The Maple Syrup Thread: Gray Tools Canada

[[memphis]]

We have Strap-On, Made-And-Tested-Chinese-Offshore (Matco), Mislabels-Anyones-**** (MAC) so why not a Gray Tools thread!

Since most of you Cracker Barrel lovin', sweet tea drinkin' Trump Fascists (kidding I like Trump) don't know quality when you see it I figured I'd post some pics! GJ needs a flipoff smiley like Pirate!

I'll post some more pics in a few weeks to keep this thread entertaining

I just bought Gray Line Wrenches, they are fatter than Snap-On because I checked them against a few buddies but at half the cost... I am happy to support a Canadian manufacturer. I never spread the JET line wrenches I had but I wanted a more complete set and hated the raised panel, coarse cast finish of them. The heads are smaller but I don't know if that will be a problem.

Not sure if the screw driver is the same as Snap-On but it is gearless and very smooth. I have yet to use it.

*disclaimer there is a ton of sarcasm in this post*

 

[DeliveryGuy]

How do you like that gearless screwdriver?

I have a lot of Gray at work, so I'll contribute for sure once I snap some pictures.

 

[bobcatdan]

If Gray was at all remotely available under the hat line, I'd give them a try. Looking at their online catalog on sales flyer, they look nice. I like tool trucks or brick and mortar stores to buy tools from so in the case of warranty, it's easy.

 

[Infinia]

ohh shiny smooth things.... pretty

 

[justanengineer]

So are those for tapping trees or around the sugar shack?

 

[senlow]

Here you go [memphis].

Down here Gray Tools are seldom seen. I would really like to get a Gray 1/4" drive ratchet.

 

[Ram Hemi]

Used lots of Gray stuff when I worked underground, but that's because mines have no problem wayyyyyy over paying from acklands grainger. That being said it's to difficult to buy Gray tools on a regular basis and with shipping probably cheaper to buy off the trucks and have warranty next week when the truck rolls back around if you need it. We have a grainger here but they are way over priced for everything they sell so it's not even worth looking, unfortunately.

 

[WittHay]

Western Equipment had a large wall display of Gray Tools here in BC. Then a couple of years ago they quit selling Gray. Home Depot Canada now sells Gray online.

They are expensive tools to buy without looking at them first. They are industrial tools so they are not the same as Snap-on.

i agree Mac is strange, strong USA built tools along with lots of high priced Chinese made stuff all branded Mac.

 

[[memphis]]

Western Equipment had a large wall display of Gray Tools here in BC. Then a couple of years ago they quit selling Gray. Home Depot Canada now sells Gray online.

They are expensive tools to buy without looking at them first. They are industrial tools so they are not the same as Snap-on.

i agree Mac is strange, strong USA built tools along with lots of high priced Chinese made stuff all branded Mac.

But just because it's more geared toward Industrial doesn't mean they are any lesser quality. The products are physically heavier than typical truck brand stuff, not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing to be honest. But I would hope that means a superior forging.

I had a 9/16 six point in my hand and it was much heavier than a Gearwrench XL spline drive 12mm.

 

[M6erfan]

But just because it's more geared toward Industrial doesn't mean they are any lesser quality. The products are physically heavier than typical truck brand stuff, not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing to be honest. But I would hope that means a superior forging.

I had a 9/16 six point in my hand and it was much heavier than a Gearwrench XL spline drive 12mm.

Well, seeing is how Gearwrench is made from reycled Chinese pot metal, that's not surprising...

 

[Sine Swept]

I found that you can order from Staples.ca

http://www.staples.ca/en/Gray-Tools-32-Piece-Gearless-Screwdriver-Set-In-Plastic-Storage-Case/product_1637072_2-CA_1_20001

Plenty of product listings

 

[carcajou]

You can buy Gray direct in Ontario.

 

[MikeF2316]

For those of you in the Toronto area, Markham Industrial, http://www.markham-industrial.com/, has some Gray in stock, or they did last time I was there 6 months ago. Unfortunately, they don't believe in having a good website.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I found that you can order from Staples.ca

http://www.staples.ca/en/Gray-Tools-32-Piece-Gearless-Screwdriver-Set-In-Plastic-Storage-Case/product_1637072_2-CA_1_20001

Plenty of product listings

I don't think staples knows much about tools. Take a look at the linked tap and drill set.

The Blue Wizard tap and drill set contains a variety of tap and drill sizes, including nine spiral taps ranging in sizes from 2.5 meters x 0.45 meters up to 12 meters x 1.75 meters.

LOL

http://www.staples.ca/en/Blue-Wizard-Tap-Drill-Set-Bg079/product_1943054_2-CA_1_20001

 

[Fedwrench]

I've only seen Gray tools a few times as they're not widely available in the states. However, that gearless ratcheting screwdriver looks like a spec tools model.
How much of the Gray line is actually made in Canada versus imported?

 

[[memphis]]

I've only seen Gray tools a few times as they're not widely available in the states. However, that gearless ratcheting screwdriver looks like a spec tools model.
How much of the Gray line is actually made in Canada versus imported?

Screw driver is definitely imported
The hard Line Wrenches and sockets are made in Canada.
After speaking with the local rep they even make some stuff for the other truck co's

 

[Empty Pockets]

I live just across the lake from Toronto, as such, I don't remember the last time I saw a Gray tool. I'll keep an ear to the ground, maybe, I'll coma across one or 2 in the secondary market

 

[Gmonkee]

Mine came directly from Canuckia. Thanks to a care package from the cool guys on a forum.

Good stuff really, but this forum and my phone can't agree to post a picture for me.

 

[WittHay]

[memphis] you are right they are good made in Canada tools. i should have said they are different than Snap on. just like Hazet is not the same as Snap-on. Same quality just different.

Gray pliers are made in Germany

 

[MWEric]

I'll post more tomorrow

 

[rmsg0040]

Clark industrial carries gray tools as well. Hardline stuff like sockets, wrenches, ratchets are made in Canada, some pliers are made in Germany, allen keys and striking screwdrivers I believe are Taiwan, so far none of there stuff has let me down at work

thetoolstore.ca has some items as well

shopgraytools.com

 

[[memphis]]

I'll post more tomorrow

Is your flex head 1/2" or 3/8"?
I was going to buy it but ended up on a Snap-On truck by fluke. It's a long bar at 24" and I'm still thinking about Grays 18" one

 

[MWEric]

Is your flex head 1/2" or 3/8"?
I was going to buy it but ended up on a Snap-On truck by fluke. It's a long bar at 24" and I'm still thinking about Grays 18" one

It's a 3/8". 45 tooth, very smooth.

 

[Westozfixer]

That cantilever box is rebranded china brand, Ive got one the same.

 

[carcajou]

Up until a few years ago Beach/GH metals built most of Gray Canada's boxes including the cantilever boxes, but that is newer production after they outsourced from offshore.

 

[VWTim]

I have a few Gray items in my industrial box. Dunlap Industrial in Everett, WA use to sell there full line. They may still...

 

[MWEric]

More Gray goodness.
3/8" socket set, 3/8"-1".
Adjustable unfortunately made in Taiwan. Very nice however. These are the same ones you get at Napa branded as Carlyle.
And some genuine Canadian errrrr....... Wisconsin maple syrup.

 

[FMC1959]

I've only seen Gray tools a few times as they're not widely available in the states. However, that gearless ratcheting screwdriver looks like a spec tools model.
How much of the Gray line is actually made in Canada versus imported?

Years ago it was all made in Canada. Now, like many brands, more import, less homemade

 

[Dave455]

I first encountered Gray tools maybe 15 years ago, in Canada, and have to say I really liked them!

The guy using them, noting my interest, described them as Canada's equivalent to Snap On, which I didn't disagree with!

Having seen a few more tools, they certainly have a similar feel to Snap On (not that they are copies of Snap On, far from it) but they have the same feel of quality. In fact, they feel more like Snap On used to be!

So, decent stuff!

My main regret is that they seem to be unobtainable in the U.K. which is a bit odd! Normally, you can source just about anything here, and Canadian stuff is often easier to obtain than American, but not Gray! Shame!

 

[[memphis]]

Here is a 1/2" drive 72t ratchet I bought a couple months ago.
Unfortunately I am unsure if it is made in Canada or not, it's not stamped Canada anywhere on it

Pic of the gearset as well, I took it apart and shot some Superlube into it and it's smooth as butter now

 

[californiaHank]

I've got a bunch of Gray sockets and wrenches from when I lived in Canada a long time ago. I like the sockets a lot - nicely finished with big clear markings - completely bulletproof. In the 'old days', you could buy Gray at many auto parts places in Canada, and even some 'big box' hardware stores stocked a few items like pliers and screwdrivers. But, like in the US, the 'good brands' have tended to disappear from retail outlets, replaced with cheap imports.

Gray still makes most of their mainstream hard-line tools like sockets and wrenches in Canada, but they also have a line of tools called 'Dynamic' that seems to be kind of like Snap-on's BluePoint brand - offshored and 'value priced'.

 

[MWEric]

More Gray. Missing the 1/2" but it's coming.

And some Canadian errrrr........Minnesotan maple syrup.

 

[KnurledNut]

...

 

[ord.avg.guy]

Here is a 1/2" drive 72t ratchet I bought a couple months ago.
Unfortunately I am unsure if it is made in Canada or not, it's not stamped Canada anywhere on it

Pic of the gearset as well, I took it apart and shot some Superlube into it and it's smooth as butter now

[memphis] I have the same ratchet in 3/8" drive and very pleased with it, very easy to change direction. Also have their base 1/4 drive ratchet and use it as much as I can up till I need I 3/8 drive were before I usually just grabbed a 3/8 ratchet.. I really like these ratchets.

 

[maxdustington]

I have multiple gray tools, all bought used so I don't know how old they are.

I hate their ratchets, their 3/8 seems massive and crude in comparison to my SK palm control. It would seem that they have never really changed their molds ever, as that orange handled ratchet posted earlier is the first I've ever seen that is different from their classic design. Not a big deal, but I've never seen a wrench or socket with off-corner engagement. I've always felt that they are probably slightly better than USA Craftsman or other USA generics. When they are compared to tool truck or other industrial brands they are not even close in terms of refinement or finish, even their full polish wrenches are still pretty roughly finished.

I would agree with them being larger and heavier than other brands, I always attributed that combined with their dated designs to just being old school.

 

[Infinia]

Interesting why the name change from old 'Gray Tools' also with a 'made in Canada' on the tools versus the newer 'Gray Canada' name? Hiding the COO perhaps.

 

[timbitca]

Ooh, I can play this game. I don't have any newer Gray stuff but I have a bunch of older stuff. I'll snap some pictures on the weekend.

I found that you can order from Staples.ca

http://www.staples.ca/en/Gray-Tools-32-Piece-Gearless-Screwdriver-Set-In-Plastic-Storage-Case/product_1637072_2-CA_1_20001

Plenty of product listings

I just don't get Staples anymore. Are they trying to compete with Amazon online or something?

 

[[memphis]]

Interesting why the name change from old 'Gray Tools' also with a 'made in Canada' on the tools versus the newer 'Gray Canada' name? Hiding the COO perhaps.

I just re-examined the handle on my round head 72t as I recalled an old set of screw drivers with the same orange handle stamped GRAY USA. I believe these are the same handles as the old orange snap on screw drivers.

Sure enough, Gray stamped over the USA with part number 31872. I can just see it but it's not clear enough to try and take a photo. So I have some faith that the cheapest part of the ratchet (the handle) is made domestically... when it could easily be outsourced. Not sure at all on the ratchet body because I've never seen another like it.

 

[bixxjs]

I've visited their website and the tools do look really high quality .I'd definitely buy some of their products but no-one sells them in the UK.

 

[MWEric]

I've visited their website and the tools do look really high quality .I'd definitely buy some of their products but no-one sells them in the UK.

Hard enough to get in th U.S.