Gonna hop on the Sears Bashing Bandwagon... Prybars no longer made in US by Wilde

[RedFordTruck]

As everyone knows, the Wilde-made Prybars are a GJ favorite and I even have 2 sets myself. I noticed in store today that the prybars looked a little different. Pictures kind of explain it all. Looks like Sears has dumped Wilde and the prybars are now made in Taiwan. I know Wilde wouldnt be making these overseas.

Im disappointed because these prybars were really the best product sears had to offer. I have never seen a complaint about quality or price.

Looks like in the future my prybars will be coming from good 'ol Epsteins!

I apologize in advance about some of the pics. I was holding the bar in one hand and the camera in the other.

Single 25'' prybar

No USA mark

One of the sets in the plastic tray

 

[Mohawk Dave]

that *****. I bought a set two months ago. Maybe I can buy another before they are gone...

 

[Fordman7795]

Another Disgusting move by sears

 

[SMKS]

that *****. I bought a set two months ago. Maybe I can buy another before they are gone...

Don't reward Sears by buying the last USA made examples.

Buy the real thing from Harry Epstein (or anywhere else that sells them):
http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=wilde+pry+bar

 

[neophyte]

Are the gasket scrapers still made in the USA? I'm specifically thinking of the 5 piece set.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Don't reward Sears by buying the last USA made examples.

Buy the real thing from Harry Epstein (or anywhere else that sells them):
http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=wilde+pry+bar

Meh, I'm sure they'll have those last obsolete US-made example on the clearance rack for 90% off, right next to that socket set that's 10% off, but missing half the sockets.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Don't reward Sears by buying the last USA made examples.

Buy the real thing from Harry Epstein (or anywhere else that sells them):
http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=wilde+pry+bar

Meh, I'm sure they'll have those last obsolete US-made example on the clearance rack for 90% off, right next to that socket set that's 10% off, but missing half the sockets.

I agree w/ both of these. I won't pass on 90% off, and I'd Rather support Wilde

 

[d.mcfarland]

The weird part is that in the store (garden tools in particular) they make a big deal about "bringing craftsman home".

 

[SMKS]

Meh, I'm sure they'll have those last obsolete US-made example on the clearance rack for 90% off, right next to that socket set that's 10% off, but missing half the sockets.

They haven't been clearing out USA made tools that I've heard of just because they're being replaced by imported tools. I've looked at my store and that hasn't been happening.

The imported tools generally have the same part number as the USA tools, so they just stick the Chinese examples on the shelf with the USA made examples. They don't clearance out the USA ones. That includes the wrenches, ratchets and socket accessories. In these cases, they didn't clearance the USA versions, just added new Chinese versions with the same part number.

So, if you want to try to get the last USA sets, you'll probably have to buy them at regular price or wait for a sale and hope your store still have USA versions in stock.


EDIT -

Yup, the Taiwanese pry bar posted by the OP has the same part number as the USA made example.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-25-i...ockType=G1&PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=39869:4:0

 

[Exceller8]

I kind of figured this was going to happen and I picked up a couple of sets a few months ago. Another sad day in the History of Sears.

 

[Stephenw]

My new Craftsman catalog came in the mail today. I told my wife it was a Chinese dinner menu. I didn't even open it; straight into the trash can.

 

[firebox40dash5]

They haven't been clearing out USA made tools that I've heard of just because they're being replaced by imported tools. I've looked at my store and that hasn't been happening.

The imported tools generally have the same part number as the USA tools, so they just stick the Chinese examples on the shelf with the USA made examples. They don't clearance out the USA ones. That includes the wrenches, ratchets and socket accessories. In these cases, they didn't clearance the USA versions, just added new Chinese versions with the same part number.

It was mostly a joke on them blowing out perfectly good Industrial tools at pennies on the dollar in the outlets, while they send everything they can overseas. Hence the .

If I thought they'd actually care, I'd say buy up the USA ones, and see if they catch on when their sales fall off a cliff a month after they send production to Asia. But they don't care, so yes, it would just be giving them money for a product that'll be replaced with an inferior one if you ever have to warranty it.

 

[buco]

I feel for the workers at Wilde, this is very bad for them.

 

[Ovalinaz]

They just make money off of this... it breaks because of the quality of them, they break, then you buy more. ***** Bad. but that's what the world is turning to..

 

[SMKS]

I feel for the workers at Wilde, this is very bad for them.

I was thinking the same thing.

If the other Craftsman Wilde-produced tools are now going to be outsourced, that's a big contract lost for a small tool maker in Hiawatha, Kansas.

That's even more incentive to buy Wilde tools, IMO.

 

[kts]

I feel for the workers at Wilde, this is very bad for them.

Time for another Wilde Wednesday? (Or 3?)

 

[BTC]

I got one of the three bar sets a couple of weeks ago when they were on sale for 19,99 and they were made in the USA.

 

[buco]

Time for another Wilde Wednesday? (Or 3?)

I'm in if we do. Can't spend big money now, but I'm in.

 

[pipsters]

Boo Sears. I got the 5 pc Craftsman Pro set and bought the 36" Wilde made Craftsman branded one to round out my prybars. Was thinking of getting this 3 pc set "just because" but looks like I waited too long. Oh well, didn't really need them anyway.

 

[markduncan93]

Lucky I was in on the 3pc USA sets when they were $20.

 

[CWP1616L]

Sears used to have Mayhew prybars on the back wall with the Lisle stuff; do they still have those?

 

[pipsters]

Sears used to have Mayhew prybars on the back wall with the Lisle stuff; do they still have those?

The Pro branded ones are Mayhew

 

[Brownsfan]

Screwdrivers and pliers are next. Then hammers. Then nothing else. After that zero reason to go to sears ever again. All things equal with lowes and HD all being imports. The Kobalt stuff is much better and similar priced. I guess now there are only 3 places getting my tool dollars. John the snap on guy, Keith the Cornwell guy and Production Tool Suppply for USA Williams and wright. I really need to start buying from epstiens or other reputable online places. It's just hard to hide tool purchases when they show up in a box when I'm out of town.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I was thinking the same thing.

If the other Craftsman Wilde-produced tools are now going to be outsourced, that's a big contract lost for a small tool maker in Hiawatha, Kansas.

That's even more incentive to buy Wilde tools, IMO.

Yeah, that's lost business for Wilde it seems. Really *****, bad move for Sears. I really like the Wilde prybars too.

 

[bobr338]

I actually like going to Sears, I make it a personal challenge to weed through all of the garbage to find some quality products...makes me feel like a kid again doing an Easter Egg hunt!

 

[OGJordan]

While it ***** for the few hundred people on this website, it's definitely not a "bad move for Sears". I bet 5 people a week tops turn a box over at any Sears to see if it's Made in USA marked. And every other post on GJ is about how recent Sears US made sockets/ratchets ****, the Kobalt line at lowes is at least a little better quality than everything at Sears and has been for years.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm glad I bought another set of those a while back for my track box. No reason to pay Cman prices for china tools.

 

[Skin]

While it ***** for the few hundred people on this website, it's definitely not a "bad move for Sears". I bet 5 people a week tops turn a box over at any Sears to see if it's Made in USA marked. And every other post on GJ is about how recent Sears US made sockets/ratchets ****, the Kobalt line at lowes is at least a little better quality than everything at Sears and has been for years.

I disagree. Having the slogan "Americas tool brand" when all your tools are imported is bad for the image of Craftsman. People will notice, perhaps it will take time, but they will ultimately lose sales because of it. Whether or not whatever their saving by offshoring will make up for the loss I don't know. I do know I wont be buying their Chinese or Taiwanese Cman tools unless i'm in a bind where previously i'd purchased entire sets even if I needed only a few pieces. If the topic ever comes up to people i'm talking to i'll also turn them off Craftsman because of all the offshoring.

 

[eddie1278]

Wow I'm so glad i picked them up last week on sale for $20 USA made thanks to the hot deal section on this forum.

 

[NoNN37]

heres the USA ones. get em before theyre gone.

 

[karrbass4life]

I'll have to get another USA set if I can and the longer versions. I use my set professionally everyday.

 

[NoNN37]

Im pretty sure Wilde will continue to carry them. But its hard to beat the 3 for 20$ Sears sales that come up frequently.

 

[icon]

I just got the USA made ones

 

[ngk22r]

Can anyone name a big American tool company who doesnt have something made overseas??

Yes the times have changed but when it comes down to it, its economics. Sears and other companies have to do what they can to survive otherwise they will fail and unfortunately they have to look to the companies overseas to make their product. And why is that? Because when the general public goes to Sears they are going to buy a tool at less cost then compared to Snap-on, MAC, Cornwell, and Matco. They have to compete with Harbor Frieght and most of that market that Sears had has gone to HF because you can get so good tools from there at a cheapier price. Sure American jobs are on the line but unfortunately the unions have put a HUGE grip on the cost of manufacturing which in turn raises the cost of making tools, cars, and the good ol ******* (and for the ******* almost got cometely killed off due to the unions.

This debate has gone on and on in this forum and else where about "Chinese" made tools in all these different tool companies but you guys can thank yourselves for all of this happening since the American way is to get the most of your money... And the competition to these companies fighting for your business to save you your hard earned money wouldnt happen if people werent looking at the price of the tool. Dont believe me, walk into a HF store and you will see that is always has people in there buying products from them, walk into the tool section at Sears and you might see a couple people in there.

 

[litng1]

Come on now don't blame unions for this.
Problem is people buying the harbor freight type stuff.
We as americans can't and do not want to compete with china on wages, Benifits or numerous other things that give them the advantage.
Please don't blame a decent paying job.

litng1 from Bardstown ky.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sure American jobs are on the line but unfortunately the unions have put a HUGE grip on the cost of manufacturing which in turn raises the cost of making tools, cars, and the good ol ******* (and for the ******* almost got cometely killed off due to the unions.

Twinkies ?
Read the article in the link. .

http://www.alternet.org/corporate-a...ts-company-took-employees-pensions-and-put-it

 

[allinon72]

Disappointing. I've been holding off on getting the scraper set...guess I better get on that. I will be purchasing the set from Amazon.

 

[biscuit141]

**** and these were just on sale last week. I haven't purchased a set because I have a 12" and 17" that I hardly ever use as is. But this we would likely last a lifetime with my use so warranty would never really be a issue. I would rathe have the Wilde-made bars than some Taiwan made off brand.

 

[Hiball]

Buy the Wilde OEM from Epsteins... Fack Sears

http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=wilde+pry+bar

 

[litng1]

Good post nuttsgt.

litng1 from Bardstown ky.