Toptul Reviews

[superautobacs]

I didn't know there would be THAT many shocking, but it's quite true that there's a whole slew of hand-tool manufacturers in Taiwan, especially in one district--Taichung.

 

[Merkava_4]

I don't hear much from Mike Wren anymore - you guys hear from him? I even sent him a PM - no answer.

 

[Bo Heck]

Dont PM him, email him. He specifically requested this many times. That guy has a ton goin on I'm sure, seems like a busy guy but yea, noticed he hasn't said much lately.

 

[48548]

I got those 3/8 locking extensions too. I already had a MATCO set and the TopTul's are every bit as good, if not better than them (since one of my MATCO's basically exploded like a month after I bought them). I can't wait until the 1/4 locking extensions come out. They're in the catalog, but last time I checked, they weren't available yet.

Any updates on those Mike?

You can do this as this is what I did, order these bad boys and attach to toptul extensions and now you have locking extensions and these are made in the USA if it matters. They were made by blackhawk/proto. They are in the middle and attach with a set screw. I also ordered 4 locking proto extenions from grainger, and they pretty much have the same design. They are in the second picture with the black collar on them.

 

[TireTracks]

I don't hear much from Mike Wren anymore - you guys hear from him? I even sent him a PM - no answer.

His profile says he hasnt been on sence the begining of Nov.

 

[Joelfke]

I emailed Mike today and almost immediately got a response

"Hey Mike,

I hope the holidays are going well for you. The guys on garagejournal.com miss you. Hopefully I can get another order in soon after the holidays. Thanks for your great customer service.

Jim"

"Hey there Jim!!!

Thanks again for the kind words!! I miss the GJ guys as well. I haven't been active as you know for a couple months or more. But what is nice is that I've started to compile my next order.
I will be doing my best to get in touch with each current customer I have to see if they have any specific wants.

Also, you can feel free to post this to the Journal if you want but Toptul has come out with a brand new spring compressor that looks to be a duplicate of a very expensive Mercedes tool available previously for many hundreds of dollars. I just got word today that they will be shipping me one of these by next day air...from Taiwan..so I can get my hands on one and take pics. I'll then post them on the the Journal and see how many people may want or need one. If it ends up to be A Lot of folks then I may have to ask them to pre-pay....but I'm unsure at the moment. Spring compressors aren't used TOO often but it sure does save a DIYer money when it comes time to do those pesky struts and shocks.

I have also been sick for the past 2-3 weeks with the flu and just today (Monday) I feel like my jolly old self!!! Whew I hate being sick. With a 4 year old at home I guess I'm going to have to start getting those yearly shots!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Mike Wren"

 

[48548]

I also emailed him about added stuff to his next order, and got the same response more or less. So he also responded in about an hour or so from my email going out.

 

[TejasBimmer]

For Christmas, i bought myself a present.
It will be replacing my old crappy tool set that I bought over a decade ago (wal-mart??).

Both were purchased from Steve at Ultimate Garage, during their Black Friday Sale.

130 pc Toptul Tool kit 3/4, 3/8 and 1/4 drive (metric and standard)

51 pc Toptul 1/4 drive tool kit - to be housed in my Tacoma

The following photo is the foam insert that was inside each case to prevent the tools from dinging one another if they fell loose from the packaging.

I can not wait to try them out.

 

[TireTracks]

This thread is makeing me want to order some stuff, They've got the best price for a high tooth count ratchet.

I really like how all the sets come with the little accessories that are nice to have, swivels, slide bars, bit sockets,ect.

 

[TireTracks]

Anyone know if you can get a paper catolog?

 

[Joelfke]

Anyone know if you can get a paper catolog?

email mike. hes great to deal with and im sure he would be willing to send one out to you

 

[FuriousGeorge]

I got a paper catalog with my last order which was a couple months back. Very nice catalog. I'd shoot Mike an email.

 

[TireTracks]

Now i just need to figure out how to convince my dad to let me buy a 72 tooth ratchet. they look nice. and ACE, nor sears has anything worth getting.

 

[vette-kid]

For Christmas, i bought myself a present.
It will be replacing my old crappy tool set that I bought over a decade ago (wal-mart??).

Both were purchased from Steve at Ultimate Garage, during their Black Friday Sale.

130 pc Toptul Tool kit 3/4, 3/8 and 1/4 drive (metric and standard)

...um...3/4? Is that a typo?

 

[wrenhandtools]

Hey Guys,

Sorry for my prolonged absense! I have been working on organizing my inventory and starting a major push to improve the shopping cart on the website. I have been saying the same thing for a few months now without any results so I have been trying desperately to give good service but 'walk the walk' and not just 'talk the talk' when it comes to making the website better.
I promise to be on here more.
Sincerely,
Mike

 

[expatriated]

Good to see you around, Mike.

 

[vette-kid]

Mike, glad to hear it sounds like things are still going well for your business! If you are puting together another order let us know. Ill have a few requests, and prefer to do my business with you (no offense to Ultimate Garage).

 

[TireTracks]

Anyone buy anything recently? I'm going to have to wait untill spring probably. The money i have now for tools is being saved for emergancys.

Mike's service has made me sure i will buy some stuff from him, he offered me an extra 10% because he was a bit late returning an e-mail because of the website work( which works great!)

 

[Joelfke]

Havent purchased in awhile but i had a small issue with a locking 3/8 extension and he had no problem warrantying it for me

 

[TireTracks]

Got my catologe today.

does anyone have the flare nut wrenches? How much would a set of inch ones be?

I notice some of the larger ones are 12point, is that good for a flare wrench?

 

[Sick Puppy]

THis Toptul gear is coming out over here... baby steps, but it's here. I must have a closer look at it when I get the chance!

[wonders if US prices are better, but then figures NZ shipping will kill the deal! lol]

 

[JecJec]

Placed a small "test" order 02/25/10. See how it goes. Not very many Toptul distributors I could find on the net. Hopefully all goes well, if so I would order more stuff. Used the website to place the order.

 

[axan]

Anyone managed to reach Mike recently? I tried pms and emails and no replies

 

[Joelfke]

i placed a small order with him about a couple weeks ago...try calling him...he is always willing to answer calls. he might just be busy with work

 

[CamarosRus]

Sick Puppy, Research if any ships from your closest port............call on the Port Of Seattle....

I can hand deliver tools to crew and they can bring to N.Z. ??????

 

[y20dth]

Your picts are incredible. Thanks
I can't believe how inexpensive the stuff is. The price scares me in an irrational way, like it must not be very good if it doesn't cost a lot.

How do you like the knurling on the extensions?

edit: just noticed those wobbles look like wobble plus

I think you might be grown accustomed to the rather exuberant SO-prices

 

[Sick Puppy]

Sick Puppy, Research if any ships from your closest port............call on the Port Of Seattle....

I can hand deliver tools to crew and they can bring to N.Z. ??????

Thanks Camaros R Us, I'll have a look.

 

[Vinko]

I wonder how the competition with Ultimate Garage is affecting Mike's business? It's probably good that there are at least two dealers in the US. Mike, in the past, it seems, hasn't been able to carry the kind of inventory that people needed. I know that I wanted several items I couldn't get, and while I didn't mind waiting a month (or two) couldn't wait much longer than that.

 

[Rus Bear]

Please keep me informed as to your likes and dislikes regarding my tools and my service.
Thanks!

Poor pavement quality pliers handles.

 

[84bimmer]

Poor pavement quality pliers handles.

What's going on in that picture? Did the handle break? What is it made of? Did the grip slide off? Why did it break?

 

[expatriated]

What's going on in that picture? Did the handle break? What is it made of? Did the grip slide off? Why did it break?

Ditto.

And what is meant by "pavement"? Am I missing something?

 

[REAL HOT SCHITT]

Hi from new zealand.

Hey have a look at "sidchrome" the chrome from sydney australia (ozzie)....now l8tly made in taiwan.....which is pretty damned good gear.

We have a u.s antarctic base in christchurch (rayetheon antartic support services).

If u want to google up "blackwood paykels ltd" ...nationwide, or "the front store"..in timaru and have a gawk for prices.

There is a good possibility of posting to u.s via mail system.

.... [email protected] i have time and prior notice.

Cheers carl g

 

[expatriated]

Dude, your accent's so thick, I can barely understand your writing!



Just kidding. They look ok--the chrome looks good.

 

[Rus Bear]

What's going on in that picture? Did the handle break? What is it made of? Did the grip slide off? Why did it break?

Covers on the handles longer than the base.

 

[84bimmer]

Covers on the handles longer than the base.

That's strange. I've never noticed any other pliers like that. Do you think it's that way for a reason?

 

[Sticks]

I've been using the Toptul 3/8" and 1/2" satin chrome sockets since 2005 (got a smoking deal on E-bay). Got the full sets of Metric and SAE deep and shallow.

The quality IMO is as good or better than the top of the line US made sockets. I have used and abused them and have only had one break (10mm 3/8 shallow), gave up on getting a replacement. At the time there were no US sellers, and the guy I bought them from went under.

I am replacing my service truck set of 3/8 drive with GP DuoSockets. I don't like using them on my impact w/o a short extension, and I get into tight spaces where I don't have the room. Tired of replacing hog rings.

I have not priced them lately, but I doubt that I can get them or any of their other tools for what I paid when they first showed up. If I was just starting out, they would definitely be a brand that I would stick with for all my tools.

 

[Sticks]

Is mike still around? I checked the website for pricing and got the "404" error.

 

[Sick Puppy]

Is mike still around? I checked the website for pricing and got the "404" error.

Taking a punt, I'm betting he's sorting his website - he didn't like the first version as the developers gave him a piss poor product (my words, not his), and last I remember he was revamping it. Have you sent him an e-mail? I know he's pretty busy with is main job, this is his 'sideline' as it were, if you check his other threads...

 

[vette-kid]

I've been using the Toptul 3/8" and 1/2" satin chrome sockets since 2005 (got a smoking deal on E-bay). Got the full sets of Metric and SAE deep and shallow.

The quality IMO is as good or better than the top of the line US made sockets. I have used and abused them and have only had one break (10mm 3/8 shallow), gave up on getting a replacement. At the time there were no US sellers, and the guy I bought them from went under.

I am replacing my service truck set of 3/8 drive with GP DuoSockets. I don't like using them on my impact w/o a short extension, and I get into tight spaces where I don't have the room. Tired of replacing hog rings.

I have not priced them lately, but I doubt that I can get them or any of their other tools for what I paid when they first showed up. If I was just starting out, they would definitely be a brand that I would stick with for all my tools.

want to sell them?


...im serious

 

[Sticks]

want to sell them?


...im serious

Why would I want to sell my Duo Sockets? I just bought them and have not used them yet?
















JK. No, Keeping my Toptul. I have a dream of being employed again someday, somewhere that has smooth level cement floors, tall garage doors, well lit, and a roof. A place where I can use my roll around toolbox and not have to "Make Due" because of weight capacity. Chrome is so much easier to find when they drop down into never never land.