Import frustration!!!

[HanShotFirst]

So I'm trying to find a couple replacements for a couple of missing tools. Went to EVERY place in Carson City NV that sells tools and you guessed it; NO US M MADE TOOLS WHATSOEVER. (combo wrenches & sockets)

Okay I get it, price moves most items. But it really ***** that you don't even get the option of spending a little more for the good stuff.

I'm not even a tool snob...I use imported stuff quite often when it's something I'm not going to use frequently. But for my common use stuff, I like things of a bit higher quality.

I have no problem finding US made screwdrivers, or pliers. But tools for working on vehicles, China or Taiwan are the only option unless you're ordering online.

Guess it's a trip to Ebay for me.

 

[SuperCat]

Had the same experience, I would suggest the usual suspects: ebay, Cripe Distributing, Harry Epstein, and Craig's List. Have you asked your friends and family? Everybody knows somebody, maybe you'll get lucky. Good luck.

 

[T45]

So I'm trying to find a couple replacements for a couple of missing tools. Went to EVERY place in Carson City NV that sells tools and you guessed it; NO US M MADE TOOLS WHATSOEVER. (combo wrenches & sockets)

Okay I get it, price moves most items. But it really ***** that you don't even get the option of spending a little more for the good stuff.

This is where USA cman is so missed, IMHO

its been ages since napa and husky etc have been usa.

 

[HanShotFirst]

This is where USA cman is so missed, IMHO

its been ages since napa and husky etc have been usa.

Agreed.

 

[jrockford]

Does your local Menards still have their US made Masterforce line? I've read here they are being discontinued, but they are still coming up online. Both online and in store availability.

I have a few and they appear to be of decent quality considering their low price.

 

[californiaHank]

Menards is a regional chain - stores are mainly in a few states in the 'middle' of the US - They don't have stores in the South, or on either coast.

If you want US made wrenches or sockets in California, the choices seem to be tool trucks, industrial supply places, or on-line. I imagine it's the same for the OP (who is in Nevada). All the big box stores, auto supply chains, and retail hardware stores near me sell Asian stuff only.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have the same problem, when looking for replacement tools. I've resigned myself to buying from Cripe and HJE. Both of those companies have great folks working there and fair prices.

Good Luck

 

[Local]

I have the same problem, when looking for replacement tools. I've resigned myself to buying from Cripe and HJE. Both of those companies have great folks working there and fair prices.

Good Luck

X2 or ebay

 

[General Geoff]

Okay I get it, price moves most items. But it really ***** that you don't even get the option of spending a little more for the good stuff.

In today's world economy, "a little more" would be at least twice the price. And local stores with a limited local customer base would struggle to move even a small selection of higher priced USA-made wrenches and sockets when the import lines are right next to them and cost 1/3 as much.
Back in the early 2000s (before I learned to discern CoO) I was at a Sears looking to purchase ratcheting box end wrenches, and could not for the life of me figure out why I should pay $120 for a set of Craftsman wrenches vs $50 for the GearWrench brand ones. They looked and felt practically identical to me. I didn't find out till later that the main difference was just that the Cmans were USA-made.

 

[one9gt]

Motion industries in Reno carries Williams (Snap On industrial brand). If the part number is mixed letter and numbers, it's US made


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[KnurledNut]

Give these guys a try:

F & M MAFCO CO
2450 LOCKHEED WAY
CARSON CITY, NV 89706
702-885-2424

 

[oldtools]

Try flea market if you don't mind used.

 

[shockwave]

Best bet for you would be pawn shops or flea markets or Craigslist for locally outside of these local tooltrucks but will be expensive might try local auto shop and see if they have an independent guy that runs for proto or sk or wright

 

[HanShotFirst]

Motion industries in Reno carries Williams (Snap On industrial brand). If the part number is mixed letter and numbers, it's US made


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You are the man!!! Thank you for that!

BTW, got to see some Tekton USA made screwdrivers for the first time; VERY NICE!!! If I weren't already swimming in more screwdrivers than I know what to do with I'd buy a set just on principle. Damn decent price and very nice drivers!!

 

[M6erfan]

Motion industries in Reno carries Williams (Snap On industrial brand). If the part number is mixed letter and numbers, it's US made (for the most part)

Fixed it for ya...

 

[one9gt]

Fixed it for ya...

Every set that's mixed number I've seen is US made. The Taiwan made is 5-6 digits for p/n's. Care to provide an example?


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[M6erfan]

Here's one...

https://www.zoro.com/williams-spinner-handle-14-d-m-106a/i/G7048155/?KW4&gclid=CNHjqIS9rdMCFR61wAodNBcH0w&gclsrc=aw.ds

Williams M-106A Made in Taiwan

There's also the Williams 31016 Spinner Handle that is also made in Taiwan.

If one just ordered the M-106A thinking, based on PN, that it was USA made they'd be wrong

 

[one9gt]

Here's one...

https://www.zoro.com/williams-spinn...gclid=CNHjqIS9rdMCFR61wAodNBcH0w&gclsrc=aw.ds

Williams M-106A Made in Taiwan

There's also the Williams 31016 Spinner Handle that is also made in Taiwan.

If one just ordered the M-106A thinking, based on PN, that it was USA made they'd be wrong

Interesting... the catalog states made in USA

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[M6erfan]

Interesting... the catalog states made in USA

Yep, it's not though. I have one and the handle is stamped "Taiwan". I wasn't very happy about it...

 

[HanShotFirst]

I will say, Taiwan does turn out some downright decent stuff. I've seen some pretty good machine equipment come out of Taiwan; I was surprised.

For a weekend warrior like me, I'm sure most any of the Taiwan made stuff would serve me well, but I just like tools and I want a bit higher quality.

I'm very impressed with HF's Pittsburgh sockets. They have proven to actually be tougher than my old 1980's purchased Craftsman sockets. Still, I'm trying to upgrade all my sockets to SK.

 

[braidmeister]

I've had most of my tools for 20+ years, so I've got a pretty good foundation. When I want something high quality and hopefully made in USA - I just flag down a SnapOn, Matco, MAC or other tool truck in the area. They gladly pull over or into a parking lot and serve me. Yeah, you're going to spend more than Horrible Freight...but hopefully you'll get something that will last you a lifetime. Plus their tool breakage policies are usually no questions asked.

You can see them driving around just about any week day throughout the year. If not, call your local rep and tell him what you want & to stop by. I replaced all my Crapsman ratchets with SnapOn because they are like holding a box of rocks...and you never know when the pawl will break and your knuckles will get busted.