Opinions on Toptul.

[Chris Adams]

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

Well, you are entitled to your opinion of course, and I agree with much of what you say, but you shouldn't have voted under the circumstances.

I am sure ALL the 1 votes were political or emotional, not product based. Sadly, people just surfing this forum, who seldom read every single post will get a bad impression based on peoples politics and emotional responses.

Being too opinionated is sorta required on these forums though.

 

[wrenchr]

The quality is there but the set I bought skips socket sizes and that is why I gave a 3.

 

[Chris Adams]

The quality is there but the set I bought skips socket sizes and that is why I gave a 3.

I know that is a common complaint against everyone but Snap-On (because Snap-On of course includes all sizes, even if I don't want them) but is it fair?

I mean, since the odd sizes are sold at decent prices.

You could buy a set and piece the difference for less than the cost of a set of any comparable quality brand, so you are marking them down for packaging.

Would you mark down Snap-On because you don’t want a 20 mm but they make you buy it?



I dunno, makes me think of guys who 'pan' good brands of cars, because the the dealership didn't have blue in stock, so Mustangs (or Camaros) aren't very good. Can't be, the dealer didn't have a blue one that day.

Or am I wrong?
Maybe Mike should make a ‘Wrenchr’ pack, that is a set with the usual stuff, plus each of the odd ones thrown in to make it complete.
Charge a premium for it.

Heck, if Mike reads this, call it a Garage Journal ‘Master Set’ just from WrenTools.

Wonder if he would sell enough to make it worth while?

 

[wrenchr]

I know that is a common complaint against everyone but Snap-On (because Snap-On of course includes all sizes, even if I don't want them) but is it fair?

I mean, since the odd sizes are sold at decent prices.

You could buy a set and piece the difference for less than the cost of a set of any comparable quality brand, so you are marking them down for packaging.

Would you mark down Snap-On because you don’t want a 20 mm but they make you buy it?



I dunno, makes me think of guys who 'pan' good brands of cars, because the the dealership didn't have blue in stock, so Mustangs (or Camaros) aren't very good. Can't be, the dealer didn't have a blue one that day.

Or am I wrong?
Maybe Mike should make a ‘Wrenchr’ pack, that is a set with the usual stuff, plus each of the odd ones thrown in to make it complete.
Charge a premium for it.

Heck, if Mike reads this, call it a Garage Journal ‘Master Set’ just from WrenTools.

Wonder if he would sell enough to make it worth while?

13, 15 and 18 are pretty common.

 

[Chris Adams]

13, 15 and 18 are pretty common.

Communications error on my part;
By odd, I meant the not included definition, not 'odd' numbered or 'odd' as in unusual.
Probably I should have just said 'not included'. I used odd like in 'odd man out'.


Still, lots of sets made in Asia don't include those three numbers as they are Euro and American for the most part, based on the threads on the subject.
By the way, what set was that? The sets I see at his site all include 13 and 15 but no, they don’t include 18 in any of the sets except the big set.
My set did include the 13-15 but not the 18.
My Armstrong and Craftsman sets didn’t come with one either, I notice. Did get one in my Gearwrench large set, and my Williams Industrial, so I ain’t doing without. I do have one bolt that is 18 on F150.

 

[Bo Heck]

The difference with toptul is that the extra pieces to complete your set do not cost an arm and a leg.

 

[wrenchr]

Communications error on my part;
By odd, I meant the not included definition, not 'odd' numbered or 'odd' as in unusual.
Probably I should have just said 'not included'. I used odd like in 'odd man out'.


Still, lots of sets made in Asia don't include those three numbers as they are Euro and American for the most part, based on the threads on the subject.
By the way, what set was that? The sets I see at his site all include 13 and 15 but no, they don’t include 18 in any of the sets except the big set.
My set did include the 13-15 but not the 18.
My Armstrong and Craftsman sets didn’t come with one either, I notice. Did get one in my Gearwrench large set, and my Williams Industrial, so I ain’t doing without. I do have one bolt that is 18 on F150.

It is a socket ratchet and extension set.

 

[kythri]

So, just curious - the 1's are disregarded completely, but they 5's given by someone who bought a small set and used it for 30 minutes last week are given full weight?

This is why polls are useless.

 

[Bo Heck]

So, just curious - the 1's are disregarded completely, but they 5's given by someone who bought a small set and used it for 30 minutes last week are given full weight?

This is why polls are useless.

I will more readily accept a vote from someone who ACTUALLY BOUGHT the product than someone who DID NOT, who has never touched it.

 

[Chris Adams]

It is a socket ratchet and extension set.

Oh, Ok sorry for the confusion.
I also bought a couple of metric socket sets, but not a set with ratchet.

They include the 13-15 but not the 18 or 20.

20 is HARD to find.
I have filled the 20's with various odd ball brands because Mike didn't have them is stock. Get some kidding about that as I have never used an 18 or 20 socket and now I have them in deep, shallow, 12 point, etc.
Still, I hate gaps in the holders.

 

[Chris Adams]

So, just curious - the 1's are disregarded completely, but they 5's given by someone who bought a small set and used it for 30 minutes last week are given full weight?

This is why polls are useless.

I would take some people's opinion on them from just playing with them, than others who use them. Take Merk for example, he would just about autopsy them, even if he never put them on a bolt.

Some of us bought them and use them most every day and your right, our opinion in a poll is canceled by guys who have never even seen one.

Polls may be useless (well, not very useful would be more correct) but remember, this country is run on them... Way more important that tools opinions.

 

[Joelfke]

I would take some people's opinion on them from just playing with them, than others who use them. Take Merk for example, he would just about autopsy them, even if he never put them on a bolt.

Some of us bought them and use them most every day and your right, our opinion in a poll is canceled by guys who have never even seen one.

Polls may be useless (well, not very useful would be more correct) but remember, this country is run on them... Way more important that tools opinions.

sad but true

 

[wrenhandtools]

Just wanted to comment on the missing sizes in sets. I have NO IDEA why they have left some sizes out. I have mentioned to them SEVERAL times they just need to include EVERY SIZE and go with it. Period. They make me crazy when they try to make decisions for the consumer as to what should be included. I always want EVERYTHING!!

In this next shipment I will have every socket that Toptul makes, in both 6pt and 12 pt and have ordered extras sizes to fill the glaring gaps, but it is still a pain when the set or the tray does not have an actual space for that size.

I have noticed that with some of their VERY new, just released master sets that start with the 'GT' in the part #, they are including a lot more sizes. It's about darn time and makes ordering a fair piece of work, but heck it's still pretty dang fun dealing with tools. I love working in jeans and looking at all the inventory of tools and then sending them out to some tool freak like myself.

Sincerely,

 

[Joelfke]

Just wanted to comment on the missing sizes in sets. I have NO IDEA why they have left some sizes out. I have mentioned to them SEVERAL times they just need to include EVERY SIZE and go with it. Period. They make me crazy when they try to make decisions for the consumer as to what should be included. I always want EVERYTHING!!

In this next shipment I will have every socket that Toptul makes, in both 6pt and 12 pt and have ordered extras sizes to fill the glaring gaps, but it is still a pain when the set or the tray does not have an actual space for that size.

I have noticed that with some of their VERY new, just released master sets that start with the 'GT' in the part #, they are including a lot more sizes. It's about darn time and makes ordering a fair piece of work, but heck it's still pretty dang fun dealing with tools. I love working in jeans and looking at all the inventory of tools and then sending them out to some tool freak like myself.

Sincerely,

Did I miss something on the site? Or are there no 12pt shallow sockets made by toptul for 1/2 Drive SAE?

 

[chohdog]

Some of the sets include certain sizes because that's what's on Hondas, Toyotas, and most Nissans. Since it is an Asian tool manufcturer, I'm guessing they cater some sets to that market.

I for one am happy they make the sets that way, so I don't have to purchase tools I'll never need on my car.

 

[Chris Adams]

I'm sure they are fine tools. But they are I've read made by the same sort who would name a line of tools after one of the most storied United States steel producing cities yet make the tools overseas.

TopTul has nothing to do with HF, whom you are referring to. The naming of HF stuff comes from a place here in Southern California and the owners are not Asian but another minority that catches even more heat.

People in Asia don't really know/care about names on products sold here.
The companies make product. The vendor, who may be Jewish, Indian, Anglo, Hispanic, African American, whatever, picks the name.
Ever drive a Lobo? That's an F-150 Lariat sold in Mexico. Lariat means rope, so Ford calls them Lobo's. The decision to rename was by a Mexican, not an Anglo in Detroit. The Anglo in Detroit wouldn’t see why you wouldn’t call it a Lariat…

By the way, notice the trade balance right now? We are selling WAY more overseas than we have in years. Hate to have a trade war cost millions of American jobs right now.

 

[wrenhandtools]

Toptul is not Harbor Freight.. Period.
To comment further would be inflamatory.

Sincerely,

 

[wrenchr]

Toptul is not Harbor Freight.. Period.
To comment further would be inflamatory.

Sincerely,

Yah that is a low blow!!

 

[Bo Heck]

Did I miss something on the site? Or are there no 12pt shallow sockets made by toptul for 1/2 Drive SAE?

Go here, and get the part number, I'm not sure why Mike does not have this on his site at the moment but I'm sure he can get any of those for you.

 

[cruiser808]

Okay, I don't know squawk about TopTul as I don't own any or tried any or even seen any. But, from the analysis and testimonials that I've seen from the Board, plus what I've seen on TopTul's web page and Mike's described great service, I would not hesitate to purchase TopTul. The board folks are not your average tool users and if there was a major problem, I know we'd hear it by now.

And, for those of you who voted only #1 and have not stepped forward to defend your positions, I reject your standing on this and will only take into account anything above your lame #1 rating. I for one am looking for an excuse to try Toptul's but, I got every tool I need now. Perhaps the pliers and dikes is where I should start in an upgrade. Hey,come out of the closet and state your positions sucsinctly and I won't buy TopTul. I'll always keep an open mind but, right now, I'll gladly put my $ down of TopTul.

 

[Vinko]

Now this extra width must equate to more strength,

is this necessarily true? You could make a narrower wrench and make up for strength in other ways, no?

if I want LOTS of power I reach for the big Williams industrial.

+1

 

[Joelfke]

Go here, and get the part number, I'm not sure why Mike does not have this on his site at the moment but I'm sure he can get any of those for you.

ahh nice...too bad there are no prices there....i think they might be the same as the 6pt....

theres a typo on the site however, where it shows pictures of 12 pt sockets and says 6pt, but anyone with half a brain can see the part number is different.

thanks for the link

 

[Bo Heck]

ahh nice...too bad there are no prices there....i think they might be the same as the 6pt....

theres a typo on the site however, where it shows pictures of 12 pt sockets and says 6pt, but anyone with half a brain can see the part number is different.

thanks for the link

Yea thats the toptul official site, Mike sets his own prices.

 

[babyjay8495]

I am not going to vote on the quality the tool because i have never even held one. However, i am very curious in buying some of their tools. Mike, are you running any more discounts for GJ members?

 

[The Muffin Man]

I am not going to vote on the quality the tool because i have never even held one. However, i am very curious in buying some of their tools. Mike, are you running any more discounts for GJ members?

There is a 20% discount for all GarageJournal members .

 

[Chris Adams]

is this necessarily true? You could make a narrower wrench and make up for strength in other ways, no?




+1

You could, at least in theory, but I suspect there is a reason that none of the high quality tools are more than a small fraction different in head width.

To make up for a 1/8 inch difference in width you would have to almost double the strength of the steel. Plus you make a tool too hard and it breaks, shatters really.
There is obviously a happy medium in there and since we have been making wrenches in almost exactly the same format for 70-80 years so I suspect the manufactures have a good idea where the best strength/thickness sweet spot is.
Thus you get things like the Xtreme wrenches to get around the strength vs. over hard vs. thickness.

By the way, I have had Craftsman raised panel spread under very high load. Haven't had the TopTul (or either type of my Williams) spread on the same job. Neither did my Snap-On but then, the one wrench I was using cost more than the set of TopTul or Williams.

 

[Mezzanine]

I have waited to vote until I actually had some (unlike many of our 1 star voters)...

I would have given them a 4.5, but rounded up to 5. Are they high tech, or really fancy? In a word, no. However, they are better than my craftsman tools, and at a better price. As a bona fide cheap skate I was first drawn to their value- coupled with Mike Wren's friendly discount, this is hard to beat. I am impressed with the smart, quality construction... I ordered a set of Dynamic stubbies- I had not seen a "12 point" open end wrench before, and after using them a bit, it is a very useful design. Definitely NOT something I would want in a full size wrench- just sounds like a good way to strip a fastener. But I use a stubby when conditions are confined, and having the ability to turn a fastener in smaller increments is a must.
The screw drivers have a very comfortable grip, and the rubber overlay is quite firm- I was worried that it would be a really soft grip. Really quite positive.
The wobble extensions maintain a very firm grip on the sockets, but still have a great wobble action. They still lock firmly in place in the set position.

Are the wrenches as cool as a flank drive plus? No. They are just plain old wrenches. Plain old wrenches that I bought a whole set of for the price of one or two SO's.

As for them being made in Taiwan: This is what capitalism is all about. Blind brand loyalty makes short work of an effective capitalistic economy. Take one look at GM. I really don't want to misdirect this thread down that road, but as I have said: these are quality tools, at a reasonable price. All of us guys with craftsman sets that have worked fine for years can go out and complete our sets, or pick up the tools we need without breaking the bank. I have never been too thrilled with Craftsman, but they never really let me down either. I consider this an upgrade. Are they SO? No. Do they try to be? No. The finish is a little nicer than most of my old SK-Williams stuff. I will have to see which I end up using more: My typical go-to SK williams sockets, or the Toptul. Do I know how durable they are in the long run yet? No. However, I stand by my value-minded 4.5 star rating.
If you use tools a lot, but aren't a total snob about it, buy some. Has Craftsman/Proto/SK gotten the job done for you? If yes, then so will Toptul.

 

[Joelfke]

I have waited to vote until I actually had some (unlike many of our 1 star voters)...

I would have given them a 4.5, but rounded up to 5. Are they high tech, or really fancy? In a word, no. However, they are better than my craftsman tools, and at a better price. As a bona fide cheap skate I was first drawn to their value- coupled with Mike Wren's friendly discount, this is hard to beat. I am impressed with the smart, quality construction... I ordered a set of Dynamic stubbies- I had not seen a "12 point" open end wrench before, and after using them a bit, it is a very useful design. Definitely NOT something I would want in a full size wrench- just sounds like a good way to strip a fastener. But I use a stubby when conditions are confined, and having the ability to turn a fastener in smaller increments is a must.
The screw drivers have a very comfortable grip, and the rubber overlay is quite firm- I was worried that it would be a really soft grip. Really quite positive.
The wobble extensions maintain a very firm grip on the sockets, but still have a great wobble action. They still lock firmly in place in the set position.

Are the wrenches as cool as a flank drive plus? No. They are just plain old wrenches. Plain old wrenches that I bought a whole set of for the price of one or two SO's.

As for them being made in Taiwan: This is what capitalism is all about. Blind brand loyalty makes short work of an effective capitalistic economy. Take one look at GM. I really don't want to misdirect this thread down that road, but as I have said: these are quality tools, at a reasonable price. All of us guys with craftsman sets that have worked fine for years can go out and complete our sets, or pick up the tools we need without breaking the bank. I have never been to thrilled with Craftsman, but they never really let me down either. I consider this an upgrade. Are they SO? No. Do they try to be? No. The finish is a little nicer than most of my old SK-Williams stuff. I will have to see which I end up using more: My typical go-to SK williams sockets, or the Toptul. Do I know how durable they are in the long run yet? No. However, I stand by my value-minded 4.5 star rating.
If you use tools a lot, but aren't a total snob about it, buy some. Has Craftsman/Proto/SK gotten the job done for you? If yes, then so will Toptul.

THIS should go on Mikes toptul website testimonials...

i cant wait to get mine