Carlyle Tools | Tools In Action

NC-FordguyMember since Mar 2014Dec 30, 2014 1:34 AM CT

Thanks to Conductor, there’s a blog on the front page covering Carlyle tools. He gives a great overview and introduction of the line to this forum.

I started buying the line when Napa first introduced the tools a couple years back, I’ve been using the tools as my front line service in my 4×4 shop since their debut. The tools have performed great thus far with only one tool broken, a t-15 torx bit. This a good testament to their durability as what ends up ni my shop are 4x4s that have ended their life as a commuter or grocery getter with rock crawling in store or a vintage 4×4 that is getting a new lease on life. Either way this translates into stubborn, quite often seized fasteners that are any where from 10 years to 50 years old.

Lift kits, ring and pinion upgrades, transfer case rebuild, custom fabrication and restoration work are common projects.

Now to some of the tools………

Conductor562Member since Nov 2011Dec 30, 2014 3:27 AM CT

Thanks NCFG!

When I first got into the Carlyle line I really wasn’t expecting much. In a time when most house brand tools have gone to shit, I figured Carlyle was probably a down grade from the previous generation Danaher sourced tools.

I was wrong.

My Carlyle assortment currently stands at a single Power 90 ratchet, the 42 piece BSH42 hex bit socket set, and the crown jewel of the Carlyle line (IMO of course), their “Flank Drive +” style combo wrenches. All 3 of these items are great tools thus far. As I mentioned in my article, the 13 tooth, full pawl engagement of the P90 ratchets is really something. I’d be surprised if there’s another ratchet on the market with as much contact area.

The BSH42 was a great value at the ridiculously cheap price I got it for on eBay, but even at full price it’s a very comprehensive set. The Carlyle bit sockets come from the same OEM as the Mac bit sockets do and while they aren’t much cheaper than Mac’s, Mac doesn’t offer this big of a hex bit set either.

The combo’s are really phenomenal. Their pretty much a copy of the Snap-On FD+ design, and perform extremely well at a much more affordable price the Snap-On.

If I were starting out as a mechanic today, it would be hard to pass on some of Carlyle’s items, especially considering they offer the same student discount program as the trucks. As Fedwrench has stated, many people will never be happy with an Adian tool regardless of quality, but the Carlyle line is a real testament to the level of quality the Taiwanese are capable of producing.

You can bet there will be more to come from Carlyle here at TIA!

chadlanthierMember since Mar 2013Dec 30, 2014 9:58 AM CT

Those r some nice looking tools. I will definitely check them out. Thanks for the heads up guys.

frankiegarcia19Member since Jan 2014Dec 30, 2014 10:05 AM CT

They do look similar to the snap on cishion grips(rachets)… I likey

BK13Member since Nov 2013Nov 29, 2015 11:42 AM CT

Went in to the local Santucky (Sandy, OR) NAPA to get some chemicals, and ran across a 3/8″ drive Torx (well, “star bit”) impact set. I haven’t used them yet, but there’s lot of Torx on my Jeep, and Jeeps tend to get rusty…

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Etched on one side, stamped on the other:

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NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Nov 29, 2015 12:01 PM CT

I bought that same set of torx bits a while back but I haven’t used them yet. How much did you pay for them BK? I got mine for a bit over $20

BK13Member since Nov 2013Nov 29, 2015 12:16 PM CT

$25ish I think. I was in a bit of shock after filling the gas tanks on two cars, a trip to Lowes, and a trip to the grocery store.Kinda painful to see that much money going out NOT on tools. LOL

BK13Member since Nov 2013Dec 13, 2015 4:08 PM CT

I ‘needed’ some cutters (my Leatherman just wouldn’t do!) and I didn’t feel like making the 25 mile round trip to HD for some Channelocks, so just for gits and shiggles I stopped at NAPA. Glad I did. I’m beginning to hate that drive…

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NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Dec 13, 2015 4:12 PM CT

I did use the t55 3/8 torx bit with my Milwaukee 2763 with a longer extension and adapter and it held up fine. They are a lot tougher than they look

BigmikezMember since Jun 2013Dec 13, 2015 4:18 PM CT

BK13 wrote:
Went in to the local Santucky (Sandy, OR) NAPA to get some chemicals, and ran across a 3/8″ drive Torx (well, “star bit”) impact set. I haven’t used them yet, but there’s lot of Torx on my Jeep, and Jeeps tend to get rusty…
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Etched on one side, stamped on the other:
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. Wow really nice set there BK and for around 25ish they look pretty durable and well made nice buys bro!

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Dec 13, 2015 8:03 PM CT

Bigmikez wrote:
. Wow really nice set there BK and for around 25ish they look pretty durable and well made nice buys bro!

Didn’t you say you were looking at getting more hand tools Mike? If so I would recommend Carlyle. They make some really good stuff for far less than the tool trucks

BigmikezMember since Jun 2013Dec 13, 2015 8:38 PM CT

NicholasShetley wrote:
Didn’t you say you were looking at getting more hand tools Mike? If so I would recommend Carlyle. They make some really good stuff for far less than the tool trucks

. Yes sir Nicholas! I just always forget about Carlyle as I hardly stop by Napa and the sad part is they’re on like 4 blocks from my house :/

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Dec 13, 2015 8:48 PM CT

Bigmikez wrote:
. Yes sir Nicholas! I just always forget about Carlyle as I hardly stop by Napa and the sad part is they’re on like 4 blocks from my house :/

They are the best place to get tools in my town other than ordering online. We don’t have a single tool truck that rolls through anymore.

BigmikezMember since Jun 2013Dec 13, 2015 9:23 PM CT

I’m not at the shop during the mornings anymore due to my other job but I catch the Matco guy there a lot when I get there but man it’s been awhile since I’ve bought anything from him though..

BK13Member since Nov 2013Dec 13, 2015 10:22 PM CT

There’s an Ace in town, but after they locked the door in my face at five minutes ’till closing time and then gave me a nasty grin, I’ll not give them a penny of my money. It’s either a half hour drive, order off the Internet, buy cheap crap, or Carlyle. Good thing I kinda like Carlyle. It’s not raging infatuation like I have with Wright, but I dig NAPA’s tools.

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Dec 15, 2015 4:46 PM CT

Here is a picture of my Carlyle tools so far. They have all worked excellent and I would highly recommend them. The torx bit is the one I used on my Milwaukee 2763 and it held up fine and didn’t chip or bend a tooth on it

BK13Member since Nov 2013Dec 16, 2015 7:56 AM CT

The Carlyle roto ratchet is one I’m interested in. I’ll probably end up with the 1/4″ and 3/8″ eventually.

Have you used the flare nut wrenches much yet Nicholas? That’s one item that I’ve always thought you’d want to go with one of the top brands…. I have SAE SK but figured when I need metric I would spring for Snap On…

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Dec 16, 2015 8:28 AM CT

I’ve used them some and they worked great. i used the smaller ones on brake lines and they worked fine. The finish on them is excellent too.

BK13Member since Nov 2013Dec 16, 2015 3:31 PM CT

Cool man, thanks.

BK13Member since Nov 2013Apr 9, 2016 10:03 AM CT

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BigmikezMember since Jun 2013Apr 9, 2016 10:19 AM CT

Ooo those are nice BK!

JimboS1iceMember since Sep 2015Apr 9, 2016 10:43 AM CT

Those are pretty nice!

Jimbo

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jrsalasMember since Jun 2015Apr 9, 2016 11:36 AM CT

Carlyle is bad ass… We use those on our service truck and even put them on the 1/2″ impacts and they hold up good. Haven’t seen one break yet. Love their wrenches too, they practically Snap On’s. Same look and feel with the grip system to keep from rounding bolts.

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BK13Member since Nov 2013Apr 9, 2016 12:27 PM CT

Compared to my Snap On semi-deeps:

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Group shot of mid-length:

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BK13Member since Nov 2013Apr 9, 2016 12:29 PM CT

SO 1/4″ MM

Carlyle 3/8″ MM

SO 3/8″ MM

Sunex 3/8″ SAE impact

SO 3/8″ SAE

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Apr 9, 2016 5:52 PM CT

I feel that Carlyle is very underrated. Not many people know about them and a lot of people bash them for being foreign but their stuff rivals the truck brands to me. Their wrenches are similar to snap on for far far less money. Their sockets are a thing of beauty too. My 3/8 ratchets that I have from them are stupid strong. If any of you guys need some good hand tools for a decent price I would highly consider Carlyle.

JimboS1iceMember since Sep 2015Apr 9, 2016 6:29 PM CT

NicholasShetley wrote:
I feel that Carlyle is very underrated. Not many people know about them and a lot of people bash them for being foreign but their stuff rivals the truck brands to me. Their wrenches are similar to snap on for far far less money. Their sockets are a thing of beauty too. My 3/8 ratchets that I have from them are stupid strong. If any of you guys need some good hand tools for a decent price I would highly consider Carlyle.

Not the most widely available unless you go to Napa

BK13Member since Nov 2013Apr 9, 2016 7:36 PM CT

True, but there’s NAPAs everywhere, at least in Oregon.

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Apr 9, 2016 8:42 PM CT

BK13 wrote:

1 hour ago, BK13 said:

True, but there’s NAPAs everywhere, at least in Oregon.

They are everywhere in Missouri too. Almost all of my parts come from there.

Mondo1310Member since Jun 2015Apr 10, 2016 2:24 PM CT

Dose anyone have experience with the Carlyle ratcheting wrenches?? I heard their comparable to the GearWrenchs.

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013Apr 10, 2016 3:41 PM CT

Mondo1310 wrote:

1 hour ago, Mondo1310 said:

Dose anyone have experience with the Carlyle ratcheting wrenches?? I heard their comparable to the GearWrenchs.

I don’t have experience with them but they are one of the few available in 6 point instead of 12.

BK13Member since Nov 2013May 16, 2016 7:38 PM CT

More sockets: NAPA has their ‘Real Deals’ quarterly flyer out, and the 3/8″ drive mid-length/semi-deep sockets are featured in it, so I bought the SAE set to go with my metric set I just bought.

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BK13Member since Nov 2013May 16, 2016 7:42 PM CT

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Ooh, pretty colors! LOL

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BK13Member since Nov 2013May 16, 2016 7:44 PM CT

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StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 17, 2016 5:25 AM CT

Sockets are $35 and $44 for SAE and Metric respectively. I see that they also have the ratchet I just bought for a good $20+ less than I paid. 25% off a mightyvac kit, everybody needs one of these. Some pretty solid deals on racing jacks if you decide you really need something better than HF.

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 17, 2016 5:31 AM CT

BK13 wrote:

9 hours ago, BK13 said:

More sockets: NAPA has their ‘Real Deals’ quarterly flyer out, and the 3/8″ drive mid-length/semi-deep sockets are featured in it, so I bought the SAE set to go with my metric set I just bought.

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Do you think you could put them side by side with some full length deep well sockets?

BK13Member since Nov 2013May 17, 2016 7:49 AM CT

I’ll see if I can find some tonight in the disaster area that is my garage.

I doubt I can bring myself to spend the money, but the long combo wrenches (that the C-Man wrote a glowing review on) and the flex stubby ratcheting wrenches interest me…

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 17, 2016 8:07 AM CT

BK13 wrote:

18 minutes ago, BK13 said:

I’ll see if I can find some tonight in the disaster area that is my garage.

I doubt I can bring myself to spend the money, but the long combo wrenches (that the C-Man wrote a glowing review on) and the flex stubby ratcheting wrenches interest me…

Yeah, I’ve been looking for some long non Pittsburgh combo wrenches as well. I almost bought a set of gear wrench stubby flex wrenches on amazon myself, but I gotta pace myself.

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 17, 2016 8:10 AM CT

Not to mention those extra long ratcheting box end wrenches. I almost never even use the open end of my wrenches and that extra torque when a ratchet won’t fit would be fantastic. I think those take priority.

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013May 17, 2016 12:12 PM CT

BK13 wrote:

4 hours ago, BK13 said:

I’ll see if I can find some tonight in the disaster area that is my garage.

I doubt I can bring myself to spend the money, but the long combo wrenches (that the C-Man wrote a glowing review on) and the flex stubby ratcheting wrenches interest me…

I actually ordered a set of metric long combos this morning.

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013May 19, 2016 4:25 PM CT

My long combo wrenches made it in and so far I’m impressed. I figured I would test out the open end with the no slip design to see how it worked and man do they grip. They didn’t slip any and it kept gripping until the head snapped off the bolt. I ordered a few sizes of flex ratcheting wrenches too. They should be here next week.

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 19, 2016 4:41 PM CT

Hey do you think you could measure the length of the 10, 14 and 17 mm wrenches?

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 19, 2016 4:42 PM CT

NicholasShetley wrote:

19 minutes ago, NicholasShetley said:

My long combo wrenches made it in and so far I’m impressed. I figured I would test out the open end with the no slip design to see how it worked and man do they grip. They didn’t slip any and it kept gripping until the head snapped off the bolt. I ordered a few sizes of flex ratcheting wrenches too. They should be here next week.

That is badass bro

BigmikezMember since Jun 2013May 19, 2016 5:48 PM CT

NicholasShetley wrote:

1 hour ago, NicholasShetley said:

My long combo wrenches made it in and so far I’m impressed. I figured I would test out the open end with the no slip design to see how it worked and man do they grip. They didn’t slip any and it kept gripping until the head snapped off the bolt. I ordered a few sizes of flex ratcheting wrenches too. They should be here next week.

Man I really really need to stop by my Napa store

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013May 19, 2016 9:11 PM CT

Stercorarius wrote:

4 hours ago, Stercorarius said:

Hey do you think you could measure the length of the 10, 14 and 17 mm wrenches?

I’ll measure them in the morning. Do you want me to compare them to a regular wrench too?

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015May 19, 2016 9:19 PM CT

NicholasShetley wrote:

11 minutes ago, NicholasShetley said:

I’ll measure them in the morning. Do you want me to compare them to a regular wrench too?

Nah, I just want to see if they are as long as the Pittsburgh’s. If they are I’ll probably buy a set. Thank you a ton.

KnarlyCarlMember since Jan 2016May 20, 2016 5:17 AM CT

@BK13 thought I was in katos thread for ac moment, so many pictures lol

Stercorarius wrote:
Yeah, I’ve been looking for some long non Pittsburgh combo wrenches as well. I almost bought a set of gear wrench stubby flex wrenches on amazon myself, but I gotta pace myself.

Yeah it’s a struggle when I can blow my money but know better. .. you planning on saving up for something big, this usually isn’t you’re style LOL!

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John GlasseyMember since Jan 2014May 20, 2016 7:18 AM CT

Nicholas what nice set of wrench you have[emoji3]. Sorry you did mention them in the chat. I shortly there after passed out hehe. Long day! Nice buy.

John, Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk[emoji848]

NicholasShetleyMember since Nov 2013May 20, 2016 7:44 AM CT

Stercorarius wrote:

10 hours ago, Stercorarius said:

Nah, I just want to see if they are as long as the Pittsburgh’s. If they are I’ll probably buy a set. Thank you a ton.

The 17 is 10 1/4 inches, the 14 is 8 3/4 inches and the 10 is 6 3/4 inches.

BMack37Member since Sep 2015May 20, 2016 9:50 AM CT

These pictures are pretty impressive, also the packaging and rails are very nice.