toptul *****." If you have a problem with the tools, SAY IT, thats what this thread is for!

 

[r0meyrome]

^ I second that. Pointless to bring down a tool company that seem to bring about positive attitudes from consumers. I have the deep, shallow metric sets, 72teeth ratchets, universal joints, and a full set of wobble extensions. Definitely a good buy! I just started using mine so no extensive review but overall I'm pleased with the tools and customer service! Mike is a great guy definitely a person to talk to if you'd like to know more.

 

[wrenchr]

I gave them a 3.

 

[davestlouis]

I have never felt any urge to try their tools...I just don't see the point. Of course, having no direct experience with Toptul, I didn't vote.

 

[Bustawrench]

Seriously, two more votes for "1" but no posts saying "Toptul *****." If you have a problem with the tools, SAY IT, thats what this thread is for!

True....................


Let's not have any bashing, but if there is a problem with them, let's hear it.


I never even heard of them before I started coming around here, would never have given them a second look, except I remembered a few people talking about them here.............

So I'm genuinely interested, I make my living with my tools and if I can get professional quality for clearance rack prices, then I'm all for it...........on the other hand..........I'm a firm beliver in "you get what you pay for", so that's why I'm asking.

 

[Merkava_4]

While ease and speed of warranty can be a concern, I'd rather have a well made tool that lasts and may never need to be warrantied, than one that is relatively easy to get replaced every time it does fail. My time (and travel) spent returning tools is worth something to me.

..............................................

 

[jshillin]

I have 4 rails of socket, 4 ratchets and all of the extensions. I bought them a few months ago and haven't had any issues thus far. I have 2 of the 72 tooth ratchets and 2 36 tooth. I have abused the 36's a bit and have used the 72's quite a bit and I really like them. I plan on placing another order with Mike in the near future.

 

[autoace]

I didn't vote, because I don't have any Toptul stuff. I like the pre-set, lug nut, torque wrenches, but they are not on my immediate list. There are QC problems with ALL tool companies, so the current availability is a problem with me(as far as basic hand tools). There are too many other good choices, readily available.

As soon as the immediate low money situation resolves, I want to purchase a full set of the pre-set torque wrenches, they are unique. If Toptul made more "unique",time saving tools,like those wheel lug wrenches, I think they would sell more.

 

[Chris Adams]

I gave them a 4, because the wrenches are just nice wrenches, not 'special' like some of the Snap-On. I don't have any ratchets but have 4 rails of sockets, flex sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches, t-handles (metric set) and a few other odds and ends.
I have most other brands, lots of SK, Craftsman, Matco, Proto, Easco, even things like Challenger, also Mac, some Snap-On etc.

My go to sockets are the TopTul.
Go to flex sockets are also the TopTul, followed by my Proto and old US made Thorson.

My go to wrenches are US made Williams and Snap-On, or SK if I need smaller. The TopTul wrenches are fine, but just not anything super heavy like the Williams, super thin like the Snap-On or small headed like the SK.

I don't have any TopTul ratchets, as I have way too many ratchets now. My go to on Ratchets tend to be Big Dawgs (the longs) followed by Snap-Ons.
Maybe I would like a TopTul 72 teeth, but can't see the justification on buying one.

I think the guys giving them a one have never used or probably even, handled one.
Their sockets are great. We have been using them, hard, for months now, engines, transmissions, constructing a building, repairs of machinery, etc. I’m glad I put more on my wish list with Mike.

 

[peterbilr98]

wht little i have is great i will buy more as i need something.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

heck , harbor freight is right around the corner

 

[john w]

I have arthritis in my left wrist, so the push-button feature and the reasonable price does it for me, not to mention Mike's great service and attitude.

 

[Chris Adams]

The last post made me wonder, are you talking about TopTul as a tool, or TopTul from Mike?

I have bought TopTul from Mike and if you want a review of the dealer, well, he gets at least a 4.5. If his website was fully up he would tend to a 5.

The other dealers I have bought from were on E-bay and are both well known and good vendors. They have low SKU's of course as they are bulk sellers, not regular tool franchisees.
I was grading the tools themselves, as a total group, like we do on Snap-On, or Craftsman.

But what the heck, I'll bump the thread by grading individually;

For Vendors, well into the 4 range.

Sockets a FLAT 5. I have most other brands. I LIKE TopTul sockets. And I use them.

Screwdrivers 4. Beat the snot out of my Craftsman, my Kleins may be better, but are too pricy. Hard to justify a 10-15 dollar screwdriver.

Wrenches, 3-3.5. What can I say, they have nice chrome, nice finish, don't mind being dropped (Williams American made, shed chrome if you drop them) but are too thick to be really cool like my Snap-On, but at are nicer than my SK, but frankly, I would just as soon have Craftsman Pro. But of course, these cost about the same as sale priced Craftsman raised panel, (E-bay vendor) but are way nicer.

The Flex Sockets look, work nice, 4.0 because I can't see a 5 rating on any flex socket. My worst are Snap-On, but I am willing to believe that most Snap-On flex do not peel like a bad sunburn. My Snappy’s did.

The T-handles are nice, but the smallest ones have some flashing inside the sockets, not as bad as the best Craftsman, but not as nice as all my other TopTul sockets. Disappointing but no way does it affect the usability. That's pure cosmetics. I use the T-handles for inside engine work and for things like valve covers. Got them for next to nothing on E-bay.
Other TopTul tools I haven’t really used yet, so no individual grades on them.

 

[Bustawrench]

The last post made me wonder, are you talking about TopTul as a tool, or TopTul from Mike?

.

I'm asking about the tools themselves. I have seen nothing but praise for Mike on this board.

I am seriously considering buying some of the Toptul line, that is the motivation behind the OP.

FWIW...............I'm putting more stock in the positive replys, than I am in the anonymous 1 star rateings.

 

[Joelfke]

I am seriously considering buying some of the Toptul line, that is the motivation behind the OP.

FWIW...............I'm putting more stock in the positive replys, than I am in the anonymous 1 star rateings.

I too am considering Toptul's sockets to fill out whats missing in my craftsman set (12pt, deep, ect) im with ya...how are the TOOLS?

no offense to mike of course

 

[FNFS2000]

If I'm going to buy something asian(i wouldn't) but if I was, I sure would spend a lot less $$$

 

[The Muffin Man]

... but are too thick to be really cool like my Snap-On...

Hey Chris, which part of the wrench is thicker than your Snap-Ons?

 

[beelsr]

mike: 4.5 out of 5, website drags him down. nice & quick on the phone and email. if every vendor was like him; it'd be a much nicer world.

dykes: 5 out of 5. hundreds and hundreds of cuts over the past couple months and they're still perfect.

72T ratchet. i forget which model I ordered (it's in pics in another thread on here) but it's great. an easy 4. It's a smidgen on the beefy side and the ratcheting is a little too, ummm, crisp. I like the clicks a little softer but maybe I just haven't found the right lube. It's certainly strong and has held up great. It's on top of the 1/2" ratchet pile so i guess that means I'm using it a lot.

screwdrivers. i got one, the stubby P1. it's a 3.5. the tip is a 5 but the handle is letting me down. it's a bit on the small side and doesn't do "the spin" very well. It fits the hand well and the hard/soft composition is nice. I'm buying more.

wrenches. don't have any. yet....

 

[81Seca]

I have had a full set of Toptul's 1/2" drive deep SAE sockets for almost 2 years, bought off eBay. I rated them 4 stars. Over the years I've used (and discarded or broken) some Chinese or Taiwan made sockets/ratchets (including non-impact Harbor Freight). Toptul (and GP) are the only ones that I've kept.

 

[Chris Adams]

Hey Chris, which part of the wrench is thicker than your Snap-Ons?

You know how hard it is to quantify why you pick up one wrench over another?

So I just dragged in TopTul, Snap-On, Williams, SK, Bahco, Mac, Williams import, Armstrong and Craftsman flat panel to lay on the desk.

Ok, what I like about the TopTul; Chrome is great. Williams import, Snap-On Armstrong and Bahco all have great chrome. SK, Mac have chrome... The flat panel is, well, flat chromed and the Williams industrial is satin so no comparison.

Size is on both ends, both sides. Only some of my Snap-On has four size stamps. Most of the rest only have one, or two size marks. That's a big plus for the TopTul.

The head on the TopTul is wider from side to side. That’s across the jaws, not thickness. 1/8 inch wider. Looking at them, it appears even wider than the mic shows.
SK is narrower than most, the Williams import the most narrow.

Now this extra width must equate to more strength, but it means that if you are working with little clearance the wrench may be too wide. Now Mac is that wide, as are my older Snap-On, Williams industrial are wider and so is Bahco.
Thickness the TopTul head is very close to the Snap-On. The thickness 'king' is the Williams import. That is one thick head.

My TopTul wrenches are just shorter than most, but not as short as the SK, thicker than most but not as thick as the Williams import, and the head is thicker than most, but not as thick as the Williams import.
If they were my only wrenches, they would work and do the job, but when I want small, I get the SK's as they are shorter, thinner. If I want power I reach for the long Snap-On, if I want LOTS of power I reach for the big Williams industrial.
So while they are fine wrenches, they are sort of right in the middle of size, reach, etc.
Now that is with the standard set the ACAB type.
Don't think I'm talking them down, just nothing super special about them.
Would I rather have them than say Craftsman? Yup. Probably Craftsman Pro. The Williams? Yes, the TopTul looks better, crisper, and longer in the standard.

Nobody buying a set of TopTul wrenches should be unhappy, but I have a lot of wrenches and they are sorta in the middle design wise.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Thank you Chris for the clarification and comparisons with respect to size.

 

[Bo Heck]

11 votes for 1 and no complaints...cowards I say.

 

[Joelfke]

11 votes for 1 and no complaints...cowards I say.

definitely cowards....

im in the process of getting some toptul stuff so ill be sure to vote when i try it out

 

[GrantMLS]

yup - just ordered some myself today - gonna use them at the track and see how they hold up - i am very tough on tools.

 

[Joelfke]

yup - just ordered some myself today - gonna use them at the track and see how they hold up - i am very tough on tools.

nice...let us know how they hold up

 

[FNFS2000]

If I'm going to buy something asian(i wouldn't) but if I was, I sure would spend a lot less $$$

11 votes for 1 and no complaints...cowards I say.

I'm not into asian tools or "stimulating" asian economies.

 

[Chris Adams]

I'm not into asian tools or "stimulating" asian economies.

So you would give Klein a 1 or is it racial?
Just curious really.

I hear a lot against 'asian' tools, and if 'asian' is a code word for Red China I'm good with it.
If 'asian' is a code word for super cheap tools, say China again, or India, then again I'm good with it.

But if 'asian' is code word for the people over there, then I'm against it.

I'm very pro-American and have the scars to prove it. I am also pro our allies.

Now if you mean every other country should be blocked, not bought from, or traded with, I suggest you look up the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and see how that worked out for America.

 

[T56 Impala]

I have a few tools from Toptul. 3 T handles and some misc sockets. I use them regularly and bought these sizes to use as a comparison against my Craftsman stuff. I no longer use the Craftsman stuff at all. There is no indication of wear on any socket. The T handles are still tight. The finish is slightly better than the S&K, Craftsman and Williams stuff I have. Much better than the Snap on stuff I have. (Peeling chrome and rust) I voted 4 for the tools. They still look and feel new even after several hundred uses.

I too have more on order. Mostly gap fillers but I also ordered some heavy use items. Again, I will be putting them through their paces. I will let the board, and Mike know if there are any issues.

As for Mike, he is 5+ on your scale. I doubt I would have ever tried these tools if he had not come along.

 

[FNFS2000]

So you would give Klein a 1 or is it racial?
Just curious really.

I hear a lot against 'asian' tools, and if 'asian' is a code word for Red China I'm good with it.
If 'asian' is a code word for super cheap tools, say China again, or India, then again I'm good with it.

But if 'asian' is code word for the people over there, then I'm against it.

I'm very pro-American and have the scars to prove it. I am also pro our allies.

Now if you mean every other country should be blocked, not bought from, or traded with, I suggest you look up the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and see how that worked out for America.

I'm not for any type of government control, I believe in complete free market(which we have been unable to see work because our government is to controlling) Options are good, there is a market for tools produced from countries in Asia, that place just happens to not include my toolbox.

As a whole I'd give Klein a 3 or 2, they are OK tools mostly produced in the US but I do not consider them premium by no means. I've got no issues with people of any color, though I would be guilty of religious(not racial) profiling of muslims... But the convert or die phylosophy is a complete other non tool related subject.

 

[Bo Heck]

I'm not into asian tools or "stimulating" asian economies.

But did you vote, if you did not vote, you're still entitled to your opinion. But if you simply don't like the tools based on principle or origin and voted, then I have a problem with it. I like the idea of Toptul, but haven't voted because my tools are on their way to Mike now. If you don't like the idea of Toptul, then this is not the thread for you and do not vote.

I'm not for any type of government control, I believe in complete free market(which we have been unable to see work because our government is to controlling) Options are good, there is a market for tools produced from countries in Asia, that place just happens to not include my toolbox.

I agree my friend, free markets are a wonderful thing, but I don't mind a good tool in my toolbox, whether it's from here or Taiwan.

 

[FNFS2000]

Guilty, I'm just too opinionated and like polls...