I have mentioned Beta tools a couple of times on ToolGuyd in the past, but nothing too recently. That’s going to change, now that Beta’s professional hand tools, accessories, storage products, and equipment are coming back to the US market.
In a nutshell, Beta is the Italian version of Snap-on/Mac/Matco/Proto. Their tools are top-notch and designed for heavy duty professional mechanic and industrial use.
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Small Parts carried Beta products a while back, then Small Parts was absorbed into Amazon, and then Amazon stopped restocking Beta products after selling them at crazy “we must clear the shelves NOW” prices.
My experience with Beta tools have been quite good. I ordered a sampling of hand tools just to test out, a bunch of others tools for personal use (mainly T-handle hex drivers), and a tool storage cabinet that has worked out really well for me these past few years.
Earlier this month I spoke to Nick White, National Sales Manager for Peerless Hardware, the company that will be handling importation and distribution of Beta tools. Peerless Hardware has been a manufacturer and importer for many years now, and seems well equipped to reintroduce Beta tools to US customers.
A Service-First Approach
Peerless Hardware is an established business, and is looking to build a strong and steady following for Beta tools. This isn’t a get rich quick scheme for them. As such, you can also expect consistent pricing and fair competition between their dealers.
When I spoke with Nick White, he made it quite clear that Peerless was going for a service-first approach. To me this sounded like a promise of quick turnaround on warranty and repair requests.
Beta Tool Quality
I own quite a few Beta tools, and while there are one or two I don’t like, my general impression is quite positive. The tools are well designed and superbly finished.
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Some Beta tools, such as my 1-1/4″ x 1/2″ drive socket, can even be described as beautiful. There are few tools that elicit similar feelings.
Where to Buy?
Peerless already has arrangements with a couple of dealers that are gearing up for direct sales. Some dealers are set up for online sales, others for phone sales.
Upcoming Reviews
I have a few reviews planned of my personally owned Beta tools, and will be soon testing and reviewing a couple of new items that will be of general interest to auto mechanics, tradesmen, and other industrial users.
If you have a request or suggestion for tool types you would like to see tested and reviewed here on ToolGuyd, please let me know via a comment or email.
John Sullivan
I realize that you’re bombarded with manufacturers’ samples and I trust that Beta will be no different. Since I’m *sure* that space will be an issue, I’d like to be the first to volunteer my services to store, use, and thoroughly appreciate ANY and ALL of the Beta tool cabinets, tools, etc. that are in your way after you review them. Because that’s the kind of super-generous guy I am. You’re welcome!
Stuart
It’s possible…
ToolGuyd’s 5th anniversary is coming up, and I’m starting to brainstorm giveaway ideas.
John S
hahaha you wouldn’t be alone John…
But this is great news!! I am stoked to see Beta Tools more widely available!
fred
When Amazon was selling out their stock of Beta tools we bought out their remaining stock (3) of their water tap plier-wrench (having some of the functionality of old Utica Gas Pliers):
http://www.beta-tools.com/catalog/articles/view/393/__lang_en/__catlang_en/__catalog_beta/__filters_
Like some other European made tools (from companies like Knipex, NWS, Pettinaroli, Rothenberger, Sandvik, Viega, and Virax) plumbing tools – the designs are often different and offer options that may come in handy.
Chris Pyfer
Fred, was looking at the link you provided and these pliers look like they would come in handy under a pedestal sink. Would you mind sharing some of the other uses of these unique pliers? Thanks for your post.
fred
like gas pliers – and their small cousins called screw pliers (e.g. Engineer Brand PZ-58) :
http://www.cementexusa.com/pdf/GasPliers.pdf
they have serrations at their tips as well as at in their jaws (like more traditional slip joint pliers). This allows them to be used to reach into confined spaces to grab valves stems/ bonnets or gas cocks – get a decent grip on them and turn them.
fred
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-VINTAGE-UTICA-GAS-BURNER-PLIERS-Model-1300-8-USA-/400330015821?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3587444d
The above link provides a couple of different views of the Utica gas pliers that I’ve used for over 40 years – and shows the serrated tip
Chris Pyfer
Thanks for the info Fred. They are all interesting designs. From the looks of the Betas it would appear you could get better grip on mid-sized rounded objects but I could see where the Uticas would be superior in more confined spaces with smaller objects. Gas burner pliers, makes perfect sense now. Thanks again.
John Stuckey
I probably have more experience with Beta Tools than most anyone in the US. I bought a basic automotive set with their “Cargo” series standup box in 1984 on my first vacation trip to Europe. I worked as a professional mechanic until three years ago, and this tool set was used daily during that period. It still totally serviceable and in frequent use on my hobby cars. I favor the Beta hand tools over Snap-on, Mac, Matco, or Craftsman. They are much tighter fitting on metric fasteners, especially as compared to Snap-on’s “flank drive”. I have rescued brake line fittings that colleagues have rounded off with Snap-on flare nut wrenches. The downside is that the fasteners must be clean, or the Beta wrench will not go on. In 25 years of professional use I have broken four sockets and two wrenches, all from extreme abuse (impact gun on chrome sockets, long pipe on combination wrenches). They are an extremely hard alloy; when they finally fail, they do not spread or bend, they shatter like a hardened steel bearing race. They are probably overkill for a hobbysist, but if you make your living with tools, or just love quality, I highly recommend Beta.