Made in USA but not marked on tool

[bw77]

How do you feel about tools that are labelled Made in USA on the package,
but not on the tool itself?

Case in point, Gearwrench 2424D feeler gauge. I did not open the package to
check the other side, so I can still return it.
But I called GW and they confirmed it was not marked.

Have also seen this on Proto hand carry toolboxes.
I returned the Proto box for a refund. Once the package is gone
there is no indication that it was made in USA.

For some reason, this bothers me.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

If not marked on tool, not made in USA (imho)
Don't give a daym what the packing says either..

 

[SMKS]

If not marked on tool, not made in USA (imho)
Don't give a daym what the packing says either..

This is a little silly. Items that are made or assembled in the USA aren't required to have any labeling. Only imported products have to be labeled.

Companies choose to put "made in USA" on items or packaging, but they don't have to.

 

[Zeroek]

What's the word on SNap on's Dual 80 ratchets? None of mine say made in usa.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would venture to say that in the case of the gearwrench feeler gauge, once they've exhausted old KD stock it probably won't remain US made.

 

[ecotec]

This is a little silly. Items that are made or assembled in the USA aren't required to have any labeling. Only imported products have to be labeled.

Companies choose to put "made in USA" on items or packaging, but they don't have to.

I do not see it as silly. Putting "made in USA" or "made in America" does not cost much and adds value to the tool. It makes it a better tool.

 

[cheechi]

the made in USA is a selling feature to you right? so once you've bought it, you have a useful tool but no more use for the marking. If you just want to brag about it being USA made after you bought it, keep the cardboard from it.

 

[ecotec]

It is a selling feature of a tool. A tool is meant to be used. The packaging goes into the garbage that day. "Made in USA" should be stamped or cast into the actual tool, so it is always there. Who cares what the packaging says. The actual tool should say it. That is what the OP was conveying, and he is not wrong.

 

[rsanter]

I think it's dumb as **** that they don't.
I have worked for a couple of companies that made stuff here but didn't mark it.
Reasons were....well what if we ever decide to outsource it?
And I don't want it to look like one of those race cars with all the labels on it, and we sell this stuff overseas as well, we don't want them to now buy it because it made in the USA

Bob

 

[rshadd]

What's the word on SNap on's Dual 80 ratchets? None of mine say made in usa.

I asked my Snap-On guy about this recently and he told me they were made using "global components" for a short time. Not sure if this is actually true or not, but none of my dual-80's are stamped "USA". Regardless they're still the best ratchets I own.

 

[Matt_C]

Wait, you'd actually return a tool that IS made in the USA, because it doesn't say it on the tool?

Wow...

 

[ecotec]

Marshaltown tools is another example of a company that needs to start stamping or casting made in USA into their tools. I will never buy another tool from them where the COO is not cast or stamped into the actual tool.

 

[Zeroek]

How long ago did they start taking off the usa on those ratchets? I swear not long ago I had some with USA on them. Or maybe I'm just crazy.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Do you return tools that don't have Made in China, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, etc. stamped on them?

 

[RedneckWelder]

Wait, you'd actually return a tool that IS made in the USA, because it doesn't say it on the tool?

Wow...

+1.

I do not see it as silly. Putting "made in USA" or "made in America" does not cost much and adds value to the tool. It makes it a better tool.

It does not physically make it a better tool, only in your head.

If the tool is made in the US, not marked, but does the job it was designed to do, then it's a good tool. Big frickin whoop.

Personally I buy my tools to work. I buy US when I can, foreign when I can't. So long as it works, I don't get wrapped around the axle about the stampings and ****.

How long ago did they start taking off the usa on those ratchets? I swear not long ago I had some with USA on them. Or maybe I'm just crazy.

Snap On supposedly started back stamping USA on their ratchets.

 

[bw77]

Do you return tools that don't have Made in China, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, etc. stamped on them?

NO. If not stamped I assume it's made in China or Taiwan.
Or assembled from global components.

 

[Matt_C]

NO. If not stamped I assume it's made in China or Taiwan.

That's a bit stupid. You stated already in your opening post that it's stated on the packaging it's made in the USA but not stamped on the tool, so you know it's made in the USA - why then assume it's made in China or Taiwan?

 

[RedneckWelder]

That's a bit stupid. You stated already in your opening post that it's stated on the packaging it's made in the USA but not stamped on the tool, so you know it's made in the USA - why then assume it's made in China or Taiwan?

Because he doesn't believe the package is telling the truth but they wouldn't DARE to mark the actual tool itself USA if it wasn't made in the US. No one would cross that line.

 

[bw77]

That's a bit stupid. You stated already in your opening post that it's stated on the packaging it's made in the USA but not stamped on the tool, so you know it's made in the USA - why then assume it's made in China or Taiwan?

Because 99% of tools made in USA are marked on the tool USA.

 

[Matt_C]

I'm not disputing that. However, you know the feeler gauge you bought is made in the USA. You want a made in USA tool. You have a made in USA tool. But you're assuming it's made in China/Taiwan because the tool itself isn't stamped as made in USA (even though you know it IS made in the USA), so you're going to return this made in USA tool, that you know is made in the USA, because it doesn't say made in the USA on the tool itself (even though it IS made in the USA, which is what you want)

I have to reiterate - wow....

 

[bw77]

I'm not disputing that. However, you know the feeler gauge you bought is made in the USA. You want a made in USA tool. You have a made in USA tool. But you're assuming it's made in China/Taiwan because the tool itself isn't stamped as made in USA (even though you know it IS made in the USA), so you're going to return this made in USA tool, that you know is made in the USA, because it doesn't say made in the USA on the tool itself (even though it IS made in the USA, which is what you want)

I have to reiterate - wow....

For some reason I feel better about using a tool that has "USA" right on the
tool. Call me crazy.

 

[cheechi]

My F80 is stamped USA on it. It's at least 2 years old. The issue with them is they were stamped, then not any more. If they are stamping it again, great. Didn't change the function of the ratchet with mine & my friend's side by side.

 

[Matt_C]

For some reason I feel better about using a tool that has "USA" right on the
tool. Call me crazy.

I'm not calling anyone anything. But I will ask you why?

 

[bw77]

I'm not calling anyone anything. But I will ask you why?

You must be an engineer. Some choices defy logic.

 

[ecotec]

For some reason I feel better about using a tool that has "USA" right on the
tool. Call me crazy.

Me too.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Not much a person not based in the USA can say about this topic. Pride is like faith, only the individual knows what the believe.

 

[Matt_C]

You must be an engineer. Some choices defy logic.

I'm not no. And I'm not asking for you to explain it in logic, but you can explain it, right?

 

[Matt_C]

Not much a person not based in the USA can say about this topic. Pride is like faith, only the individual knows what the believe.

Sorry, no. That makes no sense either. I'm English, but I don't only use English made tools. I have English made tools, American made tools, French, German, and even some - gasp - made in China or Taiwan!

I like to use tools that are well made, do the job I want/need them to do, and stand up to the test of time and use. Where they are made, what brand they are, and what is written, or not, on them, is all besides the point.

 

[RCStocker]

Marshaltown tools is another example of a company that needs to start stamping or casting made in USA into their tools. I will never buy another tool from them where the COO is not cast or stamped into the actual tool.

Marshaltown makes great tools. They are the only ones I want to work with. Just because they are not stamped USA you toss in the towel. Ask yourself is the quality the same which it is. You will stop using the best because they are not stamped. You don't even know what I have to say.
the package might be made in USA with marked. That does not mean the tool or product is.

Just remember stock holder are form all over the world. There would not be enough American to keep any company going if there were only American investors. If you have a 401 plan then you can be invested in companies that do business all over the world. Good thing they do because you would not be making any money on your 401.

All you USA only people need to get a grip on reality. You need to go take a collage class in macro and micro economics. We can not gain wealth as a nation unless we trade with other countries which means they buy our debt and goods. Read about William Bradford the first head of the colonies. They tried socialism for the first year and fell short of food because some did not produce. He gave them land then said they could sell their goods and wares. They sold to the Indians. Sold back to Europe and gained wealth. The only way to make money is to trade with other countries. If everyone though the way you blokes did we would be living in the dark ages. The first years of our country showed that socialism dose not work yet everyone wants to go in that direction. ****** Blazing saddles on the uneducated!

 

[d3ad1ysp0rk]

Not much a person not based in the USA can say about this topic. Pride is like faith, only the individual knows what the believe.

What a silly statement. Location has nothing to do with logic.

The only logical explanation someone COULD give for caring that the tool itself says it (instead of just the packaging) is resale value. Since no one has actually said that, I'm going to guess it's not the actual reasoning, and instead, people just want to be mad about nothing.

 

[Fretters]

Sorry, no. That makes no sense either. I'm English, but I don't only use English made tools. I have English made tools, American made tools, French, German, and even some - gasp - made in China or Taiwan!

I like to use tools that are well made, do the job I want/need them to do, and stand up to the test of time and use. Where they are made, what brand they are, and what is written, or not, on them, is all besides the point.

You want to let this bone go mate. You'll be getting wet with the back spray from peeing into the wind if you try convincing them it's illogical. Been there and given up already.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What a silly statement. Location has nothing to do with logic.

Please explain how pride is illogical/logical. What's your favorite sports team? .. Doesn't matter because if you have pride they are the best even with the worst record.

 

[billybudge]

If any branded tool manufacturer has not stamped the tool made in the USA or similer then without any doubts that tool has been made overseas and imported,
I know this as fact, I am now in this industry,
So. Its all very nice to romance about a brand of tool made in your homeland, but if its not stamped on there. Then its an import, also if it is made in your country, the chances are that the steel was imported to make it with, sorry guys, but that's the way it is,

 

[Davefr]

If any branded tool manufacturer has not stamped the tool made in the USA or similer then without any doubts that tool has been made overseas and imported,

I could be wrong but I don't believe Starrett marks the COO on their tools. (whether they're US or Chinese)

I believe their intent is to try and make COO a "non issue" in the buyer's eyes. I don't know if their strategy is working or not.

 

[Fretters]

Please explain how pride is illogical/logical. What's your favorite sports team? ..

His point was in reference to this: "Not much a person not based in the USA can say about this topic." Location is completely irrelevant, (although one might say that this obsession with "Made in ..." does seem to be more American centric than any other, judging from what I've noted over the years), to the point. Pride or OCD is the same the world over, so saying that someone outside of your country doesn't understand was fairly moot and without valid meaning.

There's nowt wrong with having a certain preference. Everyone is different, and we all have our little quirks. Whether it seems unusual to anyone else or not is irrelevant. We are each how we are, and should be content with that. Doesn't mean one can't mention the illogical nature of things on occasion though.

 

[3baygarage]

I could be wrong but I don't believe Starrett marks the COO on their tools. (whether they're US or Chinese)

I believe their intent is to try and make COO a "non issue" in the buyer's eyes. I don't know if their strategy is working or not.

Are you talking new Starrett? I don't know what all the new stuff looks like.

Starrett always said Athol, Mass., because they've been around since a time when consumers didn't have to think twice about where something was manufactured.

 

[Danguitarman]

I asked my Snap-On guy about this recently and he told me they were made using "global components" for a short time. Not sure if this is actually true or not, but none of my dual-80's are stamped "USA". Regardless they're still the best ratchets I own.

Mine are all stamped USA on the handle... Look right by the part number.

 

[tarbellb]

My preference, I would like my USA made tools stamped on it.

Best reason for this- When buying a USED tool, you have no idea if its made USA or not unless its marked on the tool itself.

Its that simple.

 

[tube_guy]

My preference, I would like my USA made tools stamped on it.

Best reason for this- When buying a USED tool, you have no idea if its made USA or not unless its marked on the tool itself.

Its that simple.

Yeah, to me I want my tools to say Made in USA right on the tool itself and not the packaging because if I should ever have to sell my tools due to financial hardship, they would bring a higher price. With the markings on the packaging only, people will just assume they're made in China and pay accordingly.

 

[Zeroek]

There's nothing wrong with using USA only or foreign made. Go out do your hobby or make your money with whatever you want to buy. Or buy whatever tools you want because the tools themselves are your hobby. We all love tools and that's the way it's going to be. It's personal preference on what you want stamped on your tools. I like to have usa stamped on my stuff if it's made here but if not I'm not going to up and sell my ratchets. They still work damn good.