I used to work as an industrial mechanic & would sometimes get Stanley tools from Grainger. While at Wal-Mart I checked out some of the Stanley tools available & they seem inferior to what I have. Does Stanley make different grade of tools depending on who is selling them? I'm referring to basic hand tools such as wrenches.
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Question on Stanley tools.
- Thread starter tweety420
- Start date
neophyte
Well-known member
The short answer is that yes, Stanley has more than one line of tools, and different quality levels amongst those tool lines. There can also be major differences in quality between the Stanley branded tools sold in different countries.
It also wouldn't surprise me if Stanley specs a higher quality product specifically for Grainger similar to the way Grainger carries Craftsman "Industrial" branded tools, that seem to be the same as the old Craftsman "Professional" tools sold at Sears, but possibly with a better finish.
It also wouldn't surprise me if Stanley specs a higher quality product specifically for Grainger similar to the way Grainger carries Craftsman "Industrial" branded tools, that seem to be the same as the old Craftsman "Professional" tools sold at Sears, but possibly with a better finish.
Stanley tools took a turn in 2007 or so to new styles, wrenches notably, and again mid last year they styles changed again across the board. Ratchets and socket sets are ever changing animals for them. Always have been.
I am a Stanley fanboy of old, collector of Stanley Workmaster wrenches. The newest versions just don't interest me anymore. They became too much like everybody elses offerings really.
As much as it hurts they have gone much the way Sears has taken their tool lines. It is clearly evidenced on the store shelves. Still just like everybody else among the rocks there are a few gems still worth having.
I am a Stanley fanboy of old, collector of Stanley Workmaster wrenches. The newest versions just don't interest me anymore. They became too much like everybody elses offerings really.
As much as it hurts they have gone much the way Sears has taken their tool lines. It is clearly evidenced on the store shelves. Still just like everybody else among the rocks there are a few gems still worth having.
woody 73
Well-known member
Yes Stanley had different grades of screwdrivers, the names and #'s are blurry, call it old age; but I remember picking up a set at a cheap discount house (Marked made in the USA) but with each turn of the handle the tips all bent rather fast.
Maybe it was the 100 plus line?? that was a much better quality, then the junk I picked up that day.
Maybe it was the 100 plus line?? that was a much better quality, then the junk I picked up that day.
woody 73
Well-known member
The word on he street years ago was that Stanley hand planes were **** from overseas (not like their old tools); and men were looking for better tools in droves.
Well at least one young MBA must have been thinking we had better get them to come back or we are sinking fast in a heavy boat, so Stanley went back to making a better hand tool, geared for those that sought the old Stanley quality.
http://www.stanleyhandtoolsmediakit...cing-five-new-sweetheart-premium-hand-planes/
Well at least one young MBA must have been thinking we had better get them to come back or we are sinking fast in a heavy boat, so Stanley went back to making a better hand tool, geared for those that sought the old Stanley quality.
http://www.stanleyhandtoolsmediakit...cing-five-new-sweetheart-premium-hand-planes/
ganymede
Well-known member
Yes Stanley had different grades of screwdrivers, the names and #'s are blurry, call it old age....
....Maybe it was the 100 plus line?? that was a much better quality, then the junk I picked up that day.
I've seen people mention that line a few times, always in high regard.
The few I've got and used are nice.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I think their quality is random across the board as of today. There's stuff you can buy at Walmart that's complete junk, and then at the same Walmart you can get stuff that's actually pretty good.
My father has some combo wrenches that are probably about 40 years old and they've done all they've ever been asked to do and then some. If they were still of that quality today, we'd be raving about them. I have some torx bit sockets that have done very well too, especially since they came from Wally World. Kind of surprised actually. I also have some sockets too, but those are the older made in Taiwan versions vs. the made in China versions now. I like them as well. Some of their stuff has it's place, but you have to pick your spots.
My father has some combo wrenches that are probably about 40 years old and they've done all they've ever been asked to do and then some. If they were still of that quality today, we'd be raving about them. I have some torx bit sockets that have done very well too, especially since they came from Wally World. Kind of surprised actually. I also have some sockets too, but those are the older made in Taiwan versions vs. the made in China versions now. I like them as well. Some of their stuff has it's place, but you have to pick your spots.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Old Stanley planes were always THE go to tools. Still are.
CatfishXpress
Well-known member
When I called stanley to warranty a rachet, they knew it was purchased at Wal-mart from the model number. So I would say there are different quality levels.
BTW the replacement they sent me is much better quality than the original.
BTW the replacement they sent me is much better quality than the original.
I never knew Stanley was ever good quality based on the 5 and dime store level junk my parents bought when I was a lad. I now own a 25' tape and a made in Usa utility knife that are nice quality. I doubt they will ever be a "go to" brand for me, too much variation in their stuff.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I hate Stanley screwdrivers ! The handle diameter is too small and the grooves in the handle seem to bite into my hand.
The Walmart Stanley levels aren't bad for a homeowner. If you have nothing, you will need 3. A torpedo, a 2' and a 4'. At Walmart, they are affordable for an average homeowner.
The Walmart Stanley levels aren't bad for a homeowner. If you have nothing, you will need 3. A torpedo, a 2' and a 4'. At Walmart, they are affordable for an average homeowner.