American made tools (and...)

[Theloniousmonk]

I've seen footage of their operation. Something tell me most of their workers are illegals, but I could be wrong.

If I didn't know any better I'd swear that CC Filsons stuff was made in China, turns out it's just made in Seattle using Chinese immigrant labor.

Yea, me too - I've seen mixed opinions on the company also... used to wear some of their stuff about a decade ago, I was a "culture jammer" - when it became a fad for 5 minutes - nothing special. The owner is a couple lugs loose too.

There is a company called "Prison Blues" in Oregon - Jeans/shirts made in an Oregon State prison.

I keep hear guys here talking about stuff like Ralph Lauren clothes, Allen Edmunds shoes, Joseph Abboud suits, etc, etc. Thought more tool users would be Salt of the Earth types.

Hey, if I'm dropped good coin on good tools, I'm also going to follow the same logic in clothing purchases - no point in buying a super cheap shirt that will only last 20 wash cycles - when I can purchase a fine shirt that will last me 10 years - fashion trends be damned. Shoes are the same thing, a pair of AE's will set you back a bit, but will also last you a decade AND can be refurbished for a nominal fee (or free depending on the model)... I also read books.

 

[oldtools]

As for auto, imports are being more American than American companies like GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Chrysler is actually foreign now. Even Hyundai will be more American than the Domestics.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/10/21/502348.html

 

[HandyManny]

I also read books.

Okay....we're going to have to do something about this.

Kidding just kidding.

 

[oldtools]

Seems like Cooper is trying the hardest to keep production here.

Isn't firestone and Cooper foreign owned now?

 

[HandyManny]

As for auto, imports are being more American than American companies like GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Chrysler is actually foreign now. Even Hyundai will be more American than the Domestics.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/10/21/502348.html

I don't think there is any such thing as an imported car anymore.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Okay....we're going to have to do something about this.

Kidding just kidding.

yeah, i know...

 

[oldtools]

I don't think there is any such thing as an imported car anymore.

When I said imports, it means foreign automakers (not owned by US). GM is really cozying up to China, so I will see alot of future GM vehicles being engineered/assembled in China.

 

[HandyManny]

I've seen footage of their operation. Something tell me most of their workers are illegals, but I could be wrong.

If I didn't know any better I'd swear that CC Filsons stuff was made in China, turns out it's just made in Seattle using Chinese immigrant labor.

Interesting about this type of thing is that so many Americans get blinded by the Made in USA lable that it never occurs to many of them that not eveything that's made here is actually made by Americans or even supports American workers. Seems to be my experience by knowing people in current manufacuring jobs that a lot of stuff made here is actually made by undocumented illegal immigrants. So much for supporting American jobs. It's just something we should consider these days when seeing the USA lable on stuff. Not singling out the above companies, just saying that it is happening more than we think by many companies on our soil.

 

[Lump]

I read in CAR & DRIVER yesterday that GM sold more Buicks in China last than they did in the USA. LOTS more; like, 3 TIMES more. And I'm talking about full-size Buicks, and SUV's which are not even available in US any longer.

Thank goodness.

 

[Lump]

Lots of better archery equipment, including compound bows are made in USA. I'm setting up my deer hunting property this weekend, and most of my equipment is made in USA, including tree stands, etc. However, it's not easy to find optics and electronic hunting equipment made in USA.

 

[american lockpicker]

Lots of better archery equipment, including compound bows are made in USA. I'm setting up my deer hunting property this weekend, and most of my equipment is made in USA, including tree stands, etc. However, it's not easy to find optics and electronic hunting equipment made in USA.

Theres 2 optic makers here and quite a few in Europe(Swavarski(sp?), Zeiss, Schmidt Bender, Leica, and another one I think.)

http://www.redfield.com/
http://www.leupold.com/

 

[Theloniousmonk]

I read in CAR & DRIVER yesterday that GM sold more Buicks in China last than they did in the USA. LOTS more; like, 3 TIMES more. And I'm talking about full-size Buicks, and SUV's which are not even available in US any longer.

Thank goodness.

Yeah... we have a customer that moved here from China- we service his 5 series from time to time., he LOVES Buick and Olds... thinks of them in a better light than Lexus/Benz/Caddy/etc... You have "made it" if you are driving a decked out 2002 Park Ave.

 

[HandyManny]

Theres 2 optic makers here and quite a few in Europe(Swavarski(sp?), Zeiss, Schmidt Bender, Leica, and another one I think.)

http://www.redfield.com/
http://www.leupold.com/

Interesting what 30 years can change.

Used to be made here were:

Redfield
Weaver
Bausch & Lomb
Bushnell
Leupold
Lyman
Unertl
Burris

and many others too.

Only a couple left here eh. Leupold now owns Redfield.

 

[HandyManny]

I read in CAR & DRIVER yesterday that GM sold more Buicks in China last than they did in the USA. LOTS more; like, 3 TIMES more. And I'm talking about full-size Buicks, and SUV's which are not even available in US any longer.

Thank goodness.

The Jeep 4L Inline 6 cylinder was one of the most reliable Jeep engines Chrysler was making. They scrapped it a few years ago, sold the equipment to the Chinese who now make that engine for their own use.

 

[american lockpicker]

I like Buick my parents and grandmother both used to have the century model.

I miss the old style cars and gasoline that was under $1 a gallion.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

Camping and Hiking gear.

It's expensive but lasts longer than any of your common sporting goods store fare will ever last. Sadly there are only a handful of camping/outdoors gear makers that make stuff in the USA.

Go to any store and every tent and sleeping bag is made in China. All of the outdoor wear is made there etc.

That is why I use Wiggy's products or surplus/NOS when I can find it.

 

[HandyManny]

Camping and Hiking gear.

It's expensive but lasts longer than any of your common sporting goods store fare will ever last. Sadly there are only a handful of camping/outdoors gear makers that make stuff in the USA.

Go to any store and every tent and sleeping bag is made in China. All of the outdoor wear is made there etc.

That is why I use Wiggy's products or surplus/NOS when I can find it.

The traditional liquid fuel Coleman stoves and lanters are still made in Kanasas, but all their newer and innovative stuff is made overseas. Why can't newer innovative stuff still be made here? Even the competition brands is sources from overseas.

 

[american lockpicker]

Camping and Hiking gear.

It's expensive but lasts longer than any of your common sporting goods store fare will ever last. Sadly there are only a handful of camping/outdoors gear makers that make stuff in the USA.

Go to any store and every tent and sleeping bag is made in China. All of the outdoor wear is made there etc.

That is why I use Wiggy's products or surplus/NOS when I can find it.

You know Coghlans, a Canadian company, has a lot of stuff thats made in the USA.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

You know Coghlans, a Canadian company, has a lot of stuff thats made in the USA.

Their stuff is pretty good. I use their soaps and little mirrors.

MSR makes their little camping ovens here, but a lot of their accessories such as camping pots, pans, utensils, etc are made overseas.

 

[kornbln]

I bought some Pyrex bowls recently and was surprised to see that they were made in USA

Is Pyrex Glassware Made in the USA?

Yes. Pyrex Glassware is made by a U.S. company, using union labor.

Pyrex Glassware has been made in the U.S. since 1915 in our Charleroi, Pennsylvania plant.

Pyrex Products belong to the World Kitchen, LLC family of kitchen brands, including Corelle®, Corningware® and Chicago Cutlery®. World Kitchen, LLC is headquartered in Illinois.

 

[msmith]

JL Audio subwoofers. W3v3 and up are US-built.
Their marine speakers and home subwoofers are also US-made.

 

[oldtools]

I read in CAR & DRIVER yesterday that GM sold more Buicks in China last than they did in the USA. LOTS more; like, 3 TIMES more. And I'm talking about full-size Buicks, and SUV's which are not even available in US any longer.

Thank goodness.

The Chinese automaker (SAIC) that work with GM on Buick development in China is looking to buy part of GM when GM initiated its IPO end of this year. This mean GM will even be more less American.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Speaking of speakers.... Dayton Audio builds some drivers in the states too... I didn't know JL builds subs here now... the original JL series 1's from the early 90's were actually built by Fujitsu10 in Japan (exact same as the original Eclipse series 1 sans the dust cap and silk screen logo)

 

[msmith]

Speaking of speakers.... Dayton Audio builds some drivers in the states too... I didn't know JL builds subs here now... the original JL series 1's from the early 90's were actually built by Fujitsu10 in Japan (exact same as the original Eclipse series 1 sans the dust cap and silk screen logo)

Fujitsu Ten never built subwoofers for JL. The original W1's were made in Kevil, KY by a company called Credence Loudspeakers. The design of the W1's was unique to JL Audio as well, although many other companies subsequently tried to copy them and made similar speakers.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Fujitsu Ten never built subwoofers for JL. The original W1's were made in Kevil, KY by a company called Credence Loudspeakers. The design of the W1's was unique to JL Audio as well, although many other companies subsequently tried to copy them and made similar speakers.

Oh, I am misinformed, I stand corrected - Thank you for the information MSMITH! I don't remember model numbers anymore, nor do I really care. last sytem I put together consisted of AVI, Nak musicbank, a couple zapco amps and a CV stroker, this was about 12 years ago.

 

[bent valves]

I was shopping for a refrigerator this summer, walking through Lowes and Home depot, and was surprised to find the Maytag is now MADE IN USE. It turns out that Maytag and Whirlpool joined company's and is now building appliances here. I bought the refrigerator and am glad it is not Asian.

 

[american lockpicker]

I was shopping for a refrigerator this summer, walking through Lowes and Home depot, and was surprised to find the Maytag is now MADE IN USE. It turns out that Maytag and Whirlpool joined company's and is now building appliances here. I bought the refrigerator and am glad it is not Asian.

Bosch makes some appliances in North Carolina.

 

[browntown]

case knives and zippos are still made in bradford, PA if I remember correctly. I think all channelock tools are still US made.

 

[american lockpicker]

case knives and zippos are still made in bradford, PA if I remember correctly. I think all channelock tools are still US made.

Not all channel locks and zippos are.

 

[Joe B.]

Bosch makes some appliances in North Carolina.

Appliances are big and heavy compared to the sale price. That is why most of the imports are higher end models with lots of margin to cover the shipping costs. The cost of shipping and the need to products specific to the US market will keep the mid to low prices appliance manufacturing in North American (including Mexico.)

 

[HandyManny]

case knives and zippos are still made in bradford, PA if I remember correctly. I think all channelock tools are still US made.

Used Zippos forever and have a few from the 1950's, '60's, '70's, '80's and two from this past decade. The most recent was given to me as a gift earlier this month and was date coded from this year. The one given to me that was made this year feels much different than the ones of the past, even different from one I bought 6 years ago. The chrome plating just feels different, almost as if it is an obvious different process used for plating. Just feels cheaper and thinner, can't really put my finger on it exactly, but it's different.

I remember when people bought Case knives to actually use for daily and outdoor purposes. Now most Case knives seem to only exist as collectors item,something to be framed and shown off. The newer utilitarian ones seem cheap to me, just not that high quality as they used to be when I was a kid.

 

[wafrederick]

Matco tool boxes are the only toolboxes that are American made.Matco has a toolbox plant in Jamestown,NY.My Mac toolbox was made in Canada,found the lable hidden somewhere.Buicks are popular in China for some reason.There are some guns that are not made in the USA,Browning is one which are mostly made in Japan.Channelock's cresent wrenches are made in Spain and their socket sets are made in Taiwan.

 

[HandyManny]

Matco tool boxes are the only toolboxes that are American made.Matco has a toolbox plant in Jamestown,NY.My Mac toolbox was made in Canada,found the lable hidden somewhere.Buicks are popular in China for some reason.There are some guns that are not made in the USA,Browning is one which are mostly made in Japan.Channelock's cresent wrenches are made in Spain and their socket sets are made in Taiwan.

For as popular and common as Browning firearms have been to this country, very few that have sold under the Browning brand name have actually been made here. Mostly made here were JM Browning's patents that were bought or acquired by Colt, Winchester, and Remington but those guns were made and always were known and sold under those companies brand names. Fabrique National (FN Herstal) in Belgium is probably the most common manufacturer of JM Browning's guns. Browning in Utah is nothing more than an importer of FN and Miroku made Browning guns. Funny thing about Browning imported and marked guns made by FN and Miroku is that if you buy the same guns that are non-Browning marked, but branded FN or Miruko they are typically far less expensive than the Browning branded ones. I don't think I'm off topic here. Guns are tools in my mind too.

 

[Chris_R/T]

Funnels, I know, a simple cheap item. The Blitz branded red and blue ones are made in USA and can be bought at Lowe's and Walmart by me.

 

[HandyManny]

Funnels, I know, a simple cheap item. The Blitz branded red and blue ones are made in USA and can be bought at Lowe's and Walmart by me.

Plastic moldings seem to still be made a lot here. Plano, Rubbermaid, MTM, Blitz, etc all seem to still be Made in the USA.

 

[baucom]

At the very least I am conscious of COO when I buy something. I really attempt to make all of my purchases benefit U.S. manufacturing. I always search for a U.S. made option that I can afford before I make a purchase. My Carhartt cargo pants are made in Mexico from U.S. fabric, New Balance 760s are made here, Oakley sunglasses are made in U.S.A., etc. I only buy U.S. made socks because they're so easy to find and pretty cheap. I like Marlin rifles and Remington shotguns, both made in U.S.A. Maglite LED flashlights (I'm sure the LED is sourced from China though).

If I can't find what I'm looking for that's made in the U.S.A. and in my price range (I am willing to pay a decent premium if it's made here), then I look for items containing domestic materials, and if I can't find that then I do my best to support other first world manufacturers (Europe & Japan mainly). I rank China just ahead of India & Vietnam at the bottom of the list of countries I buy from. I can't always avoid buying products made in S.E. Asia, but at least I try.

 

[a390st]

Walmart actually sells a kitchen type plastic dust pan that is made in the USA for under $3.00. That came as a shock.

 

[msmith]

Another product still built in the good ole USA: Weathertech car mats.

They make a huge deal about it in all their ads.

 

[HandyManny]

Walmart actually sells a kitchen type plastic dust pan that is made in the USA for under $3.00. That came as a shock.

I've actually seen more USA made products in Walmart stores than in any other retailer these days. You may have to look for them, but they're there. Not all of it is going to be good quality, some still is though.

I just caution people these days who are hung up on USA stuff. Not everything marked "Made in USA" is always going to be a quality product. Not everything that's made in the USA was made by US citizen workers. Buying these USA products is no garantee that you are supporting our economy or that you are supporting the livelyhood of Americans.

 

[a390st]

I've actually seen more USA made products in Walmart stores than in any other retailer these days. You may have to look for them, but they're there. Not all of it is going to be good quality, some still is though.

That's because if you contract with Walmart on a small level they will carry your item in a region. The catch is that they often don't pay for the items until a certain time after they are put on the shelf. Additionally, they will not pay for unsold items and you have to arrange with them up front whether they will be discounted after a period of time or if you will pick them up. If your item works out well, they may make somewhat better terms on subsequent lots.
About 7-10 years ago an acquaintance was making some hunting products and asked Walmart if they would carry them. They gave him a deal like I described above. It wasn't terrible, but your money was ******* for too long. The stuff sold alright but the delay on being paid wasn't very good. He ended up selling them at local sporting goods, hunting, and other stores. The volume just wasn't worth the trouble.
All that being said, that's one reason you see some US made items that you wouldn't necessarily expect at Walmart. It can be cheaper to deal that way than buying tons of imported items that you have to pay for up front. I assume they are still carrying some items with the same type of terms.