Fuming Over New Purchases

[Stuey]

Okay, I'm a bit annoyed here. I ordered a few new tools lately, and have been getting really disappointed once they're delivered.

One instance - I ordered a Marson thread-setter kit. I did some searching about Marson, and they seem to be one of the better rivet tool brands.

I get the package, open it up, and see "tool made in Taiwan" on the case. Great. Maybe they're mistaken? I open up the case. The tool has a sticker "Taiwan" and is in a bag that also says "made in Taiwan" no less than 6 times. I've got to say, it does make me feel quite a bit better seeing that the tool's country of origin is obvious and clearly conveyed.

I'm okay with tools being made in Taiwan as long as they're of great quality, but for a tool that costs so much (Marson 39200) I really expected USA production.

Here is an interesting note that was included on a wee bit piece of paper:

These articles are imported. The requirements of 19 U.S.C $ 1304 and 19 CFR Part 134 provide that the articles or their containers must be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly and permanently as the nature of the article or container will permit, in such a manner as to indicate to an ultimate purchaser in the United States, the English name of the country of origin of the article.

Wow. I only wish that every manufacturer abided by this rule. "Global Components" sure isn't clear, not to mention too many retailers only mark the temporary retail packaging "container."

So I'm upset, but to be honest, Marson's ethics kind of makes it up to me. I'll test the tool out later, though.

 

[cruiser808]

Hi Stuey - how's the overall quality of the tool? Marson is supposed to be a top maker of rivet tools. I have an older one made in USA that has never let me down.

 

[Stuey]

So far it seems to be alright. The case is lousy, but everything seems solid enough. Overall, I'm not terribly disappointed, I just would have prefered a US tool for the money.

lol, I don't get which part is amusing, but I'll laugh too. =)

Besides, you don't even want to know what happened last night. I recieved more stuff, and some of the products looked used and abused, and one tool said Taiwan when the product catalog said "USA." That will be rectified later today or later this week, though.

In the past year, the GJ community has inspired me to look much more closely at origins than I already have been. I mean, I even made it a point to buy USA-made shampoo last weekend!

 

[Danglerb]

Is this the same sort of thing as the $14 one in the latest HF flyer?

 

[cruiser808]

Thanks Stuey, I always look forward to your insightful and comprehensive tool reviews.

 

[Stuey]

Is this the same sort of thing as the $14 one in the latest HF flyer?

Yep! I believe I spent about $60 on the Marson kit. (growl)

Thanks Stuey, I always look forward to your insightful and comprehensive tool reviews.

no pressure, of course! =)

This tool doesn't have as high priority as others, mainly because it's going to take more time to get enough use out of it. Thanks for the anticipation - it keeps me motivated!

 

[daveblank]

whell Stuey, I'm puzzled at your post. You stated that you did your research & Marson is highly rated. Next you state that you dislike the fact that they are made in Taiwan. Then you state "I'm okay with tools being made in Taiwan as long as they're of great quality, but for a tool that costs so much (Marson 39200) I really expected USA production."

As I read your post you are contradicting yourself. The Marson products are good. Also, think about how much more they would cost if they were USA made. To me USA made does make a difference, but, not as much as a quality product at a fair price.

 

[SocketDeviler]

We recently sold a Marson thread setter. Given the approx. $90.00 retail cost I too was surprised that it was made in Taiwan. The kit also included nuts that were made in Italy. It was a good quality tool but I would not pay retail for it.

 

[Stuey]

whell Stuey, I'm puzzled at your post. You stated that you did your research & Marson is highly rated. Next you state that you dislike the fact that they are made in Taiwan. Then you state "I'm okay with tools being made in Taiwan as long as they're of great quality, but for a tool that costs so much (Marson 39200) I really expected USA production."

As I read your post you are contradicting yourself. The Marson products are good. Also, think about how much more they would cost if they were USA made. To me USA made does make a difference, but, not as much as a quality product at a fair price.

I was thinking/ranting aloud, which is why/how my opinion flipflopped rapidly.

Generally, I prefer tools that are high quality, made in the USA, or both. I'm a bit disappointed that the tool is not USA made, but as I ripped through more of the packaging and found the notices, I felt a bit better. Then, when I examined the finish and general quality of the tool, I felt a lot better b/c it seems to be of reasonable quality.

When I think aloud, I like to leave my written train of thought intact so people (and myself) can view the progression of my opinions.

Timeline:

Stuey buys tool he thinks is USA made - happy
Stuey receives tool and finds it's Taiwan made - disappointed and starts post
Stuey types up a storm, thinks a bit, and then realizes that Marson's country of origin labeling is far superior than other manufacturers - Stuey disappointed but not as much
Stuey tests (plays around with) the tool and sees that it functions well and that its quality could pass it off as a USA tool - marginally disappointed, but will get over it quickly
Stuey submits post without much editing.

 

[daveblank]

Stuey buys tool he thinks is USA made - happy
Stuey receives tool and finds it's Taiwan made - disappointed and starts post
Stuey types up a storm, thinks a bit, and then realizes that Marson's country of origin labeling is far superior than other manufacturers - Stuey disappointed but not as much
Stuey tests (plays around with) the tool and sees that it functions well and that its quality could pass it off as a USA tool - marginally disappointed, but will get over it quickly
Stuey submits post without much editing.

Stuey types in 3rd person. A job that is reserved for Elroy!

I understand your chain of thought. I guess my issue is that most US members of this board realte USA made to the best quality. I have bought some USA made junk in the past.

 

[speed bump]

You should of asked about it before hand. Bought one at the shop I worked at this summer and it said Henco en Taiwan. It paid for itself in two small jobs when I could just spend 15 minutes using this tool rather than an hour doing something different so I would pay $60-90 in a heartbeat if I was doing stuff with sheetmetal.

 

[Stuey]

You should of asked about it before hand.

That's true, but when I did some pre-purchase googling, I saw mention that it was definitely made in the USA.

 

[xlr8jsc]

Is this the same sort of thing as the $14 one in the latest HF flyer?

This is the knock-off of the Marson and it is a POS!

 

[64merc]

You guys are always good luck for me. I picked up an old Marson rivet gun at an estate sale today for $2. It is a pretty basic model, and well used, but all of the different sized nose pieces are still there. I don't know if it's because I was not aware of the brand before or it's just a coincidence, but I've never seen a Marson tool before this one.

Man, this guy had awesome stuff. Everything was pretty much vintage Craftsman stuff, well used, but well taken care of. BTW, I also scored an old pipe vise for $7 and a brand new pipe bender (minus handle) for $5. The small odds and ends were cheap but the power tools cost a fortune. There was tons of stuff that would have been perfect for the collector type of tool enthusiast. Sorry, I had to share