Show off your.... Carlyle Tools!!!

[Steve_P]

Thanks for posting the box end wrenches. NAPA's site doesn't show much. I've been thinking seriously about buying a set at the price they are but lack of a NAPA anywhere nearby and the crappy photos have held me back.

I have a NAPA a mile away, but if you want these wrenches, the only option, at least for me, was to have them mailed to my house. Hence needing to add a 10mm socket to meet the free shipping threshold. I tried to add something stupid like a $2 oil plug gasket, but that didn't work. But a $2 socket did. Ok, whatever, I'll play the game. There was no ship to store option for me. They're a nice "in between" length option; shorter than the typical 0* XL DBEs, but longer than the modern long combo wrenches that I have.

Yeah, I don't even think the website lists the sizes that the set contains but I saw them in the quote above. I mean, how much harder can you make it to sell a set of 5 wrenches than to originally try and sell them for $100?, not stock them locally, not list the sizes online.... WTF are you thinking? Again, WTF is NAPA thinking on the Carlyle line? If a DIYer suddenly discovers he needs a 16mm socket, or a 10mm line wrench, and the NAPA 2 miles away doesn't have it, he's driving to the HF 30 miles away that does have it. SMH.... I mean, I get it that it costs $ to stock inventory. But if I have to order a wrench, or socket, why am I going to do that and wait instead of going to HF?

Anyway, these wrenches are definitely worth the sale price if you can still get them.

 

[KnurledNut]

I picked up the metric DBE wrench set shown above. I had to find a ~$2 10mm socket to add on the order for free shipping; of course they came in two different packages. The wrench set must've been sitting in the warehouse for a decade as it had a thick coating of dust on it.

I haven't used them yet, but the quality, as far as appearance, is excellent; they have that classic Craftsman raised panel look as you can see.

Not sure why NAPA bothers with Carlyle. The normal prices are just too expensive in comparison to other import tools, and my locally owned store stocks nothing by Carlyle. Because outside of GJ (when there's a sale), or maybe a local repair shop that gets a big discount, who buys tools at NAPA? I'm guessing almost no one. I'm actually surprised my local NAPA stays in business as there's an Advance next to it, and an O'Reilly's, Auto Zone, and Carquest within a mile of it, and all in a town with 12k people. And they all sell the same **** for exactly the same price- which is now typically 2X as much as the same thing costs online. When they opened the O'Reilly's, the last of the parts stores in town, my first thought was "WTF were they thinking?"

If I didnt have Proto already I would have been all over those! Visually, your set looks great. Hard price to beat.

 

[KnurledNut]

If someone wants to play around with codes they might be able to pick up a set of the extra long Kabo ratcheting wrenches in SAE at a decent price, by purchasing individually.

 

[Odd-job]

NAPA 2 miles away doesn't have it

I think you just need to move closer to a corporate store and/or a distribution center

Any respectful GJ member in good standing should have an ample inventory of 16mm sockets and be able to supply their good tool borrowing neighbors as well.

I need to get my act together and get my order in.

 

[Steve_P]

I think you just need to move closer to a corporate store and/or a distribution center

Any respectful GJ member in good standing should have an ample inventory of 16mm sockets and be able to supply their good tool borrowing neighbors as well.

I need to get my act together and get my order in.

Ha! I have plenty of 16mm sockets. But don't think I've ever used one. I live in that alternative universe of 8, 10, 12-14, 17, 19 Plus obviously the occasional larger sizes.

There used to be a huge NAPA distribution center, with a store in front, 15-20 miles away from me, but it closed a few years ago. I used to be able to get just about anything at my local store by noon the next day on special order. One time I needed something absolutely stupid like a 9/64 hex bit socket as I wanted to use a torque wrench on a fastener, and they had it for me by noon the next day.

My two local stores are both locally owned. I haven't tried to special order anything in years, but I'm guessing it'd take 2-3 days now.

 

[Steve_P]

If I didnt have Proto already I would have been all over those! Visually, your set looks great. Hard price to beat.

I have plenty of metric DBE wrenches, and I did not need these; but these fell into the "in between" length and had an offset angle end. Again, I didn't need them, but for $34?, I couldn't resist after seeing your post on the sales.

If you want these, get them before they're gone. They're nice. For the price, they're a bargain. Add a 10mm $2 socket for free shipping.

 

[89MustangGX]

I have plenty of metric DBE wrenches, and I did not need these; but these fell into the "in between" length and had an offset angle end. Again, I didn't need them, but for $34?, I couldn't resist after seeing your post on the sales.

If you want these, get them before they're gone. They're nice. For the price, they're a bargain. Add a 10mm $2 socket for free shipping.

Don't seem to see the set number- can you post it or maybe a link? Thinking about these...

 

[drtyler]

Don't seem to see the set number- can you post it or maybe a link? Thinking about these...

LBW5M

 

[89MustangGX]

LBW5M

Thanks.
Looking around, the SAE set has one more piece and is $109 - crazy!

 

[drtyler]

Thanks.
Looking around, the SAE set has one more piece and is $109 - crazy!

Try pricing the singles instead of the set.

 

[fourjeepin]

There was no ship to store option for me.

It’s not just you.

My two local stores are both locally owned. I haven't tried to special order anything in years, but I'm guessing it'd take 2-3 days now.

Give them a try. The NAPA distribution network is pretty good.

 

[AJHD]

I have plenty of metric DBE wrenches, and I did not need these; but these fell into the "in between" length and had an offset angle end. Again, I didn't need them, but for $34?, I couldn't resist after seeing your post on the sales.

If you want these, get them before they're gone. They're nice. For the price, they're a bargain. Add a 10mm $2 socket for free shipping.

I hate the Napa website.

It showed as $35 but would not let me pick store pickup or delivery so I had to choose shipping option instead. When the page refreshed, it shows as $86. I added them to my cart and tried searching for them again, and they still show as $86.

 

[Odd-job]

The NAPA distribution network is pretty good

Kind of interesting. Here's a list of Napa distribution centers as of 2021 if anyone is interested. Seems kind of light in the dead center of the country with a handful of distribution centers.

 

[fourjeepin]

I hate the Napa website.

It showed as $35 but would not let me pick store pickup or delivery so I had to choose shipping option instead. When the page refreshed, it shows as $86. I added them to my cart and tried searching for them again, and they still show as $86.

You probably need to select a company owned store to get that price. Depending on where you are located, there may not be any near you though.

 

[AJHD]

You probably need to select a company owned store to get that price. Depending on where you are located, there may not be any near you though.

Is there any way to know what store is company owned or franchise?

 

[Odd-job]

The corporate owned stores all seem to be cleaner, updated, and easier to access the tools (vs stuck behind the counter). Also I think the employees tend to dress in a more uniform manner.

 

[scooby074]

Is there any way to know what store is company owned or franchise?

I think it will just show a NAPA "town name" for a Company Owned vs a "company name" for private owned franchise when you look them up on the website. But I could be wrong..

 

[fourjeepin]

Is there any way to know what store is company owned or franchise?

Name is the best way. The stores in the Atlanta area are mostly corporate owned and are just listed as “NAPA Auto Parts”. Several north of Atlanta area are “NAPA Auto Parts-Quality Parts”.

FYI the stores are independent, not franchises so they are able to price things however they chose.

 

[Tynee]

I did pick up a few other things. SAE angle wrenches, 1/2” ratchet, etc. The knife features a D2 steel blade and was on sale for $30. I’ve been wanting a thinner EDC knife and have been trying to find the Ozark Trail one in stock. For $30, I’ll give this one a shot.

This is probably my last Carlyle purchase unless there’s a screaming deal on double box ratcheting flex wrenches or something. Overall, I’m half with what I’ve purchase and the price I paid. Its disappointing to see how NAPA fumbled this one.

If the new style locking mechanism is as good as the older style, you're going to like that ratchet. I like mine a lot.

I'm with you though. I've probably bought my last Carlyle tool if they've moved production to China.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

If the new style locking mechanism is as good as the older style, you're going to like that ratchet. I like mine a lot.

I'm with you though. I've probably bought my last Carlyle tool if they've moved production to China.

If you’re talking about the original ones with the locking button, I love those. The R38LFQR is by far my favorite ratchet. I’ve been trying to snag a 1/4 version off of eBay, but haven’t had any luck. I only have the non-locking version.

The newer 120T ratchets have a locking button on the side. What irks me is that occasionally they can unlock if you bump them. I believe I posted a comparison a few pages back. More annoying is the fact that the new head is significantly larger than the older ratchets. I ordered the older style fled head bent handle today. It’s the last one I need that I really don’t have.

They also talked to me about the Carlyle relaunch a bit. The whole pivoting to lime green and grey is supposedly to “attract Gen Z” who apparently demand “unparalleled quality at a competitive price point” or some nonsense like that. Sounds more like “we’re making **** in China and painting it green”.

I expected the impact stuff to be Made in China considering it’s rebranded Sunex. I guess technically they could be sourcing wrenches from the same OEM. Not entirely sure. When this new stuff starts trickling in, I’ll try to share what I can.

 

[AJHD]

I picked up the metric DBE wrench set shown above. I had to find a ~$2 10mm socket to add on the order for free shipping; of course they came in two different packages. The wrench set must've been sitting in the warehouse for a decade as it had a thick coating of dust on it.

I haven't used them yet, but the quality, as far as appearance, is excellent; they have that classic Craftsman raised panel look as you can see.

Not sure why NAPA bothers with Carlyle. The normal prices are just too expensive in comparison to other import tools, and my locally owned store stocks nothing by Carlyle. Because outside of GJ (when there's a sale), or maybe a local repair shop that gets a big discount, who buys tools at NAPA? I'm guessing almost no one. I'm actually surprised my local NAPA stays in business as there's an Advance next to it, and an O'Reilly's, Auto Zone, and Carquest within a mile of it, and all in a town with 12k people. And they all sell the same **** for exactly the same price- which is now typically 2X as much as the same thing costs online. When they opened the O'Reilly's, the last of the parts stores in town, my first thought was "WTF were they thinking?"

I hate the Napa website but I managed to grab a set of these today. Free shipping and pickup at a local store. Only took a few hours after I made the order.

At less than $40 with tax, I have no complaints. But no way in hell would I pay normal price of $90 for these. Made in Taiwan, they seem solid and remind me of the Craftsman raised panel. Fit and finish are not perfect.

Anyway, my set also had a layer of dust on them. No one had touched them for a long time. The local Napa store has lots of bare shelves on the retail side, especially tools.

 

[DarryT]

This 3/8 socket set seems like a screemin deal @ $78 if it's still Taiwan made. SAE & metric.

 

[65k10]

Looks like the new tools are starting to become available on the website. When searching for a tool by part number, you will get the existing Calyle tool as well as its replacement. From my initial searching, the difference is they tack on a "C" at the beginning of the existing part number for the new version.

For example when looking for a standard length 3/4 wrench with the number "CWFP124", you get the old wrench CWFP124 and its replacement CCWFP124. The new wrench has a different logo as well as teeth in the open end and surprisingly is a little cheaper. When comparing the new Carlyle to the old, it seemed like generally the new stuff is similar in price or more expensive, but the new wrench being cheaper makes me think I need to look a little more. Edit. Maybe not. In the short time between when I wrote this post and this edit, the prices on the new Carlyle stuff changed, seemingly to be more expensive. Might just have to sit tight and see what Napa plans the new prices to be.

The standard ratchets look to be replaced with 90 tooth models if the part number is any indication.
For example the 15" 1/2 ratchet R12LQR is replaced by CR1290L.

Hopefully they get a catalog out soon so we can see what all has changed and what the specs are. Like how the picture for the new 1/2 flex head CR1290F looks kind of short compared to the old 48 tooth model R12FQR.

Say goodbye to the nice undercutting on the sockets.
old S12030
new CS12030

Foam trays for things like screwdriver and wrench sets.
CCWL1211
CSDS8

Lastly, I guess here is an example of the new color scheme for the pliers and screwdrivers.
CSJP8
SDP24

I'm not sure what to think about the change right now. It's nice to see that they are upgrading the tooth count on the ratchets. I am a little worried about them switching suppliers on some products and possibly cheapening them up without appreciably changing the price like with the wrenches. I guess we will see what Napa changed soon enough.

 

[fourjeepin]

Thanks @65k10. I don’t have much Carlyle, but think I prefer the old colors.

 

[DarryT]

For a chain that specializes in auto parts, they sure have (too) many lines of hand tools. A few at my store Carlyle, Evercraft, Craftsman, Titan, GearWrench & Performance.

 

[lardy1]

Personally, I think they're shooting themselves in the foot (again) with this shift. NAPA's tool history is rife with such changes. Pity.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

For a chain that specializes in auto parts, they sure have (too) many lines of hand tools. A few at my store Carlyle, Evercraft, Craftsman, Titan, GearWrench & Performance.

• Carlyle - Getting (ill-conceived) updates
• Evercraft - Replaced by Performance Tool
• Craftsman - Discontinued
• Titan - Unsure. Guessing your local store is a franchise?
• Gearwrench - Mostly mail order/catalogue. Not stocked in stores.
• Performance Tool - Replacing Evercraft

There's also Milwaukee, which Napa has been pushing hard in recent years. I have no idea how their pricing is though. I'm not in the Milwaukee ecosystem.

The irritating thing for me is how half-assed this update is. Rather than rebranding, they could've funneled that money into being more competitive on price. The margins on Carlyle tools are huge. I'm talking 40-50% from what I've seen.

 

[Odd-job]

Would be interesting to see how and where Napa actually makes money from tools/Carlyle here in the US. They don't seem to make money off of consumers and am guessing Harbor Freight has taken a good chunk of that market share with Icon and their higher end Taiwan sourced offerings. Mechanics tend to be required to buy their own stuff from the tool trucks, internet, harbor freight. Guessing Napa historically is more about selling parts to commercial customers with a tool side business. Maybe the shop equipment moves? The tool business seems like a tough one so am not surprised they are pivoting once again, half assed (ie less resources) and all. Personally I would have preferred they keep much of the same Taiwan sourced lineup in place and had been a little more in touch with market pricing for us prosumers as their retail pricing never made any sense unless one was extremely price insensitive. Thank goodness there are so many other choices right now.

See you guys in the Tools of Japan Thread

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

Would be interesting to see how and where Napa actually makes money from tools/Carlyle here in the US. They don't seem to make money off of consumers and am guessing Harbor Freight has taken a good chunk of that market share with Icon and their higher end Taiwan sourced offerings. Mechanics tend to be required to buy their own stuff from the tool trucks, internet, harbor freight. Guessing Napa historically is more about selling parts to commercial customers with a tool side business. Maybe the shop equipment moves? The tool business seems like a tough one so am not surprised they are pivoting once again, half assed (ie less resources) and all. Personally I would have preferred they keep much of the same Taiwan sourced lineup in place and had been a little more in touch with market pricing for us prosumers as their retail pricing never made any sense unless one was extremely price insensitive. Thank goodness there are so many other choices right now.

See you guys in the Tools of Japan Thread

From what I was told, the original thought behind Carlyle was to offer a mid-tier alternative to a tool truck. If you worked in a NAPA shop, your driver would handle deliveries and warranty returns just like they would an alternator or anything else. You'd also get better pricing based upon your purchasing tier, again just like hard parts.

They move A LOT of tools and equipment, just not as many hand tools. I'm talking lifts, alignment racks, AC machines, compressors, etc. Part of this is because NAPA offers installation, support, and special financing for shops on this. Not only do they have the field sales reps, but also dedicated Tool & Equipment guys for when the field sales guy needs additional support (some need it more than others). NAPA also has that Auto Care Center program by where you become sort of a quasi-franchise repair facility. I'm not 100% sure how that works on the shop end, but on the customer end that gives you a nationwide warranty that's valid at any Auto Care Center and they also do the credit card through Synchrony.

But back to the hand tool piece. I agree with you on all fronts here. I don't know how well Carlyle did or did not sell, but there's no doubt that they have more competition than when the line dropped 10-12 years ago. I don't understand how this rebrand is going to address that.

 

[Odd-job]

From what I was told, the original thought behind Carlyle was to offer a mid-tier alternative to a tool truck. If you worked in a NAPA shop, your driver would handle deliveries and warranty returns just like they would an alternator or anything else. You'd also get better pricing based upon your purchasing tier, again just like hard parts.

They move A LOT of tools and equipment, just not as many hand tools. I'm talking lifts, alignment racks, AC machines, compressors, etc. Part of this is because NAPA offers installation, support, and special financing for shops on this. Not only do they have the field sales reps, but also dedicated Tool & Equipment guys for when the field sales guy needs additional support (some need it more than others). NAPA also has that Auto Care Center program by where you become sort of a quasi-franchise repair facility. I'm not 100% sure how that works on the shop end, but on the customer end that gives you a nationwide warranty that's valid at any Auto Care Center and they also do the credit card through Synchrony.

But back to the hand tool piece. I agree with you on all fronts here. I don't know how well Carlyle did or did not sell, but there's no doubt that they have more competition than when the line dropped 10-12 years ago. I don't understand how this rebrand is going to address that.

Thanks for the history and insight. Am always curious behind the economics and business strategies of the companies behind these brands.

From now on, I have vowed I am going to be less abusive to my 72t locking flex heads and blue push button Cornwell rebranded roto ratchets for the time being. At least until I can have confidence of self warrantying them by buying an equivalent from one of the other Taiwanese manufacturing focused brands.

 

[65k10]

Earlier this week I ordered the P-Rex plier set they have on sale for the quarter and out of curiosity I added a 1/2 drive 3/4" socket from the new Carlyle line to the order. Got the two items today and the socket does not instill confidence towards the new line. Doesn't look as nice as the previous socket for the same kind and as you can see on the tag "Product of Cambodia, Finished in China". I was hoping that at most they had switched to a cheaper supplier in Taiwan, but apparently that was too much to hope for.

That said, the socket might be just fine, but not at the price they charge for it. At the time of order, I paid $2.59 and at the time of this post the price is up to $6.29. For some reason earlier this week, a bunch of the new Carlyle tools were priced fairly low but are currently at a noticeably higher price. Currently I could buy the same socket from the old line for $5.69.

It might not be all gloom and doom since some of the other tools on the website look to just be the same tool with a new logo and color, but the socket is still disappointing. One because while the old Taiwan made sockets weren't anything too special, the seemed to be well made, had undercuts which were nice, and in 1/4 and 3/8 you could get mid depth. I thought they were a step above many of the other imported sockets. It's also disappointing since it just looks like they are cheapening up some of the line while not making the tools any cheaper which was kind of the problem in the first place. Generally the tools themselves were good, they just needed to be more competitive. HF seems to have got it figured out with Icon.

 

[Steve_P]

^ Derp. This is the first time I've seen any tools (partially) manufactured in Cambodia. Obviously if you set up a facility with modern equipment nearly anywhere, supply good materials..... you can build quality, but has even Vietnam and India become too expensive for NAPA???? Next up, Carlyle pliers made in Bangladesh, hammers from Myanmar...

 

[Callelle]

The "Carlyle" stamping reminds me of Gearwrench's font on their sockets, the same with the knurling on the bottom. I'm missing a 10mm (*Scoff*) from my 1/4 drive set, I better order a replacement quick and hope I get older stock.

 

[rct]

I like the Carlyle tools I've picked up, but that socket looks horribly cheap in appearance. I'm not impressed. Why pay Carlyle prices for evercraft or dollar store quality?

 

[Odd-job]

Sadly it looks like the new Carlyle is even a step below Evercraft.

Guess more incentive not to lose $hit.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Everything about that socket, from the color scheme to the font on the tag to the knurling, looks cheap. Sad.

 

[fourjeepin]

I fondled several things from the new line earlier this week. No sockets or ratchets, but all were labeled Taiwan. I don’t have much Carlyle and am not loyal to any brand, but I didn’t care for the new stuff. I am going to keep an eye out for the Carlyle blue mini bolt cutters and crimpers.

 

[Steve_P]

I fondled several things from the new line earlier this week. No sockets or ratchets, but all were labeled Taiwan. I don’t have much Carlyle and am not loyal to any brand, but I didn’t care for the new stuff. I am going to keep an eye out for the Carlyle blue mini bolt cutters and crimpers.

The small crimpers/strippers are still around, but they're also having a special this month on a three-piece set CHT PSW3 for $42.60.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTPSW3

 

[Farmall450]

I was really tempted by this one...

oof

 

[Farmall450]

The Carlyle tap socket set is around $30 which isnt too bad with the additional promo code discount.

I'm late to the party but those are Lisle and nice. I normally scout the real deals sales for the remaining USA specialty tools they offer.