Comments on: MAC Expands Their Spherical Socket Set Line http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:11:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Jesse http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-907915 Jesse Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:38:40 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-907915 Learned that Mac is now part of Vidmar. The corporate office in Ohio was taken over and turning into some automotive industrial group by Stanley. Lots of jobs going away up there, probalby end up outsourcing everything to china. Learned that Mac is now part of Vidmar. The corporate office in Ohio was taken over and turning into some automotive industrial group by Stanley. Lots of jobs going away up there, probalby end up outsourcing everything to china.

]]> By: Marcus http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-869589 Marcus Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:38:33 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-869589 We've been purchasing Mac off the Stanley Supply website for quite some time. If you're a government customer, and log in as such, the prices are even better than retail. Here is one example...not sure what the price is without logging in though. http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-detail.aspx?pn=453-654 As for warranty, I know our local Grainger gal also has access to Mac and Snap-On and has swapped out some tools for us. We’ve been purchasing Mac off the Stanley Supply website for quite some time. If you’re a government customer, and log in as such, the prices are even better than retail. Here is one example…not sure what the price is without logging in though.

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-detail.aspx?pn=453-654

As for warranty, I know our local Grainger gal also has access to Mac and Snap-On and has swapped out some tools for us.

]]> By: mcmanus http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-869207 mcmanus Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:14:13 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-869207 Don't know about Wright Tools, but does anyone know what ever happend to Mac Tools? At one time, their trucks were everywhere, I've not seen one in years. I spoke to a proto rep who told me they were acquired by Vidmar and Stanley Supply Services and their products will all be online very soon. Proto makes most of the old Mac tool line in their dallas plant. The rest is made in China. But that doesn't help me with some tools that need warranty...can't get anyone to pick up on their toll free line... Don’t know about Wright Tools, but does anyone know what ever happend to Mac Tools? At one time, their trucks were everywhere, I’ve not seen one in years. I spoke to a proto rep who told me they were acquired by Vidmar and Stanley Supply Services and their products will all be online very soon. Proto makes most of the old Mac tool line in their dallas plant. The rest is made in China. But that doesn’t help me with some tools that need warranty…can’t get anyone to pick up on their toll free line…

]]> By: Coach James http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-828159 Coach James Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:50:56 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-828159 I wondered if that was the problem. Next time I'll remember to remove my name and leave the "X"'s out too. Thanks. I wondered if that was the problem. Next time I’ll remember to remove my name and leave the “X”’s out too. Thanks.

]]> By: Sean O'Hara http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-827732 Sean O'Hara Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:20:36 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-827732 Sorry about that Coach James, The spam engine held it because of the multi "X" thing. It should be out now. ~Sean Sorry about that Coach James,

The spam engine held it because of the multi “X” thing. It should be out now.

~Sean

]]> By: Coach James http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-827519 Coach James Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:03:30 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-827519 What happened to my post? According to the people at Wright Tool, they are not owned by Snap On. Is that acceptable to the mods? What happened to my post?

According to the people at Wright Tool, they are not owned by Snap On. Is that acceptable to the mods?

]]> By: Coach James http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-825831 Coach James Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:40:57 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-825831 I contacted Wright Tool and asked about the Snap On story. Here is their response. Good Morning XXXXX, Regarding what you read on the internet, this statement is absolutely not true. Wright Tool has been a family owned business since 1927, and continues to be family owned and managed. I am curious where you got this information? If you would like more information on our company, I can send you our new catalog and a cd about Wright Tool. Thanks for your inquiry, and if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Best Regards, Ty Smith Director of Business Development Wright Tool Company --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sounds to me like Snap On doesn't own Wright Tool. Coach I contacted Wright Tool and asked about the Snap On story. Here is their response.

Good Morning XXXXX,

Regarding what you read on the internet, this statement is absolutely not true. Wright Tool has been a family owned business since 1927, and continues to be family owned and managed. I am curious where you got this information? If you would like more information on our company, I can send you our new catalog and a cd about Wright Tool. Thanks for your inquiry, and if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Best Regards,

Ty Smith

Director of Business Development

Wright Tool Company

—————————————————————————————
Sounds to me like Snap On doesn’t own Wright Tool.

Coach

]]> By: Jerry L http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-824153 Jerry L Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:53:27 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-824153 Snap on now own's Wright Tools. As for the tool truck guys...lost the Matco and Mac guys over a year ago. Snappy finally gave in a few months ago. As Snappy said, they're like the milk men of the 60's...most of us now use online and direct delivery and frankly, we've saved a bundle. Snap on now own’s Wright Tools.

As for the tool truck guys…lost the Matco and Mac guys over a year ago. Snappy finally gave in a few months ago. As Snappy said, they’re like the milk men of the 60’s…most of us now use online and direct delivery and frankly, we’ve saved a bundle.

]]> By: Joey http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-822329 Joey Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:21:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-822329 To Lakey: I don't believe Wright is a Snap-on company. Were you thinking of JH Williams? To Lakey: I don’t believe Wright is a Snap-on company. Were you thinking of JH Williams?

]]> By: William http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-409607 William Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:44:59 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-409607 jammer, My brother was a DM for Mac Tools - I myself worked for Stanley Works and Proto back when it was under Ingersol Rand so I know the game all too well. jammer,

My brother was a DM for Mac Tools - I myself worked for Stanley Works and Proto back when it was under Ingersol Rand so I know the game all too well.

]]> By: jammer http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-377699 jammer Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:52:26 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-377699 William, I find it interesting your opinion of the tool guys, It's clear you don't know much about thier bussness, with out them the hard working guy in the shop would be in a world of hurt. I've been in the biz for fourty plus years and owe a life time of graditude to the tool guys over the years. William, I find it interesting your opinion of the tool guys, It’s clear you don’t know much about thier bussness, with out them the hard working guy in the shop would be in a world of hurt. I’ve been in the biz for fourty plus years and owe a life time of graditude to the tool guys over the years.

]]> By: Lakey http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-321891 Lakey Sun, 18 May 2008 18:00:12 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-321891 Wright tools is a Snap-on company but in the beginning, it was Granco that was making the tools for both companies. Wright tools is a Snap-on company but in the beginning, it was Granco that was making the tools for both companies.

]]> By: Teacher http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-321799 Teacher Sun, 18 May 2008 15:05:09 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-321799 Wright Tool has also had spline drive sockets for quite a while now too. Wright Tool has also had spline drive sockets for quite a while now too.

]]> By: CJ http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-277424 CJ Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:23:50 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-277424 These are actually called spline sockets in the aviation world. Been around for a few years now. All Mac did was take the idea from Proto and SK and change the name to spherical. I didn't realize Mac was still in business. Haven't seen one in my area for years. These are actually called spline sockets in the aviation world. Been around for a few years now. All Mac did was take the idea from Proto and SK and change the name to spherical. I didn’t realize Mac was still in business. Haven’t seen one in my area for years.

]]> By: Drew http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-277019 Drew Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:41:07 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-277019 I think Mac is going out of business...last year we had three mac trucks running the city and now they've all gone out of business. I know two filed for bankrupcy, probably the same with the third. I tried to get some of these sockets replaced by their 800 number and they gave me the number to some district mgr who never returns my calls. Our matco guy runs around in an empty truck and snappy is too busy collecting money but not selling anymore. He say's he's through after this month. I guess I need to start buying my tools at Lowes from now on. I think Mac is going out of business…last year we had three mac trucks running the city and now they’ve all gone out of business. I know two filed for bankrupcy, probably the same with the third. I tried to get some of these sockets replaced by their 800 number and they gave me the number to some district mgr who never returns my calls.

Our matco guy runs around in an empty truck and snappy is too busy collecting money but not selling anymore. He say’s he’s through after this month. I guess I need to start buying my tools at Lowes from now on.

]]> By: Mac Man Bill http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-224297 Mac Man Bill Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:29:07 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-224297 Agree...well almost. First William, it's Kabo tools, I had a customer hop on my truck with a set he purchased off of eBay and they're identical in size and design, everything except the logo. Our District Manager let us in on the secret and confirmed. As for long exotic vacations, maybe the Snap-On guys with their 500% mark up but not us Mac men... Agree…well almost. First William, it’s Kabo tools, I had a customer hop on my truck with a set he purchased off of eBay and they’re identical in size and design, everything except the logo. Our District Manager let us in on the secret and confirmed. As for long exotic vacations, maybe the Snap-On guys with their 500% mark up but not us Mac men…

]]> By: Old Donn http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-119150 Old Donn Tue, 18 Sep 2007 01:51:46 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-119150 Somebody at MAC might be getting fat off this stuff, but I seriously doubt it's the guy in the truck. Somebody at MAC might be getting fat off this stuff, but I seriously doubt it’s the guy in the truck.

]]> By: William http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-115736 William Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:39:20 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-115736 These are actually made in Taiwan by KABA Tools for the various tool companies since they own patent. Many of the mobile tool companies now contract out their tool manufacturing to KABA and why not. It costs $.09 to manufacture a socket from Taiwan…mark it up 2000% and you’ve got a huge profit margin! So now you know why your tool distributor can afford that fancy truck and long vacations in exotic places…it’s all paid for by those mechanics who can’t afford a week off because they’re strapped to truck accounts… These are actually made in Taiwan by KABA Tools for the various tool companies since they own patent. Many of the mobile tool companies now contract out their tool manufacturing to KABA and why not. It costs $.09 to manufacture a socket from Taiwan…mark it up 2000% and you’ve got a huge profit margin! So now you know why your tool distributor can afford that fancy truck and long vacations in exotic places…it’s all paid for by those mechanics who can’t afford a week off because they’re strapped to truck accounts…

]]> By: cd http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-74765 cd Sun, 10 Jun 2007 01:16:06 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-74765 SK also has this same drive, but they call it spline (which it is) rather than spherical. It's in a very nice set #94545, 3/8" drive SAE and metric, standard and deep, with a fine tooth ratchet, and two wobble extensions, all American made tools. I got a set for under $100 last year. I don't know if the Mac sockets are American made or not. Stanley's industrial Proto brand also has them. I am going to assume that these companies are all licensing the socket profile from some patent holder, and I would be willing to bet that more companies will have spline sockets if they catch on. SK also has this same drive, but they call it spline (which it is) rather than spherical. It’s in a very nice set #94545, 3/8″ drive SAE and metric, standard and deep, with a fine tooth ratchet, and two wobble extensions, all American made tools. I got a set for under $100 last year.

I don’t know if the Mac sockets are American made or not. Stanley’s industrial Proto brand also has them.

I am going to assume that these companies are all licensing the socket profile from some patent holder, and I would be willing to bet that more companies will have spline sockets if they catch on.

]]> By: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Toolmonger’s Top 5: The Week In Tools http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-71561 Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Toolmonger’s Top 5: The Week In Tools Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:32:05 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-71561 [...] MAC Expands Their Spherical Socket Line If you’re a MAC user and you’ve begun using their spline-type spherical sockets — they’ll handle a variety of fastener heads ranging from six- and twelve-point to inverse Torx and even half-rounded — you’ll be excited to know that they’ve expanded the 1/2″ and 3/8″ drive lines significantly.  See your local truck to get ‘em. [...] [...] MAC Expands Their Spherical Socket Line If you’re a MAC user and you’ve begun using their spline-type spherical sockets — they’ll handle a variety of fastener heads ranging from six- and twelve-point to inverse Torx and even half-rounded — you’ll be excited to know that they’ve expanded the 1/2″ and 3/8″ drive lines significantly.  See your local truck to get ‘em. [...]

]]> By: ambush27 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-71077 ambush27 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:40:49 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-71077 I think the square end is down. I think the square end is down.

]]> By: Chaon http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-70350 Chaon Thu, 31 May 2007 05:30:57 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-70350 Mac's website has always been a mess. Are those sockets spline drive, or just a similar geometry? Mac’s website has always been a mess.

Are those sockets spline drive, or just a similar geometry?

]]> By: Chuck Cage http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-68476 Chuck Cage Fri, 25 May 2007 17:11:43 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-68476 Eric: I don't think they're listed yet. MAC is usually a bit slow putting these up on the website -- though they're usually on the trucks quickly. If I wanted to see one, I'd call up the number on the website and find your local distributor, then give 'em a call. These are good guys to know anyway, as even if you're not buying tools all the time, they can help you find specialty tools when you need 'em bad. Eric: I don’t think they’re listed yet. MAC is usually a bit slow putting these up on the website — though they’re usually on the trucks quickly. If I wanted to see one, I’d call up the number on the website and find your local distributor, then give ‘em a call. These are good guys to know anyway, as even if you’re not buying tools all the time, they can help you find specialty tools when you need ‘em bad.

]]> By: Eric http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-68474 Eric Fri, 25 May 2007 17:08:09 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/05/25/mac-expands-their-spherical-socket-set-line/#comment-68474 Anyone have a link to these? I can't find them on MAC's site. Anyone have a link to these? I can’t find them on MAC’s site.

]]>