Wilde tools (Made in USA)

[William Payne]

Anyone have experiance with their wooden handle screw drivers? they are so nostalgic and cool looking.

 

[BFHtime]

The sockets and wrenches appear to just be rebranded tools from other companies. Wilde doesn't make every single one of their tools in house.

In fact, Wilde used to get sockets from Stanley, and Stanley was improperly marking those tools as USA made when they really weren't.

http://www.ftc.gov/os/1999/06/stanleyworkscmp.htm

How did you go about getting this information? I always read the labels, looking for made in the USA, but just like what you posted, it could be complete BS.

Just yesterday someone was complaining about the quality of Martin tools. The link explains it, and also implicates other "used to be made in the USA" manufacturers.

I would like to be more vigilant in my product research. Not just tools. I feel you get what you pay for. I don't like junk. I get pissed off when things do not work as advertised. I also feel that buying knockoffs of good quality products, only promotes, more cheap junk, instead of supporting new ideas, even if the cheap junk is functional.

 

[jsackin]

How did you go about getting this information? I always read the labels, looking for made in the USA, but just like what you posted, it could be complete BS.

Just yesterday someone was complaining about the quality of Martin tools. The link explains it, and also implicates other "used to be made in the USA" manufacturers.

I would like to be more vigilant in my product research. Not just tools. I feel you get what you pay for. I don't like junk. I get pissed off when things do not work as advertised. I also feel that buying knockoffs of good quality products, only promotes, more cheap junk, instead of supporting new ideas, even if the cheap junk is functional.

What happened was that all of the companies in that list were buying what they thought was a US made socket set from Stanley and then rebranding it. When it was discovered that the Stanley set was not in fact US made, which I believe had more to do with the laws changing then Stanley intentionally deceiving people (though I could be wrong about that) these companies where implicated as well. It's an old story and one that I don't think reflects badly on any of the companies involved (except maybe Stanley). Wilde is firmly committed to US made products and while they are cheaper then most US tools, the quality is still excellent. Of course, this is coming from a company that distributes Wilde tools and has known the Froeschl family for generations, but I think there are enough guys here that have had experience with Wilde's quality to back me up on this one.

Jori Sackin
Harry J. Epstein Co.

 

[SMKS]

What happened was that all of the companies in that list were buying what they thought was a US made socket set from Stanley and then rebranding it. When it was discovered that the Stanley set was not in fact US made, which I believe had more to do with the laws changing then Stanley intentionally deceiving people (though I could be wrong about that) these companies where implicated as well. It's an old story and one that I don't think reflects badly on any of the companies involved (except maybe Stanley).

This is pretty much my understanding. I wasn't posting it to bash Wilde.

Stanley was the company that was improperly labeling tools. The list of companies in the previous post are just some of the names Stanley put on those improperly labeled tools. I suspect Wilde wouldn't have purchased from Stanley if they knew they were getting tools that didn't meet the USA made labeling rules.

One other thing to add - I wouldn't write this off as an accident on Stanley's part. They agreed not to do it again after this complaint was filed in the late 90s. Then, they got busted again doing the same thing and were fined by the FTC.

This link is a press release from the FTC from 2006. When Stanley was busted a second time they fined them $205,000:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2006/06/stanley.shtm

The Stanley Works, a U.S. toolmaker, will pay a $205,000 civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission charges it falsely claimed its Zero Degree ratchets were Made in the USA. The claims allegedly violated a 1999 FTC order issued against the company to resolve earlier allegations that it had made false Made in the USA claims.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Impressive looking tools!

Price seems very reasonable as well.

Hopefully they can perform and last as well as they look?

http://http://wildetool.com/

 

[1982fxr]

I've bought Wilde screwdrivers and the punch and chisel set from HJE. Hard to beat prices and good quality.

Would I buy Wilde tools again?

Yes.

 

[dirtydogintex]

I want this
http://wildetool.com/products/K653%20small1.jpg

I'm still thinking about this one.... and how much longer between time outs to find one of my _____ chisels/punches because they had all walked off!!

Think how much more efficient I'd be!!!

 

[jeffmoss26]

I have a handful of Wilde items. Good, solid quality.

 

[metaldad]

Well, are we doing something?
Went to the Epstein site. I could use the Wilde scrapers they list. Great pricing.

 

[Bull]

Well, are we doing something?
Went to the Epstein site. I could use the Wilde scrapers they list. Great pricing.

Maybe not enough folks are popping in here and taking a look at the content of the thread.

I could start a new one about a Wilde promotional event and try to get some momentum. Companies like Wilde need us in this market.

If the people interested in the event don't think it would compromise our Epstein's Day on July 4th, then I'd advocate doing this through them. If that is a problem, then people smarter than me need to help me see a better option.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I still need some smaller pin punches, but Epsteins doesn't have them on their site. Other than that I'm about done with my Wilde purchases for now

 

[Bull]

I still need some smaller pin punches, but Epsteins doesn't have them on their site. Other than that I'm about done with my Wilde purchases for now

I bet Jori can order whatever you need from them.

 

[fivespdcat]

I would definitely be in for something, but am I really thinking the best way to do it is through Epstein's. I can't see buying direct from Wilde.

 

[bobcatdan]

Did anybody eles notice their ratchets look like RHFT?

 

[PowderKeg]

Well, according to Wilde tool themselves on their Facebook page they do. Quote From Wilde:

" We currently manufacture Tongue and Groove Pliers, Combination/Slip Joint Pliers, Angle Nose Slip Joint Pliers, Pipe Wrench Pliers®, Hex Stock Punches, Chisels, Pry Bars, and Gasket Scrapers. We also manufacture specialty tools used in the Industrial, Plumbing, Automotive, and Electrical markets. Multiple Position and Fixed Joint Pliers
WILDE® offers a complete line of Combination/Slip Joint, Tongue & Groove (C-Joint), Angle Nose Slip Joint. Water Pump, Pipe Wrench Plier®s, Solid Joint, Lock Ring, Hose Clamp, Brake Spring, Retaining Ring, and Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers. All WILDE® manufactured pliers are drop forged from our own special alloy steel. Precision heat treating assures the toughest tool available. Pliers are available in NATURAL FINISH and/or INDUSTRIAL BLACK FINISH."



Is Wilde lying?

I would say they're technically not lying, when you parse the statement. They list more types available after "offers" than they do after "manufacture", then they re-state "All Wilde manufactured pliers..." right after the "offers" list. "Offers" is not the same as "manufacture".

As far as other outsourced Wilde tools: The 1/2" Wilde ratchet (stamped USA) I just fished out of the 'bay is a Stanley sourced model whose original design probably came from Thorsen - I have a couple Thorsen ratchets of the same design. I'm guessing the original design goes back to shortly before Thorsen's demise, and was most likely acquired by Stanley along with other remnants of Thorsen. I've got JS, ProAmerica, and Millers Falls branded versions, and a Sears branded one that's stamped from Taiwan. The 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets that Wilde show on the website definitely appear to be the venerable EASCO RHFT, which I think was finally discontinued by Danaher in just the past handful of years.

I also picked up a few of the pry bars from Epstein's awhile back - they're right nice, and the price was right!

 

[Bull]

Did anybody eles notice their ratchets look like RHFT?

They don't make their own sockets/ratchets, but source them from others, as I think someone mentioned above.

 

[Brownsfan]

Did anybody eles notice their ratchets look like RHFT?

How did you even get to that? Every time I tried to click that it just came to a blank screen. In fact that happened a lot when I was on that site. But I am in for a event. I could use some scrapers and a long prybar. And who knows what else. When I start a buying kick it can get bad

 

[Biomed]

Wilde does not manufacture their retaining ring pliers. They are made by Stride Tool Co.

I'd like to confirm that Wilde does not manufacture retaining ring pliers. I have the current Wilde catalog and master price sheet. All items manufactured by Wilde are listed in bold letters in the Wilde master price sheet.

Checking the Wilde #'s from 517/BB through 538/MC, 444K and 1234 - NONE are in bold type - therefore NOT manufactured by Wilde Tool Co.

 

[Biomed]

Anyone have experience with their wooden handle screw drivers? they are so nostalgic and cool looking.

I have a set of them. Have not used them yet. I too find them "nostalgic and cool looking" but after reviewing the Wilde master price sheet I found they were NOT manufactured by Wilde Tool. The set really looks like Grace screwdrivers. Having said that, they (the Wilde SW7 set) are a fairly substantial set of screwdrivers.

 

[jsackin]

If you guys decide to do something, Epstein's can get anything that Wilde has listed on their website. The factory is only about 45 minutes from our store and Wilde said they would drive down any special orders that you guys would need.

Jori
Harry J. Epstein Co.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

If you guys decide to do something, Epstein's can get anything that Wilde has listed on their website. The factory is only about 45 minutes from our store and Wilde said they would drive down any special orders that you guys would need.

Jori
Harry J. Epstein Co.

That is service right there

I'll have to browse some more and see what i can come up with.

Edit: Here's a pic of my Wilde punches and chisels to make all you folks want to go out and buy your own.

There are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 cold chisels, every Wilde roll spring punch from 5/16 down, and soon to be the same with the Pin punches. They're sitting in a little holder I made from I believe Australian Blackwood that I had laying around.

 

[1982fxr]

Let's just do it through HJE

 

[slob]

I think it would be really neat if there was a set of screwdrivers that had Wilde, Epstein, and GJ logo all branded on the handle.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Thunderbiscuit, what is the smallest size pin punch you have there? I have been looking for 1/16 pin punch but need it to a bit longer than usual.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

Thunderbiscuit, what is the smallest size pin punch you have there? I have been looking for 1/16 pin punch but need it to a bit longer than usual.

If you want me to measure the effective length of it, the smallest regular pin punch I have is 3/32. You can see in my little holder the 2 empty spaces for a 5/64 and 1/16 all empty and sad I do have a 1/16 roll spring punch though, but those are much longer than the regular pin punches. Looking on their site it seems they don't offer the long pin punches that small either.

 

[Airframer]

Couldn't wait any longer. Wilde tool order from Epstein's is inbound.

 

[jeffmoss26]

If you want me to measure the effective length of it, the smallest regular pin punch I have is 3/32. You can see in my little holder the 2 empty spaces for a 5/64 and 1/16 all empty and sad I do have a 1/16 roll spring punch though, but those are much longer than the regular pin punches. Looking on their site it seems they don't offer the long pin punches that small either.

I think that is what I need, a 1/16 roll spring punch.
On certain types of locks, you remove the pins through a hole in the bottom of the cylinder. The manufacturer makes a tool for this, but I normally use a 1/16 drill bit or allen wrench and hit it with a hammer. A 1/16 pin punch is the right size, but not long enough to go through the cylinder.

Time to find some roll spring punches!!

 

[lowbucktruck]

Those Wilde prybars are awesome! I picked up two of them last year on our Buy from Epsteins day. They are my go-to prybars now.
I would be on-board for a group purchase of Wilde stuff.

 

[metaldad]

I think that is what I need, a 1/16 roll spring punch.
On certain types of locks, you remove the pins through a hole in the bottom of the cylinder. The manufacturer makes a tool for this, but I normally use a 1/16 drill bit or allen wrench and hit it with a hammer. A 1/16 pin punch is the right size, but not long enough to go through the cylinder.

Time to find some roll spring punches!!

Hey Jeff.
not meaning to take away from the OP, but General makes a set of roll pin punches. Probably foriegn, most hardware stores carry at least some of their line.
http://www.generaltools.com/SPC76--EXTRA-LONG-DRIVE-PIN-PUNCHES_p_41.html

 

[metaldad]

Come to think of it........... Epstein's can get them

 

[metaldad]

Yep, Epstein's carries General.

 

[Bull]

Well, no one in here has voiced any concern with doing a Wilde buy via Epstein's. So, I will start a thread and see if we can get some momentum going. It looks like there will at least be some orders.

Maybe shoot for doing it next Wednesday? Gives folks a little time to plan their purchases?

 

[metaldad]

i'll play.
could use some scrapers.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I'm down

 

[metaldad]

stupid computer says 'wilde tool' site may damage confuzer.
I see glaze breakers on Epstein's site. Can't enlarge the pic. I don't have any. This is something I need, right?

 

[brianpgriset]

I'm down

Ditto. Count me in for a K20 set and a holder from Epstein's.

 

[Biomed]

stupid computer says 'wilde tool' site may damage confuzer.

Your computer isn't stupid. Google has the Wilde site listed as a site that may damage your computer.

Something wierd about the Wilde site. Everytime I go there the Wilde site seems to like to pass data to "khenpro.ru" which appears to be some Tibetan Buddhism site.

I'm not going to put my credit card data on the Wilde site until it isn't blacklisted by Google.

 

[jeffmoss26]

metaldad, I put a call into Jori at HJE and he is going to contact Wilde about the roll pin punches for me. What service!!

 

[ganymede]

These are marked "Wolverine Brass Made in USA".
I think they may be by Wilde. Wolverine Brass is a mfg of plumbing components.

 

[mfgorilla]

I'll bite. I've been checking out their slip joint pliers on Epstein's website for a while now....looks like I've got an excuse to pull the trigger.