USAG in the US

[ultgar]

My sweet deal with Facom that I had for the past few years has come to an end and I've started looking at other brands. I've already tried Toptul, having brought in a large stock order back in 2009. Outside of this forum, there really wasn't a lot of demand for the brand. Proto is another good brand......part of the Stanley B&D family, readily available, US warranty and most items are made in the USA. Unfortunately, its hard to compete with Zoro tools with their free shipping and 25/30% coupons.

So that leaves me looking at 2 Italian brands........Beta and USAG. Beta has some nice looking storage products....tool boxes and trolleys, but there are already a lot of Beta dealers here in the US and all distribution goes through Peerless Hardware. So that leaves me with USAG...........an easy transition from Facom because many of the products are "identical" to Facom. Same tools...different part numbers and branding.

Frenotec has been the only USAG importer but I don't see a lot of product on their website. The moto guys seem to like the brand as USAG is currently a sponsor for Ducati (and Toro Rosso in F1). Does anyone on this forum have experience with buying USAG stateside? Import from Europe or buying through Frenotec?

SD

 

[dnschmidt]

No, I don't, but I do know that they get their digital torque wrench stuff from Eclatorq and that's top of the line product. If you think TOPTUL was a hard sell (and let me tell you, as you well know, it is) I think USAG is going to be twice as unknown here in the States as TOPTUL. Beta is already out of the barn so from you're point of view it's likely dead. I don't see them as setting to world on fire anyway. (So, ETCG likes their T-handles (whoopie!!!))

From my point of view the American tool market seems to be divided between the SNOBS and the SLOBS (sort of like Animal House with respect to tools). It's tool truck brands, Stahlwille, Gedore, Hazet and maybe Koken and on the slob side Harbor Freight. Either you have the UPSCALE APPEAL (You do know that when you say the words Snap-On together angels sing don't you?) or you don't. My guess is that USAG doesn't.

 

[Brownsfan]

If the tools are largely the same as Facom then why not. If you did well with Facom then I don't see why USAG wouldn't work. Facom is not a well known brand in the US . I have been using tools as a professional since 1996 and I never heard heard of Facom until I joined this site. If marketed on your site properly it should do just fine.

 

[T45]

Ultgar, how would you position USAG vs Facom? From what i've seen its basically Facom with matte chrome. Priced slightly lower, and some variations, seem de-contented. Can you position USAG with lower pricing than Facom? So if this is a value play it may be interesting.

 

[PureLeaf]

One nice thing of selling Facom tools though is they can be warrantied in the US through Stanley, correct? I've never actually tried it, but assumed as much since they're owned by them. I know I've warrantied Proto through Stanley.

I've looked at Beta tools, but their absurd pricing for italian made stuff (higher than snap on) turned me off from even trying the brand. They have super cheap stuff in their "easy" line, but its COO China.

Not too often you hear about USAG, so it'd be interesting, but definitely not the name recognition Facom has.

Good luck whatever your decision going forward is!

 

[48548]

I would like to see more Facom... Maybe German stuff, but it would be hard for you to compete with other places like chads....

 

[ultgar]

I had been working with Stanley Supply (now Jensen Tools and Supply) to bring in more and more Facom product. Because they were part of the Stanley B&D family, they could buy at incredible pricing and passed a lot of that savings onto me. In January 2017, Jensen Tools was sold to a company outside of the Stanley Group (Test Equity) and my costs have gone up considerably (doubling or tripling in many cases). Jensen is still trying to hang onto Facom but as I was 90% of their Facom business over the past 6 years, it's likely they won't do much with the line. At least 10% of their online Facom listings are no longer available as the manufacturer has made many changes in the past 2-3 years. Also, Jensen now offers zero warranty on Facom and takes 3-6 weeks to get in special order items.

I reached out to Stanley B&D in Ct in an effort to hang onto the Facom line but no one has offered a solution. This is why I decided to look for other opportunities.

I stock close to 4000 Facom part numbers and at least 2500 of them are available with USAG branding. Identical tool & specs, same COO.........just a different label on the tool. Working directly with USAG should help with warranty issues. Stanley B&D doesn't formally support any Facom warranty of items they don't sell.

USAG pricing should be a little more competitive than Facom plus they come out with with some interesting Ducati collector sets every now and then (I expect a 6-drawer trolley set next month).

One final comment. Some of the future Facom products are tried out on USAG first. The new 161B ratchet that just came out from Facom in 1/2" drive a few months ago is available in all 3 drives from USAG. Also, the latest 467B ratcheting combination wrench (replaces the 467, 467AS and 467R) has been available in USAG in sizes up to 41mm.

People want value...especially those on this forum. I don't think they care what name is on the tool (Facom, USAG, Proto, or Mac). If the quality, specs and finish are identical, it'll come down to price.

 

[M6erfan]

People want value...especially those on this forum. I don't think they care what name is on the tool (Facom, USAG, Proto, or Mac). If the quality, specs and finish are identical, it'll come down to price.

That pretty much sums it up

 

[ultgar]

message deleted

 

[mikebaker1129]

I get offers from USAG,as I am signed up on their website but I do not speak or read Italian.
I have noticed some lower prices for virtually the same items as Facom for lower prices,but the shipping costs for me killed several items i had in my cart when I went to check out.
Sorry to hear the news Steve,I have enjoyed the Facom tools I have purchased from you and I hope the USAG deal works out and if so ,I will become a USAG customer of yours. Virtually the same items as Facom with a different name on it,bi would say the same people that purchased Facom from you would purchase USAG from you.

 

[Mr. Tool]

For sometime now I have been interested in USAG tools to add to my collection but they are not readily available here in the U.S.
Very good durable, crafted tools made with quality but along with all that, very expensive $ but worth paying the price IMO.

For now if you want USAG tools you will more than likely have to have them imported.

Then again you can always try Ebay which they do pop up from time to time.

http://www.usag.it/en

https://www.attrezzieutensili.it/en/usag

 

[dnschmidt]

When I first heard of this brand someone asked me if I ever heard of USAG and I, being a golfer at the time said, hell yes I'm a member of the USGA, I've got one of their rule books right here in my bag, doesn't everybody that plays the game?

 

[T45]

When I first heard of this brand someone asked me if I ever heard of USAG ...

They use USAG tools in the KTM factory manuals

First time I ever saw them ...I wondered what the heck that was all about.

 

[Fedwrench]

I thought Stanley bought Facom and USAG around the same time

 

[JonnyMac]

If you want to try something a little left field!
Sidchrome is an Australian brand which is owned by stanley and the range is basically rebadged facom!! Same pear head ratchets same wrenches etc.. my local tool guy would no doubt ship a container load to you! Good luck with the venture whatever you do..
p.s im not affiliated with anything.. or anyone..

 

[vssjim]

Facom had bought USAG then it came with Facom when Stanley bought FACOM, I used to be a USAG dealer through Eurotool in Cal. years ago. EUROTOOL was a Beta dealer then switched to USAG because they went with whom ever sponsored the Ferrari team because of ties to Ferrari family. I still have lots of the tools I bought for my self back then. I would say Beta and USAG are closer to each other back then they copied each other alot. But since with the Stanley group everything changed as everything was made in Italy back then also. Not sure how well they will sell today as there was a market for the Ferrari F1 tool sets back then because they were very affordable and fairly good quality. Just don't know how to answer because they were a great value and people really liked the Ferrari connection back then.

 

[davethorik]

I remember in a machine shop I used to work at, they had quite a few Sip jig boring mills and there were 2 sets of USAG specialty metric single open end wrenches that fit on the Sip modular tooling and extensions. These wrenches were satin chrome iirc up to about 50mm, and very tough.

I was considering purchase of a 1/2 flex ratchet, and was looking at the Proto 5457F which is a palm control 72t ratchet made in the USAG facility in Italy.

 

[ultgar]

Here's the 2017 Ducati tool box (photos taken with iphone....earlier photo was computer generated

)

Same as the Facom JET.6M3 with custom colors and graphics (and the Ducati Corse sticker). Made in France, not China.

 

[ptgarcia]

If you have a Ducati that would be sweet to own.

 

[ultgar]

The Ducati boxes are not available yet but I do have some of these Beta carts coming in from Italy in Red, White, Blue and Yellow. I've only seen orange here in the US.

Probably a 1 time purchase as shipping these in the US via Fedex or UPS is going to be costly with dimensional surcharges. Probably good to pick these up through Amazon with free shipping.

 

[T45]

Those look like a great form factor ultgar

 

[sk farmer]

maybe contact gray for a chat. nothing wrong with canadian. made closer to home and virtually no us presence. could save piles on shipping and importing.

of course it doesn't have that cool european factor

 

[48548]

I like that beta cart... What is the price? Looks like 600... Not bad, I really like the blue... I might have to get one to make a mobile tool setup.

 

[ultgar]

I'm not sure how these are going to come in or if they have to be put on skids for shipping. Weight is around 50lbs but its a big box. I think these are going to be a hard sell because of the shipping cost.

Pegasus Racing is a Beta dealer and sells these for $599ea including shipping. I'll have a good "pickup price" (Northern NJ) on whatever I don't keep for myself. I don't want to post any numbers here...contact me directly if interested.

SD

 

[ultgar]

Beta C41 Trolleys............ just an update. At this time, the only ones left are 1 RED and 1 WHITE.

 

[superautobacs]

These were taken in 2012 and don't know if they actually represent current production/model features...but for some quick reference to size:

 

[amishman]

How about Proxxon.

Does not seem to have a stronghold in USA for mechanics handtools and other than a couple motorcycle related online stores, they only sell a couple trinkets.

http://www.proxxon.com/en/industrial/socket-sets-in-compact-plastic-cases.php

I was eyeballing the 1/2" 1/4" Socket Sets found on the link above and you can get that in the USA from a place called AltRider LLC for under $200. They don't sell the 3/8" set though. So I refrained from looking further as I would have to import from overseas.

They are nice satin finish and look sleek like Hazet and Beta.

Maybe in a price a mere mortal like myself can afford and is a nice setup.

Just a thought.

TJ

 

[Carquest]

Any progress Steve?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ultgar]

Any progress Steve?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I sent an opening order to USAG in Italy on Friday. Many of these items will be replacing Facom products. Same part, different branding, lower price. Plus, the hope is that dealing directly with USAG instead of a distributor that there will be factory warranty support.

I also ordered 6 Beta C41 trolleys although its been awhile since I've done an ocean freight order. Tons of paperwork and lots of fees that I didn't expect (ISF 10+2 bond, prep and filing fees, Power of Attorney forms, entry fees, warehousing, merchandise processing & harbor maintenance fees, local delivery etc). A lot easier when you do air freight via Fedex or UPS as they take care of all that (but its built into their freight cost). Hopefully USAG will take care of this for me if we start doing business together.

 

[M6erfan]

Hopefully you have some of the T handle hex driver sets coming. I'll be on the lookout...

 

[SawtoothJL]

Don't know if you are interested, but you could also try and sell Wurth Tools. Wurth is a german company but they seem to source their tools from all over (Facom, Ko-Ken, USAG, Beta....)

 

[ultgar]

Hopefully you have some of the T handle hex driver sets coming. I'll be on the lookout...

The Facom 84TC T-handles have been great sellers but are expensive here in the US. The USAG version (280 series) is 20-30% cheaper. You can also buy these with hex spherical tips (for off-axis use) and torx tips that are not currently available through Facom. Both the Facom and USAG versions of these tools are made in Italy.

 

[Firebrick43]

The Facom 84TC T-handles have been great sellers but are expensive here in the US. The USAG version (280 series) is 20-30% cheaper. You can also buy these with hex spherical tips (for off-axis use) and torx tips that are not currently available through Facom. Both the Facom and USAG versions of these tools are made in Italy.

How does warranty work with something like these t handles? I use the piss out of 4 and 5 mm. If they are the same quality as bondhus (best durability I I found so far) I would go through these sizes every year or so. Bigger sizes last a lot longer.

If I bought the facoms you sell currently would there be warranty support after the switch?

Will the t handles be available after the switch?

Will the 440 wrenches be available? How about the fractional set in the plastic carying holder that facom doesn't have?

 

[ultgar]

Warranty is typically against factory defects......I've had guys break the tips off 3mm and severely twist the 4mm/5mm sizes. I tell customers to use a sacrificial bit socket to break the fasteners loose before using the t-handles. If you need "no questions asked" warranty support on these tools, stick with Bondus.

See http://www.ultimategarage.com/hmfacom.html for comments on Facom warranty. Not all Facom items qualify for lifetime warranty.

I'll be stocking both Facom and USAG T-handles. I'm not saying "ciao" to Facom...just looking to supplement the line with Facom's sister company.

I have fractional sets coming in from Beta.....Facom/USAG don't offer them at this time.

 

[Empty Pockets]

People want value...especially those on this forum. I don't think they care what name is on the tool (Facom, USAG, Proto, or Mac). If the quality, specs and finish are identical, it'll come down to price.

If all of those conditions are met, and price is similar, I look to COO

 

[voodooaw]

Here are some pictures of my USAG tools. The wrench and the grey screwdriver have been discontinued. (Ignore the yellow and black wiha pliers)
View media item 70149View media item 70147View media item 70148

 

[ultgar]

The new 285 series combination wrenches are identical to the Facom 440 series and most of the screwdrivers are the same as the Facom Protwist. Here's their Spring Promo....pricing should be pretty good, even with shipping costs from Italy.

See http://www.usag.it/catalog/en/promo/categories/24 .

 

[mikebaker1129]

I do not see any pricing listed .

 

[Qualitytools]

Just saw this post, that's too bad as I have and like the Facom tools but..... does USAG have flare-nut wrenches? I did not see any in the ink provided from Steve.

 

[ultgar]

I do not see any pricing listed .

Send me an email ([email protected]) and I'll quote some intro pricing which includes an additional 10% savings if USAG receives my order by April 28th. I don't want to post it here as people will be asking me to honor these prices months or years from now.

The T-handle wrenches, cantilevered tool boxes, and ratchets are considerably cheaper through USAG because they are made in the Gemonio factory in Italy.