ToughBuilt, a brand I have not seen or heard much about ever since discovering them at Sears years ago, has come out with a new line of aviation snips.
I have been having a hard time getting in touch with ToughBuilt to learn more, but they’re working to connect me with team members for more information. They also confirmed that these new tools are exclusive to Lowe’s.
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After an email chat with a reader – I didn’t know that ToughBuilt is a publicly-traded company! – I came across an investor press release that says:
We believe our new pro quality Shear, Knives and Aviation Snip lines will be a positive addition to the Lowe’s wide offering in the cutting hand tool categories.
I know ToughBuilt for some older tool storage pouches from years ago, and folding bolt cutters (discontinued a few years ago but available from another brand), and also wrote about their zippered pouches, which have some differentiating features.
But, I can’t tell you anything interesting about these new ToughBuilt tin snips.
There’s something about them, though…
Or maybe it’s the fact that they’re looking to cut their way into a rather mature market.
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The new ToughBuilt snips are said to be PRO quality. They’re said to have ergonomic handles, and forged blades with induction hardened cutting edges for 10X more cuts.
Now here’s an important part:
They are built for long life and durability and backed by a Full Lifetime Warranty.
Interesting.
It looks like there will be 6 different models of snips, plus a 3″ hand seamer.
Styles and Models
- Straight Cut Aviation Snips (TB-H4-60-S): $18 via Lowe’s
- Right Cut Aviation Snips (TB-H4-60-R): $18 via Lowe’s
- Left Cut Aviation Snips (TB-H4-60-L): $18 via Lowe’s
- Bulldog Aviation Snips (TB-H4-60-B): $20 via Lowe’s
- Straight Long Aviation Snips (TB-H4-60-SL): $20 via Lowe’s
- Straight Offset Long Cut Aviation Snips (TB-H4-60-SOL): $20 via Lowe’s
- 3″ Seamer (TB-H4-61-S3): $33 via Lowe’s
Pricing: $18+
Discussion
Here’s what I find especially interesting. Over at Lowe’s, they have Lenox and now Craftman tools populating the hand tools section. It seems that Craftsman tools have replaced Stanley FatMax, and Lenox is there (mainly online it seems) for the more pro-focused options.
Now, these new ToughBuilt aviation snips are entering the scene, and they are also said to be aimed at pro users.
I haven’t seen these in any Lowe’s stores yet, but they are likely to be rolling out shortly.
Over at Home Depot, they have Crescent Wiss aviation snips (made in USA and at lower pricing then these), and also Milwaukee snips. These are all some very strong brands. How will ToughBuilt stand out?
That’s a serious question – why should a user purchase these ToughBuilt aviation snips over Lenox, Wiss, Milwaukee, Midwest, and other popular brands? ToughBuilt and Lowe’s have their work cut out for them.
In addition to ToughBuilt now making hand tools, they have a brand new “OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL” slogan. And, there’s also the new Lifetime Warranty.
I can’t tell you anything about these new ToughBuilt snips, but I’m glad to see greater selection and more competition in the hand tools department. A larger selection of options, not to mention new competition, is great for users.
What else do you think ToughBuilt might come out with in 2021? Aviation snips are a big leap away from tool bags. However, ToughBuilt has registered their trademark to apply for a wide range of product categories, from tape measures and carpenter levels, to LED worklights and power tools.
Maybe we’ll be in for some more surprises? But, some brands will occasionally seek to register trademarks in broad categories so as to allow for future protections. Meaning, just because a product category is indicated in a trademark application, that doesn’t mean we’ll actually see those types of tools on the brand’s roadmap.
Hey Lowe’s – I think I see what you’re doing, with this just being part of it. *Thumbs up*
Aaron
Lots of toughbuilt toolbelts and knee pads available at menards. No hand tools that I’ve seen.
Has SBD let fatmax fade quietly into the night? I remember that being a pretty big deal for them back in like 2002? I guess that makes sense if it was the pro end of their consumer line and that’s where craftsman eats now…
Mike (the other one)
Stanley Fatmax tools are available at Home Depot. By selling Stanley tools there, and Craftsman at Lowe’s, Stanley Black & Decker has solved the problem of having two brands that cover the same price range and selection.
Stuart
In the USA? Pretty much, except maybe for tape measures?
John
I would’ve laughed hysterically if this article had said “why you shouldn’t buy aviation snips at Home Depot”.
Julian Tracy
Doesnt bode well for the “lifetime warranty” if you cannot even get ahold of them… Lord knows Lowes will be dropping the line within 5-7 years and then the warranty will truly be useless.
Like the world needs more snips anyways,
Stuart
That’s just me being grumpy about not being able to get any more of a story than the ad copy on Lowe’s product listing.
The one time I contacted ToughBuilt as a consumer, not in recent years however, they had a very fast response time and excellent customer service.
I think they’re going to start building momentum.
A lifetime warranty is better than a 1-year warranty, which is better than a 90 day warranty.
If you have two tools on the shelf, one with a 1-year warranty for $20, and another with a lifetime warranty and also priced at $20, which one are you going to buy?
Bryan
Assuming these aren’t USA made?
Stuart
I’m thinking the same.
Jared
They look cool. Why not?
I have a Toughbuilt tool bag. It’s held up really well. Wasn’t terribly expensive either. I’ve had it 8-10 years and brought it with me to plenty of races. Hope they bring similar quality and value to the new line.
Kent
They are made for PROS? Really?
That must be why they are all yellow, with a small splash of red or green on the handle. I do not want to hunt in my bag for the right pair – I want the handle color to be obvious.
Thanks, but I’ll stick with my US made snips that are actually made for pros (without the absurd use of ALLCAPS).
Tom M
My thoughts exactly. Seems like they focused more on industrial design than market research.
Nathan
They might be. The toughbilt I’m familiar with makes folding saw horses that hold 1300 lbs and couple with 2×4’s to make a table. They are knocked off by a few other companies including Lowes Kobalt set.
I think they make those in USA – I could be wrong.
Also didn’t Lowes carry Wiss snips I think I got mine there over 12 years ago. I believe they had a lifetime defect warranty.
JoeM
I almost exclusively know ToughBuilt from the Saw Horses. Their model… I think it’s 700? 850? Two folding saw horses have vertical and horizontal clamping to form a table, or to hold down long work pieces. And they’re rated to hold up to… Don’t quote me… but something like 2500 pounds per pair? Maybe maxing out at 3000? Been a while since I checked the model specs. I just know it’s the top line model I want. And they are usually pretty inexpensive for what they are. YES, made in USA, with USA Steel. Yet top out at $80 Canadian EACH. Doing a little guestimating? That would probably be $50-$60 each for the top of the line model.
Honestly… I hadn’t even looked at ToughBuilt for any other product. I really should. I want the saw horses pretty bad. I’ve lifted one in Home Depot to check to see if it’s too heavy a product to carry home, if I buy two. They are deceptively light. They’re incredibly well balanced, and have carry handles built in. I just wish I remembered the exact model I wanted. Not because I’m being OCD, but rather because the model below it doesn’t have the vertical bracing to do panel cutting of any sort off of only one sawhorse. It really comes down to only needing two to make a table with 2×4’s, and whatever top surface you choose to use with it.
This is one of the few companies where I wholeheartedly divert from my DeWALT loyalty. The ToughBuilt sawhorses, even the SMALLEST sized ones, whoop the DeWALT jobsite worktable, and saw horses ANY DAY.
Phil
Yes, Lowes did carry Wiss years ago, long before Apex acquired them in 2010. I bought a bunch of the oddball Wiss sheetmetal snips/benders when they were clearance priced for about $4 each.
Oddly, some have “USA” cast into the blades, some have “USA” cast into the pivot bolts themselves, while others have just the name and model stamped with no mention of country of origin (e.g. the M400). At the time this seemed odd to me…I don’t have the original packaging to see if it was marked there.
I cannot remember if Home Depot also carried the Wiss brand at that time.
Chris S
I have a pair of the Straight snips (TB-H4-60-S).
They are made in China (Packaging is marked, Snips are not)
I bought mine in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA.
They are clearanced down to $7.98 in store.
I like the lock clasp better than my Lenox, Wiss, and Milwaukee.
They feel solid and I think I like the grip so far.
I’ve had them for less than 2 days and have not seriously used them yet, but for $8 I think they’ll be fine for what they are.
Joatman
I won’t buy tools that use “Tough”……”Power”…..”Master”…etc….in their branding. It cheapens them right out of the gate even though they may be a somewhat quality product………“Toughbuilt” sounds like it should be in Target, or Walmart.
Chris S
They make some of the best sawhorses on the market.
What a trivial thing to base your decisions on, I usually just base it on reviews…
Stuart
I can’t speak to any of their current products, but the name is fitting to the older products I’m familiar with.
How do you feel about Rubbermaid Brute? Roughneck?
I’d encourage you to give this particular brand the benefit of the doubt.
Flotsam
i don’t think some of those Rubbermaid brands are made anymore. Too bad they lasted for a long time and could carry a ton
JoeM
So that rules out Power Washers as a whole for you, as some of the best made are from brands that exclusively make POWER WASHERS. And, that pretty well rules out the top… 5? Tool brands on the market? “DeWALT Tough” … “Milwaukee Power Tools”… “Makita Power Tools” … Y’know what? “Tough” “Power” and “Master” are in 99% of all advertising… I gotta ask…
What DO you own tool-wise, if all those things are what you avoid? An egg beater? A pencil? I mean… There are even models of LIGHTER that call themselves some version of “Master”… There’s an entire brand in Canada called Mastercraft, and it’s made by SBD for Canadian Tire… The quality is no different than any other Stanley brand… might even kinda be like Porter Cable as a brand… So… What are YOU using?
Shane
I have several of the Toughbuilt modular tool bags. The quality is good for the price. I just bought the 18” wheeled version at Lowe’s a couple of weeks ago. I really like the modular pouches. They have a great selection on Amazon. I also have a set of the C 700 sawhorses. They are really bad ass and heavy duty. I saw some of those snips passing through the other day. Lowe’s tool selection is pretty uninspiring overall.
lava
I always thought their tool bags and totes were cleverly designed. Its nice the way you can hang small totes off your main tool tote, and then transfer them to a belt clip. I can see this letting you organize your tools into different kinds of pods for different tasks, letting you quickly grab what you need without carrying the whole tote bag around.
DRT
The issue that I have with all my Wiss snips, is that you have to significantly bend sheetmetal above and below the snips when making cuts longer than about 2″. This makes the Wiss snips pretty annoying to use. I own some old offset Prosnips that work reasonably well, and the offset Malcos look quite nice, but I am not sure these Toughbuilt’s solve the clearance problem.
Pete
Any straight snips by any brand are going to have this issue. Offset snips are definitely the way to go when making longer cuts. The Malco snips are usually pretty good, but I find that Midwest offers the best value for the money… Especially when Menards is running their 15% off bag sale.
jeffrey
I get why they put the yellow and black handles on them… but, that does not make it any less stupid.
The color coded handles of aviation snips goes back a long ways. I cannot imagine an “PRO”, that needs more than one of left, straight or right, using these.
It seems, that if they could have held back on the heavy handed branding (obviously they couldn’t), the product would have been better (and have the same color code as all the other brands).
I would suggest Malco and Klenk, for top of the line, and Midwest and Wiss for decent. I can happily work any of those, but I prefer my Malco snips.
Brandon
Midwest snips $14-16 on Zoro and made in the US. I’m sure there are plenty of people who don’t care about available options or don’t know any better that will buy these, just not me.
fred
If you are a shopper who frequents Lowes – you need a pair of snips immediately – and these are what’s on display – then they will likely get sold.
Will a pro or sheetmetal/HVAC shop beat a path to Lowes to stock up on these? To me that doesn’t seem likely. Overall – I guess Lowes will see how well they sell and what their profit margin is for the rack space they take up. It is always good to have options – and nice to see new entrants into the hand tool business even in the seemingly crowded and well-supplied niche.
Flotsam
If i remember correctly when i recently went to the HVAC section to buy some heat registers they had a small rack of Malco crimpers and snips. That is probably one of the more professional brands out there other than Midwest for people that really use this stuff.
fred
That seems to be what HD does with Malco tools as well – put them out near to roofing/siding supplies – not in the tools corral
Flotsam
So this explains why Lowe’s cleared out their Fiskers brand Aviation shears. I had some old Wiss, which are maybe a bit worn out so i bought the Fiskers set for a song. Excellent choice with the Fiskers, they know how to make scissors, shears and other cutting tools. Great leverage, sharp edges.
Toughbuilt we shall see, but right now i have zero interest in them. Bad choice on the branding name too. I seem to remember some bargain bin tools with a similar name.
Jared
I understand the aversion to over-the-top marketing, but the Toughbuilt products I’ve seen are well constructed and the brand isn’t new. They’ve had their bags, sawhorses and protective gear out for some time and all seem to be good products for surprisingly reasonable prices. I think it would also be weird if they changed the brand name to come out with snips.
Unrelated, but they also have a neat modular tool pouch system with optional wall-mounted tracks. I don’t need it and so I’ve never bought it, but it seems innovative. E.g. the system has a tool belt where you can clip-on or remove specific tool pouches, plus a wall-mounted rail to store the pouches not in use. The clip on pouches are also compatible with some of the tool bags and other accessories.
MT_Noob
I’ve finally seen a video that explains the left/right/straight or red/yellow/green handle thing and finally understand which one to use when. I knew there was some sort of reason, but I could never remember the details and I just always kind of made them work for the task at hand. Seeing someone use them properly was eye-opening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8PDRAsMDXc
Of course I will likely forget all of this by next week, but at least I know there is a video explaining it out there somewhere.
Paul
1. Just bought their thigh hugging knee pads. So far, so good:
2. I’m reminded of a certain brand that came out with a “pro” line of upgrades tools. Target was then mostly Apex Craftsman. It was associated with their cheap brand. So they redid it all in bright garish construction yellow plastic and slapped the Dewalt name and a big price tag on it. It was a huge hit. I don’t hear as many comments today about carrying girly Dewalt tools.
3. I buy based on price and performance. I bought the awful ugly Hitachi stuff 20 years ago when it was good quality, just covered in graphics that make tough build look toned down.
4. I do electrical work. Bright tools do help in dark closets.
Clark
Midwest has been my favored brand for years. They are good quality, hold thier edge well and are US made with plenty of models available. These Toughbuilt units look to have a different compound, though. Maybe there is more leveragefor older hands! I will probably give a pair a try some time.
John S.
Apparently they’re rolling out knives and shears as well at Lowe’s:
[auto-playing video links removed]
Stuart
We asked ToughBuilt for press releases or more information, but never heard back.
John S.
Here it is: videos at the link
https://ir.toughbuilt.com/press-releases/detail/74/toughbuilt-launches-11-new-hand-tools-at-lowes
Stuart
Thank you, but I saw that. A flashy marketing video isn’t the same as detailed product information.
Mau
I have an old set of pliers, color coded, and maybe the coding of these ones seems a little too subtle, but I don’t keep them in a bag, I use a cart.
I also don’t think that a lifetime warranty changes much, if a serious handtool has a fault, this comes out in the first months, otherwise you can use them like forever