Pratt Read drivers at Menards - almost gone!

[Dzmax77]

Local Menard’s only had a few Pratt Read made MasterForce driver sets left with new inventory made off shore. It appeared to be the same with individual drivers sold as well. Replacements are probably made by GS.

This seems to coincide with a post from another member on an SK thread.

The new offshore offerings weren’t any cheaper and appeared to be of a lesser quality.

Attached are pics.

 

[Dzmax77]

I didn’t take any pics of the back of the new packages but it didn't say it was made locally.

Any way, I picked up the 6 in 1 for $11.99. Nice quality and great price! I wonder why it’s SK cousin is $39?

 

[Lesserstore]

That *****. I don't have a single Menards in my state, but I have ordered a nos US made 35 piece 3/8 drive socket and wrench set and also a super stubby screwdriver set. In my area the only store to have 100% (or close to) US made screwdrivers was Home Depot with Ideal made Husky, but earlier today I went by there and they were all gone with the exception of a couple of individual ones. All of the others were either China or Taiwan, and also some of them had a slightly different design too. Now the only place for cheap USA made screwdrivers is Lowe's with their Kobalt acetate and cushion grip acetate drivers, and weirdly Walmart Hyper Tough acetate drivers. But those use imported steel for the blades and they aren't even an alloy, just high carbon steel, making them inferior to even the Husky ones which weren't that great either.

 

[reader2580]

Menards used to be pretty big on Made in the USA, but that seems to have gone away quite a bit. Menards was getting their USA Masterforce sockets and wrenches from Apex, but they switched to China after the Apex plant shut down. There are other USA socket and wrench manufacturers but I doubt anyone else would do private label at a similar price point.

 

[Dzmax77]

That *****. I don't have a single Menards in my state, but I have ordered a nos US made 35 piece 3/8 drive socket and wrench set and also a super stubby screwdriver set. In my area the only store to have 100% (or close to) US made screwdrivers was Home Depot with Ideal made Husky, but earlier today I went by there and they were all gone with the exception of a couple of individual ones. All of the others were either China or Taiwan, and also some of them had a slightly different design too. Now the only place for cheap USA made screwdrivers is Lowe's with their Kobalt acetate and cushion grip acetate drivers, and weirdly Walmart Hyper Tough acetate drivers. But those use imported steel for the blades and they aren't even an alloy, just high carbon steel, making them inferior to even the Husky ones which weren't that great either.

Yes, Ideal made drivers appear to be gone at HD. The only Ideal made drivers at my local HD was this 5pc Torx set. I don’t like that the COO isn’t stamped on the driver, the package is the only indication - Made in USA.

They must’ve stopped production months before the sale was announced. So who’s left aside from Snap On, Proto, Klein, Wright and the makers of the Kobalt/Hyper Tough?

 

[Dzmax77]

Menards used to be pretty big on Made in the USA, but that seems to have gone away quite a bit. Menards was getting their USA Masterforce sockets and wrenches from Apex, but they switched to China after the Apex plant shut down. There are other USA socket and wrench manufacturers but I doubt anyone else would do private label at a similar price point.

Maybe the new Craftsman plant in Texas will fill that market space. Not professional tool truck grade and not box store label brand, that middle point where a DIY doesn’t mind spending a few extra $ for locally made products that last.

 

[Dzmax77]

Are these Urrea drivers the same as Klein? Amazon says their forged in the US and a bit cheaper than the 8 pc Klein set.

URREA Screwdriver Set - 8-Piece Slotted and Philips Tip Driver Kit with Cushion Grip Acetate Handle & Roll-up Storage Pouch - 9400D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ56AF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Lesserstore]

Yes, Ideal made drivers appear to be gone at HD. The only Ideal made drivers at my local HD was this 5pc Torx set.

They must’ve stopped production months before the sale was announced. So who’s left aside from Snap On, Proto, Klein, Wright and the makers of the Kobalt/Hyper Tough?

Great Neck does offer screwdrivers similar to the Lowe's and Walmart ones, but with Cr-V blades called their A series, but I'm not sure if they are even still partially made here.

 

[Dzmax77]

I forgot about Tekton.

 

[dnschmidt]

Since when were Pratt-Read screwdrivers the hot stuff? I always though of them as reasonable pry bars but ****** screwdrivers compared to Wera, Wiha, PB Swiss, TOPTUL, Proto and many others. Their Phillips screwdrivers have destroyed more JIS screws on Honda's than both atomic bombs. What's the attraction?

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have done some digging on this...

This isn't Menard's fault. Same thing is happening with True Value and the Master Mechanic brand. Ideal industries is scaling back Pratt-Read production, and ending contracts with these stores and some other brands. Not sure why, but I've heard rumors that they are getting out of contract manufacturing altogether. This is likely due to the price/availability of quality steel, and possibly due to some of the tooling being sold to Great Star as part of the SK agreement. It simply may not be profitable for them anymore.

Are these Urrea drivers the same as Klein? Amazon says their forged in the US and a bit cheaper than the 8 pc Klein set.

URREA Screwdriver Set - 8-Piece Slotted and Philips Tip Driver Kit with Cushion Grip Acetate Handle & Roll-up Storage Pouch - 9400D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ56AF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are Pratt-Read or Stanley. Urrea used to have a lot Proto-rebranded tools - though they themselves may have also been made by P-R. Pratt-Read has made screwdrivers for just about every US brand except Klein, and I suspect some of Klein's multibit drivers use A&L handles, which is a P-R subsidiary, since they are a little different than regular Klein handles, but are exactly like A&L/P-R handles.

Since when were Pratt-Read screwdrivers the hot stuff? I always though of them as reasonable pry bars but ****** screwdrivers compared to Wera, Wiha, PB Swiss, TOPTUL, Proto and many others. Their Phillips screwdrivers have destroyed more JIS screws on Honda's than both atomic bombs. What's the attraction?

The newer ones are much better, and the Master-Mechanic/Masterforce brands are better than WF/PR Craftsman, IMO. The tips comply with the newest cross-point standards. Testing myself, they fit JIS screws very well.

The good news is you can still get Channellock acetate handle drivers made by Pratt-Read, and the Tekton drivers are also made by them. You can also get Ideal Electrical cushion grip drivers at Lowe's. Personally, I think Klein is better, but I like the Ideal grips more. They have just the right amount of "squish". Ideal also sells a locking multibit driver at Lowe's that exactly like the Masterforce version (except color).

One more thing: A Pratt-Read rep told me directly that you can still get P-R screwdrivers from McMaster-Carr. Of course, McMaster-Carr is a bit of a lottery, unless you get the hi-viz drivers, which are known to be made by P-R.

 

[metaldad]

One more thing: A Pratt-Read rep told me directly that you can still get P-R screwdrivers from McMaster-Carr. Of course, McMaster-Carr is a bit of a lottery, unless you get the hi-viz drivers, which are known to be made by P-R.

Side note, just picked Uup an order at mc master.
1 3/4, 2'' combo wrench, 1/3/4, 1 7/8, 2'' 6 pt 3/4 drive impacts. The wrenches were USA Williams, the sockets USA Proto
McMaster carries ALOT of USA product

 

[Dzmax77]

I have done some digging on this...

This isn't Menard's fault. Same thing is happening with True Value and the Master Mechanic brand. Ideal industries is scaling back Pratt-Read production, and ending contracts with these stores and some other brands. Not sure why, but I've heard rumors that they are getting out of contract manufacturing altogether. This is likely due to the price/availability of quality steel, and possibly due to some of the tooling being sold to Great Star as part of the SK agreement. It simply may not be profitable for them anymore.


Those are Pratt-Read or Stanley. Urrea used to have a lot Proto-rebranded tools - though they themselves may have also been made by P-R. Pratt-Read has made screwdrivers for just about every US brand except Klein, and I suspect some of Klein's multibit drivers use A&L handles, which is a P-R subsidiary, since they are a little different than regular Klein handles, but are exactly like A&L/P-R handles.

The newer ones are much better, and the Master-Mechanic/Masterforce brands are better than WF/PR Craftsman, IMO. The tips comply with the newest cross-point standards. Testing myself, they fit JIS screws very well.

The good news is you can still get Channellock acetate handle drivers made by Pratt-Read, and the Tekton drivers are also made by them. You can also get Ideal Electrical cushion grip drivers at Lowe's. Personally, I think Klein is better, but I like the Ideal grips more. They have just the right amount of "squish". Ideal also sells a locking multibit driver at Lowe's that exactly like the Masterforce version (except color).

One more thing: A Pratt-Read rep told me directly that you can still get P-R screwdrivers from McMaster-Carr. Of course, McMaster-Carr is a bit of a lottery, unless you get the hi-viz drivers, which are known to be made by P-R.

Wow, I’m impressed! Excellent investigative work. The Ideal/PR/SK connection with respect to driver production seemed to be co-mingled so if machinery was part of the SK sale, then perhaps they may have ceased production of all drivers. Or, were they different lines all together? It wouldn’t make sense to have redundant production lines within the same plant. Im not privy to the US Steel production volumes but with the chip shortage and automakers making leas vehicles, wouldn’t there be a significant inventory of steel? I understand that
auto and tool steel are different but a shift could be made to fulfill other orders by increasing production of tool steel.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they are just going the route of Armstrong and others with offshore production. Box store sales are higher volume and the customer base in that segment typically aren’t concerned with COO. Sacrificing the loyalty of a customer base that cares about local production and understands the quality difference for a larger customer base is worth it to them.

I too looked into screwdriver production by watching various manufacturing videos. Shafts, handles, bits and various types of each may sound like an easy production but there’s a lot that goes into it. Forging, cutting, heat treating, finishing, handle molds, pressing, and with bit production - speed and volume of processing bits, it is a low margin effort.

BUT, I think it can still be profitable if the marketing is good. I have ideas.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Are these Urrea drivers the same as Klein? Amazon says their forged in the US and a bit cheaper than the 8 pc Klein set.

URREA Screwdriver Set - 8-Piece Slotted and Philips Tip Driver Kit with Cushion Grip Acetate Handle & Roll-up Storage Pouch - 9400D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ56AF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

No, they are not the same as Klein.Good drivers made in Mexico.
Handles are an opaque
/ cloudy yellow color.
I purchased a set 2 years ago ,thinking the same as you. I purchased mine from Home Depot.com . The multi bit driver is US made . The red handle drivers are a older Witte style with Mexican blades.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Wow, I’m impressed! Excellent investigative work. The Ideal/PR/SK connection with respect to driver production seemed to be co-mingled so if machinery was part of the SK sale, then perhaps they may have ceased production of all drivers. Or, were they different lines all together? It wouldn’t make sense to have redundant production lines within the same plant. Im not privy to the US Steel production volumes but with the chip shortage and automakers making leas vehicles, wouldn’t there be a significant inventory of steel? I understand that
auto and tool steel are different but a shift could be made to fulfill other orders by increasing production of tool steel.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they are just going the route of Armstrong and others with offshore production. Box store sales are higher volume and the customer base in that segment typically aren’t concerned with COO. Sacrificing the loyalty of a customer base that cares about local production and understands the quality difference for a larger customer base is worth it to them.

I too looked into screwdriver production by watching various manufacturing videos. Shafts, handles, bits and various types of each may sound like an easy production but there’s a lot that goes into it. Forging, cutting, heat treating, finishing, handle molds, pressing, and with bit production - speed and volume of processing bits, it is a low margin effort.

BUT, I think it can still be profitable if the marketing is good. I have ideas.

I kinda have an obsession with screwdrivers. Likely because I use them more than any other tool. From what I gathered from the P-R rep, they will still be making screwdrivers, just not as many. Probably enough for the Ideal electrical brand, their own brand for Industrial suppliers, and probably Channellock, Tekton etc. I guess Menards and True Value wanted to keep selling their drivers at a certain price point, but P-R just couldn't do it without losing money.

 

[engineer2]

I guess the $4 Menards screwdriver I cut up to make a 3/16" square drive tool was a Pratt-Read.

 

[Dzmax77]

I kinda have an obsession with screwdrivers. Likely because I use them more than any other tool. From what I gathered from the P-R rep, they will still be making screwdrivers, just not as many. Probably enough for the Ideal electrical brand, their own brand for Industrial suppliers, and probably Channellock, Tekton etc. I guess Menards and True Value wanted to keep selling their drivers at a certain price point, but P-R just couldn't do it without losing money.

Thanks for the contribution to this post. It helps put things into perspective.

Since you have a credible source, will Ideal continue to make bits? The 32 bits that come with the 35-934 quick change driver are nice and USA made. The 32 piece tamperproof bit set that comes with the 35-933 driver are actually sold separately - 35-933TP but Im not sure if Ideal makes that set in the US. Rare to find USA made bit sets like these and given the sales price found in the link below, its not much more expensive than the Taiwanese sets that are commonly f

Buy Ideal 35-933TP, 32 Piece Tamper-Proof Bit Block

Ideal 32 Piece Tamper-Proof Bit Block 35-933TP. ✅Ideal authorized distributor ✅. ☎ (800) 884-5767 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET or order online 24/7

megadepot.com

I’d like to buy both bit sets from the 933 and 934 if possible but can’t find the set from the 934 sold separately.

product

www.idealind.com

33-Piece Quick Change Driver & Tamperproof Bit Block

33-Piece Quick Change Driver & Tamperproof Bit Block

www.idealind.com

 

[Dzmax77]

One thing I don’t like about most USA tools, their aesthetics are rarely updated and sometimes their only sold in specialty stores and websites. Looking at this Ideal/SK quick change driver, it looks like something from the 60-70’s. Look at Wera and Ideals quick change drivers. One looks modern and clean, the other looks like it came out of my grandfather’s toolbox.

And this is also a perfect example of marketing. Wera sells on Amazon along with an elaborate bit set with functional holder. You can find a lot of YouTubers reviewing the driver and bits, helping promote products. Ideal does sell at Loews but its small quantity and the bits can only be bought from places Ive never heard of.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Thanks for the contribution to this post. It helps put things into perspective.

Since you have a credible source, will Ideal continue to make bits? The 32 bits that come with the 35-934 quick change driver are nice and USA made. The 32 piece tamperproof bit set that comes with the 35-933 driver are actually sold separately - 35-933TP but Im not sure if Ideal makes that set in the US. Rare to find USA made bit sets like these and given the sales price found in the link below, its not much more expensive than the Taiwanese sets that are commonly f

Buy Ideal 35-933TP, 32 Piece Tamper-Proof Bit Block

Ideal 32 Piece Tamper-Proof Bit Block 35-933TP. ✅Ideal authorized distributor ✅. ☎ (800) 884-5767 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET or order online 24/7

megadepot.com

I’d like to buy both bit sets from the 933 and 934 if possible but can’t find the set from the 934 sold separately.

product

www.idealind.com

33-Piece Quick Change Driver & Tamperproof Bit Block

33-Piece Quick Change Driver & Tamperproof Bit Block

www.idealind.com

No idea. I'll ask, but I may or may not get an answer. LOL.

 

[Bubba Fett]

One thing I don’t like about most USA tools, their aesthetics are rarely updated and sometimes their only sold in specialty stores and websites. Looking at this Ideal/SK quick change driver, it looks like something from the 60-70’s. Look at Wera and Ideals quick change drivers. One looks modern and clean, the other looks like it came out of my grandfather’s toolbox.

And this is also a perfect example of marketing. Wera sells on Amazon along with an elaborate bit set with functional holder. You can find a lot of YouTubers reviewing the driver and bits, helping promote products. Ideal does sell at Loews but its small quantity and the bits can only be bought from places Ive never heard of.

I agree. Ideal's main consumer base has been industrial suppliers, and other companies that actually do market their tools. Had they invested in advertising, they probably would be in a better position. Maybe they could have even kept SK.

 

[puttsy]

That *****. I don't have a single Menards in my state, but I have ordered a nos US made 35 piece 3/8 drive socket and wrench set and also a super stubby screwdriver set. In my area the only store to have 100% (or close to) US made screwdrivers was Home Depot with Ideal made Husky, but earlier today I went by there and they were all gone with the exception of a couple of individual ones. All of the others were either China or Taiwan, and also some of them had a slightly different design too. Now the only place for cheap USA made screwdrivers is Lowe's with their Kobalt acetate and cushion grip acetate drivers, and weirdly Walmart Hyper Tough acetate drivers. But those use imported steel for the blades and they aren't even an alloy, just high carbon steel, making them inferior to even the Husky ones which weren't that great either.

If you're itching to get some of the US ones, let me know and I'll see what's available at the 2 stores near me. I bought an SAE and Metric nut driver set when I noticed the transition happening but debated on returning them. This thread has convinced me not to return them to the store but I may try to find one of the folks here that are trying to complete their collection or just want the US drivers. They annoy me since the 11mm is shorter than the 10mm and the SAE 1/2" and 7/16". I bought an open stock 11mm that matched the 4" length for my original set but they're all out of those now.

 

[reader2580]

I am disappointed that the Masterforce square drive screwdriver with rubber handle is out of stock at most Menards stores now. I guess I will need to get the Klein from Home Depot, but it is twice the price.

 

[Dzmax77]

I agree. Ideal's main consumer base has been industrial suppliers, and other companies that actually do market their tools. Had they invested in advertising, they probably would be in a better position. Maybe they could have even kept SK.

Missed opportunity especially with Sears selling craftsman off and replacing them with inferior products. SK made a lot of Craftsman tools anyway, why not capitalize on that?

“The Craftsman tools your father and grandfather had may not be the same today, but the quality and commitment still exist with SK, Craftsman’s supplier. Same quality, same guarantee, with a new design fit for a new generation. Buy SK through sktools.com or on Amazon and have it delivered to your home.”

Then maybe have videos of SK tools used in everyday applications like assembling Ikea furniture, fixing your kids bike or changing the oil in your car. Have consumer versions of the LP90 ratchets with half the tooth count and less polishing to decrease cost.

Possibilities are endless but Ideal just seems like they have accountants running the place and not engineers and marketing. Im in the accounting industry and trust me, accountants should be in meetings to help make decisions, not make decisions unilaterally.

MegaPro is an example of how an updated design and just a little mainstream marketing can work. MegaPro ratcheting is mentioned in various publications like NY Times and I haven’t seen 1 YouTuber give it a negative review. Furthermore, they have 2 different offerings to target DIY and Pro’s; a more expensive automotive magnetic bit version for $40 and a double end ball detent bit version for about $30.

 

[Ton ton]

Rural King had USA made Tekton screwdrivers last time I was in the store.

 

[Dzmax77]

That *****. I don't have a single Menards in my state, but I have ordered a nos US made 35 piece 3/8 drive socket and wrench set and also a super stubby screwdriver set. In my area the only store to have 100% (or close to) US made screwdrivers was Home Depot with Ideal made Husky, but earlier today I went by there and they were all gone with the exception of a couple of individual ones. All of the others were either China or Taiwan, and also some of them had a slightly different design too. Now the only place for cheap USA made screwdrivers is Lowe's with their Kobalt acetate and cushion grip acetate drivers, and weirdly Walmart Hyper Tough acetate drivers. But those use imported steel for the blades and they aren't even an alloy, just high carbon steel, making them inferior to even the Husky ones which weren't that great either.

Can you post or send me a link to the socket set?

 

[Dzmax77]

I should’ve searched on Google. Toolguyd already was on it before I was.

What’s Happening to Pratt-Read, another USA Tool Brand?

toolguyd.com

 

[Lesserstore]

Can you post or send me a link to the socket set?

They sold out a while back unfortunately. They also had a 1/4 set with deeps that I regret not buying and they had a 3/4 set too. They still have open stock sockets and wrenches though.

 

[Dzmax77]

I ordered the last remaining MasterForce USA made Torx driver sets. Their handles and grip feel much better than the Craftsman USA acetate handle drivers.

 

[vertguy]

I picked up 1 of 2 remaining US sets of the super stubby screwdrivers. I have an older CM slot version that gets used a lot, so having the phillips version should come in handy.

 

[Dagny]

There is still an american flag on some of the singles in my menards

 

[metaldad]

i was shocked, to personally witness this 'transition'
i have enough drivers to last 5 lifetimes. sadly, i'm not going to attempt to
'load up' on the remaining old stock.

 

[Dzmax77]

Get them while you still can.

Pratt-Read is closing

Haven't seen this posted. The HJE guys discuss in video below.

www.garagejournal.com