I like good tools but, Damn...

[Ozwelder]

As an observer of the quality of tools domestically AU and from other countries I note a decline in mindset of SOME manufacturers towards their own loyal customer bases. We have been loyal to this brand or that for many years because we have experienced quality,reasonable pricing and longevity in the tools we have purchased.

At the present time those particular companies have not shown the same loyalty back towards the same customer who have made those comapanies what they are.

Using the brand vice grip as an example the current manufacturers have exported the manufacture overseas but have not maintained the same quality specs of the same range of tools that bought buyers back to purchase the brand again and again.

It appears to me that China has defeated "us capitalists" with our own weapon (the mighty dollar) and most likely will continue to manufacture tools that require repair of replacement as way of ensuring that their manufacturing base stays where it is.

Its not the Chinese, I blame for shonky tools ,its the brand name companies who are only too happy have us buy sub standard **** that won't last.

Its not only tools of course but just about any manufactured item you can name.

While we in the west demand low priced consumer goods we must accept the low quality that accompanies the lower purchase price.

Would those that bemoan the demise of the vice grip pay the higher prices if the quality was the same level as the old ones ?

Just asking? as you blokes say!

Ozwelder

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

thank heavens I bought most of my tools 20- 25 years ago

 

[jjjrmx5]

Would those that bemoan the demise of the vice grip pay the higher prices if the quality was the same level as the old ones ?

Ozwelder

Sure. Bring it on.

My local Sears is doing 3 piece Irwin sets for $35 USD and they are Chinese COO.

I can get USA made tools at boot sales and gypsy sales (used set usually half off new or far less) but the small hardware units made in Chna these days are ****.

It's just a matter of making them so poorly til the consumer kicks back i guess.

 

[scylla]

It appears to me that China has defeated "us capitalists" with our own weapon (the mighty dollar) and most likely will continue to manufacture tools that require repair of replacement as way of ensuring that their manufacturing base stays where it is.


Ozwelder

LOL. It always amuses me whenever an "new economic era" unfolds people jump to the conclusion that some country has "beaten America". A bit of history will show you that people were spouting the same nonsense when Japan Inc. was the new big boy on the block.

Spend a few years in the USA and you will realize that we are the most innovative, greediest, scheming nation this world has ever seen. Look at the big picture and you'll see it as just another step in the natural progression.

For better or worse, American style capitalism is the Borg of the world. Everyone will be assimilated.

Just sayin.

 

[Ozwelder]

Scylla,
I am not having a dig at the US I am talking about the whole world.

Our own Aussie big brand companies are just as guilty as yours in taking a good product and then buggering it up by having it made in China or elsewhere for cheaper.

I am fed up in buying a brand name product and having it fail very close to purchase date.

I prefer to to shop for quality second hand tools when I find I can't buy new decent quality tools.

I believe expensive tools are actually cheaper when I factor in the longevity on a cost per year of use basis.

We use a mushroom headed crash stop type switch on machinery, that I need to replace (it only lasted thirty years) .I tried to source a good quality replacement,but it appears the only locally available ones are Chinese which you guessed are ****.The original manufactures switch is now longer available.

Expand this situation many times over to most the quality goods for which we can now obtain and move down the track a few years and we will find all we can buy is what is from China which will sell us the same **** over.
and over again.

I do hope I am wrong about this.


Oz

 

[scylla]

Japan used to sell **** also. They had the same reputation back in the 60's and 70's that China has now.
I buy LED flashlights outta China and for the last year or so the quality has really gone up. The way tech. moves these days it won't take nearly as long for China to come full circle as Japan did.
Then the powers that be will move to another area of the world for their cheap labor.

10 years from now I'm sure mechanics will be complaining about crappy African tools.

 

[71flh]

I troll swap meets, CL, pawn shops, garbage sales, etc. for tools and buy the occasional strategic new tool.

Many of them aren't as shiny as some, but I have a lot of good quality USA made tools w/o spending a bunch of money.

 

[geologist]

I troll swap meets, CL, pawn shops, garbage sales, etc. for tools and buy the occasional strategic new tool.

Many of them aren't as shiny as some, but I have a lot of good quality USA made tools w/o spending a bunch of money.

I picked up my 2 x 12" Diamond Horseshoe and 2 x 8" Diamond Horseshoe adjustable wrenches for less than $2 each at a garage sale. They were a bit rusty, but I fixed that up right away and reshot them so that they were their original black color. The guy that owned them had passed away decades ago and had worked for a railroad. I figure they're 1930s or so, based on the design.

They're far superior to new Crescent offerings.

 

[camarotoolman]

Help a poo country boy, buy cannellocks, Meadville,Pa. Kleins are great too. Sometimes on feebay there are some ok prices on kinpex.