decent tools made in USA

[Empty Pockets]

I, too, commend the OP for his desire to support American workers.

My tool boxes are populated mostly by USA made tools (and some Knipex). Snappy, Wright, SK and older USA CM. Since CM production has gone off shore, I no longer buy them.

I subscribe to the theory that "If you don't buy from your neighbor, he'll never be able to buy from you"

 

[Wamsutta]

Your list and the other guy's below it should be a sticky...thank you!

Thanks but I'm no where near sticky status.

 

[mmason7764]

I have a question,

Why support "USA Made" tools... when companies like HarborFreight probably employee more people in the USA then these other companies?

There are lots of approaches to this question. Number of people employed and quality of their jobs is one.

Cash flow is another. Follow the money. A good portion goes to a communist country who hates us. There is an imbalance of trade, the US buys (imports) more than we sell (export). This leaves large piles of US cash in chinese hands. Every year that goes by they own more of us.

Where is your money going when you buy chinese made? china is investing in industry, so they can compete even more strongly. China invests a huge amount in their military. They are getting agressive claiming large ocean areas. These do not seem like the actions of an ally. And we are funding it. These are the same people who make it almost impossible to import American goods into their country. This one sided economic relationship will catch up with us.

Could go on and on but..........

 

[Tallpilot]

A good portion of the trade balance is miscalculated. When Apple imports an i-whatever from China the entire cost counts against the trade imbalance. However much of the profit from the product's sale remains in the US. That isn't to say that I like Apple's business model.

I am also no fan of China's repressive government, intellectual property theft or the fact that they seem to culturally believe that cheating 'round eyed devils' in any way they can get away with is acceptable if not outright desirable. I am even a fan of wage and environmental parity tariffs to negate the profit motive of offshoring for the purpose of using near slave labor or ridiculously environmentally destructive methods to save costs. But we need a model of world trade that more accurately models the actual wealth transfer than adding up the cost of goods crossing borders while ignoring capital flows.

 

[Schurkey]

(since Blackhawk is owned by Proto).

Was Blackhawk split? The Snap-On web site lists Blackhawk collision-repair tools.
http://www.snaponequipment.com/

Isn't it a hypocrisy?
China's CO2 pollution per capita is less than 1/2 of USA's. This was what pollution used to look like not that long ago:
https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/63 You want that all back?

Yeah, you have right to do whatever you like with your money, you just have beef with China. Don't pretend you care about the environment or American workers.

Who gives a **** about CO2? I don't. I'm not interested in the propaganda storm surrounding "global warming", either. HC pollution, I have concern for. Sulfur dioxide, sure. NOx, yup. Mercury, yes. CO2--hell, no.

I am also no fan of China's repressive government, intellectual property theft or the fact that they seem to culturally believe that cheating 'round eyed devils' in any way they can get away with is acceptable if not outright desirable. I am even a fan of wage and environmental parity tariffs to negate the profit motive of offshoring for the purpose of using near slave labor or ridiculously environmentally destructive methods to save costs.

The Communists are still the enemy. Not the only enemy, but the primary.

 

[thallmark]

Thank you all for the detailed answers. I appreciate all of your opinions and views.

 

[Tonyuk]

If your looking for some good pliers at reasonable money i can recommend the Tekton slip joints, very good bits of kit. I got a lisle oil filter socket (spring jaw type) and its worked very well for me the past 2 months.

My proto impact driver is also much better than any Chinese or Taiwan one i've used. SK's flare nut spanners are meant to be very good. My Williams 3/8" ratchet is nice but a bit coarse.

Overall im happy with my US made tools, i would put them on par with my kit from Facom, Gedore, Wera and the like.

 

[plumber84]

I wrote a lengthy dissertation in another recent thread on this subject because the underlying principle is little understood, even by those who support US manufacturing. Let me try to abbreviate:

It's about creating wealth. Wealth is created by harnessing and developing natural resources. They no longer teach this principle in schools (like so many other things they have watered (dumbed) down and corrupted in modern education.

You have been slowly indoctrinated over recent decades to believe that dollars are wealth. Wealth is not dollars, just like milk or gasoline is not gallons. Dollars do not define what wealth is but are only a measure of wealth, just like gallons do not define what milk or gasoline is.

Service jobs do not create wealth. Their only value is in how they facilitate the maintenance and distribution of wealth. A warehouse does not create wealth. Transporting goods does not create wealth. A store does not create wealth. A cashier or salesman does not create wealth. A repairman does not create wealth. A taxi driver does not create wealth. The greeter at Walmart does not create wealth. Lawyers do not create wealth.

Manufacturing creates wealth. Mining, oil production, and the related refining creates wealth. Land is potential wealth. Standing timber is potential wealth. Crops are wealth.

Think of it this way. If a company goes bankrupt, it sells its physical assets. These are wealth. It cannot sell all the labor and service performed by all its employees in its entire history no matter how many dollars it paid out for these throughout its history because these existed only to serve wealth and are worthless once wealth is no longer being served, as in a failed company. The only thing having tangible, inherent and lasting value is wealth.

Take a look at any US paper currency prior to 1963, be it Federal Reserve note (green seal), United States note (red seal), Silver Certificate (blue seal) or Gold Certificate (gold seal). You will see that printed on them is the promise that they can be redeemed for real wealth on demand. They were all promissory notes. Gold Certificates and coins were repealed in 1934. Silver Certificates were recalled in 1964 and silver coins were discontinued. Also in 1964, United States notes were no longer issued. FIND IMAGES OF THESE NOTES ONLINE AND READ WHAT THEY SAY. All that was left was the Federal Reserve note. Starting with the 1963 series, it now states that that these notes are wealth. The gradual brainwashing of the public to instill the belief that dollars were actually themselves wealth began then.

US manufacturing creates wealth for the USA.

What he said^ very eye opening

 

[DadsTools]

What he said^ very eye opening

Well, THANK YOU! Where I've posted this here and elsewhere, it's as if I tossed it in front of a herd of deer staring into headlights. Sorry guys, but it seems that if it's not about 'fixee truckee' eyes begin to glaze. Hey, I fixee truckee too. Got me truckee, shootgun, futball, whoa-man too. But I have a brain also. So do you. Geesh.

The concept of wealth is real, and extends beyond just the creating of US jobs. During the war, we were the arsenal of democracy. After the war, we rebuilt half of flipping Europe and then forgave everyone their debts. And even after that, we entered into a period of prosperity unparalleled in world history. Anywhere.

We were wealthy. We had vast reserves of land, minerals and timber, and the industrial base to harness these and develop them into wealth. Manufacturing. Production. Infrastructure. Power. Wealth.

Heck, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor for the single solitary reason that they wanted to harness Southeast Asian oil unimpeded by the US Navy. They needed wealth.

Afterward, we got soft in the head and thought it a good idea to steer Japan into a manufacturing society, generously facilitating all kinds development, trade channels, and the acquisition of raw materials. Then we generously facilitated the pouring of their junk onto the US shores. Once they got well entrenched, they shifted their focus to higher end product like electronics and steel. Steel made in updated mills and foundries to compete with our own aging pre-war facilities (or did we all forget that?). Once established there, they abandoned the mfg of cheap dime store stuff, which then moved to Hong Kong. Same thing happened. Then to Taiwan and others. Then to China. All as we cried about losing US jobs and the collapse of one great American manufacturer after another, even while we filled our gluttonous bellies with cheap imported goods. Why have three pairs of shoes when you can have 20 for the same price? And so it went....

In the words of the classic comic strip Pogo, we have met the enemy and he is us.

One of the ways we shored up the fiat US Federal Reserve note was to insure that oil (wealth) was to be valued internationally in US dollars, so in a sense it was still backed by wealth. Saddam Hussein threatened to begin accepting Euros for oil. Suddenly he had weapons of mass destruction. To the US Dollar, he did. Boom! Let that be a lesson for all you other oil-producing countries!

Yes, we are now unavoidably awash in Chinese goods. They're still producing wealth. But where there's a choice, I go USA. Because I understand what it means, even beyond jobs.

And so I applaud the OP and all others here who want to do what they can to support US manufacturing by buying USA tools to fixee truckee. At least here, we still have a choice. Fail to do so, and there will soon be no choice.

 

[tym]

I wrote a lengthy dissertation in another recent thread on this subject because the underlying principle is little understood, even by those who support US manufacturing. Let me try to abbreviate:

It's about creating wealth. Wealth is created by harnessing and developing natural resources. They no longer teach this principle in schools (like so many other things they have watered (dumbed) down and corrupted in modern education.

You have been slowly indoctrinated over recent decades to believe that dollars are wealth. Wealth is not dollars, just like milk or gasoline is not gallons. Dollars do not define what wealth is but are only a measure of wealth, just like gallons do not define what milk or gasoline is.

Service jobs do not create wealth. Their only value is in how they facilitate the maintenance and distribution of wealth. A warehouse does not create wealth. Transporting goods does not create wealth. A store does not create wealth. A cashier or salesman does not create wealth. A repairman does not create wealth. A taxi driver does not create wealth. The greeter at Walmart does not create wealth. Lawyers do not create wealth.

Manufacturing creates wealth. Mining, oil production, and the related refining creates wealth. Land is potential wealth. Standing timber is potential wealth. Crops are wealth.

Think of it this way. If a company goes bankrupt, it sells its physical assets. These are wealth. It cannot sell all the labor and service performed by all its employees in its entire history no matter how many dollars it paid out for these throughout its history because these existed only to serve wealth and are worthless once wealth is no longer being served, as in a failed company. The only thing having tangible, inherent and lasting value is wealth.

Take a look at any US paper currency prior to 1963, be it Federal Reserve note (green seal), United States note (red seal), Silver Certificate (blue seal) or Gold Certificate (gold seal). You will see that printed on them is the promise that they can be redeemed for real wealth on demand. They were all promissory notes. Gold Certificates and coins were repealed in 1934. Silver Certificates were recalled in 1964 and silver coins were discontinued. Also in 1964, United States notes were no longer issued. FIND IMAGES OF THESE NOTES ONLINE AND READ WHAT THEY SAY. All that was left was the Federal Reserve note. Starting with the 1963 series, it now states that that these notes are wealth. The gradual brainwashing of the public to instill the belief that dollars were actually themselves wealth began then.

US manufacturing creates wealth for the USA.

Health care is essentially a service. Would you say treating illness creates no wealth?

 

[orangeblood]

dont mean to pile on but i applaud the OP's intent which i presume to be an act supporting his country rather than anything against another country.

high quality american tools acquired on a budget can be done but it means getting into secondary markets being patient and persistent (my $0.02)

not all my tools are american, i like wiha, wera and knipex (just to mention a few) but wrenches, sockets and other "core tools" are american

FYI - i am a shade tree guy and DIY type who 41 years after buying his first car (pontiac) still has it

 

[DadsTools]

Health care is essentially a service. Would you say treating illness creates no wealth?

It is a service. It facilitates the creation of wealth by maintaining the human beings who create wealth. Wealth is the harnessing and development of natural resources by human activity. So no, by definition, it does not in itself create wealth, nor is it itself wealth.

Look at all the people in nations like Haiti. Health care will indeed help maintain and preserve these people. But it would not in itself produce any wealth there.

In fact, increasing the human population without the creating of wealth will have the opposite effect--it will create more poverty.

 

[DadsTools]

dont mean to pile on but i applaud the OP's intent which i presume to be an act supporting his country rather than anything against another country.

high quality american tools acquired on a budget can be done but it means getting into secondary markets being patient and persistent (my $0.02

We are still able to buy used USA tools because they still hold a value. They are still wealth than can be measured in dollars. You cannot sell the service performed ten years ago of having transported these tools from one place to another.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Some of US are who We are.

We like to fly a USA Flag, use USA tools that were purchased with USA earnings, by using our USA hands.

Some of US call it pride in the USA.

For the record; I do have some communist tools;; at least that is what I call them. They are tools I have, but am definitely not proud to own.

Don't like this;; tough.

We are all entitled to our own standards, which apparently must really irk some respondents.

 

[Spacey_G]

We go to our place of employment everyday to manufacture high quality products and provide high quality service. We prefer to buy tools made by people who feel the same way.

Care for quality is not a uniquely American trait, nor is it at all ubiquitous among Americans. People who live and work in foreign countries are people just like you and me - some of them care very much about quality and some of them don't.

If you want to buy tools made by people who care about quality, drawing the line at your own country's border is pretty arbitrary.

 

[hasco]

Even Though some Jap cars are made in USA,I feel that the most of themoney goes to the Japan/Asian stock market not Here. I also believe most of the factory assembly parts are not made in USA. Just Sayin'

 

[PJNJ]

I am so sorry (not) to interrupt this remarkably important thread about trade, wealth creation, the environment, communism, the service industry, et al. and I am also so sorry (not) to change the topic.

OP, the lists that have been given are pretty good but, you can also find a number of good American made tools by manufacturers now long gone such as New Britain (which made Husky among others), Bonney, and Easco for cheap at flea markets and sometimes on Ebay.

Now back to your (plural) life changing discussion.

 

[Wamsutta]

Care for quality is not a uniquely American trait, nor is it at all ubiquitous among Americans. People who live and work in foreign countries are people just like you and me - some of them care very much about quality and some of them don't.

If you want to buy tools made by people who care about quality, drawing the line at your own country's border is pretty arbitrary.

The Germans seem to care about quality; same with the Swiss. If you buy a German made product, chances are you're going to get a quality made product. If buying a product made in China, you should be prepared to look it over real closely with a great deal of skepticism.

 

[Tallpilot]

Even Though some Jap cars are made in USA,I feel that the most of themoney goes to the Japan/Asian stock market not Here. I also believe most of the factory assembly parts are not made in USA. Just Sayin'

It's ok to be wrong. Ask an independent shop mechanic where the parts are made. Order OEM parts for an "American" vehicle and most will be "Made in China." Order OEM parts for a Toyota or Honda and most will be "Made in USA."

What isn't OK is not attempting to educate yourself and fix your knowledge deficiencies. If I am wrong please let me know. I enjoy learning and spend my free time listening to people that know more than I.

 

[Tallpilot]

Health care is essentially a service. Would you say treating illness creates no wealth?

Unfortunately a horribly bad example of wealth creation. Would it be detrimental to an economy to have a productive person die instead of live? Indubitably.

Do 10 administrative staff per care provider making salaries in a parasitic industry that constitutes 15% of GDP for worse outcomes than countries that spend 5% of GDP on healthcare create wealth? Not in the slightest.

Healthcare is very similar to "financial services" it is a drag on productivity and a rent seeking industry.

 

[plumber84]

It is a service. It facilitates the creation of wealth by maintaining the human beings who create wealth. Wealth is the harnessing and development of natural resources by human activity. So no, by definition, it does not in itself create wealth, nor is it itself wealth.

Look at all the people in nations like Haiti. Health care will indeed help maintain and preserve these people. But it would not in itself produce any wealth there.

In fact, increasing the human population without the creating of wealth will have the opposite effect--it will create more poverty.

I wish our politicians had the same outlook on the way the world works as you, the world would be a very different place than it is now

 

[Fbmoose48]

I don't see any mention of Chapman MFG https://chapmanmfg.com/ and their tools. Made locally in Durham, CT.

We also seem to be overlooing that while new USA tool purchases may support American manufacturing used USA tool purchases benefits no sector but resellers, pawn brokers, and auctioneers. Just look at who profits from all those Bonney/New Britain/etc purchases. In fact, it may be detrimental to domestic manufacturing as a customer buying used and subsidizing resellers could have been a customer buying new supporting manufacturing.

If you buy used because you like the tools, collect them, or whatever have at it, just don't delude yourself that you are supporting American industry by doing so.

 

[DadsTools]

I wish our politicians had the same outlook on the way the world works as you, the world would be a very different place than it is now

The politicians DO know all this. If they don't they quickly learn it. They learn what smoke to blow up the public's **** that sounds good.

But if the PUBLIC knew what wealth was, they would know when the smoke is blowing and not buy it. Once you know this hidden truth as to what wealth really is, you immediately recognize a lot of the BS that politicians sling around. That's why they don't teach it in schools anymore. You'd know the emperor has no clothes.

Service-based economy? Yeah....that sounds right. Sure, that makes sense. Sounds good to me.

 

[DadsTools]

I don't see any mention of Chapman MFG https://chapmanmfg.com/ and their tools. Made locally in Durham, CT.

We also seem to be overlooing that while new USA tool purchases may support American manufacturing used USA tool purchases benefits no sector but resellers, pawn brokers, and auctioneers. Just look at who profits from all those Bonney/New Britain/etc purchases. In fact, it may be detrimental to domestic manufacturing as a customer buying used and subsidizing resellers could have been a customer buying new supporting manufacturing.

If you buy used because you like the tools, collect them, or whatever have at it, just don't delude yourself that you are supporting American industry by doing so.

Those Chapman tools look nice. Shame they don't make hard line tools.

My only point in mentioning used tools was to point out that they are real wealth, that they still have value because they are wealth, the value of which can be measured in dollars. I don't think anyone proposed that buying used tools helps current US workers. So I don't think anyone missed this obvious point--your protest is fake news.

 

[Schurkey]

We've seen the difference between wealth CREATION, and wealth TRANSFER.

When wealth is created, lots of folks benefit.

When wealth is transferred, few folks benefit; typically those at the very top and the very bottom, and it hollows-out the middle class.

They've been waging war on the middle class for sixty+ years, although it only got noticeable in the last thirty or forty.

 

[BTL-A4]

When I posted this, I had no idea that I’d open such a can o’ worms! But, I’ve enjoyed the discussion. Thanks for keeping it civil. I feel like I at least need to acknowledge some of the points made.

1. POLLUTION: The US used to pollute (I remember Smog Alerts in LA in the 70’s!), but not as much anymore and certainly not as much as China. We have the EPA and rules about not polluting; I want to support that with my money, which is the only thing companies care about. I vote with my dollars. If we all insisted on non- or minimally-polluting products made sustainably, companies would make them. I’m willing to pay a little more to have clean air and water. Things are changing in China, though; they are starting to clean it up because they are getting pushback from the citizens about crappy air and polluted rivers. The pay gap is narrowing as well. At some point it will reach parity then we’ll compete on quality.

2. QUALITY: I’d buy European goods as well. I’m voting with my dollars. I prefer US-made as long as it’s quality (I’m sure there is US-made junk). There are Chinese companies that make good, quality products. American companies exported their tools and plans to save on labor. The labor costs are narrowing, however, so I want to encourage companies to bring back manufacturing here, since the cost difference isn’t as important as it once was.

3. HARBOR FREIGHT: I took a tour of the HF R&D facility. This is what they told me: They reverse-engineer everything. They have designers/engineers make all their own stuff based on other designs and they have lawyers to get around all the patents. They really do cut out the middlemen and so can lower prices to compete on price with anyone. They even acknowledged that their tools were considered “throw away”. They are trying to get into higher price points. I’m not buying those tools since they are ripping off others and the tools are not any better than US made ones anyway. That said, I do buy tools there. Mostly to try, then I go buy a higher-quality one elsewhere. VALUES: I’d rather give my money to my own country than to some regime that doesn’t like us or share our values. I want living/fair wages that help support a robust economy. People in the US spend it (mostly) in the US, which helps everyone in the country and sets up a positive cycle. People in other countries spend it there.

4. GLOBALISM: we are a global economy, which means companies get stuff from the “best” source. Best could be based on cost, quality, or other factors. I find it amazing that it’s cheaper to make a widget in China and ship it here than it is to make it here. I get why: cheaper labor, less costs to comply with regulations, no real cost associated with the carbon footprint, etc. In order to change that, we need to vote with our dollars, which is the only metric companies care about. We CAN compete; buying more stuff made in the US is one way to help, I believe.
My Chevy truck was made in Mexico. Had I known, I might have insisted in a truck made in a US plant. Toyotas are made in the US, so was buying my minivan good for America? In some ways, yes; American workers got paid and so they spent the money here. I’m not against other countries, I’m just trying to be for mine as much as possible.
Like I said in one of my other replies, I’m under no illusions that all the jobs lost are coming back since most of them were lost to automation. Still, I’d like to see a robust manufacturing industry here. Craftsman made their tools here and they were affordable. If they can do it, so can others. We just need to let the manufacturers know by voting with our dollars. If they make a quality, affordable product in the US, I’ll buy it!

5. COST: I would suggest that Snap-On charges so much because they can. They have a solid reputation, they warranty their tools, you can buy them from a truck on credit and they make them in the US. That all costs money, so I get having/wanting to charge a premium for it. However, is it really worth 20 times Harbor Freight? Probably not. We all have a price-point in mind and companies will capitalize on that (they want to maximize profit). Even HF has several different price points: Drill Master is the cheap stuff, Bauer is the mid-line and Hercules is the top of the line. I’m the buyer looking for made-in-the-USA tools at an affordable price point. Some people want the most expensive because they believe it’s the best (and usually rightly so) and want to be able to brag, and others want the cheapest because it’s all they can afford and they need to fixie truckie so they can go to work. Companies have figured out how to capitalize on this. We just need to be mindful of this when we buy.

6. CONSUMERISM: I want quality tools that will last. If I just buy cheap junk that will eventually break, but is so cheap I can just buy it again, that just contributes to the degradation of the planet. Buy it once and keep it for a long time. Oh, sure, some stuff breaks and wears out, but I’d rather pay a bit more for stuff that lasts. Look at Honda. They have a reputation for making cars that last. People still buy new ones long before the old one is really worn out. The resale market, while not supporting American industry directly, does support Americans.
That said, and lest I be accused of hypocrisy, let me just say I do succumb to the “Ooooh, it’s shiny and new I don’t need it but I have a coupon” bug and buy stuff that is Chinese-made. I’m trying to do it less and thought I would start with my tools.
I figure if I’m gonna spend money, may as well support the USA whenever I realistically can. I like 20% off coupons and free flashlights, but at what cost? Chasing cheap is what caused manufacturers to go off-shore. We truly are the enemy, in many ways. But we are also the solution. We can vote with our dollars and buy local. Companies are paying attention as evidenced by the big, colorful, prominently placed “Made in the USA” logos on many products. “Made in China” is usually in really small type, hidden on the back. They know we’re looking!

7. POLITICS: politicians will pay attention to whatever gets them elected. If we all decided that “Made in the USA” was important, you can bet they’d all of the sudden be all about that. Whatever you do, educate yourself from a variety of sources (including ones you may not fully agree with, just so you understand the other side) and vote.

8. CONCLUSION: it appears I have many choices for tools made in the USA. Thanks to all who posted about that. Sorry to have created so much drama.

 

[DadsTools]

When I posted this, I had no idea that I’d open such a can o’ worms! But, I’ve enjoyed the discussion. Thanks for keeping it civil. I feel like I at least need to acknowledge some of the points made.

1. POLLUTION: The US used to pollute (I remember Smog Alerts in LA in the 70’s!), but not as much anymore and certainly not as much as China. We have the EPA and rules about not polluting; I want to support that with my money, which is the only thing companies care about. I vote with my dollars. If we all insisted on non- or minimally-polluting products made sustainably, companies would make them. I’m willing to pay a little more to have clean air and water. Things are changing in China, though; they are starting to clean it up because they are getting pushback from the citizens about crappy air and polluted rivers. The pay gap is narrowing as well. At some point it will reach parity then we’ll compete on quality.

2. QUALITY: I’d buy European goods as well. I’m voting with my dollars. I prefer US-made as long as it’s quality (I’m sure there is US-made junk). There are Chinese companies that make good, quality products. American companies exported their tools and plans to save on labor. The labor costs are narrowing, however, so I want to encourage companies to bring back manufacturing here, since the cost difference isn’t as important as it once was.

3. HARBOR FREIGHT: I took a tour of the HF R&D facility. This is what they told me: They reverse-engineer everything. They have designers/engineers make all their own stuff based on other designs and they have lawyers to get around all the patents. They really do cut out the middlemen and so can lower prices to compete on price with anyone. They even acknowledged that their tools were considered “throw away”. They are trying to get into higher price points. I’m not buying those tools since they are ripping off others and the tools are not any better than US made ones anyway. That said, I do buy tools there. Mostly to try, then I go buy a higher-quality one elsewhere. VALUES: I’d rather give my money to my own country than to some regime that doesn’t like us or share our values. I want living/fair wages that help support a robust economy. People in the US spend it (mostly) in the US, which helps everyone in the country and sets up a positive cycle. People in other countries spend it there.

4. GLOBALISM: we are a global economy, which means companies get stuff from the “best” source. Best could be based on cost, quality, or other factors. I find it amazing that it’s cheaper to make a widget in China and ship it here than it is to make it here. I get why: cheaper labor, less costs to comply with regulations, no real cost associated with the carbon footprint, etc. In order to change that, we need to vote with our dollars, which is the only metric companies care about. We CAN compete; buying more stuff made in the US is one way to help, I believe.
My Chevy truck was made in Mexico. Had I known, I might have insisted in a truck made in a US plant. Toyotas are made in the US, so was buying my minivan good for America? In some ways, yes; American workers got paid and so they spent the money here. I’m not against other countries, I’m just trying to be for mine as much as possible.
Like I said in one of my other replies, I’m under no illusions that all the jobs lost are coming back since most of them were lost to automation. Still, I’d like to see a robust manufacturing industry here. Craftsman made their tools here and they were affordable. If they can do it, so can others. We just need to let the manufacturers know by voting with our dollars. If they make a quality, affordable product in the US, I’ll buy it!

5. COST: I would suggest that Snap-On charges so much because they can. They have a solid reputation, they warranty their tools, you can buy them from a truck on credit and they make them in the US. That all costs money, so I get having/wanting to charge a premium for it. However, is it really worth 20 times Harbor Freight? Probably not. We all have a price-point in mind and companies will capitalize on that (they want to maximize profit). Even HF has several different price points: Drill Master is the cheap stuff, Bauer is the mid-line and Hercules is the top of the line. I’m the buyer looking for made-in-the-USA tools at an affordable price point. Some people want the most expensive because they believe it’s the best (and usually rightly so) and want to be able to brag, and others want the cheapest because it’s all they can afford and they need to fixie truckie so they can go to work. Companies have figured out how to capitalize on this. We just need to be mindful of this when we buy.

6. CONSUMERISM: I want quality tools that will last. If I just buy cheap junk that will eventually break, but is so cheap I can just buy it again, that just contributes to the degradation of the planet. Buy it once and keep it for a long time. Oh, sure, some stuff breaks and wears out, but I’d rather pay a bit more for stuff that lasts. Look at Honda. They have a reputation for making cars that last. People still buy new ones long before the old one is really worn out. The resale market, while not supporting American industry directly, does support Americans.
That said, and lest I be accused of hypocrisy, let me just say I do succumb to the “Ooooh, it’s shiny and new I don’t need it but I have a coupon” bug and buy stuff that is Chinese-made. I’m trying to do it less and thought I would start with my tools.
I figure if I’m gonna spend money, may as well support the USA whenever I realistically can. I like 20% off coupons and free flashlights, but at what cost? Chasing cheap is what caused manufacturers to go off-shore. We truly are the enemy, in many ways. But we are also the solution. We can vote with our dollars and buy local. Companies are paying attention as evidenced by the big, colorful, prominently placed “Made in the USA” logos on many products. “Made in China” is usually in really small type, hidden on the back. They know we’re looking!

7. POLITICS: politicians will pay attention to whatever gets them elected. If we all decided that “Made in the USA” was important, you can bet they’d all of the sudden be all about that. Whatever you do, educate yourself from a variety of sources (including ones you may not fully agree with, just so you understand the other side) and vote.

8. CONCLUSION: it appears I have many choices for tools made in the USA. Thanks to all who posted about that. Sorry to have created so much drama.

Nice summary, BTL-A4. Thoughtful too. (I liked the 'fixie truckie' mention!).

No apology necessary. It comes with the turf here. Tools invoke strong opinions among wrench-turners.

Actually, this thread was quite tame and civil. If you thought this was "so much drama" you haven't spent much time in these here parts. Stick around--you ain't seen nuttin' yet. And don't give yourself too much credit. Doesn't take all that much to get us started.

Subjects sure to invoke debates: The price of Snap-on, Chinese Craftsman (or Sears in general), buying USA tools instead of Chinese tools. Doesn't take too much contemplation to understand the whys and wherefores behind those respective positions. Some of it is objective, some of it is self-serving, some have other agendas. Just like opinions everywhere about all kinds of things.

Glad you found all our comments useful. Good luck with your USA tool purchases. Let us know what you decide to buy. If you dare.

 

[Wamsutta]

3. HARBOR FREIGHT: I took a tour of the HF R&D facility. This is what they told me: They reverse-engineer everything. They have designers/engineers make all their own stuff based on other designs and they have lawyers to get around all the patents.

That's what I've always suspected; now I know it for fact.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Now that Craftsman is no longer made in the USA, where can I find decent, affordable, made-in-the-USA tools? I can't afford the truck tools. $25 for a Snap-On screwdriver is a bit too much for a hobbyist like myself. I want to support American jobs and industry. Any suggestions?

What about power tools? Are any of those made in the US?

EDIT: Here's a list culled from the posts below:
USA TOOL COMPANIES
Apex (screwdriver bits)
Blue Point and KD/GearWrench (feeler gauges)
Bondhus (hex keys and torx keys)
Channellock
Chapman MFG https://chapmanmfg.com/ and their tools. Made locally in Durham, CT.
Estwing (hammers)
Fluke (electrical test instruments)
Hanson (taps and dies)
Ideal (electricians tools)
Imperial (HVAC tools and pliers)
JH Williams: has two lines, USA & import, so you have to watch what you buy, it usually says the COO
Klein (electrician and construction tools) watch the packaging as some has move offshore
Lang (snap ring pliers and thread chasers)
Lisle (filter wrenches)
Mayhew (punches, chisels, hose clamp pliers)
Milbar (pliers)
Milton (tire gauges, air fittings))
Morse Marxman (taps, dies, and drills)
OTC (jimmy bars, some pullers are USA)
Pratt-Read (screwdrivers)
Proto
S*K
Schley (automotive specialty)
Simonds (hand files)
Sioux (air tools)
Starrett (measuring instruments)
Tekton for screwdrivers, slip joint pliers, groove joint pliers, and some pry bars (made by Wilde)
Trusty Cook (hammers)
Union Butterfield (taps, dies, and drills)
Vaughn (hammers)
Weller (soldering irons)
Wilde (pliers, pry bars, punches, chisels)
Wilton (clamps and vises)
Wiss (tin snips)
Wright
Zephr (screwdriver bits)

Council tool outdoor tools, shovels rakes, hoes etc.
Rogue Hoe

NO LONGER IN BUSINESS/BUY USED
New Britain (which made Husky among others)
Bonney
Easco

WEBSITES
Harry J Epstein: www.harryepstein.com
Bowers Tools: bowerstool.com
cripedistributing.com
wintersdrillbitcity.com Drill bits (might need to find more reviews)

Enderes.. punches, chisels, screwdrivers
Norseman..drill bits
Rigid...pipe wrenches
Snap-on...
Associated..battery chargers
Ken-tools...tire irons and tools
Western Forge..lots of screwdrivers.
CDI..torque wrenches
Precision Instruments...torque wrenches
Dasco..punches and chisels
Does Johnson still make any levels and rulers in the USA?
how about "Adjustable" c-clamps?

 

[WittHay]

Arrow (staple guns)
Hout (drill bit indexes)
Empire (levels, squares)
Swanson (squares)
Stanley (tape measures, utility knifes, hand saws)
Stant (cooling system testers)
Maglite (flashlights)
Milwaukee (sawzall blades)
Lennox (hole saws, hacksaw,reciprocating blades)
Cle-Line (drill bits)
Goldenrod (oilers)
Marshalltown (cement/drywall finishing tools)

 

[PFSard]

Now that Craftsman is no longer made in the USA, where can I find decent, affordable, made-in-the-USA tools? I can't afford the truck tools. $25 for a Snap-On screwdriver is a bit too much for a hobbyist like myself. I want to support American jobs and industry. Any suggestions?

Good luck with your quest. I probably have more tools than I need, so I'm not actively seeking many more tools. But going to estate sales over the last 4-5 years have provided many quality tools for really cheap money.

I hope you wind up this thread with what you finally bought and why.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Arrow (staple guns)
Hout (drill bit indexes)
Empire (levels, squares)
Swanson (squares)
Stanley (tape measures, utility knifes, hand saws)
Stant (cooling system testers)
Maglite (flashlights)
Milwaukee (sawzall blades)
Lennox (hole saws, hacksaw,recip blades)

I just bought a Stant from Oriellys because it was made in USA and was pleasantly delighted! All my flashlights, including the one sitting right here on my desk, are Maglights, all my tape measures are Stanley powerlocks, and all my hole saws are Lenox and my sawzall blades.... I have several packs of them, are Milwaukee.

 

[WittHay]

I just bought a Stant from Oriellys because it was made in USA and was pleasantly delighted! All my flashlights, including the one sitting right here on my desk, are Maglights, all my tape measures are Stanley powerlocks, and all my hole saws are Lenox and my sawzall blades.... I have several packs of them, are Milwaukee.

I don't think about US made tools too much because they are so readily available up here. You can walk in to a discount place like Princess Auto and buy Wilton vises and Mayhew chisels and Canadian Tire has Channelock, Stanley. Empire.

I hope this quality stays and the smaller manufacturers can compete against discount US companies like Harbor Freight. We have some very specialized local tool makers like Tiger Tool which makes HD truck tools and RAD which makes torque guns for the mining industry who export globally

 

[Musicinabottle]

I don't think about US made tools too much because they are so readily available up here. You can walk in to a discount place like Princess Auto and buy Wilton vises and Mayhew chisels and Canadian Tire has Channelock, Stanley. Empire.

I hope this quality stays and the smaller manufacturers can compete against discount US companies like Harbor Freight. We have some very specialized local tool makers like Tiger Tool which makes HD truck tools and RAD which makes torque guns for the mining industry who export globally

That's awesome. I do my best to support the small guy before I'll shift over to a huge company. It'd be so nice to not have to search out what I like to buy.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

U.S. made Yost industrial vises. Right up there with Wilton in my opinion.

 

[BTL-A4]

Nice summary, BTL-A4. Thoughtful too. (I liked the 'fixie truckie' mention!).

No apology necessary. It comes with the turf here. Tools invoke strong opinions among wrench-turners.

Actually, this thread was quite tame and civil. If you thought this was "so much drama" you haven't spent much time in these here parts. Stick around--you ain't seen nuttin' yet. And don't give yourself too much credit. Doesn't take all that much to get us started.

Subjects sure to invoke debates: The price of Snap-on, Chinese Craftsman (or Sears in general), buying USA tools instead of Chinese tools. Doesn't take too much contemplation to understand the whys and wherefores behind those respective positions. Some of it is objective, some of it is self-serving, some have other agendas. Just like opinions everywhere about all kinds of things.

Glad you found all our comments useful. Good luck with your USA tool purchases. Let us know what you decide to buy. If you dare.

I had a feeling this was a sore spot. Because we are not discussing this in person, I want to make sure people know and understand I'm just having a discussion and not not trying to start a fight, and that I respect an hear all the different opinions. Hopefully that came across.

I got a chuckle out of the phrase, so I had to use it!

I bought some Proto 4", 6" and 10" adjustable wrenches (black oxide finish, ooooh pretty!) from zoro.com. I have some older (USA made!) Craftsman 8" and 12" and have needed smaller/different sizes.

I'm looking for some locking pliers (I may go with Blackhawk by Proto or Proto.) Proto seems to be less expensive than SK.

I'm also looking for a gravity-fed paint gun. I have a HF one because I wanted to try it, and it's not bad, but I think there is a US-made one that is better (Astra Pneumatic). I also had some catalyzed primer I needed to spray and didn't want to jack up an expensive gun (the paint is basically spray Bondo).

I now have a list I can look at when I find myself in need and look for something not made in China.

 

[ElJefe]

I've been looking for a list like this. Thanks!

 

[bherren]

Originally Posted by DadsTools View Post
I wrote a lengthy dissertation in another recent thread on this subject because the underlying principle is little understood, even by those who support US manufacturing. Let me try to abbreviate:

It's about creating wealth. Wealth is created by harnessing and developing natural resources. They no longer teach this principle in schools (like so many other things they have watered (dumbed) down and corrupted in modern education.

You have been slowly indoctrinated over recent decades to believe that dollars are wealth. Wealth is not dollars, just like milk or gasoline is not gallons. Dollars do not define what wealth is but are only a measure of wealth, just like gallons do not define what milk or gasoline is.

Service jobs do not create wealth. Their only value is in how they facilitate the maintenance and distribution of wealth. A warehouse does not create wealth. Transporting goods does not create wealth. A store does not create wealth. A cashier or salesman does not create wealth. A repairman does not create wealth. A taxi driver does not create wealth. The greeter at Walmart does not create wealth. Lawyers do not create wealth.

Manufacturing creates wealth. Mining, oil production, and the related refining creates wealth. Land is potential wealth. Standing timber is potential wealth. Crops are wealth.

Think of it this way. If a company goes bankrupt, it sells its physical assets. These are wealth. It cannot sell all the labor and service performed by all its employees in its entire history no matter how many dollars it paid out for these throughout its history because these existed only to serve wealth and are worthless once wealth is no longer being served, as in a failed company. The only thing having tangible, inherent and lasting value is wealth.

Take a look at any US paper currency prior to 1963, be it Federal Reserve note (green seal), United States note (red seal), Silver Certificate (blue seal) or Gold Certificate (gold seal). You will see that printed on them is the promise that they can be redeemed for real wealth on demand. They were all promissory notes. Gold Certificates and coins were repealed in 1934. Silver Certificates were recalled in 1964 and silver coins were discontinued. Also in 1964, United States notes were no longer issued. FIND IMAGES OF THESE NOTES ONLINE AND READ WHAT THEY SAY. All that was left was the Federal Reserve note. Starting with the 1963 series, it now states that that these notes are wealth. The gradual brainwashing of the public to instill the belief that dollars were actually themselves wealth began then.

US manufacturing creates wealth for the USA

Very will said imho. It reminded me of a podcast I listened to recently where Joe Rogan was talking to Elon Musk. I believe the context of the discussion was restarting the economy, plants, etc. Elon said: "if you don't make stuff, there is no stuff".

 

[Ton ton]

Martin Tools adjustable wrenches. Made in USA.

 

[m151]

The average American just never thinks about buying USA. If everyone would consider an American alternative before opening their wallet we could turn the country around. If you want a Honda instead of a Chevy, no problem! Just consider it. Soon you will find something else made here. Always be on the lookout like the OP.