Who makes the Popular Mechanics automotive tools sold at Walmart? They have a life time warranty but are not sold locally anymore?
Thanks,
Mike

 

Not sure who makes them. Before Walmart made a deal w/ Popular Mechanics, the name on the tools was Pro Mark. Some of them are pretty good, some aren't. For the most part, the ones that first came out are better. I've got a 1/2 and 1/4in rachet from them I prefer over my Craftsman versions. Also a set of locking pliers that grab and release ALOT better than my Craftsman.

 

Almost sure that they are made by StanleyWorks who also make Stanley, Matco, Easco, and a lot of other reputable brands. Got some of their wrenches and they seem to be god quality.

 

Stanley owns Mac Tools, not Matco. Matco is part of Danaher.

 

Oops! Should have referred to my list. Easco is also Danaher. And that should have read good quality, not god quality. They're not THAT good! LOL!
I'll cut and paste my list, such as it is, below, regarding who makes what tools:

Danaher Corporation:
Craftsman (1994 & up)
(Craftsman Screwdrivers – Vermont American)
Easco
Matco
Proto
Allen Wrench
NAPA
K-D

A metalurgist for Matco claims that they use the same alloys and heat treatments for all of them.

Stanley:
Stanley
Craftsman (pre-1994)
Husky
MAC
Blackhawk
Also some Taiwanese companies serving Wal-Mart, etc.

Snap On:
Williams, Bahco:
Kobalt tool boxes and chests are made by Snap On at their Snap On tool box manufacturing facility in Algona, Iowa. Snap On also makes the Kobalt tools. The Kobalt brand uses different forgings than the Snap On as well as different materials and heat treatments.

S-K was purchased by FACOM a leading European tool manufacturer.

 

Better update your list! Snap~on lost the Kobalt account at least three years ago (I believe longer). Lowe's owns the name and rights, so they switched the tools to Dahaner (both USA made and some imports like the screwdrivers). I believe the toolboxes are Waterloo made now.

 

I was shown proof that cornwell builds all of snap-on and matco toolboxes.
This guy could show every box that the other 2 make and has matching boxes with a different name and far cheaper price.

 

I have an older set of 3/8" PM from wal-mart and they are far better than the several craftsman ratchets I own. Kobalt has always 'looked and felt' like descent tools. Never owned any...yet. I will never own any more craftsman.

 

This can't be entirely true, I too have been to the Snap-On Tool box plant in Algona, Iowa. I know Cornwell gets there utility carts from another company. I will have to look at the box my add-on drawer came in.

 

I've been re-building my tool set lately. I used to have a nice set of mixed stuff, but all good brands. Lots of Snap-On, with some MAC, Matco and Craftsman stuff thrown in. Over the last 12 years things got lost, stolen, pawned etc, until I had almost nothing left, and what I did have was in shameful condition. So, I've been getting it back together, but on a budget. I've bought some Stanley at Wal-Mart and some Kobalt stuff as well as Craftsman. Picked up some used Snap-on's etc. In this process, I've been looking for a new toolbox. I've got a 26" Craftsman top & bottom with a Mac side box, and it's in rough shape. I've looked around and been unimpressed with most of what I've seen in any brand. The best thing I've seen for the money is the Husky set that my brother bought. It's a 40" chest and roll cab, that was regular about $1000, but he caught on sale for a little over $700. Ball bearing drawers, fully extending-- feel nice. Not a bad price either. He claims it's identical to a Matco box that they sell, but not sure if that's correct. I'm never sure who builds what, but I am sure that boxes are ridiculously expensive for what they are. So much so that I've considered building my own. I'd sure love to get the story on anybody that can point me at a good box for a reasonable price. The Husky's that I've seen at the local HD store don't seem to be as good as what he got. Anybody wanna take a shot at this question?

 

try sam's club. they have decent 40 inch tool box for 699 i think

 

try sam's club. they have decent 40 inch tool box for 699 i think