American made tools or bust?

[Strouty]

I always here the debate about american vs the cheap chinese ****. I am wondering, are you guys dead set on made in USA due to the "American" thing, or is it more of a quality thing? I have to say, I will buy any tool as long as it is quality. Some instances, I would take a German tool over an american tool. This would all depend on the quality and reputation of the manufacturer. As an example, I buy Spyderco knives, they use steel from Japan and are made in Seki-City, when I see that on a knife it is known for its quality steel and craftsmanship. I take pride in American, but I am more of a "anything but China" guy myself. What are you guys?

 

[wafrederick]

I have one German made tool,the Fein Multimaster which is my most favorite powertool.Attachments for this tool are not cheap.I have a couple American made tools that are my favoriite tools at work,my Cornwell flex head ratchet and my big Mac slotted screwdriver.I call the Mac scredriver the disappear and reappear screwdriver,I put someplace and can't find it.Than it reappears for some reason

 

[Ford12508]

I like american tools as long as they have a lifetime warranty with a no-hassle company. I say this because even if some of the tools are out sourced(i.e. Craftsman) many tools are still made in america and they support an american business with many american workers. It is another reason why I dislike foreign cars. I have nothing against people who buy them, but I personally will never own one.

 

[hguerrero]

does this include the computer or phone you used to post this?

I always here the debate about american vs the cheap chinese ****. I am wondering, are you guys dead set on made in USA due to the "American" thing, or is it more of a quality thing? I have to say, I will buy any tool as long as it is quality. Some instances, I would take a German tool over an american tool. This would all depend on the quality and reputation of the manufacturer. As an example, I buy Spyderco knives, they use steel from Japan and are made in Seki-City, when I see that on a knife it is known for its quality steel and craftsmanship. I take pride in American, but I am more of a "anything but China" guy myself. What are you guys?

 

[Bolster]

Prefer post WWII American, stocking up on it as I can.

Not a jingoist about it though. Own tools from Germany, Spain, Mexico, France, Czech Republic, Taiwan, and, (sigh) sometimes China when I can't find what I'm looking for elsewhere.

I avoid Chinese unless they have a known quality item, such as GearWrench or Fenix flashlights, or when I can't find a comparable item, such as my medium-small X3 mill. Partly a quality issue, partly a disinclination to hand money to a well-armed global competitor.

 

[Merkava_4]

I used to be ******** buy American until some American companies have started putting out ****. Now I put a priority on quality above and beyond origin. Having said that, I still prefer to buy American made products when possible, but my default setting is quality.

I never buy on price. All price means to me is whether I buy it today or next year. If I want something bad enough but can't afford it right now, I have the stubbornness to wait it out until I've got the money. Never settle for less!

 

[Abbott]

I don't care where it's made if it works.

 

[strnjss]

The idea that American made products are superior just isn't true anymore. It used to be, but American made stuff is slowly becoming actually worse than the foreign made stuff.

Just one example is Craftsman. I bought a screwdriver set from them. One big screwdriver twisted and permanently bent just trying to turn a tight screw. My #1 phillips bit tip has basically worn to a nub. And it's not like I over used it or anything. I've barely used the thing.

Another example is Blue Point vs Snap On. I know they're the same company, but Snap On is starting to go down hill in terms of quality from what I understand. I bought a Blue Point Service set, for around $200 (It would easily cost over $2000 for the Snap On equivalent.) And they are so nice. Other people who have owned the one I got say that they are like the older Snap On stuff. They may be made in Taiwan, but they're just as good, if not better.

It's a shame, because I do feel a sense of pride when my tools say USA on them. But that pride slowly fades when you pay way more for an inferior tool.

 

[Strouty]

does this include the computer or phone you used to post this?

Good luck finding an american made computer or cell phone. I would love to say mine were, but none of them are. I look towards quality versus origin.

 

[lwram]

I don't care where it's made if it works.

Exactly

 

[Indy_500]

I don't care where it's made if it works.

yup.... you said it.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

What are you guys?

Tired of this polarizing stupid debate...

 

[gc11090]

I would much rather buy American to help our great country in any way I can, but it is not my #1 priority while buying tools. I go for high quality and easy warranty first, then price, then country of origin.

 

[Thumper]

......damn....here we go again......

 

[caseyjw]

Not everything that's made in USA is good... not everything that's made in ________ is bad.

Pretty much if you ask a German to cut some metal you can't go wrong.

That's my opinion for what it's worth, lol

Casey

 

[doctorschmullus]

quality first- but I hope you guys buy american- In australia we used to have a heap of aussie made tools but now all taiwanese and chinese, The only brands where most items are taken as good tools are ussually all the european stuff- and snap on has a good name (for usa stuff only) but now no asutralian companies make tools its hard to find super good quality reasonably priced tools as german and american stuff is flamin expensive!

 

[tonydanzah]

I will buy American if I can afford it, as it first and foremost helps keep jobs here. I also don't have a problem buying from other countries that pay good living wages. But if the tool or item is made in a 3rd world country, then I feel I should pay a 3rd world price, since little of the money is going to the worker. If the item is out of my price range in the American form, which is becoming more and more of a problem since the middle feel out I will buy the best quality of the cheap stuff. For Specialty socket or tools, I will buy cheap first. If I use it enough to break it, then I will buy a better quality version.

 

[Hiball]

I buy American only because i believe its the right thing to do in todays economy, Im not naive enough to think US made tools always trump Imports because frankly its not always the case. Ive spent many hours swinging imports when funds where low and i was first starting out, I now have a job that pays well and i can pick and choose a little more. I think GJ under some moderation is a great place for all mechanics New and Old, It gives its members the option to see real world usage of tools and helps people make decisions Not based on COO alone.

 

[quattrojon]

I never buy on price. All price means to me is whether I buy it today of next year. If I want something bad enough but can't afford it right now, I have the stubbornness to wait it out until I've got the money. Never settle for less!

Merk, I couldn't agree more.

 

[iandh]

I try to buy American when feasible, but I don't really care about COO as long as the tool is quality. I bring more money into the US with my business than I ever send out with my purchases, so I don't feel a damn bit guilty about buying foreign.

As someone said above, I also refuse to pay made in USA or made in Germany money for made in China tools. That's why I waited until I could get greater than 50% off to buy my Gearwrench stuff.

 

[mrholeshot]

Quality always comes first no matter where it's made. The best tool for the money is my second rule and COO is third. I don't buy junk. I do buy American when possible and if the tool is used in a professional enviroment only the best stayed in my tool box. In most cases that was. It's sad that isn't the case because as an example a GearWrench Ratchet is 3 times the Ratchet a Craftsman ratchet is. I posted photos yesterday of a set of Stanley wrenches I have that are 12 years old. They are superior in every way to Craftsman USA standard wrenches or Kobalt USA wrenches at about the same price. I love seeing Made in USA on my tools. It just isn't a deal breaker. I blame the pencil pushers and Union leaders for this economy. China and Tiwan and just making the best from the greed we have created.

 

[Vinko]

The idea that American made products are superior just isn't true anymore. It used to be, but American made stuff is slowly becoming actually worse than the foreign made stuff.

Just one example is Craftsman. I bought a screwdriver set from them. One big screwdriver twisted and permanently bent just trying to turn a tight screw. My #1 phillips bit tip has basically worn to a nub. And it's not like I over used it or anything. I've barely used the thing.

Another example is Blue Point vs Snap On. I know they're the same company, but Snap On is starting to go down hill in terms of quality from what I understand. I bought a Blue Point Service set, for around $200 (It would easily cost over $2000 for the Snap On equivalent.) And they are so nice. Other people who have owned the one I got say that they are like the older Snap On stuff. They may be made in Taiwan, but they're just as good, if not better.

It's a shame, because I do feel a sense of pride when my tools say USA on them. But that pride slowly fades when you pay way more for an inferior tool.

I'd add that growing up in the 70's and 80's, I was never under the impression that US-made was the best. Good to better, but not the best.

 

[toolnut]

When I buy my tools I look at if it will do the job, durability, cost, and where it is made. If I can purchase a USA made tool that comes first under my personal preference. If not than I move over to the imports usually of European manufacturers and than the others. For years I bought Snap-on, Craftsman, and Mac. But that's what most mechanics did when I started out. Now I buy what I need trying to support our US economy and I know that is tough because the field is being slimed down. What I don't understand is that one day a tool is made here for x amount of dollars and than the next day its imported and the price remains the same? If the manufacturers are moving overseas to be competitive than why wouldn't the prices drop to reflect this?

 

[loj]

I only buy 6-point sockets.

 

[JohnFreeman]

does this include the computer or phone you used to post this?

Obviously the issue is "when one has a choice".

 

[volpster31]

i try to buy american made whenever possible...its just my mindset i guess..i look at the labels on everything and if theirs a choice ill avoid made in china. when i comes to tools i buy u.s.a but i do buy wera,wiha bits and screwdrivers... if you look at regular things you buy theirs always a choice..if you have a dog, look at the treats you buy them because theirs tons of them made in china(most rawhide is made there) i just read the label and only buy american made,which isnt hard to do when you actually look

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I buy the best i can afford. If i can't afford it, i don't buy it and wait until i can afford it.

 

[waltmcq]

It's more about jobs for me. The more stuff made in the USA the more of my neighbors have money to buy my fish when it hits the market.

 

[737mechanic]

I buy American first and then if there is not an American option I buy from the next country that has as close a standard of living as ours in America. For instance if Germany makes something that America does not then I will buy from Germany before I would buy the same type product from China or Mexico. Even though I will pay more for the product I am at least sending my money to a country that gives there workers a decent standard of living and more than likely will stand with us other than against us in a time of war or high tensions.

I just have a hard time selling out my country that my kids are going to inherit.

And for the people that always bring up the China computer that we type this kinda stuff on. If you can show me an American option for buying a computer I WILL buy the American computer but until then I am forced to buy computers that are made in China or Taiwan.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Quality above all else.

 

[t100]

 

[mikevango]

is harbor freight as good as snap-on?

 

[Cumminst100]

When it comes to tools usa is my first choice Germany Italy France ok also. Funny thing I'm originally from Canada but do not own any Canadian made tools (will be changing that soon I hope). I know there's some Chinese tools that are ok, but I prefer not to buy them if I cant find it new made in usa or one of the other mentioned countries there's always eBay. Is that stupid probably so but that's my choice. I do sometimes wish I had grown up in a time when made in China wasn't everywhere but that's the hand I'm dealt

 

[Stick Figure]

My Computer was made in Mexico, does that make me better than the rest of you with China made PC's?

While i'm sad to see Companies from here go under or get sold out to inferior quality manufacturing plants. I'm reminded of this every time i use my little bench top lathe and the "jacobs" chuck slips. I also know if everything was American made and the workers got the wage they wanted, my tool collection wouldn't be near the size it is.

 

[blue dog]

MY dodge truck, assembled in mexico
My other dodge truck, assembled in Canada
my mac computer was probably assembled in india
my dishwasher is a bosch, assembly, not america
my plasma tv, panasonic, japan
toyo tires on my truck, japanese co.
my dyson vacume, uk co, probably assembled in japan
my powermatic 66 table saw, farmed out
my casio g shock cell phone, where do you think
mossberg shot gun, where do you think.
I own Knipex tools from germany that stright out kick *** over most tools that were built for the same purpose.
I own bosch, porter cable, milwaukee, makita, hitachi, senco, festool etc power tools, none of wich are US companies or were assembled in the US. yet they are the best tools for the job
The list goes on and on.
some of you guys think if it wasnt made in america it seems to be ****, well, i have news for you, everyday you use products that were made else where.
Sure it would be nice if we could buy the best products for everything that were made right here in the USA. Buy the best that you can afford that gets the job done or the product that serves the purpose best for your needs

I could make you a list of all the products that i own that are made in the USA and would be one hell of a lot smaller then the products that are not.
Just look around your house and make a list of all the american made products that you poses, and then do the same for products produced else where.
I am not saying run out and buy everything chinese, Im just saying that this buy american or go home attitude is going to leave you behind the times.
Sorry for the rant, Just got home from a bbq and was enjoying quit a few Tecates that were made in Mexico.

 

[Abbott]

this buy american or go home attitude is going to leave you behind the times.

Yep, dinosaurs.

 

[Fedwrench]

Quality is choice one, followed by service and price. Where it's made falls with quality and price but, that's just me. However, what was the last new US made tool released? The Snap on dual 80 ratchets? Maybe the snappy 100 tooth rotoratchet? Cornwell's 72 tooth 3/8 drive ratchet? Gearwrench's expanded line of torque wrenches? Just about every new automotive tool I get mail about is imported which doesn't leave me a whole lot of choices..

 

[Vinko]

If you think it would be difficult to buy solely American, what about Union-made in the USA exclusively. Almost all my work clothes are Union-made, and all are American-made. Believe it or not, I don't think I own one piece of clothing that's made in China or anywhere in Asia. That includes t-shirts, socks and skivvies.

 

[Cumminst100]

If you think it would be difficult to buy solely American, what about Union-made in the USA exclusively. Almost all my work clothes are Union-made, and all are American-made. Believe it or not, I don't think I own one piece of clothing that's made in China or anywhere in Asia. That includes t-shirts, socks and skivvies.

Where can these be purchased, I'm about to run out of american made usa works jeans and need an alternative

 

[arkangel06]

Countries I would prefer to buy from

USA
Canada
anywhere in Europe
Japan