Show off your.... Carlyle Tools!!!
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TwoInch
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sockets look damn good! i like the design, that the base of all the sockets are of the same size, all the way up. like the knurling too
those sockets look great. Only complaint i'd have is it seems they wasted most of the space with that big "Carlyle" script so im guessing the size is only marked in one spot? I would of liked to of seen an easy read etching, color coding, or at least a double stamp for the sizes.
TwoInch
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the size marking seems pretty visible, even though its only one spot. i prefer the non easy read myself, but can totally understand why some prefer it. my gripe with the older craftsman sockets was the small size print, and how shallow it was, hard to see a lot of the time. these seem to be deeper and more visible. i might give the sockets a good look soon.
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concealer404
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Correct, size only marked in one spot. It's marked pretty big, though.
I can see how that might bug a pro, but someone like me who might only use 3-4 sockets at a time, no big deal.
I'm not sure what i would want to "fix" it. I hate easy read sockets with a passion, color coding is hard to do and keep it in good shape. The double stamp seems to be my favorite, but even that's a stretch.
NC-Fordguy
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Looks great!!!
Fedwrench
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Congratulations on your socket purchase!!! Now get'em dirty!!!!
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concealer404
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Heh that's the plan... i have a chassis to put on the ground for the first time in over a year on Saturday, and a shifter to rebuild on the Miata. (Though the Miata will only take quarter drive stuff i think.)
kippieland
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I really like those sockets!!
TwoInch
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the gearwrench sockets taiwan?
i also picked up some of the kobalt stuff, metric 1/4", and both 12pt deep 3/8 drive. something about the 1/4 drive shallows give me a cheap feeling. the 3/8 deep seem heavy and solid.
maybe its in my head.
NC-Fordguy
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I tried to order a set of the carlyle double x long needle nose pliers today. Even though it is supposed to be a carlyle number the old napa hand tools model kept coming up. However the set of napa hand tools version was coming up at $19.97 so I ended up ordering that. We'll see what set actually arrives.
I was able to order a duckbill pair of carlyle pliers.
I was able to order a duckbill pair of carlyle pliers.
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concealer404
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Those haven't been swapped over yet. It'll be the Napa Service Tools units. For $20, they aren't bad, i have a set. I think they were cheaper through Cripe, though.
Dustin Echoes
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So, I just left my local NAPA store, and I'm sad. They've never heard of Carlyle tools. I guess they're not in Canada... yet.
i wonder if they'll ever be? as napa canada sells Ultra Pro, a line that's not sold in the US.
Dustin Echoes
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True about the ultra pro. I wonder if any Americans here would consider an "I purchase this for you, you purchase that for me, and we'll trade" kinda deal?
I'm not too crazy about the knurling on the metric sockets; I don't need that. GearWrench doesn't have knurling on their metric sockets and I think it looks cleaner that way. GearWrench also gives you a nicer rail.
And at Amazon, GearWrench socket sets are almost 1/2 the price of Carlyle from NAPA. I remember when guys used to comment about how expensive GearWrench was compared to TopTul. Now we got an Asian tool brand that even more expensive than GearWrench!
And one thing I don't like about the Carlyle extensions is the words "Chrome Vanadium" stamped on there; that's cheesy. Plus they didn't put any grooves by the drive end.
Those are my negative comments about Carlyle.
And at Amazon, GearWrench socket sets are almost 1/2 the price of Carlyle from NAPA. I remember when guys used to comment about how expensive GearWrench was compared to TopTul. Now we got an Asian tool brand that even more expensive than GearWrench!
And one thing I don't like about the Carlyle extensions is the words "Chrome Vanadium" stamped on there; that's cheesy. Plus they didn't put any grooves by the drive end.
Those are my negative comments about Carlyle.
jjjrmx5
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Hahahaha. That's funny.
I bought teh NAPA Pro 56 piece 1/4" drive set a couple months ago on 50% deals (plus others) locally and the Taiwan sourced set is identical to the KD/Gearwrench set but with the metric knurling on the sockets and a few different pieces offered (GW set is fewer and different pieces).
Same Gearwrench ratchet but branded NAPA. Same socket design and specs. but stamped on the side differently.
My guess is the Carlyle tools are likely a step up from that.
Be careful what you have come to despise as it may make you take notice.
LOLOLOL.
Sure . I'm game.
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I knew it was risky saying some negative comments about Carlyle but I figure people should know the differences in case they're contemplating a purchase.
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concealer404
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I'm not too crazy about the knurling on the metric sockets; I don't need that. GearWrench doesn't have knurling on their metric sockets and I think it looks cleaner that way. GearWrench also gives you a nicer rail.
And at Amazon, GearWrench socket sets are almost 1/2 the price of Carlyle from NAPA. I remember when guys used to comment about how expensive GearWrench was compared to TopTul. Now we got an Asian tool brand that even more expensive than GearWrench!
And one thing I don't like about the Carlyle extensions is the words "Chrome Vanadium" stamped on there; that's cheesy. Plus they didn't put any grooves by the drive end.
Those are my negative comments about Carlyle.
My metric Gearwrench sockets all have knurling, and i can't really tell a different between the rails. They're both plastic.
Pricing will likely even out as the line matures. Of course, that's just a guess, but there's some pretty big differences between how Gearwrench is currently sold and how Carlyle is still rolling out, but there's not really HUGE differences in MSRPs.
Looks like i need to order some extensions and see what they're like, huh? Anyone want to see some detail shots of those?
And yes to jjjrmx6, the Carlyle tools are a fairly large step up from Gearwrench as far as i'm concerned so far. The finish on GW stuff has always been quite good, so there's not a huge difference there, but the weight is the main tell-tale for me. The Carlyle tools outweigh the GW stuff by a rather wide margin. It all just feels better, more solid.
Too early to tell if it'll hold up as long, but i'm not the guy you want testing that, as i'm just a weekend warrior.
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Fedwrench
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Time to get those meds updated again Merk, Gearwrench has always had knurling on their metric sockets
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/sockets/standard/
TwoInch
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Time to get those meds updated again Merk, Gearwrench has always had knurling on their metric sockets
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/sockets/standard/
thats what i was thinkin.....
MechanicNamedJohn
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I'm seeing the word Metric next to a plain un-knurled socket:
I see 3/8 on the socket
TwoInch
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I'm seeing the word Metric next to a plain un-knurled socket:
i see the description as 6 and 12pt, Standard socket SAE/Metric 1/4" drive, and a picture showing a 3/8 drive, 3/8" 6pt socket.....
TwoInch
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if you click this link http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/sockets/standard/
here is a quote "Double line(SAE) and knurled line(MM) to easily identify Standard vs. Metric sockets"
here is a quote "Double line(SAE) and knurled line(MM) to easily identify Standard vs. Metric sockets"
Well just had to warranty my long 1/2" ratchet. Haven't had a chance to use it until today and noticed it seemed like it would bind up every once in a while. I used it to loosen the hydraulic filters on a 8R tractor and set it down until I had the new filter spun on as tight as it would go by hand, pick up the ratchet and it was frozen solid. Anvil wouldn't move either direction and the selector switch wouldnt move at all. I tapped it on the concrete lightly thinking it was maybe in a slight bind being new and not yet worn in good, but no results.
Napa ordered me a new one and said for me to pick it up tm morning. We'll see how long the new one last. I hope alot longer than 5 minutes haha.
I understand that they are a new product and have to work out the kinks so I'm not mad about it. That's what a good warranty is for!
Napa ordered me a new one and said for me to pick it up tm morning. We'll see how long the new one last. I hope alot longer than 5 minutes haha.
I understand that they are a new product and have to work out the kinks so I'm not mad about it. That's what a good warranty is for!
air tractor602
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man ive been lurking around this forum for awhile, kicking myself in the **** for buying the tools i did recently for school. ive read really good reviews on tools that were in my budget and better quality but had never heard of them before. i got the 299 craftsman socket set and would much rather have the carlyle. got the craftsman pro wrenches, wishing i got the carlyle. not saying what i have is bad, i just wish i could have got more quality for my money.
TwoInch
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if you have the receipts and packaging, dont feel bad taking them back. the socket set i would keep tho, they are fine sockets, and most agree are plenty good and a hell of a value.
you would bay out the nose for that many sockets from any other company worth a damn.
the wrenches... are they USA made? if not, id try to take em back.
air tractor602
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eh i got the wrenches almost a year ago and i believe they are USA. i do like the socket set, however i was disappointed that it didnt come with any 1/4" metric 12pt sockets. its not a big deal i guess, but when your working in aviation, 12pt comes in handy. although metric is hardly seen, it would sure be nice to have. im going to napa tomorrow and if carlyle makes them, im all over it. where in nw indiana are you? im from wakarusa (south bend area) but am in indy for school
TwoInch
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yeah, i always wondered about those 12pt 1/4 metrics too, my set doesnt have them either. never realized they dont offer them at all anymore.
you can get gearwrench for about $30 or so. i keep forgetting to find a set, not that i have needed them thus far... just the point of having them. also, your wrenches will have USA stamped right into the wrench, if not, they are the newer china made polished.
i am right near gary indiana, burns harbor to be exact. but i have spent some time out your way, fishing the St. Joe and its tribs. what you goin to school for exactly?
you can get gearwrench for about $30 or so. i keep forgetting to find a set, not that i have needed them thus far... just the point of having them. also, your wrenches will have USA stamped right into the wrench, if not, they are the newer china made polished.
i am right near gary indiana, burns harbor to be exact. but i have spent some time out your way, fishing the St. Joe and its tribs. what you goin to school for exactly?
NC-Fordguy
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GearWrench conventional non-ratcheting:
Ok? And the point you're trying to get across?
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concealer404
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The Gearwrench wrenches are excellent for the $50 they go on sale for every once in awhile. I'd even say they're good at the $80-$90 you find them for now.
The big combo wrench set i got from Carlyle is on sale right now for $130, and it's a more complete set than the $80-$90 Gearwrench set. Depends on what you need, really.
In all honesty, if i hadn't missed out on the GW set for $50, i probably wouldn't have bought my Carlyle set. I try to avoid using wrenches whenever i can, and can't remember the last time i used a 24mm wrench. Oh yeah, NEVER.
The big combo wrench set i got from Carlyle is on sale right now for $130, and it's a more complete set than the $80-$90 Gearwrench set. Depends on what you need, really.
In all honesty, if i hadn't missed out on the GW set for $50, i probably wouldn't have bought my Carlyle set. I try to avoid using wrenches whenever i can, and can't remember the last time i used a 24mm wrench. Oh yeah, NEVER.
You're not using the right wrenches then. Some wrenches are an absolute pleasure to use. The Snap-on double box XBM series is a perfect example.
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concealer404
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I just prefer ratchets... they're a superior tool assuming you have the space. Faster, more comfortable, and i have bony hands without much padding, and nothing pisses me off more than bruised palms. (Waaa waaaa i'm a girl, etc...) If you don't have the space, then it's nice to have nice wrenches. People keep saying the Bonney wrenches i have (and am trying to sell) should be awesome to use, but yet... they aren't buying them.
I don't go out of my way to use wrenches.
I just prefer ratchets... they're a superior tool assuming you have the space. Faster, more comfortable, and i have bony hands without much padding, and nothing pisses me off more than bruised palms. (Waaa waaaa i'm a girl, etc...) If you don't have the space, then it's nice to have nice wrenches. People keep saying the Bonney wrenches i have (and am trying to sell) should be awesome to use, but yet... they aren't buying them.
I don't go out of my way to use wrenches.
The XBM's are thicker than the OEX's, but every once in awhile Snap-on will put out a slightly thicker OEX by accident. I had a real nice thick beam OEXLM13B that I got off eBay that came off the line thicker than usual. It had one flaw though and that was a slightly broached off center box end. I handed it into the dealer and guess what? He exchanges it and hands me back a real thin OEX that's like a dull knife blade.
The Gearwrench wrenches are excellent for the $50 they go on sale for every once in awhile. I'd even say they're good at the $80-$90 you find them for now.
The big combo wrench set i got from Carlyle is on sale right now for $130, and it's a more complete set than the $80-$90 Gearwrench set. Depends on what you need, really.
In all honesty, if i hadn't missed out on the GW set for $50, i probably wouldn't have bought my Carlyle set. I try to avoid using wrenches whenever i can, and can't remember the last time i used a 24mm wrench. Oh yeah, NEVER.
It will come in handy some day, I have to use 24mm and 13mm open ends to align my BMW.