CTA Tools - Made in the USA.. or not

[Myers B]

I recently decided to upgrade all of my diagnostic gauges from random import sets to all US made. I did some reading on old garage journal posts and decided to go with CTA Tools. Each gauge kit I purchased stated “made in the USA”, and the ad photos clearly showed US marked gauges.

I purchased around $400 of their various gauge kits, and was ready for the upgrade. Once they arrived I opened them up and on initial inspection everything looked great. The one thing that caught my eye is that while the gauge face styles matched the listings almost perfectly, they no longer featured a USA marking. Seemed a little suspicious so I contacted them directly.

I received this response

“Good Morning!

Please note that all of the parts are USA made except for gauges.”

It seemed like a ridiculous response considering that the gauge is the actual tool, not some accessory. I really don’t care if the hoses and fittings are US, but the gauge is Chinese. I called them and talked to sales rep and he understood my concern and said they would be updating their listings. Their gauge supplier used to manufacture in the US, but has since moved to importing from Asia.

Needless to say I am returning them all and will be searching for another manufacturer. Does anyone have recommendations for leak down testers, compression testers, vacuum gauges, oil pressure gauges, etc that are actually made in the US?

 

[scooby074]

Needless to say I am returning them all and will be searching for another manufacturer. Does anyone have recommendations for leak down testers, compression testers, vacuum gauges, oil pressure gauges, etc that are actually made in the US?

Snap On

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Snap On

Not all are, just some. IIRC some are made in Brazil. If you want USA made gauges, go to repair-parts at the bottom of the page and you can look at COO for individual parts if available.

 

[scooby074]

Not all are, just some. IIRC some are made in Brazil. If you want USA made gauges, go to repair-parts at the bottom of the page and you can look at COO for individual parts if available.

Good point.

 

[B_Bimmer]

That's disappointing. I wouldn't discount the value of domestically manufactured hoses and assemblies though. Cheap rubber socks. Not saying I wouldn't have also sent them back, just pointing out there is still some value there.

 

[Myers B]

I’m almost wondering if it’s possible to find completely US made test sets anymore. It seems like most of the vendors who offered US sets ten years ago no longer are.

 

[Rusted Nut]

You might try GSI Industries, they sat US made; but I’ve haven’t checked rack individual piece.

GSI Industries

GSI Industries, Michagan USA

gsiindustries.com

 

[Myers B]

That's disappointing. I wouldn't discount the value of domestically manufactured hoses and assemblies though. Cheap rubber socks. Not saying I wouldn't have also sent them back, just pointing out there is still some value there.

I agree there is some value there.. but no where close to enough to justify it.

 

[Myers B]

I contacted Lang Tools since they were also recommended as a good US tool supplier in the old garage journal posts, and they had a similar response.

“Made in the US and most components are US made.”

Still waiting on a response from GSI.

 

[BTL-A4]

I wonder if any tool manufacturers are listening? There are people who want US-made tools at a reasonable price. It can be done! Not everyone buys the cheapest one. Help us support American manufacturing jobs. I want to keep the money here and I think it's a national security issue.