Steelman PRO Tools

[SteelmanPRO]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Dave and I am a Marketing Associate for JS Products, the maker of the Steelman and Steelman PRO line of tools.

I wanted to provide myself as a point of contact on Garage Journal for any questions or concerns about our products. As a manufacturer, we think it is important to interface with the folks that are actually using our products day to day. Many of you use your tools to make a living and we want to be sure that we are here to answer your questions and receive any feedback you have, good or bad.

We hope to remain active in the Garage Journal community. Please feel free to contact me either in this thread or PM me with your questions, concerns, or suggestions!

 

[logikal]

Sorry, been a tech for 10 years, never heard of your product. Anyone have any input?

 

[Youngguns]

I haven't heard of them either, but I like the manufacturer coming forward, as opposed to masquerading as a member who really likes said tools. Give us more information damn you!

 

[erty67]

Thanks for joining the site. Please tell us more about your brand, including where to find them for sale.

 

[AndrewV]

Whats the max tourque tested on those 160 tooth ratchets?
I'm referencing, at what point did the ratching mechanism brake.

As for the rest of gj, we have Steelman wheel weight hammers, at my shop. Haven't broken any in 2 yrs we've had them. Just can't pull most weights off. Have all our hubcap hammers from them to.

....forgot.....
The shops torque wrenches to, they're Steelman.
And Steelman's parent company(JS Products) makes some of the kobalt hand tools.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I have your old "engine ear" and "chassis ear" products. Great stuff!

 

[tatra]

Love the lighted inspection mirror with the thumb wheel. ...

 

[Ign]

Sorry, been a tech for 10 years, never heard of your product. Anyone have any input?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265480

 

[SteelmanPRO]

I'll be glad to give you some background on our company and tool lines.

Our company was established in 1986 and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our best known item, and and item that you may have seen or used is our Chassis Ear noise and vibration diagnostic system. In addition, we manufacture a wide variety of hand and shop tools.

Our Steelman line contains a variety of high quality shop tools at a reasonable price point. Steelman does everything from wrenches and ratchets all the way to shop supplies. You can check out our offering at www.steelmantools.com

Our Steelman PRO line is aimed at providing new and innovative tool ideas that make a tech's job easier or more efficient. Our lineup consists of wrenches, ratchets, sockets, bit drivers, lighting solutions, and diagnostic listening devices. We are constantly expanding the PRO line with new ideas. You can see what we currently have in our lineup at www.steelmanpro.com

I have also included a link to our Facebook page in my signature for those of you who use Facebook and would like to follow us to see our newest offerings.

Our tools are available exclusively through mobile tool dealers and a limited number of brick and mortar auto shops. If you do not see our items on the mobile tool truck, please ask for them by name, as they should have access to them.

Thanks for the welcome, we look forward to contributing to the community!

 

[SteelmanPRO]

Whats the max tourque tested on those 160 tooth ratchets?
I'm referencing, at what point did the ratching mechanism brake.

Hi AndrewV,

I will try to find out, if I can, the exact numbers from our QC department. What I can tell you though for sure is that our 160 tooth COBRA ratchets are tested at the factory, and again in our QC department here in Las Vegas and exceed 150% of ANSI torque specifications.

 

[SteelmanPRO]

I have your old "engine ear" and "chassis ear" products. Great stuff!

Thank you sir! Glad you enjoy and have found our products useful!

 

[SteelmanPRO]

Love the lighted inspection mirror with the thumb wheel. ...

Thank you, hope you have found it useful!

 

[Karl_B]

Could you tell us more about Steelman tools? Are they made by your company or made by other companies for your brand? Where is the factory or factories located?

I think you'll find that a lot of us put way more thought and bias into our tool purchases than the general public. If we feel your products are what we want for the prices offered, though, all will be well.

 

[SteelmanPRO]

Could you tell us more about Steelman tools? Are they made by your company or made by other companies for your brand? Where is the factory or factories located?

I think you'll find that a lot of us put way more thought and bias into our tool purchases than the general public. If we feel your products are what we want for the prices offered, though, all will be well.

Hi Karl_B,

I understand the scrutiny that this board puts into their tool purchases. As I said in my intro, we know that many of our customers depend on their tools for a living and we want to live up to the standards that folks like yourself set for us!

To answer your question, we design the vast majority of our PRO items in house, here in Las Vegas. Our tools are manufactured in our own factories and sourced locations in Taiwan and China.

 

[Karl_B]

And all outsourced pieces have to meet your own quality control standards, tested after they arrive in your facilities?

 

[AndrewV]

Hi AndrewV,

I will try to find out, if I can, the exact numbers from our QC department. What I can tell you though for sure is that our 160 tooth COBRA ratchets are tested at the factory, and again in our QC department here in Las Vegas and exceed 150% of ANSI torque specifications.

Thanks for checking, hope you can find it. On the fence with them.

 

[dj_110]

Hi Karl_B,

I understand the scrutiny that this board puts into their tool purchases. As I said in my intro, we know that many of our customers depend on their tools for a living and we want to live up to the standards that folks like yourself set for us!

To answer your question, we design the vast majority of our PRO items in house, here in Las Vegas. Our tools are manufactured in our own factories and sourced locations in Taiwan and China.

Tool truck prices for China/Taiwan manufacture? Ouch.

 

[rusty65]

Steelman pro is used by the Pittsburgh pros. When I order I'm going to only use my ratchet in Breaker mode because flex mode and lock mode are just to floppy. Im sorry but any comapny thet makes a mutated Dog bone wrench is just to gimmicky for me. http://www.steelmantools.com/tools/innovations/multi-drive-ratchet.html

 

[Stooge]

Steelman pro is used by the Pittsburgh pros. When I order I'm going to only use my ratchet in Breaker mode because flex mode and lock mode are just to floppy. Im sorry but any comapny thet makes a mutated Dog bone wrench is just to gimmicky for me. http://www.steelmantools.com/tools/...ition is a little off its mark, in my opinion

 

[dj_110]

woah woah, you must've not read the description! those are INNOVATIONS!

.steelmantools.com/tools/innovations/multi-drive-ratchet.html

at those prices and for what im expecting to be the entire line of hand tools to be imported, i dont think i will be purchasing any steelman tools. im completely fine with import tools, when the price is reflected in that as with a company such as gearwrench or astro pneumatic, but $120 for an asian 3/8 locking flex head ratchet that only locks in a straight/fixed postition is a little off its mark, in my opinion

They are "available to the tool truck guys" the sales person on here said. So they expect those prices for imported junk. I wanted that I would go to HF and get it for 1/3 the price.

 

[woodstockva]

I first saw the Steelman PRO ratchets in this month's tool catalog from NAPA.....it would be interesting to see them in action.

But, looking at the other Steelman products, I didnt even realize that they are the ones who make the Chassis Ear system, or many of the other products that they carry. I am glad that they took the time to come here to have a point of contact via GarageJournal, instead of only a website and/or 1-800 # like most of the other tool companies.

And for the record.....99% of ALL tool companies have overseas manufacturing....I dont know why this is always such a surprise & gets the constant barrage of negativity from people. Some made in china tools are pure junk....and some made in usa tools are pure junk....try giving the companies a chance, instead of just instantly writing them off (or more likely just complaining about some product that you never had intentions of buying anyway).

 

[SteelmanPRO]

Thanks for checking, hope you can find it. On the fence with them.

Hi AndrewV,

Here is what I found out from our QC guys here in the office:

The ASME Specs for drive torque are 37.5 ft/lb for 1/4" drive, 150 ft/lb for 3/8", and 375 ft/lb for 1/2" drive. Our 160 tooth Cobra Ratchets exceeded these specs by an average of 151%. The most common point of failure was not the drive itself, but at the tang.

The ratchets are backed by a lifetime warranty and for what it's worth, I truly believe that we have the best product on the market. Our PRO line is turning out some exciting stuff.

I will have some pictures of the internal drive later today for everyone in the 160 Tooth Cobra ratchet thread.

We also hope to put together a giveaway or two on here so hopefully some lucky people on GJ will have a chance to give our products a try for themselves!

 

[KamiCrit]

 

[rednotch]

Tool truck prices for China/Taiwan manufacture? Ouch.

many of the old mac or other truck brand monthly specials where Steelman tools rebadged.... The old mac P pliers ect... not very good tools for the money.

 

[AndrewV]

Hi AndrewV,

Here is what I found out from our QC guys here in the office:

The ASME Specs for drive torque are 37.5 ft/lb for 1/4" drive, 150 ft/lb for 3/8", and 375 ft/lb for 1/2" drive. Our 160 tooth Cobra Ratchets exceeded these specs by an average of 151%. The most common point of failure was not the drive itself, but at the tang.

The ratchets are backed by a lifetime warranty and for what it's worth, I truly believe that we have the best product on the market. Our PRO line is turning out some exciting stuff.

I will have some pictures of the internal drive later today for everyone in the 160 Tooth Cobra ratchet thread.

We also hope to put together a giveaway or two on here so hopefully some lucky people on GJ will have a chance to give our products a try for themselves!

Ty for specs.
Just wish there were more length options.
But still on my mabey list.

 

[SteelmanPRO]

Ty for specs.
Just wish there were more length options.
But still on my mabey list.

Thanks! In the future, we may look at different lengths. I hope you keep us in mind when you decide to make a purchase!

 

[SteelmanPRO]

I just posted some pictures in the 160 tooth Cobra Ratchet thread, hope it answers your questions!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4334580#post4334580

 

[espyking83]

Your best bet would be to send some to Woodstock and have him do a versus review. My apologies, but some of the tools you offer look cereal box gimmicky. Kind of scares pro's away. Not trying to be a ****, just my perception.

 

[espyking83]

Dont see prices when I click on product. Tool types not identified under categories. Might just be the mobile site, but inconvenient nonetheless.


-10 interest.

 

[AA/FC]

I have the wireless chassis ear.... It works, it does what it claims to do, but there is a TON of static between the transmitters and receiver. (the wireless connection) Maybe the NON-rechargable batteries are getting low and causing the static, but I remember it being a problem even when they were brand new.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Only price I saw was the 1/2'' locking flex head ratchet. 144 bucks. Are these guys serious?

 

[thesilverone]

in for the paid "unbiased" review

 

[Gmonkee]

Pittsburg Pro, Steelman Pro........ On Asain rebrands that is something you'll have to prove about the 'pro' part of the name.
And I do use a lot of Asain tools regularily, but to make them last long term I had to learn their limits.

Normally that grade of stuff is homeowner grade no matter the names marketing can slap on it.

Consider this: Oxwall Pro. Some of the historically worst tools ever bore that Oxwall name, but its too easy for me to just send it past the MBA in marketing and it improved?

 

[Loscaldazar]

Pittsburg Pro, Steelman Pro........ On Asain rebrands that is something you'll have to prove about the 'pro' part of the name.
And I do use a lot of Asain tools regularily, but to make them last long term I had to learn their limits.

Normally that grade of stuff is homeowner grade no matter the names marketing can slap on it.

Consider this: Oxwall Pro. Some of the historically worst tools ever bore that Oxwall name, but its too easy for me to just send it past the MBA in marketing and it improved?

To be fair, these aren't rebranded- they actually are unique in many ways.

 

[oldldh]

Steelman Pro 3pc ratchet set...160 teeth...

Part # 98860...

Available on line for less than $ 65.00...

Interesting...

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I use the wireless Chassis ear; has paid for itself many times over. Highly recommend.

I also have a set of those connector pin release tools. Again, very well made.

 

[SteelmanPRO]

I have the wireless chassis ear.... It works, it does what it claims to do, but there is a TON of static between the transmitters and receiver. (the wireless connection) Maybe the NON-rechargable batteries are getting low and causing the static, but I remember it being a problem even when they were brand new.

Hi AA/FC,

Please check your PM's. We would like to help remedy your issue with the Wireless Chassis Ear.

 

[SteelmanPRO]

I use the wireless Chassis ear; has paid for itself many times over. Highly recommend.

I also have a set of those connector pin release tools. Again, very well made.

Thanks for using our products, glad to see a fellow Tarheel enjoying our line!(I grew up in Greensboro)

 

[masonh]

My first post but I've been here a while. I probably should just keep my mouth shut, but I'm kind of shshocked at all the bashing of these tools. China/Taiwan this and that, sorry but lots of decent tools come from overseas. And then the price bashing, I actually think $90 for a locking flex head wrench that's 24" long isn't really that bad. I also was under the impression it locks completely or it can also lock while flexed but maybe I misunderstood. And $70 for a set of all 3 of the 160 tooth ratchets isn't bad at all. Really, where did all the high price talk come from?

I mean maybe the tools are junk or maybe they are great but all of the dogging before you even hold one seems a little rough, especially when the guy came in here with integrity and tried to explain his tools and answer any questions.

I think I'm going to buy one just for all the bad pre-press in this thread. Sorry if I'm out of line for my first post, but they look decent and the price looks about right too.

 

[Leadberry]

The attitude of a sales/marketing/PR guy doesn't have anything to do with a quality of a product. I certainly can't blame someone for taking pride in their company's offerings and standing behind their product--I would do the same.

That being said, I have extensive working experience with Steelman tools. As a teenager and into my 20's, I worked for a Walmart tire shop for five years. Walmart's tool of choice was Steelman, and they were used in an environment where they weren't cared for at all and were abused often. Tolerances were all over the map. Drop lights had electricals that failed on a regular basis. Torque wrenches seized up and failed regularly, and thin-walled impact flip sockets cracked on a weekly basis. Impact wrenches were terrible pieces of ****. Other than that, they did their job.

Even if we wanted to use other tools, we couldn't; we were told never to use non-Steelman tools as Steelman had some kind of liability agreement with Walmart where, if a Steelman tool ever failed and led to damages, Steelman would pick up the tab.

To be brutally honest, I wouldn't buy Steelman tools simply due to the fact that if I'm going to buy a cheap Chinese tool, I at least want something that I can warranty out with ease. I don't know of any retail business that carries Steelman. I might take the time to mail out a tool for a USA warranty replacement, but for the most part, Asian tools are so inexpensive and abundant that I don't see it being worth the inconvenience (obviously there are exceptions to every rule).