Triangle Tools Ratchet & Sockets

[Stuey]

I posted my review of the Triangle tools nano-ratchet and sockets system via my blog earlier today.

Summary:

Pros:

LOVE the ratchet handle style
fine-tooth gearing
reliable, easy to turn direction selection switch
spring-loaded U-joints
very reasonable pricing
sockets ribbed for easier hand-spinning

So-so:
metric measurement scale on extension
quick-release requires short learning period to train oneself to not mash the button

Cons:
USA distribution needs to pick up so that individual items can be purchased/replaced as needed
No SAE sockets

Not many pics via the blog post.

If you'd like details photos of anything specific, or any other kind of testing, let me know. I need to clean 'em up before I can take pics.

 

[Stuey]

No q's?

 

[sporty_drew]

Those look great! Thanks for the review, I'm glad another company is making a handle that isn't round. Now I'm off to find me one to try.

 

[dankicksass]

The dual-pawl sounds dreamy, but with Sears clearancing them already, how long will they be around? I thought about picking up the 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets during the last free shipping event, but they didn't qualify, so I didn't get them. I don't think the "uni-grip" branding is doing them any favors, it initially lead me to believe they were a spline drive system like the Gearwrench/Kobalt/Craftsman pass-thru ratchets. They aren't even on the first page when you google "triangle tool," so how serious can they be about their brand in the US anyway?

 

[archirelic]

I've been debating on whether to snag their 1/2" and 3/8" sets now that they're pretty deeply discounted. One of the only things stopping me, and I realize it may be quite silly, is the fact that Triangle Tools currently doesn't offer any SAE sets...and I am pretty OCD about making my sets/brands match!

 

[Stuey]

Didn't see that the tools are clearanced via Sears, but they are. Wonder what's going on.

I also noticed that the tools are for the first time available for sale via them directly, and they seem to have a USA contact now.

I'm fairly certain that the universals are rebranded for Gearwrench. Maybe another domestic brand picked up the Triangle tools? It could also be that a new dealer will soon start selling these, prompting the Sears clearance.

I think the main issue is that neither Sears nor Triangle did any major mass-market advertising. People won't buy tools that they never knew about. Are these tools even listed in the Sears catalogs?

Aarchirelic, I'm the same way about having tools match. You could always pick up just the ratchets, but for what the sets cost, they're a better buy.

 

[84TurboBuick]

Bought both the 1/2 and 3/8 drive sets on clearance just last week...

I do have to say... these are pretty nice sets for what they cost.

Would I pay more? Hmmmm...would have to give that a maybe.

I can do pics if anyone is really interested in what they look like.

 

[dankicksass]

I do believe the Triangle ratchet sets were in the last two Sears catalogs I've received.

 

[Bull]

If you fellows have any specific questions, let me know. I have an e-mail relationship with Jerry Lin from Triangle.

 

[Stuey]

I know they're working on new distribution channels. In my last email to them I asked of the Sears clearance was an indicator that an exclusive arrangement was made with another party, but they didn't address this in their reply. I'm curious to see who picks up the line. Or it could be that they'll rebrand for a more familiar brand as they do with their universals.

 

[Joe B.]

I posted this two years ago now and no one cared:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45910&highlight=triangle

I just don't think there will ever be enough interest in this country to support a new high end tools brand from Asia. There are plenty of good brands already so there is not much point.

I suspect they are out of Sears due to them not selling but I could be wrong. The sets were quite expensive before the went on clearance for an unknown brand.

 

[route246]

I recently ordered a 1/2" set and am very pleased with the finish and feel. It's 1/2" so durability is not so much of an issue.

 

[pdxgearhead]

I bought the 1/2" dr set on clearance from Sears. I'm not saying there good tools or bad tools, but they just didn't "smile" at me when I opened the box. I'm going to see if I can return it at my local Sears.

 

[Notwerk]

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but what do you guys think about the extensions? I need a set and the brand kind of looks interesting, but I think I'd only go foreign COO if the tool was unique enough to justify doing so.

These definitely look unique, but I worry that the square shape might be annoying (for example, if you were squeezing the extension into a tough spot, I'd imagine the round extensions would certainly turn easier than the square ones if they leaned up against an obstruction).

Any thoughts?

http://store.triangletools.com/inde...ategory_id=33&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=80

 

[retDAC]

I got some recently and haven't used them yet. So I pulled some of the 1/4" and 3/8" extensions out and measured them along with some Cman ones.

1/4" extension max headwith measured at apparent widest points:

Triangle 0.468"-0.469"

Cman 0.470"-0.473"


3/8" extension max headwith measured at apparent widest points:

Triangle 0.738"-0.739"

Cman 0.656"-0.658"


Only measured one of each and didn't dig out my best calipers, but I don't expect any significant difference.

As to "... leaned up against an obstruction ...", that's possible but it would be so rare you'd likely have bigger problems anyway.

Since you've already checked the current list price, go here
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_1...Mechanics+Tools&viewItems=25&keyword=triangle

If that doesn't work, at www.sears.com, type "triangle" in Search, then click "Sears only".

The extension set you're interested in is only $20 plus shpg & tax Vs $40 + shpg from the Triangle online store.

Sears is clearancing Triangle. From what I read on this board and elsewhere, AND what Sears had for clearance pricing (some items then had free shpg), I went ahead and got sets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2", along with the 5 pc. Uni-Grip Adapter Set. At that time the 3/8" and 1/2" sets were priced $50 apiece!

This is my first and so far only experience w/Sears mailorder, since '82 or '83 anyway. This time the service was fine.

Reading this board is costing me a heck of a lot of $!!!

 

[matthew]

The ergonomics of the extensions are pretty subjective, but personally I quite like the grip on the end, and haven't really noticed any negative aspects to having the two flats on the sides. Haven't used an open end wrench on it yet, but may be handy sometime yet. I'd say it's pretty equivalent to a knurled extension overall.

If you do end up ordering the extensions from Triangle, do take a look at their u-joints as well. The spring in them is a great feature, way better than any other u-joint I've ever used.

 

[sporty_drew]

Does anyone know why the locking extensions aren't on their website? I'd really like a set as I've never seen any like them.

 

[CAOS]

These are rebranded as Pro Point at Princess Auto in Canada(similar to Harbour Freight).

 

[alexigtivr6]

These are rebranded as Pro Point at Princess Auto in Canada(similar to Harbour Freight).

was just about to post the same thing

http://www.princessauto.com/view-all-products-in-shop?keyword1=nano

 

[greasemonkey44]

i bought the 1/2 and 3/8 for 60$ or so
they are very nice; i really like the grip on the outside!
if i have to do work at home or in the field without an air compressor you would kill for these
they are sturdy, i found some stuck brake bracket bolts and tested the strength out
id buy them again

 

[ineedtools]

If you have been waiting for SAE like me they are available now:

Item 28390-1/4" Drive Set (12 sockets, ratchet, 2 extensions, 20 tips, ujoint, spinner, sliding t handle) MSRP $119.99

Item 38241-3/8" Drive Set (19 sockets, ratchet, 2 extensions, ujoint, sliding t handle) MSRP $149.99

Item 48261-1/2" Drive Set (21 sockets, ratchet, 2 extensions, ujoint, sliding t handle) MSRP $219.99

I'll wait for US distribution to drop those prices, those are direct from Taiwan ([email protected]) and you have to e-mail to order, not in the online store yet

 

[Notwerk]

Looks like Gearwrench my have licensed the Superman U-Joints: http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/e...ersals_and_adapters/setdetails.jsp?part=81231

Identical, except these have shiny chrome instead of the satin finish of the Triangle parts.

I wonder if we'll see other Triangle products being sold under the Gearwrench name.

 

[Stuey]

Looks like Gearwrench my have licensed the Superman U-Joints: http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/e...ersals_and_adapters/setdetails.jsp?part=81231

Identical, except these have shiny chrome instead of the satin finish of the Triangle parts.

I wonder if we'll see other Triangle products being sold under the Gearwrench name.

Yep, but I don't think that's a new development.

I believe that Triangle was trying to make arrangements with a USA brand for relabeling/distribution. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more Triangle tools under the Gearwrench name.