The Cornwell anguish

[shanny19]

The place: Live in PNW, way more Sasquatches than Cornwell trucks.
The situation: Wanted a WBWMLOHP7ST set for years.
The attempts: Three times in five years filled out the contact me thing on website, and got……..Nothing.
The mirage: Driving in small town Texas. OMG a Cornwell truck! He has a customer on board. I ask if I can come up and look
around? sure!!!! Customer closes out deal, just me and driver. “zero offset extra long double box end” means NOTHING to this guy.
But I have a part number!!!! “I don’t have any of those on the truck” he says, with a tone that says he’s DONE with me. “Would you
have any interest in ordering it and shipping it to me?”. Non-verbal No and Goodbye, all wrapped in one.

I could drive a Brinks truck full of cash to corporate HQ, and they wouldn’t trade money for tools would they?

 

[redwrench60]

Cornwell makes nice tools and I have a bunch, but nothing they make is best in class.

Sometimes you have to accept it if she’s just not into you.

 

[shanny19]

Haha, very well said. She‘s the brunette ice queen of tool trucks. Now I get it.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

At least you have seen one lol. We haven’t had one here in years. I have not seen them or heard them mentioned. We did have a short lived one back at my old shop but that guy passed he was very short lived but enthusiastic about it. He was very old lol. I don’t really consider having it because he only owned the franchise about three months. Heck it’s stupid Cornwell isn’t up to date with the times you can’t buy stuff from their website like you can the other big three. I had thought I was buying from their website before but it was just a online site that sold them lol. My dad had thought about starting a Cornwell franchise because where we don’t have one but he doesn’t have any money to do it lol. I’ve noticed you can’t ever seem to find information about Cornwell dealers like you can Snap-on or Matco or whatever. Like usually you can look up like dealers in your area on Google or even just dealers in general but I haven’t been able to find any.

Your experience with that guy sounds like any experience I’ve had on a Mac Truck they don’t care about you they care about their stops because the stops are money makers. We were out fixing my dads truck once and needed a special socket. We got on the truck guy spoke but we tried to buy the socket he is like haha I don’t need some weekend warriors or some construction workers buying tools these are strictly for professional users which I can see you aren’t because if you were you would work at a shop. Haven’t stepped foot on a Mac truck since then and don’t plan too.

 

[Ton ton]

Haha, very well said. She‘s the brunette ice queen of tool trucks. Now I get it.

You figured it out. Good for you.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've said this many times over the years, Cornwell dealers are some of the nicest people I've ever dealt with. They don't don't seem to last long but, they're nice people. I guess to Cornwell's credit, they go out of their way to support their dealers by not offering online sales or allowing their dealers to sell to people outside of their area. I feel online sales would help them out but, they don't care.
True, Cornwell isn't a segment leader in anything. I also feel their huge expansion of all of the Bluepower imported tools will lead to their eventual downfall.
If you really want that wrench set, PM me as I think I have one in my overflow box that I don't use.

 

[shanny19]

^^PM enroute, thank you

 

[Snaparxon]

Call this dealer I just happened upon awhile back in western Idaho. Nice guy as expected. Said he would ship to me if I really needed something. Maybe he would ship to you if the above offer doesn't work out.

 

[shanny19]

^^ very cool, color me surprised to see that area code

 

[Snaparxon]

Suppposed to be one around the tri cities in Eastern Washington, but have never seen one, just rumors

 

[gatewaysysop]

The place: Live in PNW, way more Sasquatches than Cornwell trucks.
The situation: Wanted a WBWMLOHP7ST set for years.
The attempts: Three times in five years filled out the contact me thing on website, and got……..Nothing.
The mirage: Driving in small town Texas. OMG a Cornwell truck! He has a customer on board. I ask if I can come up and look
around? sure!!!! Customer closes out deal, just me and driver. “zero offset extra long double box end” means NOTHING to this guy.
But I have a part number!!!! “I don’t have any of those on the truck” he says, with a tone that says he’s DONE with me. “Would you
have any interest in ordering it and shipping it to me?”. Non-verbal No and Goodbye, all wrapped in one.

I could drive a Brinks truck full of cash to corporate HQ, and they wouldn’t trade money for tools would they?

Doesn't surprise me at all. I honestly really like some Cornwell stuff, but they certainly make it difficult to be a customer. I too tried the "part number and cash in hand" song and dance, but to no avail.

Went through multiple dealers whose contact info I got, either leaving voicemails or sending emails, pretty much all ignored. Contacted corporate by phone because, like you, they gave me the finger when I filled out the "contact me" form, and they directed me to a district guy to find a dealer. That district guy was useless, put me in touch with one of the drivers that couldn't operate a phone. Didn't answer calls or respond to texts. I complained to corporate, went to the district guy's boss (regional manager) and ultimately the regional manager's boss who worked out of the corporate office when the regional manager ignored me. Said regional manager pissed and moaned after his boss questioned him about it, called me up in a huff and gave me attitude, before sending me back to the useless ************* district guy. Was only able to get his driver on the phone because the district guy was doing a ride along and... you guessed it, nothing in stock, would have to order, no ETA.

I gave up and bought what I wanted off eBay in new condition. I had cash in hand for $500+ worth of stuff, would have been happy for someone to ship to me or tell me when it comes in and let me meet them to pick it up. Told them that too in my messages and emails. They could not give less of a ****, and frankly I have no idea how they remain in business. I will never again try to find a dealer for anything I want from Cornwell, because it is absolute waste of time, and because I have a rule about ever begging anyone to take my money.

 

[1foxracing]

Good wrench set and if you're ever able to acquire it I think you will be happy with it. I got mine from my local dealer who is also local to Cornwell's manufacturing and warehouse so he can get stuff very quickly.

 

[Hiball]

I picked up the same set on eBay about 3-4 mos ago sealed with a cornwell branded wrench holder for $200 shipped.

 

[darkzero]

My first purchase off a tool truck started at the turn of the century. To this day I still have never seen a Cornwell truck in person. Never even seen one of their tools in person although I did see a tool cart once. They're still a myth to me. Do they even have a presence on the west coast?

I really do like those zero offset box wrenches, mine are SO though.

 

[BmwTechZiggy]

hell i have a hard enough time getting the cornwell guy assigned to my shop to show up. ive been waiting on a ratchet warrenty for almost a year now

 

[ChefRex]

I have a set in the SO variety, use them daily. Only ******** dealer I ever dealt with was a weirdo, techs would scatter when he showed up, didn't take long till the shop owner told him not to come back.
I only have a couple of pieces probably acquired at garage sales or similar.

 

[tamaraw]

Coincidentally, I just saw a Cornwell truck for the first time the other day in Seattle.

 

[KnurledNut]

Good wrench set

 

[ike]

the only time I hear Cornwell's name is when someone is complaining about not being able to locate/buy from them. they sure have an odd business model.

 

[BmwTechZiggy]

the only time I hear Cornwell's name is when someone is complaining about not being able to locate/buy from them. they sure have an odd business model.

my OG cornwell dude was fantastic. reliable gave u no **** when warrentying ****. shame he retired.

 

[Bradc1989]

at my last job, we had a cornwell truck come by once a week. The guy was a legitimat, real deal, cool *** mofo. Would bend Over backwards to get you what you wanted. The tools,left a bit to be desired for the money though. my Favorite pick set happens to be my cornwell set though, the ones with the green handles. My favorite ballpeen hammer is also my cornwell 16 or 18 oz. I also have their BFH 6lb mini sledge, which is also a solid unit. Honestly only reason I bought anything from them was because it was convenient. nowdays it’s almost strictly proto except a couple exceptions.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I don't really understand why anyone would shop with Cornell. Not only do they make it difficult to be a customer, but they don't make anything that you can't get a better version of somewhere else. Their prices aren't that much lower than brands that are significantly better, and if you don't want to spend the SO price, you can often get other brands that are just as good for significantly less money.

I understand the market for Snap On quality at a high price and I understand the market for a little bit lesser quality tool at a significantly lower price. I don't understand the market for the lesser quality tool at the high price.

 

[robert6715]

******** makes me mad. As a guy who spent his first 25 years in OH, I will always consider myself a Ohioaian. I like Ohio-based companies like Mac, Wright, proctor & gamble, & CornWell. The fact that virtuallly NoOne can buy their stuff is total BS, or they realize their ability to manufacture & don't want to invest to meet the increased demand that ACTUAL distribution would lead to. I really do not understand.

 

[Ton ton]

To the OP , check the local pawn shops for Cornwell wrenches. My local pawn shop had a set of Cornwell wrenches last time I was there.

 

[Ricky Joe]

The place: Live in PNW, way more Sasquatches than Cornwell trucks.
The situation: Wanted a WBWMLOHP7ST set for years.
The attempts: Three times in five years filled out the contact me thing on website, and got……..Nothing.
The mirage: Driving in small town Texas. OMG a Cornwell truck! He has a customer on board. I ask if I can come up and look
around? sure!!!! Customer closes out deal, just me and driver. “zero offset extra long double box end” means NOTHING to this guy.
But I have a part number!!!! “I don’t have any of those on the truck” he says, with a tone that says he’s DONE with me. “Would you
have any interest in ordering it and shipping it to me?”. Non-verbal No and Goodbye, all wrapped in one.

I could drive a Brinks truck full of cash to corporate HQ, and they wouldn’t trade money for tools would they?

Ask yourself: which is better to have, money or tools? Maybe Cornwell has the same problem we have!

 

[GTO]

UniCornwell...lol
Good luck

 

[kenners]

I worked in an automotive shop around 1978/1979. Purchased some Mac/Cornwell tools. Within the last 3-4 years I saw the Cornwell truck at a fast food restaurant. Talked to the gentlemen about warranty a 1/2" breaker bar. It took a while for it to come in but was very happy with end result. I'm thinking the gentleman may have retired and daughter took over business ? Not sure if they/she are still in the business but might be worth a phone call.
Local area = Pasco Washington. 509-845-5464.
Don't blame me if person answers = does not own the business as it has been a few years at least.
I have seen a Mac or Matco truck lately around Road 100 in Pasco.

 

[Old hand]

Back in 1995 I had been a Mac dealer for 10 years and they had gotten into a mess moving manufacturing to the Stanley plant in Texas almost every thing hardline was backordered it seemed like forever. So I switched to Cornwell and I started 5 other dealers in my area. Then Cornwell started hiring managers from Mac tools and they brought a lot of there failed programs with them . I sold out and started a new business which has been a success for 21 years.

 

[mervyn]

Haven’t seen a ******** truck since the 80’s in Texas.

 

[Old hand]

They had good quality tools at fair prices in the late 90s thru 2001 when I was with them. Just didn't like the direction the management was taking them. Don't have any dealers in our area now.

 

[Professional Tool User]

A tool brand without a good distribution network is not worth buying into, especially if we are talking about tool truck brands.

 

[Old hand]

PTU - I agree. We have our own shop to repair our trucks and equipment. We have a good SO dealer and buy from him .

 

[tamaraw]

The place: Live in PNW, way more Sasquatches than Cornwell trucks.
The situation: Wanted a WBWMLOHP7ST set for years.

I have the business card for the guy who services Seattle shops. I don't know how close you are but if you are at least in Washington, he might know who deals in neighboring territories. I don't see an option to send a PM on your profile, so maybe PM me?

 

[Al Borland]

Had a dealer back in the 80s that would stop at a friend's shop.
Nice enough guy, kinda clueless, and disorganized.
EVERYTHING was "On order", it would be in "Next week for sure!".
It never was.
Didn't like being called "The ******** Man"

 

[HVACSD]

Your experience with that guy sounds like any experience I’ve had on a Mac Truck they don’t care about you they care about their stops because the stops are money makers. We were out fixing my dads truck once and needed a special socket. We got on the truck guy spoke but we tried to buy the socket he is like haha I don’t need some weekend warriors or some construction workers buying tools these are strictly for professional users which I can see you aren’t because if you were you would work at a shop. Haven’t stepped foot on a Mac truck since then and don’t plan too.

I saw a tool truck while on lunch a few years ago when i was still an apprentice. Did the same thing and asked him about a 1/4" socket set. He blew me off and kinda said the same thing. Told him that he must be allergic to money and walked away.

I'm an hvac tech I make money with my tools like a auto mechanic. I dont have a problem spending money on tools but if he didn't want my money that's fine, Ill take it else where.

Since then, and many tools lost in cielings, ducts and walls, ive learned that a gear wrench socket is gonna get a nut off just as good as a snap on socket. I know this because one of my apprentices used to be a mechanic and has a tool box full of snap on, even he says other than the warranty its not worth the money. This sentiment is something I've heard from other techs that used to work in the auto industry.

Also for what its worth, before it got stolen. My tekton wratchet never failed me in 7 years even after getting soaked in water several times along with falling in a brine tank.

 

[82355]

It must be different parts of the country. I have always had access to a Cornwell truck, and have a lot of Cornwell tools. My local guy took over the route from a different guy almost twenty years ago. I also lived in Lincoln for a several years, and had Cornwell trucks there.

Now MAC or Matco, those guys never last for more than a year or two at most.

Martin

 

[82355]

^^PM enroute, thank you

I tried sending you a PM, but it would not let me.

Martin

 

[Iridium rand]

Unfortunately not the first time I’ve heard of a company being absolutely determined to prevent people from buying their products, no idea how they stay in business considering the competition especially if they have no website to order from, never seen a truck before and I’m clearly not the only one, even if they were known as the #1 top of the line and people tried to seek them out like snap-on I’d be surprised if it was sustainable to run a business like that

 

[Sugarfryz]

We had a Cornwell guy not that long ago. Unfortunately no one really bought anything from him because they don’t tend to stick around. They had good deals occasionally and I bought a thing or two.

I really only buy snap on now, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll have a snap on truck wherever you work. I’d love to support Other trucks but it just doesn’t make sense when you’ve got a drawer full of broken tools and have no one to warranty them, not at the price tool trucks charge.

 

[Old hand]

To answer some comments . When I was running a tool truck I did sell to anyone with money, but I understand dealers who avoid nonprofessional types as they fear wasting time and time is a precious commodity when you are on the route.