Toptul - First impressions

[vibblueser]

Hi never really felt compelled to write a review about something tool related till now. Recently placed a Toptul order through Mike Wren, I know he used to be active on the sight (not sure if had a falling out or what). Just wanted to say that Mike is a top shelf guy who definitely knows customer service. He had no problems answering all of my inquiries via phone or email. I know dschmidt also sells Toptul but for some reason I gave Mike a call first. On to the tools. I ordered some of their hose pick pliers (unique shapes are a plus to me). I also ordered a door panel trim remover, flexible 1/4 socket spinner. Lastly I got a 3/8 low profile oxygen sensor socket and the stubby offset metric box wrench set that dschmidt has on ebay. Mike and toptul's prices are more than fair and will definitely look at them again in the future. Anybody else like toptul? I know years ago here they were a hot item but it seems that it has dried up. Quality seems to be very good to me.

 

[SMKS]

Interesting, in the past I have called and emailed Mike and received no response.

After buying a couple Toptul things I'll be passing on them in the future. They're nice enough, but they're nothing special and the lack of distribution and support hurts them. There are other options that are equally good and are much easier to buy and get support.

 

[Fedwrench]

Toptul makes some nice, durable, and affordable tools. I have their satin finished combination wrenches, full polished long combination wrenches, and satin 3/8 drive six point metric sockets. I don't care much for their ratchets but, that's just me. I think toptul lacks a major distribution network in the USA but, has some nice stuff. Their wobble plus knurled extensions with the hex shaped area around the female square drive are great for finger spinning or if space is an issue used with a Gearwrench. Mike Wren was a stand up guy when he was here but, he was doing it part time while doing his main job.

 

[straightcut]

Thanks for the report and pictures!

Strangely enough, I was just about to place an order for a Toptul door panel tool and scraper/putty knife. I hadn't seen the offset shorty box wrenches, but had been looking for a set. They're 5X+ more for US made, so if those are well made, they're a value. Dschmidt is local to me, so maybe I can save on shipping.

 

[vibblueser]

Thanks for the report and pictures!

Strangely enough, I was just about to place an order for a Toptul door panel tool and scraper/putty knife. I hadn't seen the offset shorty box wrenches, but had been looking for a set. They're 5X+ more for US made, so if those are well made, they're a value. Dschmidt is local to me, so maybe I can save on shipping.

No problem in my opinion they are good quality as evidenced by the pictures.

 

[LXCam]

I recently bought the extra long combo's with the satin finish from Dennis. I luv'em, they feel completely different from all the other styles I have.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I bought a set of the satin extra long metric wrenches from Dennis a while back. Quality wrenches at a good price IMO. I need to contact him about a few different sets I've been wanting to buy for a while now.

 

[Sprintman]

Best value for money tools you can buy period!

 

[speed bump]

I have a few tools from back when Mike was still on here.

Everything has held up except for the 24" 1/2" breaker bar. The breaker bar forks have opened up around the head and the screw isn't really useful to keep it tight.

The 8" diagonal cutters have held up well to hobbyist garage use.

I don't find them to be anything special: decent quality and decent price.

 

[Sprintman]

Stick with their forgings and you can't go wrong imho.

 

[dkroth]

The only Toptul tool I have is this hacksaw.

The frame is nice and rigid which is good, but the handle is a little too short for my size large hands. I'm not thrilled with the design of the blade holding tabs either, but most saws suffer from this design these days.

 

[CNGsaves]

Like those deep offset double box end wrenches !!

How much were those, and are they available in both SAE and Metric ??
Ranges of sizes ??

 

[valentine]

Best value for money tools you can buy period!

Yeah, I have to agree with that statement. I haven't seen anything that can match Toptul on both quality and price. I have more expensive wrenches but I really don't feel they serve me better than my Toptul wrenches and I absolutely love their Satin finish. They simply feel great in my hands and I can't really say that I ever liked another brand better than Toptul. They really are that good.

-Valentine

 

[CobraChevelle]

I have the extra long wrenches. Feels nice for the money.

I am on the fence if I should buy the toptul combination deep offset wrench set or the deep double box end wrench set.

 

[Sprintman]

Value for money unbeatable at standard prices. Finding a seller with $400,000 worth unsold in shipping containers offering up to 60% off makes stuff cheaper than a 6 pack!

 

[vibblueser]

Like those deep offset double box end wrenches !!

How much were those, and are they available in both SAE and Metric ??
Ranges of sizes ??

Only available in metric, cost about 30 dollars, I have all the sizes except for the 8x9. Hope this helps.

 

[expatriated]

When I first read the OP's post, I had to double check the date-thought we'd gone back in time.

I bought several sets of 3/8 sockets and ratchets along with screwdrivers and wrenches about 5 or 6 years ago when Mike was active on here.

Mike always responded right away and there was always great communication with me. I know other had different experiences, but mine were always good.

I've been extremely satisfied with all of my Toptul stuff. I'm just a home mechanic so it's not like I'm wrenching 10 hours a day but so far nothing's broken, everything's held up great.

I've got Snap-on stuff as well as Hazet and I love those brands but I just don't think there's anything out there for the money better than Toptul. Certainly beats Craftsman, for sure!

 

[dnschmidt]

I have the midget double offset up on EBay for $20.00 plus shipping. This is from 10-19mm. I haven't bought the 8X9mm wrench in this series yet as I'm not fond of 12 point 8mm tools.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Hey Dennis, any chance you'll be getting more sets of the 75 degree double box wrenches in? If you do I'm definitely down for a set.

 

[jobo1004]

Hey Dennis, any chance you'll be getting more sets of the 75 degree double box wrenches in? If you do I'm definitely down for a set.

He's got these currently for sale, but if you're like me you've got plenty of open end wrenches and you're running out of space in the tool chest.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GPAN...070806?hash=item1c5e2cae56:g:ElkAAOSw8-tWYFtB

Also trying to decide if these might satisfy me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-Metr...007738?hash=item1a0ae6313a:g:usEAAOSw5IJWchmg

 

[Ditchdigger]

I sold off a mix of mac, proto, snapon and craftsman and populated my metric drawer entirely with toptul. I absolutely this stuff. The look, the feel, the ergonomics everything. The standard combos have been in daily use for 5 years with no signs of weakness. I work in auto restoration. I also have a full set of toptul sockets that are fantastic as well.

I plan on starting on the SAE drawer soon. I will be selling off my Williams and SK and replacing it with toptul.

I did replace the toptul ratchets. I really prefer the snap on stuff in that arena.

I bought the set of their screwdrivers. I got about three years of daily professional use out of them before the tips wore enough that I had to buy new. I replaced them with WERA and those with the williams hard handles. The toptul stuff was good. I just wasn't drawn back to it.

 

[Sprintman]

I sold off a mix of mac, proto, snapon and craftsman and populated my metric drawer entirely with toptul. I absolutely this stuff. The look, the feel, the ergonomics everything. The standard combos have been in daily use for 5 years with no signs of weakness. I work in auto restoration. I also have a full set of toptul sockets that are fantastic as well.

I plan on starting on the SAE drawer soon. I will be selling off my Williams and SK and replacing it with toptul.

I did replace the toptul ratchets. I really prefer the snap on stuff in that arena.

I bought the set of their screwdrivers. I got about three years of daily professional use out of them before the tips wore enough that I had to buy new. I replaced them with WERA and those with the williams hard handles. The toptul stuff was good. I just wasn't drawn back to it.

You also worked out that if you stick with Rotars forged stuff you can't go wrong. Some of the buy ins aren't as good, but that is the same with every tool vendor. And you definitely have a better set than I do right now but I'll get there eventually

 

[Jarhead0408]

He's got these currently for sale, but if you're like me you've got plenty of open end wrenches and you're running out of space in the tool chest.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GPAN...070806?hash=item1c5e2cae56:g:ElkAAOSw8-tWYFtB

Also trying to decide if these might satisfy me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-Metr...007738?hash=item1a0ae6313a:g:usEAAOSw5IJWchmg

Thanks for the links man. You're right, I'm full up on combo wrenches right now. I'll have to pass on the stubbies too as I need the 75 degree offset.

 

[dnschmidt]

Jarhead0408. Any particular set you're looking for? Let me know and I'll see what I can do.

 

[Ivan V]

I like TopTul.
I have very limited offerings locally (Unior, Gedore, Beta), and TopTul has better feel and significantly lower prices.
For my price range and requirements, these are quality tools.

I'm just preparing a long order list including a few tool chests.

Old photo:
http://i.imgur.com/71Krfxr.jpg

 

[rice rocket]

I bought some Toptul at 60% off when they were really trying to push into the US market back in 2004 or so.

For the prices I paid, they were decent, but at regular prices, the value just isn't there. Seems like their distributors come and go quite frequently as well, which makes it a challenge to play the warranty game.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Jarhead0408. Any particular set you're looking for? Let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Thanks for getting back so quickly.

I was thinking of the following sets:

Either GAAA1204 or GPAI202. (12 piece 75 degree offset double box)

JGAI0801 McPherson Strut compressor set.
JGAI2301 Terminal release set.

I know you like to only purchase sets for resale so I'm not sure if the last two items count. I am definitely interested in the 75 degree offset wrench set though.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I have a few items I ordered from Mike a few years back. Who are you guys ordering thru these days?

 

[Ditchdigger]

Dnschmidt up there a few posts above yours is the gentleman I buy from these days.

 

[Sprintman]

Dnschmidt up there a few posts above yours is the gentleman I buy from these days.

See post #24

 

[dnschmidt]

Jarhead, I've sent you a private message. I have the GPAI1202 (you missed a number) which is exactly the same as the GAAA1204 with the only difference being the GPAI1202 comes in a black roll up and the GAAA1204 comes in a green roll up. I also have the terminal release set. Neither of these are cheap.

 

[CobraChevelle]

Jarhead, I've sent you a private message. I have the GPAI1202 (you missed a number) which is exactly the same as the GAAA1204 with the only difference being the GPAI1202 comes in a black roll up and the GAAA1204 comes in a green roll up. I also have the terminal release set. Neither of these are cheap.

Sent you a pm

 

[Blöckw@rt]

My first Toptul purchase......... value for money ...superb !

 

[66HertzClone]

I bought quite a lot of stuff from Mike when he was active on here. I've been very pleased with everything, that said I need to get a replacement for a 3/8 drive wobble extension that recently broke.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Just paid Dennis for the 75 degree, deep offset, double box end wrenches. Set # GPAI1202. Should be seeing them arrive on Saturday!

I've wanted a high quality set of double box end wrenches for a while now. These should replace my ******* pack of metric box wrenches quite nicely.

 

[vette-kid]

I love my Toptul stuff. Wish i had more of it, but its hard to find in the US. Id replace all my CMAN stuff with Toptul in a heartbeat.

 

[Exceller8]

I received my mini offset set today from Ebay. I really like the satin finish. The overall quality is better than most satin HF tools that I have, but not as nice as the Facom stuff that I have. That kind of gives you an idea of the finish.

As far as value goes, I'd rate these very high. I got the set of 5 for $26 shipped. For as much as I'll use them I'm really happy with that price.

 

[lowlife]

I learned about Toptul from here. Turns out they've got local sellers and great prices. I like their online catalog as well. Rebuild kits for all their stuff too.

Got a 6mm 1/4 socket and a 3/4 3" extension to refill my Stanley case.
They have a Satin finish but look similar to my scruffy mirror finish Stanley stuff.
The font is ugly though.



Ordered the missing hex bits and a 1/2 24" breaker bar - CFAC1624. According to their representative's email, should handle 512nm+.
Curious to see if it can handle wheel hub and maybe crank bolts. Some are 200nm + 180 degrees, not sure if that's over 512nm.