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| Let's talk hand tools... | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 1 2014, 01:51 PM (460 Views) | |
| SLWPAR | Sep 1 2014, 01:51 PM Post #1 |
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Fullsize
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Hey all, I have been a loyal Craftsman fan for many years. Most of what I have has been purchased in smaller sets, about 80% I would venture to guess, was made in the USA. I recently broke a 1/4 ratchet and went up to my local Sears to exchange it. I was uber ticked off when they handed me a ratchet without the "USA" stamping on it, similar to the single units imported from China. I understand that the Asian manufactured tools have come a long way in recent years, but this is highly disappointing. The lifetime warranty doesn't mean squat if I'm not getting the same item in return. I'm sure I'm in the vast majority who prefer to own and use American made tools, seeing as how most people these days want the best bang for their buck and quality isn't an issue. I find it very disheartening that the brand of tools my father used and my grandparents used are now being outsourced to foreign countries. Part of the reason I began purchasing Craftsman in the first place was because they were made right here in this country and it made me feel good supporting American workers and their families. I have debated selling what I have on Craigslist and putting the money towards a brand that is still made right here at home, but I'm sure it won't be long before Snap-On, Matco and MAC sellout too. When companies such as Sears worry more about their bottom line rather than the history, loyalty and value of their product, something is terribly wrong and I don't like it. On a side note... I have a 41 pc. Craftsman screwdriver set. The majority of them I have never used and probably won't have a use for. The largest set I can find that Snap-On manufactures is an 8 pc. set. Is it really necessary for me or anyone to have that many screwdrivers??? Edited by SLWPAR, Sep 1 2014, 01:53 PM.
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| funeralxempire | Sep 1 2014, 02:22 PM Post #2 |
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SUV
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Call me crazy, but I wouldn't bother selling your current MIA tools in hopes of picking up new ones from another brand that still manufacturers in the US or North America. I'd find that brand now and just make sure they get your replacement dollars. Selling your current tools sounds like it would be shooting yourself in the foot to make a point no one will hear. |
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| cody6268 | Sep 1 2014, 03:18 PM Post #3 |
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Minivan
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Mine are a mix of cheap bin Chinese tools, really old US-made tools I was given for free (some I'd venture to say are a hundred years old), and a few bought at the flea market, like a large pair of S&K pliers I bought for $5. I'd rather spend my money on old US-Made tools, even if they are well used. Edited by cody6268, Sep 1 2014, 03:46 PM.
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| W Gee | Sep 1 2014, 03:26 PM Post #4 |
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Station Wagon
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My father was a Snap-On dealer , I have some of his but have bought Kobalt myself (made Williams tools by a subsidiary of Snap-On till about 2000 in Georgia)(2nd generation made by Daneher Tools I believe to be a US company ,where they are made? own Matco) . those 8 Snap-On screwdrivers are about twice the cost of your 41. your average joe in his garage does not need to spend $10.000+++ on tools,a mechanic making his living using them 8 hours or more a day it pays off. The key is buy the best hand tools you can afford ,a cheap tool can do a lot of knuckle damage ,and ruin a lot of fasteners especially when rust is involved. as your saying I think Kobalt is made in Taiwan last year or so , If this helps?
Edited by W Gee, Sep 1 2014, 03:34 PM.
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| Hosspower98 | Sep 1 2014, 05:32 PM Post #5 |
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Forever Blue Oval
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Taiwan is the "good" China, the one that allies with the US. I have had good luck with Kobalt tools. |
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| juantoo3 | Sep 1 2014, 07:15 PM Post #6 |
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I couldn't have said it any better. I still keep my eyes peeled at yard sales and flea markets and pick them up when I get a good deal knowing that the quality is there...while it lasts. |
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| craftymore | Sep 1 2014, 09:46 PM Post #7 |
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Support your local demo derby.
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I've seen American made tools sell at local auctions for pretty cheap prices at times within the past few years. Try http://www.auctionzip.com/ and type in your zip code plus type in key word 'Craftsman' or whatever you're looking for. It will bring up local auctions in your 30 or 50 mile area that will be selling tools. Sometimes you'll see things sell in incomplete sets, rough shape and once a while a near mint set that was hardly used. If you're in the Midwest and want new tool try Menards. They sell a Master Force tool set made in the USA and are often on sale in the store or you can order online. Like with any brand these days you have to read every label to make sure they're USA derived. It's pretty typical now to see the same company sell tools made from all over the world. You can still find some power tools made in USA, Germany or Sweden if you look hard enough. I think one thing that is really hurting Sears is they've ditched many of their American made tools and thus they're closing stores down. I'll pay a premium price if i get quality premium product. I'm shopping for a new set of tires for my Crown Vic and stopped at WM just to see where their in stock Goodyear tires are made. Was astonished to read 'Made in China' and 'Made in Chile' on the sides of supposedly 'Goodyear' tires. Really prefer to buy tires made here in the USA or even Canada. At least we have quality control to a certain degree. Who knows what they have in China. Edited by craftymore, Sep 1 2014, 09:51 PM.
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| accobra64 | Sep 2 2014, 08:39 PM Post #8 |
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Minivan
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Quality does have its own cost. Most of my wrenches, socket sets, and screw drivers were made by Craftsman. I also have some Snap-On tools such as crescent wrenches and Vise-Grips. When it comes to buying crescent wrenches do spend the money on QUALITY. The same applies to power tools. Many but not all of my power tools are made by Black and Decker. Others are Craftsman. Don't skimp on price or you may end up with crap. One of my sons has mostly Kobalt and Makita tools. The other has Kobalt (his own) and Craftsman (from me) and a variety of quality power tools. And we do share tools when necessary and they DO GET RETURNED (lesson #1)! An interesting discussion. Cheers. Cobra |
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| jedimario | Sep 3 2014, 07:45 AM Post #9 |
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RAWR
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Xenophobia does not do anyone any good. A tool, or anything else for that matter, is not inferior because it comes from another place. The actual product determines inferiority. I don't care if the stuff I buy was made on the moon- as long as it was ethically constructed and is high quality or cost efficient, I'm good to go. I buy Kobalt because I worked for Lowe's for several years and the Kobalt tools I have bought are superior to the Craftsman ratchet/socket set I bought in college. I think many of those sets appeal to our desire to have more crap for less money though and thus are cheaply made. I have always found tools bought individually to be nicer. Also, anything Snap-On has been much easier to use so you can't go wrong with them...but for me they are not worth the cost. The Kobalt stuff is far, far cheaper (and still not cheap, I have a $30 ratchet, $60 torque wrench, etc.) and still allows me to get the job done easily and comfortably. |
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| Ricky2400 | Sep 3 2014, 03:01 PM Post #10 |
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Fullsize
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I guess I'm out of this element 'cause my power tools are Black & Decker. |
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