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MAC tools now made in Taiwan?

cgv69

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Couple of days ago I ordered some tools from MAC to replace some older ones I had lost or didn't have. The whole order turned into a disaster.

Issue #1 - I wanted to replace a 3/8" 14mm 6pt deep socket I lost out of my set. The one I lost was a model XD614MM. They don't have that exact model number any longer but they do have a XD614MMR so I odored that. Turns out the new "r" version is about 5/8" longer and does not fit in the case. :(

Issue #2 - During checkout (did this online) and did not see a shipping option or prices so I stupidly assumed they would use first class mail. Nope, UPS overnight at a cost of $27+ dollars for 1 socket and 2 bit drivers! :mad:

Issue #3 - I ordered a T55 and T60 bit drivers. I have to admit I was surprised by the relatively low cost. ($6.19 for the 3/8" T55 and $16.49 for the 1/2" T60) but when I got it was all cleared up as I pulled them out of their made in Taiwan wrappers. :confused:

So probably old news for some of you but when did MAC start selling Asain made tools? Is all their stuff made overseas now? If not, is there a way to tell by model # which tools are still US made and which ones aren't?

ETA: Other then Snap-On which is over my budget, who makes a quality set of US made Torx drivers, size T40-T60 (including the GM style T47) for a decent price? I was hoping Williams would have what I need but the only make Torx drivers in the Taiwanese line and only go up to T50
 
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Hiball

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Unfortunately.. Mac has offshored Alot of there Tool Line, And definitely there Torx/Allen bits are in that Boat <--- No Pun intended. I will say they are good bits as i have a set myself that was a Warranty replacement, I Know VIM makes bits for Cornwell and theres a good chance they are the OEM for Mac also. As far as the Shipping, I believe there must have been a mixup and either you had Overnight picked or they Picked it for you as ive gotten plenty of stuff by Ground. There are some very Knowledgable people here in regards to what is US and what is Imported, I suggest just linking the Tool next time and im sure you will get a Answer.

Oh.. And I might Add, Mac isnt the only Tool Truck that has Imports on it. So dont think because your buying Snap On, Matco or Cornwell your Safe.
 
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cgv69

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And I might Add, Mac isnt the only Tool Truck that has Imports on it. So dont think because your buying Snap On, Matco or Cornwell your Safe.
I know, just with a lot of others I know how to tell before buying.

VIM makes bits for Cornwell and theres a good chance they are the OEM for Mac also.
Who is is VIM? The bits I received didn't look bad but the one issue I have with them is the bit is fixed into the socket so if the bit breaks, you have to replace the whole socket and not just the bit.

There are some very Knowledgable people here in regards to what is US and what is Imported, I suggest just linking the Tool next time and im sure you will get a Answer.
What do you mean by linking the tool? Posting a thread here and asking about it?

Thanks
 

Hiball

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Who is is VIM? The bits I received didn't look bad but the one issue I have with them is the bit is fixed into the socket so if the bit breaks, you have to replace the whole socket and not just the bit.

http://www.vimtools.com/home.asp

I believe just the Bits are available from Mac.

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/productdetails/tabid/119/c-23301-torx.aspx?pagenum=3


What do you mean by linking the tool? Posting a thread here and asking about it?

Thanks

Yes..
 

Syndicate

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Some of MAC has ALWAYS BEEN MADE off shore. With that being said, they still make USA brand torx sets. They are not that hard to find. There is a difference in price. They have 3 lines of torx. The cheapest is 49 the middle is 119 and top is 299.
 

Hiball

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Some of MAC has ALWAYS BEEN MADE off shore. With that being said, they still make USA brand torx sets. They are not that hard to find. There is a difference in price. They have 3 lines of torx. The cheapest is 49 the middle is 119 and top is 299.

Do you have a Link to the Mac $299 Set? Id guess that is a USA Set but when i spoke with customer service about my Warranty Replacements, They told me that they NO longer had a USA Torx Set. Im curious to whether i was Lied to.. etc...
 

mecpman

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I purchase alot of Mac stuff , My Dealer has shown me a couple of different items that are available in both off shore and USA made. I just recently purcahsed a screw extractor set and the off shore was 49.99 and Usa was 99.99 obviously went with the USA.
 
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Skin

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Who is is VIM? The bits I received didn't look bad but the one issue I have with them is the bit is fixed into the socket so if the bit breaks, you have to replace the whole socket and not just the bit.

The bits are most likely pressed in. Even Snap-On has moved away from the set screws in their bit sockets. You need to punch them out and press in a new one.

Do you have a Link to the Mac $299 Set? Id guess that is a USA Set but when i spoke with customer service about my Warranty Replacements, They told me that they NO longer had a USA Torx Set. Im curious to whether i was Lied to.. etc...

Guessing he means this set

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...-11-pc-combination-drive-torx-driver-set.aspx

its the only set with black bits and a metal tray. Heres a VIM rebrand for comparison

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...-13-pc-combination-drive-torx-driver-set.aspx
 
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wreckerman5357

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I like the pressed in bits better than the set screw ones anyway. The set screw ones never fit at tightly and seem to require periodic tightening to keep them tight. The pressed in ones are in their good and stay tight.

And even if the bits cannot be replaced I would not be bothered. If you break one you get a whole new socket under warranty.
 

road1will

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Jan 16, 2012
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I've got the MAC made in taiwan t8-t60 set and have been pretty happy with the quality. I normally buy Snap On but I couldn't justify the $300+ price tag of them since acura/honda doesn't use a whole lot of torx. They set I have lists for 119 but my mac driver regularly sells then for 85. A lot cheaper than snap on or matco, and the quality is a lot better than my old Lisle and craftsman sets. I would definitely buy them again for 85.
 
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Issue #1 - I wanted to replace a 3/8" 14mm 6pt deep socket I lost out of my set. The one I lost was a model XD614MM. They don't have that exact model number any longer but they do have a XD614MMR so I odored that. Turns out the new "r" version is about 5/8" longer and does not fit in the case. :(

I got two questions:

1. Is the new 14mm socket made in USA or Taiwan?

2. What is the overall length of the old socket?
 
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