Here is a set of (Sears) Craftsman gimbal palm ratchets.
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Here’s something very similar by Husky.
And this one is from Gearwrench.
Brandon wrote in, asking about tool design origins.
I’ve been getting more and more into German tools lately and something has been bothering me. I’m wondering if you can shed some light? How do you figure out who came up with a tool design?
I used to think Knipex was really innovative, until I realized a lot of the same tool designs can be found under Gedore, Wiha, and even Irwin and Snap-on branding. Wire cutters (“cutting pliers”), Swedish pipe wrenches, push button sliding adjustable pliers, these are all common designs between a bunch of German and American tool brands.
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So my question is are there a few plants somewhere that actually make all of these tools and the various companies just rebrand them and put their own grips/colors on? Or does one of these companies come up with the design and everyone else copies? If this is the case is there a way to figure out who came up with a design first and give that company your money? I hate to think I’m buying into a tool design and ideology only to find out its actually a copied design that some other company spent the time engineering.
I’ve noticed this same thing with power tool manufacturers. Milwaukee will come out with something I think is really innovative, but then I’ll realize Bosch has been making almost the exact same design for years (for example, Milwaukee’s compact M18 blower). Or I’ll buy a Milwaukee bit set and see the exact same bit set, case, and everything in a different color being sold by Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita.
Its all frustrating because who do you give money to when they are all making the same tools? How do you justify paying more for say a Knipex when you can get an Irwin in a different color handle for cheaper? Thanks for any help or light you can shed on these questions!
Great question!
Sometimes tools look similar, but are not identical, with no evidence that they’re made at the same factory by the same OEM.
This is the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall.
This is the Bosch 12V Max compact reciprocating saw.
I would very highly doubt that Bosch contracted Milwaukee or TTI to manufacture their tools, and so I am confident that they’re not coming from the same factor. But, if Milwaukee patented the design, there would be a likelihood of cooperation or licensing of some manner.
In any case, that’s an example of tools that are similar. Power tool accessories and bit boxes? Well, there are some OEMs that different brands might use, if they don’t want to make something themselves.
These cantilever tool boxes might say “Kreg,” but I’m 99.999% certain that they’re made by Keter.
You can find similar boxes under other brands.
Grip-on makes their own locking pliers, and are rebranded under Proto and Snap-on labels. NWS makes their own pliers, and for a short time Irwin came out with a series of NWS-made pliers, featuring unique-to-Irwin handles and even a couple of unique tool designs.
See Also: Irwin NWS-Made Pliers
Here’s a photo of Knipex Pliers Wrenches and Cobra pliers. The black-handled ones are Craftsman-labeled. It has never been officially confirmed, but it’s commonly understood that Knipex manufactures those Cobra pliers for the Craftsman brand.
Craftsman ball screwdrivers are identical to Vessel’s.
At the top of the page is an example of gimbal-style palm ratchets across three brands.
A few years ago, Klein came out with a tap drill bit set. It’s something that they wanted to offer customers, but it’s likely not something they’re making themselves.
I believe that this Klein wire stripper was produced in-house by them.
But they used to look like Craftsman’s Professional wire strippers, which I believe were made by Stride.
There are many more examples of identical tools wearing different branding. Why would a brand outsource tool production or designs to an external company? Well, let me ask this – would you buy a tool from a first-time tool-maker? Would a retailer?
Milwaukee recently came out with combination wrenches and mechanical wrenches. Before that, they entered the tool storage market. And also, there’s their organizers and Packout tool boxes.
Sometimes brands work with other OEMs to produce unique tools for their market or target users. Other times, there’s a known product that’s perfect as-is, and rebranding only involves cosmetic differences.
Currently, Dewalt is contracting with Sortimo to make a work van storage system for their ToughSystem tool boxes and components.
It can take a lot of resources to duplicate industry know-how, knowledge, and experience. Setting up new tool production lines? Factories?
Sometimes experienced workers can be won over, but there’s still a question of production.
Power tool brands don’t make every aspect of a tool themselves.
Porter Cable’s low profile sander (later rebranded under Dewalt), isn’t available anymore, because its specialized motor isn’t available anymore.
There are two questions to address.
Which tool to buy when there are functional similarities?
Which tool to buy when only the branding is different?
When tools offer similar functionality, one might be superior than other, even if the differences seem minor or even trivial. That’s pretty much what led to ToolGuyd. I had been seeking to answer “what’s the difference?” about a lot of tools, and wanted to share my findings.
But what happens when there’s the same exact tool offered by different brands?
These Snap-on low-profile screwdrivers are $15-16 each. Or you can buy a 3pc Anex screwdriver set for $15 via Amazon. There are a number of Snap-on products like that. Why would someone buy the Snap-on set? I suppose they might not know about the Anex set. Or maybe they do, and need or want the Snap-on to-your-door service.
I have seen Knipex partner up with other tool brands. Here’s a new PB Swiss set that features Knipex pliers. In that case, the pliers aren’t rebranded, they keep their Knipex labeling.
Knipex has worked with other screwdriver brands before, I believe they worked with Witte, and here’s a Knipex VDE pliers and screwdriver set that features Wera screwdrivers.
Sometimes the answer is clear – go for the less expensive product.
Other times, warranty considerations come into play. Or availability. Or there might be small differences. Irwin’s NWS-made pliers featured what looks to be NWS’s black Teflon finish. What if you wanted a different finish? NWS offers other options.
Milwaukee’s combination wrenches and ratcheting wrenches look to be made by Infar. There’s no easy way to confirm things like this with absolute certainty, but they appear to be Infar designs, beyond a reasonable doubt.
I have never seen Infar tools sold in the USA before. So which to buy? Well, availability makes the choice for you.
The Husky technician tool case was available, for a time, and I don’t think I have ever seen Keter-branded ones.
I had a Craftsman-branded version of this Keter tool box. You can buy the Keter version through Amazon.
There’s no consistent way to discuss OEM-made tools, because variables are constantly changing. Sometimes one brand of the same tool is less expensive, other times one is simply more available.
But let’s say there are two tools at the same price. Well, which one has the battery warranty or customer support?
If you buy a Gearwrench palm ratchet, and it breaks, how will you get it repaired? What about Craftsman? Husky? As of the time of this posting, Sears no longer sells that tool, the Gearwrench ratchet is less expensive, and the Husky has a higher tooth (or position) count and is available in a few socket set options.
With something like cordless blowers, most tools are going to look similar, in the same way that most 16 ounce claw hammers will look alike.
In his email, Brandon mentioned adjustable pliers. Shown here are two generations of Irwin Groove-Lock pliers.
Here are Knipex-made Cobra pliers. Despite similar appearances, the Irwin are made in Asia, and the Knipex in Germany. There’s a big quality difference. I bought Irwin pliers first, because they were a great value, and then I bought my Craftsman ones, because they were on sale for far lower than I could buy Knipex ones for.
If I recall correctly, the Craftsman 2-piece set was $25. I don’t think you can get just one Knipex Cobra pliers for that low.
There will be times when a rebranded tool is more expensive, without offering anything in exchange for the premium, aside from wearing a different label and maybe different colors. In those cases, it just comes down to customer awareness.
The best way to sort things out is to be an informed buyer. If you’ve been following or reading ToolGuyd (and the excellent and extraordinary comments!), or are involved in enthusiast forums or communities, you’re ahead of the curve. It’s with the help of the tool enthusiast community that we can (usually) sort through OEM and branding uncertainties.
Cr8on
I Know for a fact that Midwest Cutlery is the OEM of more than a few brands snips and other HVAC hand tools. I personally buy only Midwest branded snips for a couple very simple reasons: High quality for a good price, all materials are sourced in the US and are made literally 40 mins from my house. Now I’m not a buy American 100% guy but it feels good when I can.
Douglas
Midwest makes good tools at fair prices…
J.B.
I’ve been seriously debating this in my head for the last week. I am trying to leave my day job and get some benchtop tools to set up a makeshift shop in my garage until I move into a bigger location toward the end of the year. I was all in on Grizzly until I noticed that Wen makes almost the same exact bandsaw and air filter. Now I can’t decide between invest a little more and get the Grizzly or roll the dice save some money upfront and get Wen.
Joe
Watch YT videos, set up is atrocious and quality of the Wen is ok..Grizzly is good, Laguna is much better. If your using it daily, and going to be “ resawing” don’t get the Wen.
Most shop guys regret getting a cheaper bandsaw at first and end up getting a much better one. Again watch YT …read blogs…Powermatic ? …but for occasional use Wen would be fine.
JeffMC_VT
Seconded on precision items (like a bandsaw.) Save money where it makes sense, like the air filter. Unless you’re investing in a commercial HEPA filtration unit, it’s essentially a box with a timer, a fan and 2 pieces of felt.
ROB
The way that the Taiwan/China stationary tool import game works is that things may come from the same basic design, out of the same or related factories, of parts from possibly the same factories, but the quality of every component is spec’d out based on the selling point and/or the manufacturer may hire out different quality factories for final assembly and QC (and QC is a line item, fyi…).
They look exactly the same in marketing photos…. they are not the same in person.
Lynyrd
Grizzly carries many different lines, some similar to Wen, some Rikon, and so on. If you stick with Taiwan made as opposed to China, and ISO factories you can;t go wrong. Further Grizzly customer service is top notch.
Joe
If two or three tools are identical, why wouldn’t you buy American ? At the very least, buy German made. What people do is there choice of course. But if you think your saving money buying cheap China crap, your not. Everything comes around, by helping the Chinese you strengthen their economy,in turn the USA must react. Thus increasing military or other programs,in turn increases your taxes either federally or locally.
By helping our economy by buying American made you strengthen our economy and our businesses. A stronger economy means lower taxes, more money for local programs thus Saving you money. …
Eventually if everyone neglects American companies,all that will be left is cheap China crap to choose from. The quality will go down as there will be no competition. …
….the job you save may be your own someday….
Whiskey and Wood
if they are identical, they would be made in the same factory in the same place. parent company might be different which affects where the money flows a little, but if they are all made in china, then buying one brand over the other doesn’t affect the outcome.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Stuart – thank you for taking the time to answer my question! This post was very helpful. I have those exact Irwin push button adjustable pliers you referenced, I found them in a tub in my garage that they’ve been sitting in for at least 10 years (originally bought by my father). This was after I had made my mind up to buy Knipex Cobra pliers, then I found these sitting in a tub and realized the design was not necessarily unique.. which made me question if Knipex put the engineering into the design or if Irwin did and Knipex copied them? Which lead to my question above.
To answer some of the other comments.. My question to Stuart in the original post was never about Chinesium versus American or German made.. it was about American and German companies making the same products and who really came up with the design? If Knipex sells Cobra pliers side by side on the Snap-on truck with Snap-on branded nearly identical pliers who do you buy? Or Knipex “Swedish style” pipe wrenches next to Snap-on’s PWZ plier wrench. Or the rampant amount of “Craftsman” tools at Sears that are exact clones of Gearwrench. Or the Irwin tap & die set that is the exact same as Snap-on’s that Stuart wrote a post about a month or two back.. did Irwin really make it for Snap-on or did both of these companies go to some factory somewhere and buy a white-box tap & die set and put their logos on them for prices that are hundreds of dollars apart? Did Knipex manufacturer Snap-on’s PWZ plier wrenches or did they both go to a factory and buy the same blueprint/design? Or did Snap-on copy the original Knipex (or someone else) design?
Its easy to pick who to buy from when the question is German, American, or Japanese steel versus Chinesium, but its a lot more difficult when its German vs German, American vs American, or American vs German with an identical design and being left wondering who really came up with the design or are we all just buying rebranded tools from different companies that can sell us on an ideology, cool colors, or comfort grips!
Diplomatic Immunity
“If Knipex sells Cobra pliers side by side on the Snap-on truck with Snap-on branded nearly identical pliers who do you buy?”
Whichever one is cheaper if warranty doesn’t come into play. If I were a one brand fanboy then I would go with the one brand. But in this case Knipex is synonymous with quality in it’s own right and Snap-on (their main brand) is also synonymous with quality.
Usually one company makes the tool themselves and might offer it up for rebrand to another company. I can’t see two companies going halves on a factory to make one tool. I don’t think it works the same as say Toyota teaming up with Subaru to make the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The times you don’t see this is when a company has an exclusive patent or tech that can really give themselves a financial advantage to have exclusively to their brand. Off the top of my head Sawstop with their blade stopping tech would be an example of this. Without getting into a huge flame war argument over semantics and the evil or goodness of Sawstop; they are an example of developing a tech and having that tech tied to them exclusively.
In the tool world a lot of stuff is just rebrands. Hell my Felo pliers are NWS made and even have the exact same colors.
Stuart
Irwin/Hanson is a known leader in the tap and die market, and so I would think that, if identical, they could be Snap-on’s source.
Your point about “original” vs. “copied” tool designs is a good one, but I would post a counter-question. Does it matter which is original, or which is better?
Tool brands come out with innovations every so often. After patents expire, or competitors feel inspired to come out with their own solutions, similar designs might hit the market.
In the tool industry, as with other areas, there’s a cycle of improvement.
If there are “originals” and “copies,” and all other aspects are similar, I will usually go for the “original,” but it depends on the brand.
If a company comes out with a new product, and copies flood the market soon after, at half the price, the original will usually be better. There always seem to be subtle features and specs that are missed when a tool or accessory is copied.
But with something like the Irwin Groove-Lock pliers, there have been a few iterations. Let’s assume that Knipex’s Cobras came out first, and the Groove-Locks after. Maybe the Cobras were painstakingly designed, and the Groove-Locks rushed out. There have been slight Groove-Lock redesigns over the years, presumably improvements.
At this point, both tools still have different price points – the Knipex are premium-priced, the Groove-Locks are a little less refined, but cost a lot less.
If tool brands didn’t compete with each other, improvement would come at a much slower pace.
“Who came up with the design” can affect tool design or quality, but I would argue that it becomes less important over time.
Take high velocity hammers as an example. Dewalt came out with one a few years ago, it picked up some fans, and then other brands jumped on the bandwagon with lightweight high velocity hammers of their own. Some were successful, others were not.
Or heated jackets. Milwaukee remains a leader in this category, at least in my opinion. It might not have been an original idea to them, but the concept for heated jackets for tool users was. Other brands came out with their own designs. Milwaukee updated theirs. Sometimes you’ll see updates in other brands’ product lines. Some of Milwaukee’s push towards improvements had to have been motivated by competition.
Loggerhead Tools won their infringement case over Sears, where they argued that Sears’ Craftsman tool infringed on patents protecting their Bionic Wrench design. Sears argued that their tool was based off of a 1950’s mechanism design.
Today, Crescent doesn’t make the best adjustable wrenches.
Now, back to the Hanson and Snap-on tap and die sets. I’d bet that it’s made for Snap-on by Irwin/Hanson. Snap-on gets away charging what they do because their customers will pay it.
I imagine that the call sounds something like this: “Hey, we need a custom-branded 117pc tap and die set to offer to our customers.” And then both parties make it happen.
Costs are higher, due to quantity considerations, and because there are more middle-parties, and because Snap-on charges a premium for their service and warranty policies.
Let’s say someone wants to buy a tool set from me. They can buy one from elsewhere for $100, but they want to buy it from me. I can say “no way,” or I can say “sure, but it’ll be $150.”
Different brands’ tools might come from the same factory. But unless the tools are identical, there might be distinctions that make them different products.
Are we all just buying rebranded tools, sold on ideology, cool colors, and maybe just different grips? Sometimes, yes. This happens in other industries, too.
Sometimes tools come from the same place, other times they don’t, despite appearances.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/a-crooked-shop-so-shockingly-bad-i-had-to-share/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
A company reached out last year, about a tool they “launched.” A little investigative work turned up that it’s the same tool lots of other no-name brands are selling. Later on, I heard from the original maker that the copied tools were based on.
But that’s different than the OEM relationships we were talking about.
Sometimes it’s good to know who makes a tool, or first came out with it. Other times, it’s less important.
fred
Snap-On and other tool truck brands also have a bit of a different model.
The drivers are often franchise owners and may offer different prices for cash versus “truck account credit.” The offer of “zero percent financing” may just be a myth – with the actually financing rate built into a higher price. Like with financing or leasing cars, some folks only look at the monthly payments rather than do a present worth analysis of what the down-payment plus all those monthly payments add up to. For some, it can make a higher sticker price more palatable.
Reed Prince
Every time I have seen Knipex Cobra pliers compared to Irwins, the Knipexs were considered superior. Here is a Garage Journal thread about the two tools that features a YouTube comparison review. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265357
Toolfreak
There’s always the option of having both.
I have the Knipex Cobras (in comfort and dipped handles), the Craftsman versions, and the Irwin Groovelocks.
I use the regular handle Knipex when I need the compactness of the head and the finesse of thinner handles, the comfort handle Knipex when I really need to squeeze whatever it is, and the Craftsman if they’re closer than having to go get the Knipex.
The Irwins have wider jaws (and also come in a flat-jaw shape that the Cobras don’t) so sometimes they’re better for larger items, or if I’m working on something where I might damage the tool, I’ll opt to ding up the cheaper Irwins rather than the Cobras.
Don’t ever think you’re limited to just one version of any tool. Sometimes it’s better to have two versions, even better than two of the same higher-end tool since the cheaper version from the other brand might even have some benefits.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Good point, I guess part of the point I was trying to make was not wanting to give my money to a company that copied someone else’s engineering and design. Its a lot like what Chinese companies do to American tools (or Harbor Freight for that matter). When it comes to Irwin vs Knipex, thanks to some of the links and opinions posted here, its clear that the Knipex stuff is far better (not surprised, really) and the Irwin stuff is made in China so that makes that decision easier. I already have a set of the Irwin push button adjustable pliers but I still plan to add 2 or 3 of the Knipex versions to my toolbox.
Diplomatic Immunity
Same thing as anything else…. price, quality, warranty, availability, and how much you use the tool or plan on using the tool. IF you plan on using the tool a lot then you should probably go for quality. If you planned on watching or had to watch tv for 10 hours a day wouldn’t you want the best tv you could afford?
The yeti
Personally this is why i buy industrial brands over big names. I find lots of it is good quality.
Best article ive read on here yet
Joel
It appears that a few of the Craftsman 3-piece Gimbal Palm Ratchet sets at still avaialable online at Sears Hometown Store website for $14.88. In store price is $60. I ordered a set yesterday and picked it up today. http://www.searshometownstores.com/product/Craftsman-24913-3Piece-Gimbal-Palm-Ratchet-Set
Lyle
Thats a great deal. Sadly, I tried a couple of different zip codes for both where I live and where I travel to and it isn’t available in either. What area do you live in?
Lyle
If you could buy me a set, I’d be happy to reimburse you for the cost of the shipping plus I can thrown in some Macadamia chocolates from Hawaii. Also, I work in Nebraska so you wouldn’t need to ship it all the way to Hawaii.
Brian
Price then color…unless it’s something like Craftsman, because then you have to consider warranty or whether they’ll be able to honor the warranty.
Interesting you mention this and Kreg, earlier today I was talking about rebranded Armor-tool locking pliers. Kreg Automaxx, Bessey auto adjust, Grizzly auto adjust, Craftsman auto adjust, Rockler auto adjust and CH Hanson auto adjust.
Craftsman also rebrands one pair of Knipex cobras but with a different and black grip…well everything Craftsman sells is rebranded something.
fred
All this is interesting. Just to add a bit, my thought is that in some cases the copy of the original may offer some added refinement, different set of features or at least a lower price point giving us buyers a choice.
Tools that come off-patent, if popular enough, sometimes benefit from the new competition and it may be that the original maker (inventor) will keep up or not. The Fein Multimaster comes to mind. When it went off patent there was a flood of new OMTs that hit the market offering different choices. Some might argue that Fein still makes a fine OMT – but competition may have made Fein add features to their own lineup.
I suspect that when patent protection runs out for the Festool Domino and Sawstop technology we will see a plethora of new makers.
There are (or were) OEMs for many tools that remain behind the scenes – working more in a B-to-B role than as a purveyor of tools with their own brand name. In the US, Partt-Read (now owned by Ideal) and Easco Hand Tools (now owned by Danaher) come to mind.
Diplomatic Immunity
If or when the Festool Domino patent runs its course I imagine we’ll see a few variations from other tool makers at way lower prices. I would sincerely hope the prices would be somewhere around what biscuit joiners are priced at; by that I mean not Lamello’s biscuit joiner price. Then again there have only been a few cheaper duo dowellers vs Mafell’s and they haven’t reviewed as good. Every power tool company seems to make a biscuit joiner though.
Makes me wonder why biscuit joiners are so popular and whether or not a cheaper priced Domino would be in as much demand as cheaper priced biscuit joiners are. I realize that they are used in two different areas but why haven’t there been more cheaper priced duo dowellers? No demand?
fred
I tried a Freud twin dowel machine ( FDW710K V0) for a short period of time. I could never get repeatable results. The indexing system was poor and customer support was non existent. It soon was a tool that was no longer made or supported. A lot of potential – but bad execution and customer support. The old amazon reviews kind of tell a story.
https://www.amazon.com/Freud-FDW710K-Doweling-Jointer-Carrying/product-reviews/B001ET78TC
Diplomatic Immunity
The Triton one gets craptastic reviews as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Triton-TDJ600-Dowelling-Jointer-710W/dp/B01N5VAGP7/
Curious as to why there isn’t more of a market for them. I mean I’m sure the Mafell one is good but then again you’re paying close to Domino prices for it. Do you think there will be a lot of Domino clones once the patent expires?
loup68
I think that Easco made the older but really good ratchets for Craftsman and NAPA that I own.
fred
If there was a UPC code starting with 714994 on the package – then the maker was Easco. If the UPC started with 757595 then the maker was Pratt-Read, 727226 is the company prefix for Midwest Tool, 648738 denotes Western Forge as the OEM, 721615 would be on Craftsman toolboxes made by Waterloo, 045325 is on items made for Sears by Vermont American and 024721 on items where Irwin-Hansen was the supplier. Using the UPC prefix also sometimes lets you track down the OEM for other house brands like Husky at Home Depot and Kobalt at Lowes.
Of course many of my tools were bought in those halcyon days before most of us knew what a UPC, EAN or GTIN was (first commercial use was reportedly in 1974 on a package of gum).
firefly
Typically I just stayed with the brand that I have had good experience with for a given tool. For example if it was for a similar pliers between Knipex and Snap-on for a similar price point then I would go with Knipex given that I have had great experience with Knipex pliers.
Other than that I typically go with a good enough brand, whichever is lesser at the time given that there is no other perceived benefit between the similar tools. For example if it was between Dewalt and Milwaukee then it’s pretty much a coin toss for me. I tend to stay from no name brand unless there is a compelling reason such as price or I have heard great things about them. A good brand doesn’t guarantee a better tool but a good brand almost always give us a more than good enough tool. After all they have a reputation to protect.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Turns out you can buy the Snap-on one directly from Bahco for much cheaper than either the Knipex or the Snap-on branded ones (thanks to the links from Brian below). Bacho is a Swedish brand owned by Snap-on that makes all of the pliers wrenches. Not sure how easy it would be to warranty a Bahco tool but you can buy 2 to 4 of them for the price of a single Snap-on one!
George
I’ll add that I didn’t even know such a thing as a gimbal ratchet existed until I read this. Bought one this weekend for tightening/loosening hose clamps on my aquarium plumbing. Much, much easier than using a regular ratchet at odd angles inside an aquarium stand!
I’m sure I’ll find other tight-quarters uses for it soon enough.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
I’ve got a couple palm ratchets.. They are super helpful for general tasks like putting together kid’s toys, IKEA furniture, small projects round the house, etc. Even working on vehicles its helpful to have a palm ratchet for a lot of projects. Several brands make them – Husky, Gearwrench, Snap-on, SK, even Harbor Freight sells a 3-pack for $7 or $8. Harbor Freight is the only 1/2-inch drive palm ratchet I’ve been able to find. I really love the Husky one. They sell a kit with a 1/4″ drive gimbal ratchet with a bunch of bits for $20 or $30 and the 3/8-inch drive one alone is a similar price. I’ve had one of the 3/8″ drive ones fail on me (it locked up and wouldn’t turn anymore) but Home Depot replaced it without any hassle.
Tegian
Some things I consider is who owns the company, Bosch is owned by a charitable foundation which does make me more likely to chose their products etc, I also consider where I can buy the product, if a local store sells the brand I am more likely to give my money to them
Frank
Rolex is ‘owned by a charitable foundation’ too, it’s for taxation purposes more than them being nice guys.
Patrick McIntosh
Robert Bosch the founder of the Bosch empire decided that he didn’t want a war between family members when he died as to who would get what of his organisation, so he made it a charitable foundation. It is a true Charitable Foundation unlike other “””charitable foundations”” who give nothing to charity.
bob
You mean “non profit”, right?
Brian
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851&highlight=tool+truck+equivalent
http://www.toolchat.net/
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Thanks, both of these are super helpful for saving money on truck tools!
Pas
Just got this Reed adjustable wrench. Seems a lot like my Channellock ones with the blue grip handle.
https://www.amazon.com/Reed-Tool-Adjustable-Wrench-8-Inch/dp/B007VHG9P0/
Stuart
Channellock adjustable wrenches are made in Spain by Irega.
Pas
Thanks Stuart.
I got mine from a plumber unloading some tools (used the amazon picture to show the similarity). Certainly very much alike.
I looked into this some. Seems some of the wrenches are indeed sourced from Spain.
https://www.amazon.com/Reed-Tool-CWB10-Adjustable-10-Inch/dp/B001H4RT8Y
Different wrench for sure, but still, one wonders if some are sourced elsewhere.
Pas