Clas Ohlson

[bromleybysea]

This Swedish hardware store billed as "the really useful shop" has opened in Croydon and sells a limited range of boaty bits including some very cheap snap shackles, "d" shackles and blocks; the blocks do look a bit flimsy, but I was wondering if anyone had a view on the shackles- would you trust 'em?

 

[MacD68]

Hi,
I live in Norway, where Clas Ohlson is to be found everywhere. Generally there goods are of low to medium quality, and that has especially been my experience with their tools. They are usually cheap (a comparative term in this part of the world), so I'll tend to buy things that I intend to use rarely, AND go elsewhere for items that I want to last - nothing worse than a drill bit going blunt/breaking, halfway through the job, especially Sunday when everything else is closed.

I haven't used, or looked at their shackles, but I wouldn't personally use them for a permanent installation, or anywhere critical.
All just my personal opinion, I hasten to add , and the fishing rod I bought there still works!!

DM

 

[BurnitBlue]

I bit unkind I think. Clas Ohlson are reasonable quality but you must remember that the average size of a Swedish boat is much less than 30 foot, so the blocks and shackles are sized to suit the mass market.

The tools are dependant on the material they are made from. They stock cheap drill bits and expensive drill bits.

Their full catalogue is on line just a google away with full description. No doubt the Croyden shop can operate as mail order.

 

[jenku]

Never had any of their gear fail on me, I use their shackles as well as turnbuckles. However I had a snapshackle from an expensive chandler's fail on me for no apparent reason (the pin that secures the spring just fell out...). Don't think there is a real relation between price and quality in this sector anymore they all buy from the same chinese factory anyway.

If frighten just buy a bigger one. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[steve_l]

We have a Clas Ohlson here. For general purpose use the shackles and ropes tend to be ok. Never had anything of theirs break yet. Same for small blocks for rigging lazy-jacks or flag halyards and many other applications.
They do a nice line of pre-made halyards, complete with eye-splice and appropriate shackle type. No idea of the actual quality 'cos I've not needed to buy any, but they look ok as far as the eye can see.

Of course, if you want eg. fancy low-friction light-weight blocks for your racer, or if you push the limits of the weather when cruising (is it still then "cruising?) and the application is critical, then don't go there.

 

[Viking]

I agree with MacD68. We have two other of this type of 'Mens shop' in Ålesund. Biltima and Jula. All sell similar low priced 'gear'. But remember "you get what pay for".