PE benders

If you do a search here you will find several threads discussing the merits of  several models of PE benders, as well as folks espousing nothing more complicated than a pair of needlenose pliers.

That said, you can't go wrong with anything from the Small Shop. http://www.thesmallshop.com/

I've had the 5-Speed Hold and Fold for a few years and really like it. Their Bug has a lot of loyal users as well. Good prices, great customer service, quality-built product.

The Bug, from The Small Shop.  No need to look any further - unsurpassed customer service.

-Fred

I'm going to echo the two previous comments.  You absolutely CANNOT go wrong with the Small Shop.  Their customer service is superb.  Like the two other replies, I'd specifically recommend the Bug.  Great little tool, reasonable price, versatile. 

The Bug!   Without a doubt.

Four out of four makes it unanimous - the Bug it is. Went to the Small Shop site as suggested and looked at the reviews. Very informative! I'm ordering one, and looking forward to learning how to use it. Once again. thanx for the advice.

mike

Not to say you guys are wrong, I'm just wondering what's so significant about the Bug over say, the Etchmate 3C? I have the 3C and just by looks, the Bug just appears to be a bit smaller. Maybe it has two(?) more ... teeth(?). Or is it just a personal preference thing? I've heard tons of good things about the Bug, I'm just being a pain and curious.

Josh

FastasEF

Not to say you guys are wrong, I'm just wondering what's so significant about the Bug over say, the Etchmate 3C? I have the 3C and just by looks, the Bug just appears to be a bit smaller. Maybe it has two(?) more ... teeth(?). Or is it just a personal preference thing? I've heard tons of good things about the Bug, I'm just being a pain and curious.

Josh

Josh

I'll be honest, I'm not sure if there is any really significant difference between the Bug and the etchmate 3C (to be honest though, I am not familiar with that etchmate).  What won me over, aside from the Bug being on sale when I bought it, was the customer service and the stories I heard from other people to suggest it was the norm rather than the exception...

There is also the cost consideration - I believe that even at regular price, the Bug is about $10 less than the etchmate.  Still, I have heard good things about Mission Models products as well, and I suspect some people prefer their bending tools to the Small Shops.

I don't understand why customer service is a big deal with these tools.

Are they that badly made that you even need customer service?

It is just a piece of CNC machined aluminum with a threaded knob to tighten it. Am I missing something?

MikeV

I don't understand why customer service is a big deal with these tools.

Are they that badly made that you even need customer service?

It is just a piece of CNC machined aluminum with a threaded knob to tighten it. Am I missing something?

Customer service is a big thing when deciding and purchasing any tool.

I have the Etchmate and like the way it does the job.

Would have definatley considered the bug if I had known about it.

Dr

Dr. Faust

 

 

 

Customer service is a big thing when deciding and purchasing any tool.

I understand that coming from a family of master heavy equipment mechanics but what customer service would you need for the Bug? It is not complex and I doubt it would break. It's about as sophisticated as a vice.

I agree Mike that customer service from a maintenance angle is not an issue with a simple tool like a PE bender. For me, it comes down to the business transaction. I get frustrated when ordering things over the internet: stuff that says "in stock" really isn't, packages that should arrive in three days take two weeks, postage that should cost $4 is billed as $10.50, and calling to check status of an order results in an endless phone tree. None of that with the Small Shop.

CuriousG

I agree Mike that customer service from a maintenance angle is not an issue with a simple tool like a PE bender. For me, it comes down to the business transaction. I get frustrated when ordering things over the internet: stuff that says "in stock" really isn't, packages that should arrive in three days take two weeks, postage that should cost $4 is billed as $10.50, and calling to check status of an order results in an endless phone tree. None of that with the Small Shop.

Thanks. That I can understand.

That is one of the reasons to shop direct where you can and source from those vendors that maintain a live up to the minute inventory 24/7/365. This is why I do business with Sprue Brothers:

"Inventory Questions
We have been receiving a lot of inquiries lately regarding whether we actually have something in stock as our website indicates. This is likely due to the practices of other online hobby stores who have a different definition of what "In Stock" means. In case you are not familiar with our business practices, we use a real time inventory system that shows (accurately and live/in real time) what is available for sale and how many. It automatically and instantly updates the available quantities after each order is successfully placed.

Also, our definition of “In Stock” means that the item is actually in our warehouse (not at our distributors’/suppliers’ warehouse) and is ready to immediately ship to you. Thus if you order from us, you will reliably and quickly receive what you order. On a side note, we are also human, so on rare occasion something could be in error, however our error rate in 2009 to date has well been less than 0.1%."

There are a lot of online retailers out there, and many don't actually stock (that is have possession of the items they are selling) on hand to ship immediately when you place your order. Nothing worse that having a package arrive from the vendor with a note of what's not included and will be shipped at a later date. Double that with they're gonna charge you additionally for the cost of the subsequent shipment too.

As a manufacturer, I make it a point to update my website when a particular item is currently not available. It may be that a vendor I depend upon hasn't serviced my needs, in turn I can't meet yours. Of course these situations don't happen often, but they do happen once in a while. If you did place an order and for some reason I was not able to fill it completely, then I take the lumps and send it as soon as I can with no additional cost to you. It wasn't your fault. It was the way I was taught, treat others as I would be treated.

Maybe customer service may not seem like much for something as simple as "The Bug", but when you have a company that goes out of it's way to thank you and let you know how much they appreciate your business, it's a welcome thing in this day of corporations and indifference. I have worked retail now for over 30 years and I can tell you as a retailer and a consumer, customer service wins every time. Customers will go out of their way to shop where they feel welcome and not a "buy our product or not!" sort of attitude. The Small shop has been quick to respond to those who have had problems with their tools, right here on this forum! Myself and many others have been contacted by a lady named Julie right here when we discussed problems. So a great product coupled with great customer service is a winner.