Toptul Reviews

[Vinko]

The thing is it doesn't necessarily mean just because they make some "good" stuff as a subcontractor, that other stuff will be up to par.

The formula is always the same on the message boards as well. They gather a cult following who normally just post the moment they get something based on the looks and then also reference qualifications, such as how the factory also makes "brand x", which happens to have way higher quality, materials, and has a person in the factory ensuring QC.

I don't have TopTul in mind here, but I do think Jerk makes some valid observations here.

 

[Vinko]

That's all well and good, however I'm still baffled by your animosity towards this particular company.

I didn't read Jerk's comments this way. I thought he was just offering some general questioning.

The way I see it is that you have to take the good with the bad. It seems like the message boards can be a great place to build up a market share and following, but can you expect to have all comments simply laudatory rather than some that question or offer general points of skepticism? I think it's nice that TopTul (or its dealer) is able to use the message boards as a "proving ground" for building up its brand, but I don't think it's reasonable to not expect dissent along the way.

 

[Basskiller]

Can we start a different thread in Free Parking to see who can piss the farthest

Would be nice to read the reviews of people who actually have possession of Toptul products

 

[WSMC633]

Can we start a different thread in Free Parking to see who can piss the farthest

Would be nice to read the reviews of people who actually have possession of Toptul products

I'm trying to get a decent review put together for everyone over the weekend. It may take a bit longer though. I've got a shop full of stuff that needs to get done as well.

 

[The Muffin Man]

I'm trying to get a decent review put together for everyone over the weekend. It may take a bit longer though. I've got a shop full of stuff that needs to get done as well.

Pictures Pictures Pictures!!!!!


Edit: When you review them of course

 

[ralf-who]

I have been using TOPTUL sockets for a couple of years. Purchased off ebay. Prior to that, I avoided offshore stuff like the plague. Most of my stuff is obtained used from local sales and is comprised of mostly Craftsman, MAC, MATCO, and SK. I grew up using Craftsman and stick with it mostly because of the warranty - in and out of any Sears makes a HUGE difference as opposed to mailing and waiting.

Anyway, I tried a TOPTUL set because of price and was very happy with the quality. PLUS, their set offered a few in-between sizes that usual Craftsman sets do not include.

As a result of my experience, all of my day-to-day sockets are TOPTUL and I am very happy with them. I have full sets of MM, SAE, shallow and deep, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. Some are chrome, some are satin.

I turn sockets about 4 times a week.

So as far as (at least) sockets go, I recommend them.

 

[wrenhandtools]

Hey guys, very interesting thread. Don't forget they're just tools. And when one of mine breaks.....which some will at some point, if you've liked it enough I'll send you another one. Seems pretty simple to me. If you don't like them, you won't buy them. You can't tell from my writing just how OK I am with that.

So, just a confession, my service if you've emailed me recently has basically sucked. It has taken me longer to respond to most mails than I strive for. I must say though, I bet some of you will be pleased and see what I have been working on when the new site is up and running. There will be mess ups and broken links and what I may do is have a dedicated link on the site where someone can tell me what doesn't work for
them.

I have let very few customers down in the last year so I am confident when I say.......You will love the new site.

Sincerely,

 

[Alfajuj]

Now have you used Toptul in a professional setting, for an extended period of time?

Quite true, this is the key question that must be asked.
My good friend A-Guo has a repair shop which specializes in European brands, mostly M-B & BMW. We are both into classic motorcycles. He's got a 1966 Triumph Bonneville and a 1962 BMW R50 (with Earles forks). He has some Toptul combination wrenches. His are the ones with flank drive on the open end, high polished. He's been using them for at least 8 years, and yes they have held up very well in a very busy professional setting. He's very happy with them. They don't baby their tools, I can tell you. Their tools are used every day by five techs, who share them. They also use Wuerth, Force, and Kato wrenches, among others.

So in my book, yes, they pass the true test of working in the field.

 

[paramudduck]

So when is the new site going live?

 

[wrenhandtools]

I am going to start another thread for this and another news item.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Here are some photos of some of the stuff I received today. Please excuse the poor lighting, after screwing with the adjustments for quite some time this is only decent pictures. Tomorrow it's suppose to be sunny so I'll take photos of the entire order.

 

[zuspiel]

Prettymous! Damn, I want my Toptul stuff...

 

[The Muffin Man]

I've more pictures mostly consisting of items I had not posted the other day.

The Ratchet is a CJHM1228. The overall length is a hair under 11in. I must say that I was really impressed with this ratchet. It definitely feels within the same vicinity as my FH80 .

And here is the rest of the stuff...

Some of the long screwdrivers....

And a complementary tray!

Lastly, As usual, Mike was excellent on his half . We played email tag for a few days until I finalized my order. Mike also added an adapter as well as a magnetic tray (I've always wanted to get one or two magnetic trays since they seem like they would be pretty handy, though I always seem to forget to pick one up when I run to the store .) You really hit the nail on the head.

Thanks again Mike, I really appreciate everything you've done .

 

[Bo Heck]

can you a more extensive review of the screwdrivers? i need to buy a set this summer and I'm torn between toptul and some others, thanks

 

[Fedwrench]

can you a more extensive review of the screwdrivers? i need to buy a set this summer and I'm torn between toptul and some others, thanks

I got the GAAE0807 8 piece combination screwdriver set this past January. I thought it was a good buy for the money. The handles are good sized, don't slip much when oily, and are comfortable. As with all soft grip tools, they tend to stay dirty once dirty. The only downside to the screwdrivers is that, I feel that the blades are a little on the thin side resulting in a little flex on the smaller sizes. I haven't pounded on them yet to see what abuse they can take. I would recommend buying a phillips #2 and a 1/4 x4 inch flat tip and trying them out to see if you like them. Toptul also has some heavier duty versions with bolsters and hex shaped blades that I want try out too.

 

[Bo Heck]

I got the GAAE0807 8 piece combination screwdriver set this past January. I thought it was a good buy for the money. The handles are good sized, don't slip much when oily, and are comfortable. As with all soft grip tools, they tend to stay dirty once dirty. The only downside to the screwdrivers is that, I feel that the blades are a little on the thin side resulting in a little flex on the smaller sizes. I haven't pounded on them yet to see what abuse they can take. I would recommend buying a phillips #2 and a 1/4 x4 inch flat tip and trying them out to see if you like them. Toptul also has some heavier duty versions with bolsters and hex shaped blades that I want try out too.

Yes, if I bought a set it would be the impact version with the cap, and hex/bolstered blades. Toss up between the Toptul (money saver) or Wera yellow handled set (proven quality but with a price)

 

[vssjim]

I like the few different Toptul screwdrivers I have, so far they fit and work good.

 

[The Muffin Man]

I would recommend buying a phillips #2 and a 1/4 x4 inch flat tip and trying them out to see if you like them.

+1 to that!

What Fedwrench suggested is the exact same route I went with a few months back. I bought a PH2 and 6.5mm flat tip in the in the 6in and 4in length respectively.

 

[49stude2r6]

I had been looking at some 1/4" drive rachets and Toptuls was near the top of my list. A clearance on rachets led be to a 1/4 and 1/2 drive rachets. The 1/4 drive is much nicer than my cheap import item. The 1/2 is a much smoother action and heavier than my craftsman. I have only done a few small tests but am very satisfied. Mike was more than easy to deal with, the fact that he is in my home state means I enjoy throwing some business his way.

 

[Joelfke]

I got one socket and a torx screwdriver set...so far...

Mike told me today that his new order should be in on monday(ish) so as soon as i get my stuff (which i can NOT wait for!) i will post pics and reviews!

 

[mooman]

I don't get it.
Usually you guys would be all over a company if they had not returned a phone call or email at all or days later like has been the case with Mike. ( I have left him messages, no return call)

Why does he get cut so much slack?

 

[Tornado]

Been waiting for Mike's website for about a month. Supposed to have originally been up around April 3. Instead of saying "Is finalizing and will launch in x days" (been through about 4 or 5 iterations of that countdown). He needs to just say "I don't know" and quit leading potential customers on.

 

[Joelfke]

I don't get it.
Usually you guys would be all over a company if they had not returned a phone call or email at all or days later like has been the case with Mike. ( I have left him messages, no return call)

Why does he get cut so much slack?

I dont know why he would not return your call, he answered my emails within the hour...i JUST emailed him try emailing him again [email protected]

 

[r0meyrome]

You guys gotta understand he ( the way I see it) is running his own company. Not like big companies who has **(X) number amount of workers.

 

[Mezzanine]

I don't get it.
Usually you guys would be all over a company if they had not returned a phone call or email at all or days later like has been the case with Mike. ( I have left him messages, no return call)

Why does he get cut so much slack?

Because Mike IS Wren hand tools. I have dealt with many small business like this in the past, and I know that where they might have some shortcomings in the communication department, they make up for it in service. Mike probably gets in excess of a hundred emails a week asking for quotes, etc... Was the email you sent a direct question? Did you "make an order", or just ask if he thinks Toptul is any good? Mike and I typically communicate by phone... Ask him for a call. Don't expect him to call the same day- he has a lot on his plate. In the not too distant future when he gets the inventory up, and the website going, I am sure things will smooth out.

Tornado, I will agree with you on the website counter thing... I suspect that is mostly the fault of his website people, but I would rather not have a counter at all.

Give the guy a chance. At the price/quality of the stuff he is selling, I don't mind waiting one bit.

 

[PCW]

I understand and respect people that start up businesses, I'm doing one myself right now. However, with that said, there is a point when you need to move on and find a supplier that has product or stock right now. I really want to to give Mike and Toptul's a chance, but to be honest, I can't keep waiting weeks and months for tool shipments to come in. I'm not trying to be disrespectful to Mike, he has been very responsive to my emails, It's just business. It's a fine line trying to build a business and have product and not wanting to over extend yourself, a lot of businesses don't last because of that issue.

PCW

 

[Joelfke]

I understand and respect people that start up businesses, I'm doing one myself right now. However, with that said, there is a point when you need to move on and find a supplier that has product or stock right now. I really want to to give Mike and Toptul's a chance, but to be honest, I can't keep waiting weeks and months for tool shipments to come in. I'm not trying to be disrespectful to Mike, he has been very responsive to my emails, It's just business. It's a fine line trying to build a business and have product and not wanting to over extend yourself, a lot of businesses don't last because of that issue.

PCW

that also has to do with the fact that toptul is not widely known in the US....if it werent for this site...i would not have known of mike or toptul. so lack of reputation is a factor in stock...if he was constantly ordering product he would constantly be getting it in and thus could fill our orders instantly...as his business grows it will become easier to do business.

 

[bennyy]

I sent in my wish list to Mike on Jan 27 2009, so far no reply yet.

 

[vssjim]

You need to call him or use the [email protected] email address, things do fall through the cracks when you do everything yourself and are starting out. I can't say enough good things about the product and the service from Mike. Just call him and state the problem you had and I'm sure he will make it right.

 

[Joelfke]

You need to call him or use the [email protected] email address, things do fall through the cracks when you do everything yourself and are starting out. I can't say enough good things about the product and the service from Mike. Just call him and state the problem you had and I'm sure he will make it right.

not to mention the generous discount...

if he doesnt reply to the first email i wait a couple days then email him again...as previously said in this thread...hes pretty much solo and hes human so things do happen...give him a chance

 

[wrenhandtools]

I'll just submit a news update on a new thread.
Truly though I don't think I have failed to return a single call so the one post makes me curious.

Starting a major tool company is going to disapoint a few in the begining and I am ok with that. It's just the way of a new business.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Guess it's about time I review some of my Toptul stuff to add some more meaning to these pictures.


I'll start with the several flex-head ratchets I own tonite (Kicking off with the CJHM series.) I have two of these bad boys in the 1/4in and 3/8in variants. My initial impressions were quite positive, the satin chrome was superb however near the recessed area surrounding the selector switch the metal seemed a bit rough towards the corners. The roughness does not affect the functionality of the ratchet or reverse lever so I didn't look twice. The grips contour nicely to my hands, and feel much like Toptul's screwdriver grips in terms of material. The grips are nicely rounded with a sharp looking Toptul logo embedded in plastic projecting a cool two tone color combo with Toptul's signature colors. The grips also do not have any finger indentations as well which I'd say is a pro (my hands are smaller than the norm so finding a comfortable grip is not always easy.) The flex joints on both drives are very stable and do not flop around what so ever. Though between the two drives there is a noticeable difference between the pin holding the head to the ratchet handle. The 1/4in drive has a torx screw so you can adjust the stiffness of the joint while the 3/8in drive has a traditional non-threaded pin. I kind of wished that both of the ratchets had this torx screw, just in case if the flex head became sloppy after extended periods of time so it could be adjusted to my likeing. For now though both are still just as sound as day one.

The ratcheting mechanism is incredible. The CJHM series seem to be the bread and butter of Toptul's ratchet lineup, and certainly blow some of my other fine/high tooth count ratchets out of the tool chest! Right out of the package, my 3/8in drive was noticeably smoother than my GF80! And much to my surprise, when I Moly coated my Toptul ratchet and lubed it up with chain and sprocket grease the margin between the Love stained GF80 and CJHM was even greater! These ratchets are without doubt the smoothest and most crisp ratchets I have used or owned.

Ok time to dissect these guys are see what makes them tick...............

As you can see from the photos above, the CJHM ratchets use dual independent pawls much some of the other high quality ratchets out there. Each pawl has five points of contact with the ratchet's teeth. The GF80 mentioned before has 7 teeth on each pawl. Its hard to say what affect if any would result between the two different ratchets, as Snap-On's 80 tooth count is greater than the 72 count Toptul. Naturally I'd assume that the smaller teeth on the dual 80 would probably need more points of contact than a lower tooth count for mechanical integrity.

Another feature I'd like to mention is the quick release. The quick release button is nice and wide roughly the size of a button found on a polo shirt. The button also does not protrude out of the ratchet head as far as most ratchets I own as well. It's a nice feature that has helped me get these ratchets in odd places when clearance is at a minimum. The drive head also fits all the various sockets I have nicely as well. The sockets are firmly held with no play or wobble when attached to the ratchet, and still freely falls off when the quick release is used. Another pleasant feature is the cover plate. Unlike other ratchets I've used, the cover plates on the CJHM series tend seal out foreign particles and contaminates very well. In my initial lubing of the ratchet, I notices that seepage was minute leaking only slightly from the selector switch.


Overall I was really impressed with the CJHM series from Toptul. There were a very tiny finite areas I would like to see changed (or improved) like the flex joint pin stated earlier, but any which way the ratchets are up there in terms of quality and performance with the notorious tool brands.

Edit: Figured I should include at least a few pictures of the ratchets themselves

 

[GT89mustang]

Im digging that satin finish.

 

[Joelfke]

has anyone tried the flex head ratchets? either CYAN1222 or CJLN1224?

ive been contemplating getting one...

 

[Joelfke]

First of all, the customer service from mike is second to none. EVERY single piece I ordered and paid for was in the box that came to my house. NO errors. and the entire order of 3 pages of items was HAND written, quite neatly. Nothing pictured here has been put to any extreme test as i JUST got them but will be putting them to use at work. Anything you see that you would like a part number or a better picture of let me know..

the only complain thus far is that Mike gave me a really nice wren hand tools pen that is quite comfortable and was hoping for another in this order...but no pen

TO MIKE: I didnt get a pen like last order! WTF man!?

 

[wrenhandtools]

DUDE!!! I knew you had a pen. I am trying to spread the 'bling' to others that don't have one yet.

I'll get something good for the future....don't worry!!!!

 

[supraman1990]

Glad to see everything is going so well for you Mike. I'm probably going to give you a call with several part numbers I need to grab next week. This is Wesley Murray by the way, the technician guy.

 

[wrenhandtools]

Wesley.............roger that.

 

[48548]

It is just me or does that ratchet look like a modified proto/plomb design? And if so, why didn't proto pull there head out of there *** and come up with that design? It looks great by the way.... Nice pictures.

 

[T_F_E]

Wow I live about 100 miles from spokane, ill remember next time I need tools