How good are AmPro tools?

[Andyvon]

I bought a set of AmPro spanners today on the spur of the moment. I've never heard of AmPro before but they look good quality and I assumed from the name that they were American tools. I've now found out they are Chinese tools produced to give the impression they are American. Some reviews say they are a waste of money but others say Chinese products are very good now.

I was looking to buy very good quality spanners that will last for many years. I don't want anything chocolate that breaks the first time I ask it to free something seized or rusty. I'm a little disappointed as I thought I was buying American tools. I'm thinking of taking these back to the shop tomorrow and exchanging them for a set of Draper or Stanley spanners.

Does anyone know more about AmPro tools and whether these spanners are worth keeping?

Thanks in anticipation.

[Buenchico]

I've never heard of AmPro tools but, to be fair to the manufacturer, I would have taken the name to mean that they're suitable for use by both Am-ateurs and Pro-fessionals. (It would not have occurred to me that there was a suggestion that they were made in the USA).

However Stanley tools are mainly made in the Far East (including China) and Draper tools come mainly from Japan, so it would seem unwise to condemn a particular brand simply because of the part of the world where they're made.

[scotman]

Never heard of AmPro either. I believe you get what you pay for with tools. Good quality steel costs money.
I have nearly everything I need now and the best quality I have found is Britool. Draper are usually OK but I would consider them a mid-quality company.

[Andyvon]

Thank you both for the answers.

I looked at a set of Britool spanners Scotsman but they were £119 for about 12. I know you get what you pay for but that's a bit too high for me now. If I still had my business then the accountant would have passed that back to the taxman but I have to pay out my own pocket now. I only really use my tools for servicing and repairing my own car now, although I sometimes help neighbours with theirs.

I can believe Draper and Stanley are made in Asia now - what isn't? At least they still have a good reputation and don't make rubbish (I don't think!).

I see your point Chris. I assumed the name was a combination of 'American' and 'Professional'. I did ask the salesman whether they were an American company and he said yes. l hope it's the same man tomorrow. I've found two sets of Sealey spanners so I think I'll exchange these for those.

[alavahalf]

Amtech are cheap and cheerful ... I'm sure you will find Amtech and AmPro are much the same thing. Dont expect years of reliable service from these tools...
One name you should look out for is Proto .. these are american and will last you a lifetime, even with commercial use. They are not as pricey as ..Snap On ..but come with a lifetime warranty.
Recently I bought a set of 10 Snap On spanners ... http://i39.photobucke...xitagain/DSC04567.jpg ... they cost me £365 ... thay are guaranteed for life... but you get what you pay for.

If you want reasonable tools that will last, and wont break the bank, look for the words .. 'chrome vanadium'.. stamped on them.

[heathfield]

Keep them. Use them. Only this will tell you if they're up to the job. In general, I feel that the better the finish on tools, the better quality they probably are. But you can't always go by brand names. I've seen some pretty rubbishy products from almost all of the companies named above. On the other hand, I have some tools I've bought for a pittance at street markets that have proved themselves over the years to be of excellent quality and durability. Try 'em out.

[pops91710]

I would not worry about buying cheap spanner tools unless you are a professional, or very serious DIY-er. I use them as back-ups and to carry about in my caravan. For most home use they are acceptable. My pipe spanner collection is comprised of tools made in China and/or India.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

As pops says...even if you pay snap on prices you can still lose them or have them pinched.

[ORAC60]

Territory:
Global North America






Taiwan:
Frenway Products Inc
6F-6, No.130, Sec 2, Chung Hsiao E. Rd.,
Taipei, Taiwan

Tel :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [e-mail]

China:
Marketing Trends Industries
3000 Long dong Ave, Bldg.#5, Suite 601-612, Shanghai

Tel :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [e-mail]



















Territory:
Global North America






Taiwan:
Frenway Products Inc
6F-6, No.130, Sec 2, Chung Hsiao E. Rd.,
Taipei, Taiwan

Tel :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [e-mail]

China:
Marketing Trends Industries
3000 Long dong Ave, Bldg.#5, Suite 601-612, Shanghai

Tel :[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [e-mail]






they are Chinese
if i were to buy cheap next time look for indian their great

[AlBags]

AMPro ?

Cheap 'n Cheerful in a nutshell.
They will do the job ... but not many times before worn out or broken!

[Andyvon]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

I took all the AmPro spanners back to the store (Eurocarparts) yesterday and they gave me a full refund. I didn't find one good review about them in the end. Many Americans say they are 'junk'. An elementary mistake I suppose. It was the same man who told me they were American tools so I was able to tell him different. He was fine and said "I understand" so I think he knew they were Chinese anyway. Right - thanks!

I have now bitten the bullet and bought the set of Britool spanners from another store. I'm sure they'll last for the rest of my life. I have also ordered some Draper and Sealey spanners which I hope will last for some quite some time too. I am also looking into the Proto tools so thanks for that tip Alavahalf.

Thanks everyone. I'm still learning at my age!

[AlBags]

You get what you pay for.
Japanese .. Great.
Chinese ... Rubbish .. or limited life.

[GW1961]

Draper = Chinese
Stanley = Israeli company - made in China - yes even those famous Stanley Tool Boxes !
Britool/Facom = Yes .... Chinese
Sealey = Chinese

Do I need to go on ? the only difference is the brand name and customer loyalty !!

[GW1961]

oh yes also to the Snap On - Lifetime warranty

Yes even Ampro have Lifetime warranty ... you will find most tools are lifetime warranty. Ohh another thing Snap on ? which country manufactures this brand ?

[alavahalf]

Genuine Snap on tools are made in Wisconsin in the USA. They dont make all their own tools though. They get the very best of manufacturers from around the world to produce a re-badged version... often sold as 'Snap on' and offer the same lifetime warranty.

For instance Lindstrom are known to make the best cutters available to man...
They are expensive, but you get what you pay for...
Have a look at what Snap on do with them ...

http://i39.photobucke...n/snaponlindstrom.jpg

Whether you buy Lindstrom or the re-badged Snap on version you are still getting the best available.