The truck took companies have their lower-tier tool line, like Blue-Point, Blue Power, and etc, and NAPA/Carlyle for the Professional. Then there are the DIY tool brands; Tekton, Craftsman, DeWalt, Kobalt, and etc. A majority of their tools are produced in Taiwan with the occasional China-made item. I can’t imagine all these tool companies having their own production facility given that there is only so much land available, especially in Taiwan. Is the quality between say Blue-Point and Carlyle that much different than the Tekton and DeWalt version of the same tool to justify the price difference? Are different grades of steel used in the same production facility for each tool company? Is this clear as mud?
Taiwan-made tools
- Thread starter hollumsd
- Start date
xin
Well-known member
I suspect they got a FEW manufacturing facilities - and they import the raw steel from other countries. Suspecting CHINA.
Sliding T-Handle
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2018
- Messages
- 74
Taiwan actually makes decent ratchets and extensions, and breaker bars. I will actually buy Taiwan, but not China. Most air tools are Taiwan these days. I love my nitro cat 1200k. My passion is for tools with USA stamped on them. There will never be an adjustable wrench as good as Western Forge. I ream on Taiwan tools in the shop at work, while saving back my good stuff.
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Wamsutta
Well-known member
This reminds me that I need to go to NAPA and check the detent location on the Carlyle sockets. I've got a 1/4 drive Craftsman spin handle that I use as a test bed. I have a strong suspicion that they will be identical to the location on GearWrench.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Much of this stuff is produced under a contract to the buyer's specifications. NAPA is a retailer, and not a manufacturer. Carlyle is the name of their tool line they hire a Taiwan factory (or factories) to manufacture to their specifications.
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Alava
Well-known member
Taiwan would never buy china steel, they have their own, china steel (china because of the republic of china...taiwan...
)
My last info was: only in Taichung there are near 4.000 factories of finished tools, tool sets, semi finished tools, raw forgers, chrome platers, millers and wholesalers.
That amount only on one city... The world is very big my friends...
Some months ago I discovered that sunkey tools of taiwan makes duralast wrenches... You can dig as far as you want, you'll discover new factories every day... Is something truly beautiful.
)My last info was: only in Taichung there are near 4.000 factories of finished tools, tool sets, semi finished tools, raw forgers, chrome platers, millers and wholesalers.
That amount only on one city... The world is very big my friends...
Some months ago I discovered that sunkey tools of taiwan makes duralast wrenches... You can dig as far as you want, you'll discover new factories every day... Is something truly beautiful.
doublearon98
Well-known member
The harbor freight Pittsburgh ratchets and sockets are made in Taiwan. I've put some of their ratchets and breaker bars through absolute hell and haven't broke one yet.
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Yep most of these brands/companies have no manufacturing plant but simply buy product lines from oem manufacturers and select finishes and branding from what they offer . tekton and napa 2 good examples of this.
Taiwan manufacturing is huge, lot of the specialist tool orders use japan steels/alloys, client stipulates/supplies .
Taiwan manufacturing is huge, lot of the specialist tool orders use japan steels/alloys, client stipulates/supplies .
woody 73
Well-known member
A few days ago there was a very interesting post, about wrenches coming from Carlyle and wrenches coming from channellock as being the vary same thing. Not sure where that post went but a side by side comparison they were the same wrench.
So I would guess most of these companies do that sort of thing.
So I would guess most of these companies do that sort of thing.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I find it curious that the original poster has been a member for two years but waited until now to make their first post, on a subject that will no doubt start an argument.
rijndael
Well-known member
I signed up 2 days before posting too. You have to be a signed-in member to view attachments.
You would be correct. They're good sockets though.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
What is the obsession on this forum with socket detents
Negen
Well-known member
Some sockets do not fit on some ratchets if the detent is not correct. Sometimes if you use quick release ratchets with sockets that have off detents then the button is always engaged that has been my experience. Others may be different.
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Ign
Well-known member
Taiwan would never buy china steel, they have their own, china steel (china because of the republic of china...taiwan...
My last info was: only in Taichung there are near 4.000 factories of finished tools, tool sets, semi finished tools, raw forgers, chrome platers, millers and wholesalers.
That amount only on one city... The world is very big my friends...
Some months ago I discovered that sunkey tools of taiwan makes duralast wrenches... You can dig as far as you want, you'll discover new factories every day... Is something truly beautiful.
Along those lines:
Read Poorly Made in China.....easy and interesting read....he talks about factories all over the countryside.
I understand it's not Taiwan but still found many perspectives of the book fascinating. I'm just a sheltered American but all the world ain't the same.... (I've read)
There have been issues in Taiwan, too. I remember an article in Fine Woodworking magazine. It was an interview with the heads of several of the big US woodworking brands that were manufacturing in Taiwan. They said they could get the quality but only if thay had an on site US inspector making sure no seconds were shipped. They said the Taiwanese would try to get away with what they could. Things may have changed and one description probably does not fit all.
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I don't know if it's true or not, but I read somewhere, that at one time In America, The Chevy Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird, were not only essentially the same car, but were made in the exact same factory.
That said, a factory, that produces Pieces of forged, broached, stamped, heat treated and plated metal, could be producing them, for more than one customer?
Na, that's just not possible.
That said, a factory, that produces Pieces of forged, broached, stamped, heat treated and plated metal, could be producing them, for more than one customer?
Na, that's just not possible.
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oldldh
Well-known member
I've got a toolbox full of GearWrench sockets, and Tekton ratchets, manufactured in Taiwan...
They were well worth the money I paid for them...
I stuck to U.S. made for screwdrivers, Proto Yellow Handles, and pliers, made for Tekton, in this country...
All of the Taiwan stuff is really all this old DIY'er needs...SnapOn would be wasted on me...
The quality of the Taiwan ratchets, the ubiquitous 72 tooth ones, are really well put together, and carry this ancient one's highest recommendation...
I've also got the old Craftsman raised panel wrenches, which were "Forged in the U.S."...
Like them, too...I do...
They were well worth the money I paid for them...
I stuck to U.S. made for screwdrivers, Proto Yellow Handles, and pliers, made for Tekton, in this country...
All of the Taiwan stuff is really all this old DIY'er needs...SnapOn would be wasted on me...
The quality of the Taiwan ratchets, the ubiquitous 72 tooth ones, are really well put together, and carry this ancient one's highest recommendation...
I've also got the old Craftsman raised panel wrenches, which were "Forged in the U.S."...
Like them, too...I do...
Why does it matter if I hadn’t posted anything in two years or how it can be construed as wanting to start an argument? All y’all others made some great points in your replies. I’m more a DIYer and I do automotive repair work on the side while working full time in another profession. I still look at buying quality tools especially since I’m working on someone else’s vehicle. I have my original USA-made Craftsman and some various Tekton, Carlyle, Pittsburgh Pro and Earthquake XT 1/2 Air-impact Taiwan-made tools. My thoughts were of does the quality from Blue-Point, Carlyle, and etc justify the price differences?
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hollumsd >> Good luck trying to figure this put. I suspect that you will not find a lot of hard facts. A lot of speculation, opinion, and anecdotal evidence.
Me personally, I cost out what I intend to buy and see if it is worth the time I'll spend doing extensive research. I don't want to buy poor quality products, but I'm not going to spend a lot of time on relatively minor purchases.
Me personally, I cost out what I intend to buy and see if it is worth the time I'll spend doing extensive research. I don't want to buy poor quality products, but I'm not going to spend a lot of time on relatively minor purchases.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
As others have posted, we don't really know which tool company in Taiwan is producing what for who. However, Taiwan has some great tool companies like Kabo, Infar and others. Kabo makes a lot of tool truck brand sockets, ratcheting wrenches, and other mechanics hand tools that are top notch.
Infar is said to be the maker of carlyle's long pattern anti slip combination wrenches as well as the not as nicely finished but, bargain priced Channellock versions. It's probably safe to say, Infar also makes the Milwaukee combination wrenches too because, they share the same anti slip open end.
Aside from the color of the blow molded case they come in and the fact that sunex has stamped size markings, there isn't a whole lot of difference between sunex and grey pneumatic impact sockets.
I think the quality of many Taiwan made tools has greatly improved over recent years. I know I have many Taiwan made tools that become my reach for first tools.
Infar is said to be the maker of carlyle's long pattern anti slip combination wrenches as well as the not as nicely finished but, bargain priced Channellock versions. It's probably safe to say, Infar also makes the Milwaukee combination wrenches too because, they share the same anti slip open end.
Aside from the color of the blow molded case they come in and the fact that sunex has stamped size markings, there isn't a whole lot of difference between sunex and grey pneumatic impact sockets.
I think the quality of many Taiwan made tools has greatly improved over recent years. I know I have many Taiwan made tools that become my reach for first tools.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
It depends entirely on the tool in my opinion. Sockets for example? Nah, not to me much. Ratchets? Certainly.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
It's only my obsession. Normal people don't know the difference.
NAA,, You have to share that obsession with several of Us...
But You wouldn't catch Me touching those two brands of sockets,, I don't want any lice or goofy detents.
WittHay
Well-known member
Taiwan sockets run the range from the ones that only say Taiwan and Chrome Vanadium on them, up to Toptul's Germanish looking sockets. I can probably name 30 different made in Taiwan socket brands but only a few will be exactly the same. Knurling, grooves, stepped sizes, lengths are different.
Pick the brand that look best to you and fits your extensions and ratchets well.
Some of the real bargains can be had from labels not well known in the market place that have their tools produced in the same factories in Taiwan as the more expensive better known brands. With hand tools sourced from Taiwan as I mostly purchase online where you don't have the chance to put said tool in your hand, I'm not reading the marketing **** written but starring at the design features and summing up what extent they have gone too, to provide a quality tool. You can buy really good tools well if you know 'what' to look for and know what's cheap corner cutting or well designed extra production steps to produce a better product. Its been my experience that if corners aren't cut visually, the treatment of metal will be good too. MSRP of Taiwan tools has more to do with advertising and market recognition than cost of production.
azchrisf
Well-known member
What I've found is that alot of the Taiwan tools are up to old US standards (mind you not the "best" US standards) for quality, and China, well, is China.
It's actually interesting too - someone did a test of a Snapon Dual 80 ratchet vs. a Gearwrench 84 tooth - and the GW actually broke at 7 ft pds. higher than the Snapon at the anvil.
IIRC someone, maybe my father, told me that alot of the know-how and procedures from the USA got shipped over there when US companies were looking for cheaper options. Some of our steel did too - so I'm sure they reverse engineered the metal or perhaps had the metallurgy formulas.
Regardless, they make very good tools these days, but like any country you can get some real turds too. I've owned 1 or 2 really bad Taiwanese tools that quickly got the boot for better quality.
I'd still rather support my fellow American and buy here - if the quality is right. It doesn't have to be Snapon level, but at least as good as the old Craftsman stuff in the 70s and 80s used to be. Wright and SK (once SK gets their plating issues sorted out) still make VERY good tools here.
It's actually interesting too - someone did a test of a Snapon Dual 80 ratchet vs. a Gearwrench 84 tooth - and the GW actually broke at 7 ft pds. higher than the Snapon at the anvil.
IIRC someone, maybe my father, told me that alot of the know-how and procedures from the USA got shipped over there when US companies were looking for cheaper options. Some of our steel did too - so I'm sure they reverse engineered the metal or perhaps had the metallurgy formulas.
Regardless, they make very good tools these days, but like any country you can get some real turds too. I've owned 1 or 2 really bad Taiwanese tools that quickly got the boot for better quality.
I'd still rather support my fellow American and buy here - if the quality is right. It doesn't have to be Snapon level, but at least as good as the old Craftsman stuff in the 70s and 80s used to be. Wright and SK (once SK gets their plating issues sorted out) still make VERY good tools here.
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That's why Makita has full time employees everywhere they manufacture. Consistency.
Problem 1st world countries face is the consumer can go & buy 10 sets of GW sockets and still have money in his pocket compared to buying 1 equivalent set of SO or other premium tool co's. Your big box stores were selling GW socket sets on rails for $9/$11 with additional coupon savings. Then even at those prices the customer expects perfect finish & lifetime warranty on the product. I spend more on a hamburger with chips for dinner at a dodgy take out shop.
Parrothead
Well-known member
I’d just like to point out that Taiwan is a country, not a manufacturer. Now, as a general rule the stuff manufacturered in that country can be to a level of quality that is acceptable to a large percentage of people, but that is based on the companies that are there not by coo. There’s good and bad stuff manufacturered everywhere, even in the US.
Infar makes the Channellock wrenches which are exactly the same as Carlyle. Difference? Stamping.
Infar makes the Channellock wrenches which are exactly the same as Carlyle. Difference? Stamping.
sberry
Banned
This is a great point
Parrothead
Well-known member
I really like the Western Forge adjustable wrenches, but I will say the Irega (Spain) made adjustable are every bit as good and depending on your handle preference may be better.
HondaCBMan
Well-known member
How come I don't see more Taiwan made pliers? It's usually USA or German and Chinese dominates the lower end.
Import tools have come up the last decade.
Walking the local Auto Zone tool selection this last weekend revealed some interesting changes.
Top line stuff is now Duralast, PowerBuilt has become mostly specialty pullers and related stuff.
Prices are rather premium and finish does not look bad.
SureGrip line is common dreck one might keep in the trunk to some decent looking stuff I might actually consider if needs arise. Twenty combo wrenches for 15 bucks is pretty good if fit is equal to finish. They were not bad looking.
Other wrenches in the brand were average to meh quality levels.
I have not purchased any yet so I cannot verify fit at all but have plans to try some. Just for fun really.
Chinese homeowner grade Stanley pliers are handing shop duty well without any special consideration.
I know 30 years ago if I were reading a statement like the above I would seriously be doubting the sanity of the author. But many things changed along the way. I was no brand snob then either but straying from known quality stuff to cheaper imports usually had bad results.
Walking the local Auto Zone tool selection this last weekend revealed some interesting changes.
Top line stuff is now Duralast, PowerBuilt has become mostly specialty pullers and related stuff.
Prices are rather premium and finish does not look bad.
SureGrip line is common dreck one might keep in the trunk to some decent looking stuff I might actually consider if needs arise. Twenty combo wrenches for 15 bucks is pretty good if fit is equal to finish. They were not bad looking.
Other wrenches in the brand were average to meh quality levels.
I have not purchased any yet so I cannot verify fit at all but have plans to try some. Just for fun really.
Chinese homeowner grade Stanley pliers are handing shop duty well without any special consideration.
I know 30 years ago if I were reading a statement like the above I would seriously be doubting the sanity of the author. But many things changed along the way. I was no brand snob then either but straying from known quality stuff to cheaper imports usually had bad results.
1foxracing
Well-known member
All the Carlyle pliers I've purchased at NAPA are made in Taiwan.
xin
Well-known member
That is what is so wonderful about the global gulag.