Wilde Wednesday: Supporting a USA Company With Good Values

kunkernator · Feb 27, 2013

Recieved my order today. My first order with HJE, and i am very pleased!

Two flush-fastener plier (very nice), 6" Adj wrench, headlight spring tool, spark plug gauge, and something else...

Drunk chicken? Box art. I asked for "something memorable". You did great!

And this little thing was thrown in, i do not know what it is. Any ideas?

Great job to you guys at HJE, thanks a bunch. And you guys at Wilde know how to male some solid tools.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

vintagefan · Feb 28, 2013

kunkernator said:
And this little thing was thrown in, i do not know what it is. Any ideas?

It's a flathead screw starter.

You twist and lock it, then push the screw onto the tip, and it springs sideways and locks the screw on, so you can get it started in a tight spot.

kunkernator · Feb 28, 2013

vintagefan said:
It's a flathead screw starter.

You twist and lock it, then push the screw onto the tip, and it springs sideways and locks the screw on, so you can get it started in a tight spot.

Ohhh.... That makes perfect sense. I have never seen one of these before. I will have to try it out. Thanks!

vintagefan · Feb 28, 2013

^^ No prob.

On the subject of Wilde Wednesday, I got the 5pc. Pin punch, and 5pc Chisel sets, and they're absolutely awesome. They cost about $12 each, and are worth EVERY penny. Seriously folks, these are a better value than any other punch or chisel I've seen on the market.

I've been a machinist as part of my trade for quite a few years, so I've had a LOT of pin punches in my hands. I've beaten a lot of pin punches to death. These aren't the nicest (that honor goes to Snap-on, and older USA made Starrett), but they are certainly up there.

They are very, very nicely finished for the price. I gave a couple of them a test whack with my big hammer, and I can tell that they won't noodle out. Their durability remains to be seen, but initial impressions are good.

The chisels are very nice as well. They aren't quite in the same league as Snap-on/Mayhew regarding finish, but they also cost $2 each instead of $22 each.

My only gripe is that the grinding on a couple of them has a few spots that are a bit off, but nothing that effects functionality, and nothing that would remain after five minutes of use. I knocked the head off a 1/4-20 bolt just for fun, and the chisel didn't break a sweat.

The scrapers and punch/chisel handle are pretty straightforward, very nice quality. I love the new style Wilde logo, it looks really sharp on the tools. Speaking of sharp, the scrapers have perfectly formed, perfectly sharpened blades. They're nice and thin and just a tiny bit flexible. These are an A+ for sure.

Jeff · Feb 28, 2013

Received my Wilde order from HJE this afternoon in good order.

I do have a couple of concerns that I will address with Wilde.

#261 does not have any markings. Looks like a plain 'ole pair of pliers.

#516C The pull scraper shaft is not fully embedded.

P442/S-44-W/516C Comparing the three clear handled tools, only the slotted driver was correctly inserted. I don't think this will affect the functionality of the tools, but it is noticeable.

Buckgnarly · Feb 28, 2013

Damn Vintage, those are the same scrapers I ordered and they look NICE! My order shipped todya, now I gotta wait!

vintagefan · Feb 28, 2013

Jeff said:
#516C The pull scraper shaft is not fully embedded.

From a production standpoint (I work in manufacturing) it's pretty common to overdrill holes to make sure that there is enough room.

For instance, we might spec blanks from a supplier, saying 12" @ +/- 0.10" tolerance. Then, these blanks would go into process to form the business end.

We have a production spec on our prints that says how far a part will be inserted, and a jig to do the insertion with. You might find that every scraper is very uniform in how much blade is sticking out of the handle, but there are variances in how far they go into the handle, and how much space is left. Both the handle and the blade probably have fairly generous tolerances to keep cost down and production smooth and fast.

Buckgnarly said:
Damn Vintage, those are the same scrapers I ordered and they look NICE! My order shipped todya, now I gotta wait!

They're very, very nice. The only regret I have at this point is not buying more.

redwrench60 · Feb 28, 2013

Got my order today and I'm pleased. I've been circling those retaining ring pliers for a while and I always wanted one of those axle and spindle re-threaders when Snap-On carried them. The pull scraper looks awesome (note to Jeff: I think the pull scraper shank isn't supposed to be fully seated, see mine) and of course the free pliers are going in the truck!

wheeliejun · Feb 28, 2013

just got my wilde lock ring pliers and i have to say they are not that well made. the joint is nicely solid but the tip (the working end), is sloppy. not worth my time to drive to ups and pay to ship it back. just wanted to give a heads up to everyone out there

Bull · Feb 28, 2013

Wheelie, every manufacturer has some duds that slip through QC. I am certain that Wilde and HJE would take care of the issue.

redwrench60 · Feb 28, 2013

^^^^^^^^^^I agree, give em' a chance to make it right by you. Everyone steps on their meat from time to time.

redwrench60 · Feb 28, 2013

Wheelie, you got a fluke. This is what they normally look like.

dirtydogintex · Mar 1, 2013

They're very, very nice. The only regret I have at this point is not buying more.

betcha they'd be more than happy to fill another order from you before the summer rolls around again!!

wheeliejun · Mar 1, 2013

sure i'll shoot them an email with a picture. if they hook me up, great. if not, well i'm not going to waste my time with a $12 item. simply take the loss.

jsackin · Mar 1, 2013

wheeliejun said:
sure i'll shoot them an email with a picture. if they hook me up, great. if not, well i'm not going to waste my time with a $12 item. simply take the loss.

Sorry about the issue with the pliers. Haven't seen that before or ever heard of a problem with these pliers, so I think it was just a factory slip up. I'll send you out a better pair today.

Jori
HJE

buco · Mar 1, 2013

That's customer service!

Justin1776 · Mar 1, 2013

buco said:
That's customer service!

Certainly more Epstein's business in my future

jsackin · Mar 1, 2013

Jeff said:
Received my Wilde order from HJE this afternoon in good order.

I do have a couple of concerns that I will address with Wilde.

#261 does not have any markings. Looks like a plain 'ole pair of pliers.

Everything in the surplus business comes with a story. Here's the story behind these pliers.

We bought them years and years ago as a closeout deal from Wilde. They used to chrome all of their tools, but because of stricter EPA regulations, Wilde decided to give it up. They liquidated all of their chromed tools to us and they've been in our warehouse ever since.

Most likely they decided not to "finish" them with markings because they didn't want to put any additional cost into the pliers. Still, it's a nice pair of USA chromed slip joints for the money.

Jori
HJE

Jeff · Mar 1, 2013

jsackin said:
Everything in the surplus business comes with a story. Here's the story behind these pliers.

We bought them years and years ago as a closeout deal from Wilde. They used to chrome all of their tools, but because of stricter EPA regulations, Wilde decided to give it up. They liquidated all of their chromed tools to us and they've been in our warehouse ever since.

Most likely they decided not to "finish" them with markings because they didn't want to put any additional cost into the pliers. Still, it's a nice pair of USA chromed slip joints for the money.

Jori
HJE

Thanks for the reply. I remember hearing about the chrome issues. They're still very nice pliers.

Airframer · Mar 1, 2013

Hey Jori,

Sometimes its difficult to find something on your site the second time around or remember something I plan to order. Is there any plans to add a wish list or save for later option to the shopping cart, similar to Amazon?

jsackin · Mar 1, 2013

Airframer said:
Hey Jori,

Sometimes its difficult to find something on your site the second time around or remember something I plan to order. Is there any plans to add a wish list or save for later option to the shopping cart, similar to Amazon?

Yes, there is actually a new Epstein's website currently in development and one of the features will be a wish list. Also, it will be easier to navigate and will have space for customer reviews. Many more features, but those are the basics.

thanks

Jori
HJE

Airframer · Mar 1, 2013

Awesome to hear!

jeffmoss26 · Mar 1, 2013

As president of the HJE Fan Club, I expect my picture will be prominently displayed on the new site!

Jawn · Mar 1, 2013

jeffmoss26 said:
As president of the HJE Fan Club, I expect my picture will be prominently displayed on the new site!

You and Bull.

Guess I'm just a member of the fan club. However, I planned a stop there when driving through KC once, so maybe that counts for extra credit? :lol_hitti

jsackin · Mar 1, 2013

I'm going to have to get the Epstein's Customer Hall of Fame revamped for the new site, and of course you and Bull will be on there. Maybe I'll memorialize our customers in paint.

Jori
HJE

Bull · Mar 1, 2013

While I am honored by the nod to being included on the website, I would feel pretty unworthy of the distinction. I am sure I have spent far less money (like, a million times less) at HJE than others thanks to my modest means.

I am content just to be a humble servant of HJE, Wilde, Westling, and any and every other small family owned and operated American business trying to maintain the traditions and values that represent the best of our spirit.

fflintstone · Mar 1, 2013

I received a call yesterday about a delay with my order and that it won’t ship out till next week. I had them add one of the long cotter key pullers.

I second having a wish list. My wish list at Amazon is nearly 100 items.

This probably makes order # 8 or 9 from HJE.
I now have to ship them to my work to avoid the wrath of the wife.

Diffident · Mar 1, 2013

My order arrived today, safe from any possible falling asteroids. :willy_nil

Wilde 12" Pry bar
Wilde Pin Punch set
Wilde 8" slip joint pliers
Wilde Wood Rule
Norseman drill bit set
Grayvik electricians hammer

CJinPA · Mar 1, 2013

Got my order today. I'm impressed with the 36" prybar, scrapers, screwdriver, and punch. I got a couple sets of pliers, one set was the 9" right angle lock ring. It looks very similar to wheeliejun's set he posted pictures of. Mine aren't quite as bad as his are and honestly i'm not that concerned about it. Is there a reason that you couldn't carefully grind or file them even? The battery pliers were very nice looking...not sure why I even ordered them :dunno:

I'm sure I'll find a time when they will come in handy. Looking forward to making another Epsteins purchase in the future, there is always something to find on their website! Thank you Bull, for putting this together as it introduced me to a new american made tool brand!

rusty65 · Mar 1, 2013

Hey cj battery terminal pliers are also useful for taking out small stripped bolts.

91bronc300 · Mar 1, 2013

CJinPA said:
Got my order today. I'm impressed with the 36" prybar, scrapers, screwdriver, and punch. I got a couple sets of pliers, one set was the 9" right angle lock ring. It looks very similar to wheeliejun's set he posted pictures of. Mine aren't quite as bad as his are and honestly i'm not that concerned about it. Is there a reason that you couldn't carefully grind or file them even? The battery pliers were very nice looking...not sure why I even ordered them I'm sure I'll find a time when they will come in handy. Looking forward to making another Epsteins purchase in the future, there is always something to find on their website! Thank you Bull, for putting this together as it introduced me to a new american made tool brand!

I see no reason why not. Mine look the same and that's what I'm going to do.

tater · Mar 1, 2013

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1362184082.722495.jpg

Killer tater box art they made me ^_^ I almost didn't want to open it
But I did

Good quality stuff will order again when I need something

frankush · Mar 1, 2013

jeffmoss26 said:
As president of the HJE Fan Club, I expect my picture will be prominently displayed on the new site!

Ever seen those commercials with the used car salesman holding up a fistful of dollars in both hands. Here comes Jeff with two fistfuls of screwdrivers and that big sh*teating grin. I can see it now. Oh Lord.

pfctblu · Mar 1, 2013

Bull said:
While I am honored by the nod to being included on the website, I would feel pretty unworthy of the distinction. I am sure I have spent far less money (like, a million times less) at HJE than others thanks to my modest means.

I am content just to be a humble servant of HJE, Wilde, Westling, and any and every other small family owned and operated American business trying to maintain the traditions and values that represent the best of our spirit.

Nicely said Bull. This kind of support is one of the reasons I frequent this site.

Got my order today. I have spent a bit too much lately so I couldn't go big time on this particular order but wanted to show my support. Picking up the 36in prybar I keep thinking of Crocodile Dundee, "That's not a prybah, THIS is a prybah!"

I asked Jori for some beagle themed box art for my wife. She saw the box on the porch and was all smiles.

bad5x8 · Mar 1, 2013

What are the part numbers on the Wilde cotter pin puller/extended cotter pin puller/radiator hose tools?

KPAero · Mar 1, 2013

Just placed an order. I was not familiar with the Wilde name until looking at this thread, nor HJE. Happy I clicked! Excited to see the Wilde stuff in person, as well as some of the other non wilde items I ordered.

Went for 4 prybars, a 3/8 drive deep impact set, a couple universal sockets, 19mm 1/2 deep impact, a brass hammer, a wilde punch set. The impacts were from wright, any one have any experience with them?

Bull · Mar 2, 2013

KPAero said:
Just placed an order. I was not familiar with the Wilde name until looking at this thread, nor HJE. Happy I clicked! Excited to see the Wilde stuff in person, as well as some of the other non wilde items I ordered.

Went for 4 prybars, a 3/8 drive deep impact set, a couple universal sockets, 19mm 1/2 deep impact, a brass hammer, a wilde punch set. The impacts were from wright, any one have any experience with them?

Wright is another "forge to finish" USA company, at least last I heard from a few years back. They make some cool ratchets (among other things.)

I'm really glad to hear that a few people learned about Wilde and HJE through this event. That makes me happy.

jsackin · Mar 2, 2013

bad5x8 said:
What are the part numbers on the Wilde cotter pin puller/extended cotter pin puller/radiator hose tools?

Cotter Key Extractor 544 -http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/CotterKeyExtractor/544.html

12" cotter key extractor 544-12 (not on our website yet)

566 - Radiator hose tool (not on our website yet)

If you'd like to add either of those items to an order, just let us know in the comments field. Next week I will add them to the website. Just haven't gotten around to it yet. I believe they were around $5 or $6 each. Not at work so I don't have it in front of me.

thanks

Jori
HJE

loranger · Mar 2, 2013

Got my stuff in today!

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87299892-2051-4381-9E84-2EC92010B6D4-10945-0000079A68D5D245_zps75cb6c37.jpg

jeffmoss26 · Mar 2, 2013

I wore my HJE shirt proudly today

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