Klein Tools - Taiwan

[WR250F]

Here's my last purchase from Klein.

I called customer service at Klein to inquire about COO. They assured me these were US made.

I ordered these from a local distributor, paid what I consider to be a premium for vise grip style pliers, and waited six weeks for them to come in. I finally get the call and make my way over to pick them up.

Here's what I got:

View media item 15407

View media item 15408
Goodbye Klein Tools.

 

[american lockpicker]

I thought everything Klien made was US made.

 

[WR250F]

Me too, especially these after calling customer service specifically to inquire about COO and they had to be ordered from the factory.

Now I know the six week wait time was due to the boat ride, not manufacturing schedules at a US plant.

 

[SMKS]

Well, Klein has some things they don't make in house (meters, locking pliers and probably some other stuff.)

There aren't any USA locking pliers anymore, so how would Klein even be able to get them? That does **** that they told you they'd be USA made and they weren't.

I assume all the stuff they actually produce will continue to be USA made. I just recently saw on a video that Klein actually makes their own adjustable wrenches. So Klein and Western Forge are the only ones still making those in the US.

 

[SCscoutguy]

Well, Klein has some things they don't make in house (meters, locking pliers and probably some other stuff.)

There aren't any USA locking pliers anymore, so how would Klein even be able to get them? That does **** that they told you they'd be USA made and they weren't.

I assume all the stuff they actually produce will continue to be USA made. I just recently saw on a video that Klein actually makes their own adjustable wrenches. So Klein and Western Forge are the only ones still making those in the US.

I bought two Klein adjustable wrenches last year and they were both made in Japan.

 

[G_P]

Im gonna say that within 10-15 years there will be no more tools made in here.

 

[MD11]

I sent an email to the webmaster of "StillmadeinUSA.com correcting her for stating that all of Klein is made in USA, as I knew from my own experience that most of their stuff sold now at Home Depot and Lowes is China and some Taiwan... She replied with this link..

http://www.kleintools.com/content/made-usa-facilities-profiles

Klein Tools has never closed a US plant and outsourced manufacturing to other countries – and we have no plans to do so

I don't see any mention of Asia in this link, do you?

I wonder if Klein isn't trying to pull a fast one on the customer and the FTC?

Email them and let them know you don't appreciate their trying to take advantage of us.

 

[trboxman]

I sent an email to the webmaster of "StillmadeinUSA.com correcting her for stating that all of Klein is made in USA, as I knew from my own experience that most of their stuff sold now at Home Depot and Lowes is China and some Taiwan... She replied with this link..

http://www.kleintools.com/content/made-usa-facilities-profiles



I don't see any mention of Asia in this link, do you?

I wonder if Klein isn't trying to pull a fast one on the customer and the FTC?

Email them and let them know you don't appreciate their trying to take advantage of us.

I'm betting that if pushed they'll weasel around with Klein mfgd tools vs. Klein branded tools acquired via a third party to fill in for tools that Klein doesn't mfg.

Oh, look, right from that very same page:

Klein Tools does sell some products that are made in other countries to our quality standards. For the most part, these are items that are simply not produced in the US any more – a good example is electronic products like multimeters.

 

[w1im]

She replied with this link..

http://www.kleintools.com/content/made-usa-facilities-profiles

From the link:

"Klein Tools does sell some products that are made in other countries to our quality standards. For the most part, these are items that are simply not produced in the US any more – a good example is electronic products like multimeters."


That statement leaves them open to make just about anything outside the US.

 

[t100]

Does FTC have a tip line?

 

[justafurnaceman]

HD sells a Klein small 6 in 1 screwdriver that's made in Taiwan right next to their normal size one that's made in the US. Have to watch out and look on the back. I have one of their adjustables that is made in Taiwan. I would like to get one of their US made ones to compare with other brands.

 

[SCscoutguy]

Here is one of the wrenches I bought. It is a little rough from being left in my scouts bumper for about a year but I bought it brand new in 2009 and it is made in Japan.

 

[MD11]

Does FTC have a tip line?

From FTC Site..

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

 

[ishiboo]

The Klein rack at the local Fleet Farm is probably a 40/60 mix of foreign/US-made Klein. The fundamentals like the linesman pliers are all US-made, I think they've filled in to expand the brand a bit.

 

[SMKS]

I bought two Klein adjustable wrenches last year and they were both made in Japan.

That's strange. I have USA made ones that are pretty new.

This video was only posted a few months ago. It shows the inside of the Klein factory. At 4:12 you can clearly see adjustable wrenches.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WlQMVuCJ_dQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[MD11]

From the link:

"Klein Tools does sell some products that are made in other countries to our quality standards. For the most part, these are items that are simply not produced in the US any more – a good example is electronic products like multimeters."

Funny cause Fluke still makes (some of the best) Multi-Meters in the US, I have a 189 and it's nothing short of amazing.

 

[BBBC23]

Here is one of the wrenches I bought. It is a little rough from being left in my scouts bumper for about a year but I bought it brand new in 2009 and it is made in Japan.

That's an odd place to store your wrenches jk

 

[SCscoutguy]

That's strange. I have USA made ones that are pretty new.

What models did you buy?

This video was only posted a few months ago. It shows the inside of the Klein factory. At 4:12 you can clearly see adjustable wrenches.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WlQMVuCJ_dQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I got a two pack of a 6" and a 10". I guess they could have been old stock because I got them in the clearance bin at my local Ace Hardware for $10.

 

[plinker]

I got one of thier 5 in 1 screwdrivers recently and the package said made in USA with global componets (or something very similar, dont recall exact wording)

 

[MD11]

I got one of thier 5 in 1 screwdrivers recently and the package said made in USA with global componets (or something very similar, dont recall exact wording)

that's a very dangerous label in my view... cause the quality of the ingredients, especially the steel, is critical to a hand tool... there's a huge difference between Japanese or European steel vs Chinese or Indian steel..

 

[Davefr]

Maybe that's why Klein Connection is closing out some of their best USA tools so they can move to China/Taiwan.

 

[WR250F]

They are building new manufacturing facilities in many parts of this country, I wonder why the offshore import of anything.

Klein makes a big deal to all the construction/trades about being US made.

I guess that's all just marketing feel good hype

Disappointing to say the least

 

[jeffmoss26]

I was very disappointed to get that stubby 6 in 1 only to find out it was Made in Taiwan. I just assumed (wrongly) that all Klein screwdrivers would be US made.

 

[jsackin]

Klein's tape measure is imported. Also their t-handle allen wrenches are now imported.

Jori

http://store.harryepstein.com

 

[MD11]

Klein's tape measure is imported. Also their t-handle allen wrenches are now imported.

Jori

http://store.harryepstein.com

so is the magnetic mini-level............. and the list goes on.

 

[MD11]

Got this response from Kiein finally today...


-------------


Dear xxxx:

Ramona in Klein Tools Customer Service forwarded to me an email in which you noted that we sell some tools made in China. In it you also link to our USA facilities page on our web site.

All nine of our factories in the USA are producing a great majority of our products. We have recently contacted some manufacturers in China, Taiwan, and S. Korea to build some of our newer products for us. While a few of these will remain overseas, we are actively seeking to bring many of these new products back home now that the market for them has been established.

If you have any questions you’d like to ask, feel free to call me. My role here at Klein is to listen to our customers and report what they are telling us. If you are upset, I am your channel to the company, and I’ll be glad to carry your complaints to the management.

Regards,

Peter D. Papavasiliou
Product Support Engineer

[email protected]
Phone: 847-821-5695

 

[5lima30]

I have a large Klein adjustable "spud" wrench that was made in Japan that I picked up at a garage sale for $10.

 

[Boost Creep]

Got this response from Kiein finally today...


-------------


Dear xxxx:

Ramona in Klein Tools Customer Service forwarded to me an email in which you noted that we sell some tools made in China. In it you also link to our USA facilities page on our web site.

All nine of our factories in the USA are producing a great majority of our products. We have recently contacted some manufacturers in China, Taiwan, and S. Korea to build some of our newer products for us. While a few of these will remain overseas, we are actively seeking to bring many of these new products back home now that the market for them has been established.

If you have any questions you’d like to ask, feel free to call me. My role here at Klein is to listen to our customers and report what they are telling us. If you are upset, I am your channel to the company, and I’ll be glad to carry your complaints to the management.

Regards,

Peter D. Papavasiliou
Product Support Engineer

[email protected]
Phone: 847-821-5695

you should send peter a link to gj and have him sign up to answer questions. it would be alot better way to hear from customers and also to get information about them out

 

[justafurnaceman]

I too sent an inquiry to Klein about their tools, specifically their stubby 6 in 1. This is what Peter had to say:

Dear Mr. S.:

Customer service forwarded to me your complaint about our interchangeable stubby screwdriver, which is made in Taiwan. Several of our interchangeable screwdrivers are currently made in Taiwan, as part of a joint venture with a Taiwanese firm with the capability of producing these drivers. Both parties in that venture (Klein and the overseas firm) are making efforts to relocate that particular tool to a USA manufacturing plant. We hope to be able to put a “Made in the USA” label on these tools in the near future.

It is really difficult, if not impossible, to be a 100% US manufacturer these days. We do use some overseas operations to supply us with lower-volume items that we simply cannot make competitively in the USA or to supply us with items that US manufacturers cannot. But we are not sending jobs overseas. We just built a brand new factory in Texas that has greater capacity and better facilities than our previous plants. And with our most successful overseas-produced products, insourcing them to the USA is a top priority.

It is very important that people like you write in and let us know that “Made in the USA” is still important to you. I personally believe that Klein has done a very poor job of promoting the products we make in the USA, and has allowed the appearance that we are departing from our American strategy. Your comments will help me present to my bosses the very real need to keep our production in the USA and to let people know that we intend to stay that way.

Thanks again for your message, and l free to contact me if you want to discuss this with me further.

Regards,

Peter D. Papavasiliou
Product Support Engineer

[email protected]
Phone: 847-821-5695


** Invite to GJ sent to him in my reply.

 

[MD11]

Sounds honest and genuine.

 

[Outlawmws]

Sounds honest and genuine.

Sounds like it was written by marketing to me.

Sorry.

 

[WR250F]

I too sent a message to customer service via the Klein website contact us form explaining my intense disappointment with what I received after their own CS reps assured me the Klein Loks were USA COO.

What I got in return:

Nothing.

I can appreciate they are building new plants, but I have been within the walls of the new plant built in Mansfield Texas.

It is a tech center, not a manufacturing facility.

It's is within a couple of hours of my house, I decided to drive out there and return the Klein Loks in person and at least attempt to get 5 minutes of ear time from someone who might be able to understand my disappointment.

The folks working there at first insisted Klein made Klein Loks in the US. When I showed them the packages that clearly stated Made in Taiwan on the back, there was total silence, and nobody could help the situation.

I was assured someone would contact me about it after 'the right people' were contacted at the head office.

To date, here's the response I have received:

Nothing.

I'm done with Klein because I feel they misrepresented their product COO intentionally, then denied the Klein Loks were made in Taiwan, then clammed up and avoided the issue when they were caught in a lie.

No more for me, and I have (had) been a loyal Klein customer for over 30 years.

I can buy offshore **** and get lied to for a LOT less $$$ and wait time by a number of other retailers.

 

[dieselmike]

china klein? looks like theyre not getting any of my business either.

 

[MD11]

I
The folks working there at first insisted Klein made Klein Loks in the US. When I showed them the packages that clearly stated Made in Taiwan on the back, there was total silence, and nobody could help the situation.

 

[plung]

I just bought a Klein wire stripper for small gauges yesterday at Home Depot to match my other pair. Luckily it was still made in USA.

New one is on the left. Both are made in USA.

 

[PRH44]

It is really difficult, if not impossible, to be a 100% US manufacturer these days. We do use some overseas operations to supply us with lower-volume items that we simply cannot make competitively in the USA or to supply us with items that US manufacturers cannot. But we are not sending jobs overseas. We just built a brand new factory in Texas that has greater capacity and better facilities than our previous plants. And with our most successful overseas-produced products, insourcing them to the USA is a top priority.

The staples in thier product line such as linemens, needle nose, dikes are second to none. We certianly do not want to loose fine American made products like these.

They seem to be very open to the fact they are producing products overseas. However it appears Klein is making a serious effort to keep thier existing products to the USA. Hopefully our support of thier American made efforts will help bring their new products lines to the USA.

It is impossible to be competive with 60 cent an hour labor working at 90 + hours a week with no overtime or benefits. The big abusers of this slave labor should be banned form our purchases. They do not bat an eye at this abuse.

Off the subject but take Steve Jobs for example. China plant employees were commiting suicide by jumping off the roof as a result of deplorable working conditions Ole Steve went to the rescue and place nets around the buildings. There that should make them happy. I can just hear STEVE JOBS = By the way I need to do something with my 400 million a year plus stock options. Those nets set me back. I bought made in the USA with a union label so they wouldnt break.
Sorry about going off subject guys but it is to make a point.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/apple-foxconn-suicide-pact_n_858504.html

 

[diesel research]

there's a huge difference between Japanese or European steel vs Chinese or Indian steel..

I hope you aren't buying into this nonsense which has already proven to be false. Example: original colt 1911 made in USA of a lower grade alloy and marginal heat treat. Chinese knock-off made of a high grade alloy (5150 I believe) with a lot better heat treating. Complaint? Steel was so hard and tough that smiths would have difficulty machining them here.

They have demonstrated plenty of capability for metallurgy in certain high tech sectors like defense and aerospace.

So why are we left with junk tools? Multiple reasons such as incorrect alloys for the task (carbon steel wrenches or chrome vanadium impact sockets) and plenty of poor treatment processes like plating/heat treating/etc.

Why do we only get the low grade stuff? It's plain and simple. The other stuff costs more than americans would be willing to pay, especially since we could get something made here. There is no market for expensive chinese tools, regardless what danaher might say.

So it is true many of the tools are made of either a low grade or incorrect material, but that speaks nothing of the capability of that country's metallurgy capability as a whole.

 

[MD11]

The staples in thier product line such as linemens, needle nose, dikes are second to none. We certianly do not want to loose fine American made products like these.

They seem to be very open to the fact they are producing products overseas. However it appears Klein is making a serious effort to keep thier existing products to the USA. Hopefully our support of thier American made efforts will help bring their new products lines to the USA.

It is impossible to be competive with 60 cent an hour labor working at 90 + hours a week with no overtime or benefits. The big abusers of this slave labor should be banned form our purchases. They do not bat an eye at this abuse.

Off the subject but take Steve Jobs for example. China plant employees were commiting suicide by jumping off the roof as a result of deplorable working conditions Ole Steve went to the rescue and place nets around the buildings. There that should make them happy. I can just hear STEVE JOBS = By the way I need to do something with my 400 million a year plus stock options. Those nets set me back. I bought made in the USA with a union label so they wouldnt break.
Sorry about going off subject guys but it is to make a point.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/apple-foxconn-suicide-pact_n_858504.html

guys on here who know me will tell you that I 100% agree...

sadly, so many on here don't care about any of this as long as they can save a few bucks to get it cheaper at HF..

 

[Monte]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/apple-foxconn-suicide-pact_n_858504.html

how absurd

 

[HandyManny]

Well, Klein has some things they don't make in house (meters, locking pliers and probably some other stuff.)

There aren't any USA locking pliers anymore, so how would Klein even be able to get them? That does **** that they told you they'd be USA made and they weren't.

I assume all the stuff they actually produce will continue to be USA made. I just recently saw on a video that Klein actually makes their own adjustable wrenches. So Klein and Western Forge are the only ones still making those in the US.

Those early Klein adjustables wrenches were imported from Japan and made by TOP. One of the highest quality adjustables around. Klien has since manufactured their onw home grown clone of those Japanese TOP wrenches, I believe they pay a license fee as they are an exact copy.