Klein tools disappointment

[jeffmoss26]

As you probably know by now, I am a big fan of Klein Tools. I've got a lot of their pliers and screwdrivers for electrical and datacom work.

I finally got one of their new Stubby 6 in 1 screwdrivers today, and right on the package it says Made in Taiwan. That just ticks me off! I know Klein meters and some other tools are no longer made in the USA, but a Klein screwdriver is one thing I expect would still be made here! Who knows how long until it breaks.

Venting,
Jeff

 

[dieselmike]

that friggin ***** ***.... are you sure its not a rip-off? klein has always been about usa... it makes me angry

 

[jeffmoss26]

No it's definitely Klein. Here is the line of tools from their site:
http://www.kleintools.com/content/interchangeable-multi-bit-screwdriversnut-drivers

 

[oilslick]

I took a broken Klein screwdriver back to home depot, they said no go at the service counter so I left all of the tools I was gonna buy at the counter too, I know they didnt care but it seemed the right thing to do!

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'm told that if a distributor won't take it back, call Klein customer service and they will take care of it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

No it's definitely Klein. Here is the line of tools from their site:
http://www.kleintools.com/content/interchangeable-multi-bit-screwdriversnut-drivers

***** that it's not made in the US. On the other hand, I never knew somebody made a 6-in-1 stubby screwdriver, that's going on my list.

 

[back2class]

Klein customer service is pretty weak. So are their screwdrivers. They are soft and get chewed up about as a fast as Craftsman regular ones. Sold a lot of 20 here for about $2 each a while back. Seriously, time to move on to another brand. At one time I recomended them here a few years back. Another member said the new ones sucked. Well, no more than a few weeks later I got some of my old ones warranted found out he was right. Well, sucked is kind of a strong word, but they are of average quality at a premium price.

 

[guitardedhero]

The x-in-1's being outsourced doesn't surprise me, what surprises me is the newer USA made drivers. I have the 1/4" and 5/16" stubby hollow magnetic drivers with the older handles that are absolutely awesome. I also have the 3" 1/4" & 5/16" hollow magnetics with the current handles and they feel cheap as hell. I've never been a huge fan of the x-in-1's as they are always temperary as the nut driver portions always "waller out" or however you wanna call it.

 

[K5blazer83]

I'm still a fan of Klein. I used them everyday on commercial jobsites for over a year as an Electrician's Apprentice in 2007 and I had no complaints. I even bought one of the large flathead heads to use as punch out tools/beater screwdriver and I still use the hell out of them when I do the occasional renovation project for friends and family.

I know they outsource some of their products but I still stand by Klein and their reputation as I have used them professionally to make a living for a year's time.

 

[woody 73]

Sadly over the last few years Klein started making a few more products overseas, and yes their screwdrivers have taken a hit (not sure why it could be several factors). I was hoping to see them become a stronger company but maybe the stock holders want them to go into other directions.

 

[Davefr]

Klein customer service is pretty weak. So are their screwdrivers. They are soft and get chewed up about as a fast as Craftsman regular ones. Sold a lot of 20 here for about $2 each a while back. Seriously, time to move on to another brand. At one time I recomended them here a few years back. Another member said the new ones sucked. Well, no more than a few weeks later I got some of my old ones warranted found out he was right. Well, sucked is kind of a strong word, but they are of average quality at a premium price.

^^^^ I agree. All it takes is one cam out to ruin a Klein screwdriver. I also dumped all of mine and bought Williams and PB Swiss.

Klein needle nose pliers are still excellent though.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I agree, their pliers are top notch. Screwdrivers have definitely gone down hill.