Made in u.s.a.

[cgv69]

I love quality tools first and foremost and unfortunately, "Made in the US" does not always guarantee quality or "best in class" and sometimes, "best of class" isn't really required and/or justifiable.

Quality made in the US products are always my first preference but I will buy from other COO's when either...

1. The foreign made product is superior or
2. When no decent US made version is available or
3. When the price/quality ratio of the foreign made product is more inline with my needs.

Pretty much the only COO's I try really hard to avoid is China and India. I've never seen anything from India that wasn't total ****. Once and a while the Chinese do something OK or good enough but usually there are better options.

 

[buffalobill]

Well, here's an argument for Chinese tools...

Let China flood our market with tools. Americans get less expensive tools!

Chinese tools generally work. You'll never crack enough HF sockets to come close to the cost of Snap On or Wright.

We can save with Chinese Husky or Harbor Freight and use that cash for savings or more important things - like paying down debt, family time, savings, or investments.

Do we want young men and women going to work in tool plants? Is it a good idea to have unskilled Americans cleaning burrs of combo wrenches, unionized making 100k a year? That would be great for those workers, but completely unrealistic for the national economy. Instead they should train for white collar jobs or jobs in the service industry (ie auto mechanics).
I want men and women going to work, period. your attitude towards blue collar work is an insult. we as a a country are not above it. and lets start a poll and ask everyone if MORE 100k a year jobs would be bad for the economy.

The plants produce a lot of pollution, too. Let other countries pollute their environment.
please enlighten everyone on other countries environments. Last I knew, there is only 1 planet.

Low level manufacturing like hand tools and small electronics should be made in the Third World. Building a ratchet isn't rocket science, the Chinese can build them just fine - and for less.

its not low level, you just look down upon it.

 

[Vortaku]

I would love to have full 100% usa tools, just seems like it might not be the best of each tool

 

[defektes]

USA, Germany, France, Japan for hand tools.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

What is wrong with Spain?

I buy USA, or Canadian, European, and Japanese if possible. USA first of course. Just read on msn that they expect the US to close almost all of our aluminum smelters here within the next few years due to China.

And to the guy above, your mentality that we are above blue collar work is idiotic. Those factory and manufacturing jobs are what made this country the superpower it is.

I work in a blue collar field and make a decent hard earned living. Our economy cannot survive on white collar jobs and service alone.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Nah, no offense taken, I think you know that well enough. It's important to vote with your wallet, even if in a small way. If we all say, "The hell with it", and that happens 100 times over, that's 100x dollars going somewhere else.

My Chevy Sonic has a Korean made Daewoo engine in it. I wasn't happy about it, but the car was originally my mother's and she didn't want to spend the money on the 1.4 turbo, plus it didn't come (at that time) with an auto trans. But for that class of car, there aren't many made/assembled in the US for that price range.

I was friends with a guy at my last job who was an atheist. He wasn't any less my friend because of what he did/did not believe. We had other things to talk about. My point here is that I won't change you, you won't change me. Doesn't make me bad or you bad.

Sometimes, large momentums come out of small choices. I'm a firm believer in that.

People such as Ponchoguy and iScream prove that topics such as these can be discussed civilly and this won't automatically degrade into childish bickering.

Despite the tags and some of the "reputation", I am glad to see this. Both men, Poncho and iScream make valid and reasonable stances. To be fair, I agree with both of these guys to certain extent, but at same time, we are all going have our preferences.

Even if a person wanted to entirely support their domestic homeland 100%, in a modern era I am not sure that is possible. Save for perhaps one country in particular, but as much as I would love to do this, buying only 100% USA made products and only them with all items is now longer possible.

Some electronics, all files, locking pliers and some other items just aren't manufactured or even assembled in the United States of America anymore. That is why if a product isn't 100% made here, I'll take made in USA of global components first, but if that isn't even available, assembled in USA is my last hope.

As Poncho has wonderfully written, some positive impact is better than nothing. Doing nothing when there is action I can take is not something I want to do. Perhaps more jobs will continue to be outsourced, but at least I can say I took action and tried to make a difference.

However, I am not one to condemn others for not having similar beliefs as I do. Especially those I don't know, as that is neither rational or reasonable. What I do with my money is my business and what others do is their business. In all honesty, I do wish more people would support American jobs, but telling them their views are wrong or in less than civil diatribe is not the way to go.

Blue collar work is what built America both by men and women alike. Some of these men and even women have died for our country for our rights and way of life. These men and women gladly gave their lives for their what they believed in, so the least I can do is stand by my preferences.

 

[Ponchoguy]

People such as Ponchoguy and iScream prove that topics such as these can be discussed civilly and this won't automatically degrade into childish bickering.

Despite the tags and some of the "reputation", I am glad to see this. Both men, Poncho and iScream make valid and reasonable stances. To be fair, I agree with both of these guys to certain extent, but at same time, we are all going have our preferences.

Even if a person wanted to entirely support their domestic homeland 100%, in a modern era I am not sure that is possible. Save for perhaps one country in particular, but as much as I would love to do this, buying only 100% USA made products and only them with all items is now longer possible.

Some electronics, all files, locking pliers and some other items just aren't manufactured or even assembled in the United States of America anymore. That is why if a product isn't 100% made here, I'll take made in USA of global components first, but if that isn't even available, assembled in USA is my last hope.

As Poncho has wonderfully written, some positive impact is better than nothing. Doing nothing when there is action I can take is not something I want to do. Perhaps more jobs will continue to be outsourced, but at least I can say I took action and tried to make a difference.


However, I am not one to condemn others for not having similar beliefs as I do. Especially those I don't know, as that is neither rational or reasonable. What I do with my money is my business and what others do is their business. In all honesty, I do wish more people would support American jobs, but telling them their views are wrong or in less than civil diatribe is not the way to go.

Blue collar work is what built America both by men and women alike. Some of these men and even women have died for our country for our rights and way of life. These men and women gladly gave their lives for their what they believed in, so the least I can do is stand by my preferences.

There's no point in being adversarial. I tell people all the time at work, if you want to battle wits, I'll probably win every time, but what's the point?

I don't think we all see eye to eye, but when it comes down to it, would you really say half of those things to a person in their face? Doubt it. Say it to the wrong guy and it could be trouble. Ya never know....

I remember going to the polls one time to vote and it was nasty out. Someone was commenting that it was a minor election and what was the difference. I said, "Well some folks don't have this luxury. They'll be shot on the spot for even trying to vote". The poll worker, who was an older woman, said, "Ya go ahead and tell 'em hunny!" The lady could have been my grandmother.....

I work in a part of NYC where civics aren't even thought of. Geez Louise, you mean no one reported the large pothole or the missing street sign? What about all the garbage on the grassy island. One phone call to our city gov't and it was handled. I think a lot of people develop apathy to a situation and say, "Ah screw it, who cares...".

There was a NY Times article about a bachelor who died in his house. It was a bit of a Collier's Mansion from what the Fire Department said. The guy had no next of kin. The article captivated me because the city comptroller had to figure out who was responsible for the guy.

They started digging and it turns out the guy had no real family. He did make a will in 1982 and as it turns out, he was pretty well off. I have to say no "friends" came out of the wood work which is surprising. They eventually got a hold of his bar buddies and found out the guy was just a loner.

Sometimes you have to just get involved where no one else will. It's just common decency sometimes.

I feel alot better giving my money to a citizen if that means that guy will spend it on his family or keep our local economy going. Small steps sometimes mean leaps....

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

There's no point in being adversarial. I tell people all the time at work, if you want to battle wits, I'll probably win every time, but what's the point?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Walmart hires U.S. workers ....woopdy do. They pay **** minimal wages so what does that matter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Because whenever a new Wal Mart opens, there's lots of applicants for every position. It's not ideal but it does matter.

 

[zkling]

There's no point in being adversarial. I tell people all the time at work, if you want to battle wits, I'll probably win every time, but what's the point?

Damn.

 

[PJNJ]

Interesting debate and it gave me some food for thought. As it was pointed out before, thanks for keeping it civil. It allowed different ideas and perspectives to be fully fleshed out rather than turning into the regular moronic tool bashing or COO bashing thread.

As for "Made in U.S.A.", I try to buy new USA tools when finances allow it. I also purchase used USA tools at flea markets and garage sales. But I have also purchased foreign made tools over the years. GearWrench mainly. As a percentage of hand tools, I probably have 80-90% American made.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Another related thread.. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305885

 

[gungatim]

LGR!

 

[Titanium Steel]

Interesting debate and it gave me some food for thought. As it was pointed out before, thanks for keeping it civil. It allowed different ideas and perspectives to be fully fleshed out rather than turning into the regular moronic tool bashing or COO bashing thread.

As for "Made in U.S.A.", I try to buy new USA tools when finances allow it. I also purchase used USA tools at flea markets and garage sales. But I have also purchased foreign made tools over the years. GearWrench mainly. As a percentage of hand tools, I probably have 80-90% American made.

Keeping this type of topic civil, allows for more in depth discussion and even if some of us disagree with each other, that doesn't have to automatically mean we can't respect other's opinions.

This might just be me, but I'd have less issues imported products if some of workers producing these items had safer working environments, reasonable wages, weren't physically punished for a multitude of reasons, weren't children making these items and in general were treated humanely.

I've read enough well documented documentaries, articles to know that crimes against workers do happen and mistreatment is prevalent with some companies. Apple is one of them and there are a host of them.

At the bare minimum, every person deserves to be similar to a human, not a slave. Basic human rights shouldn't be seen as a luxury.

 

[67King]

these threads and responses never make any sense...

buy USA so you can support US workers...last I checked, this country was founded on capitalism, competition, and survival of the fittest. Why do we need to support US workers and jobs? shouldn't people be responsible for themselves and compete in the world economy? And Walmart/HF doesn't count because they pay "crappy minimum wage"? So we should only buy overpriced tools, made by highly paid workers, and sold at a premium by overpaid salespeople?.

Have you ever seen "Shawshank Redemption?" Remember the scene where the warden is bidding for jobs for his prisoners, and undercutting every regular business out there?

Is that the foundation of capitalism, competition, and survival of the fittest? To me, it isn't. I hate the word "fair," but in reality, that's what we are dealing with. Have you seen the letters that Chinese workers occasionally get in products (e.g. Business Insider article)? How about the different regulatory laws that affect each differently?

Have you ever read Atlas Shrugged? Remember the closing chapters when Dagny finds Galt's Gulch? And remember how John Galt actually pays her for various domestic chores? That one often gets overlooked, but the point of it is that not only fair compensation to be received for grand ideas and what-not, but also fair compensation paid to others for the work they perform.

Then finally, there's the Henry Ford paradox. He understood that for a business to thrive, it had to have customers with money to spend. That is getting missed in today's "competitive" world. And it is why we are having more and bigger debt bubbles. We just do not have that today.

Finally, and this one is more or less beyond tools, you have created a class of business leaders who no longer seek to make products better, or more innovative, or more efficient. They seek to leverage financial conditions. The easy way out. When I was at Ford (engineer) in the early and mid 2000's, our operations were in the red. But our finance arm kept us in the black. And everything was a-okay as long as that was the case. No incentive to make better cars. Well, when we could no longer leverage financing, we went red really quickly. And were actually in worse shape than GM and Chrysler in 2006-2007, which led to drastic measures by Alan Mullaly....which ultimately prevented Ford from having to take a government bailout, ironically.

So yeah, I try to buy from countries that participate on a level playing field as often as I can. Not just because it makes me feel good, but because it is one small thing I can do to help make our business leaders hopefully embrace and value virtuous endeavors, rather than push them off for some easier cheap source of profit.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Keeping this type of topic civil, allows for more in depth discussion and even if some of us disagree with each other, that doesn't have to automatically mean we can't respect other's opinions.

This might just be me, but I'd have less issues imported products if some of workers producing these items had safer working environments, reasonable wages, weren't physically punished for a multitude of reasons, weren't children making these items and in general were treated humanely.

I've read enough well documented documentaries, articles to know that crimes against workers do happen and mistreatment is prevalent with some companies. Apple is one of them and there are a host of them.

At the bare minimum, every person deserves to be similar to a human, not a slave. Basic human rights shouldn't be seen as a luxury.

Also remember that some time ago, this country had some of those same issues and conditons you describe. Things like the Triangle Shirt Waist Factory fire among others.

I know we all think of the "good old days" and in some cases that is true, but some things of the past were not good. Some practices we did in years past are now costing us a ton of money and effort to undo and clean up.

I may enjoy an old car or old tool, but I don't think I'd like to go to the doctor and have him whip out a 1950's medical book to treat me and say, "What's the difference? The 50's technology is as good as any in medicine".

I will say that the sense of family, neighbors, common courtesy and the like were better in years past. Perhaps we were not in such a rush.

 

[gungatim]

LGR!

 

[JonnyMac]

I always consider US tools to be well made, but they are equalled in quality by japanese and some euro countries... i work for a US company and spent my teenage years there but i just wish you guys would switch to degrees centigrade, meters and kilograms!!! By all means keep miles, i love miles as its a good subjective measurement nothing like doing 100 mph to indicate a high level of speed.... but water freezes at zero, its soooo simple!!!!

 

[SantaAna12]

Well, here's an argument for Chinese tools...

Let China flood our market with tools. Americans get less expensive tools!

Chinese tools generally work. You'll never crack enough HF sockets to come close to the cost of Snap On or Wright.

We can save with Chinese Husky or Harbor Freight and use that cash for savings or more important things - like paying down debt, family time, savings, or investments.

Do we want young men and women going to work in tool plants? Is it a good idea to have unskilled Americans cleaning burrs of combo wrenches, unionized making 100k a year? That would be great for those workers, but completely unrealistic for the national economy. Instead they should train for white collar jobs or jobs in the service industry (ie auto mechanics).

The plants produce a lot of pollution, too. Let other countries pollute their environment.

Low level manufacturing like hand tools and small electronics should be made in the Third World. Building a ratchet isn't rocket science, the Chinese can build them just fine - and for less.

You are such a troll. LMMFAO!

Your "American box size" thread is a classic example.

Go play on the 10 freeway.

 

[Ponchoguy]

You are such a troll. LMMFAO!

Your "American box size" thread is a classic example.

Go play on the 10 freeway.

Most of the American tool makers when they produced here didn't do so in union shops. I don't think the Danaher plants in Arkansas and Mass were union?

Any former tool plant employees care to comment?

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

What is wrong with Spain?

I buy USA, or Canadian, European, and Japanese if possible. USA first of course. Just read on msn that they expect the US to close almost all of our aluminum smelters here within the next few years due to China.

And to the guy above, your mentality that we are above blue collar work is idiotic. Those factory and manufacturing jobs are what made this country the superpower it is.

I work in a blue collar field and make a decent hard earned living. Our economy cannot survive on white collar jobs and service alone.

I strongly second the part that blue collar is what this country is built on and the above poster is mistaken. I'm not offended, but he should know many others are and will be.

Defektes I don't think I have any tools made in Spain. Another poster on another thread here mentioned how Channellock's locking pliers are made in Spain, rebadged. Same company that makes snap on's locking pliers...I forget the company name. Anyway he swore they were superb.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[stanleyrleonard]

Perhaps this: http://gripon.es and here's another great company:

http://www.irega.es/en/index.aspx

Both sold by this firm in the USA: http://www.angloamericantools.com/

No hijack intended--just providing information--hope it helps. Stan

 

[Ponchoguy]

I strongly second the part that blue collar is what this country is built on and the above poster is mistaken. I'm not offended, but he should know many others are and will be.

Defektes I don't think I have any tools made in Spain. Another poster on another thread here mentioned how Channellock's locking pliers are made in Spain, rebadged. Same company that makes snap on's locking pliers...I forget the company name. Anyway he swore they were superb.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

Remember this about blue collar workers: When your toilet is stopped up, a blue collar guy will likely come to your aid. "Ain't" no Harvard kid coming to fix that.....

Since it's kinda flowed the same way since the Romans, there's some job security you can't match.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I'm a blue collar. And when my toilet is stopped up I fix it. Need by I'll get my sawzall a Diablo steel demon carbide blade and cut the soil pipe slap a fernco on it with pvc and tell my wife I fixed it lol

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[Ponchoguy]

I'm a blue collar. And when my toilet is stopped up I fix it. Need by I'll get my sawzall a Diablo steel demon carbide blade and cut the soil pipe slap a fernco on it with pvc and tell my wife I fixed it lol

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

Me too. What I'm saying is don't diss the blue collar guy, he's a lot smarter than you think. His degree is with his hands, not always on the wall.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

Me too. What I'm saying is don't diss the blue collar guy, he's a lot smarter than you think. His degree is with his hands, not always on the wall.

I agree just don't understand why you replied to MY comment. Perhaps you misunderstood me.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[Ponchoguy]

I agree just don't understand why you replied to MY comment. Perhaps you misunderstood me.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

No, just replying in general. I knew what you meant/where it was directed.

 

[defektes]

I strongly second the part that blue collar is what this country is built on and the above poster is mistaken. I'm not offended, but he should know many others are and will be.

Defektes I don't think I have any tools made in Spain. Another poster on another thread here mentioned how Channellock's locking pliers are made in Spain, rebadged. Same company that makes snap on's locking pliers...I forget the company name. Anyway he swore they were superb.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

Yeah, Channelocks adjustable wrenches are really top notch product. If you ever need new ones try em out. Since sears will eventually outsource the WF adjustables I do not know of another USA mfg for adjustables so I may start buying the Spanish ones exclusively.

The locking pliers are Grip on, I started buying those after Irwin whored out Vise Grips, they are very good too, a little bulky but great quality.

I agree about some being offended, I initially wanted to attack him but calmed down and made my post.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

[emoji106] [emoji106]

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

Yeah, Channelocks adjustable wrenches are really top notch product. If you ever need new ones try em out. Since sears will eventually outsource the WF adjustables I do not know of another USA mfg for adjustables so I may start buying the Spanish ones exclusively.

The locking pliers are Grip on, I started buying those after Irwin whored out Vise Grips, they are very good too, a little bulky but great quality.

I agree about some being offended, I initially wanted to attack him but calmed down and made my post.

Yea if the opinion is clearly wacky I don't get offended lol. Likewise, if the opinion comes from one who sees from only one perspective typically from an up high position, I don't get offended.

Grip on that's it! I didn't bother Google I knew you or someone else would easily know. I still have a few Peterson vg and actually see them in a lot of toolboxes. I wont buy anything Irwin either, save the new nws stuff or their small drills and taps.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[defektes]

I still have to try out the NWS pliers, IRWIN actually sent us new push button channel lock pliers and I absolutely hated them. Did not grip worth a ****, and cant toss them in a bucket without them going out of adjustment. These are the China ones not the NWS, I eventually tossed them away when they kept slipping on black pipe I was fitting.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I still have to try out the NWS pliers, IRWIN actually sent us new push button channel lock pliers and I absolutely hated them. Did not grip worth a ****, and cant toss them in a bucket without them going out of adjustment. These are the China ones not the NWS, I eventually tossed them away when they kept slipping on black pipe I was fitting.

Huh. I've had the Irwin groovlock pliers for about 5 years now and I like them. The locking mechanism allows for tightening to smaller size without having to push the button, as you have to do with older cobras. Ez to just open em up, set on fastener and push handle up until you touch the bottom of the fastener, or pipe. I've also had good luck on pipe. The handles are nice too. My only gripe is the steel might as well be brass as the teeth get ruined with minimal use... Probably why yours wasn't gripping that pipe. I'll use mine on soft stuff. The crappy teeth and wide jaws kind of limit their uses.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[90zcar]

I have a set of the Irwin groovelocks that I was given at work(industrial mechanic) and within 3 months the teeth were/are mashed and starting to get "smooth"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[67King]

shawshank was a movie, not real life. and prison labor is not capitalism nor fair, and doesn't play into the argument.

yes I have read Atlas Shrugged, as well as the Fountainhead and the other one (thinnest one, forget title). Big fan of hers, but I don't believe anyone "Deserves" anything. you work for it.

............................Making tools is not high tech. all industry as it matures moves down the ladder to nations as they become more proficient...just the way it goes...

Manufacturing in China is real life, not a movie. And that labor is not capitalism nor fair, which not only plays into the argument, it is the entire argument. In a capitalist environment, there would not such cheap labor.

Anthem is the short one.

It isn't just industry that is maturing that is being offshored. That has nothing to do with it. It is everything. X-Ray lab technicians, engineers, computer support. Everything. It is happening because our business leaders are going after dollars that way rather than trying to build better mousetraps. Hank Reardon and John Galt built better mousetraps. Reardon metal wasn't purchased, despite its superior qualities, as Taggart's railroad was all chummy with the right guy in the right bureaucracy. So the consumer got a crappier product, and when things got bad, they depended on government help. Sound familiar?

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I have a set of the Irwin groovelocks that I was given at work(industrial mechanic) and within 3 months the teeth were/are mashed and starting to get "smooth"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

let's see your made in Japan Z car. [emoji627] [emoji594] [emoji3]

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[gungatim]

Manufacturing in China is real life, not a movie. And that labor is not capitalism nor fair, which not only plays into the argument, it is the entire argument. In a capitalist environment, there would not such cheap labor.

Anthem is the short one.

It isn't just industry that is maturing that is being offshored. That has nothing to do with it. It is everything. X-Ray lab technicians, engineers, computer support. Everything. It is happening because our business leaders are going after dollars that way rather than trying to build better mousetraps. Hank Reardon and John Galt built better mousetraps. Reardon metal wasn't purchased, despite its superior qualities, as Taggart's railroad was all chummy with the right guy in the right bureaucracy. So the consumer got a crappier product, and when things got bad, they depended on government help. Sound familiar?

yep...too familiar...our system is far from perfect and we are heading too close to the Atlas Shrugged/1984 scenarios unfortunately.

that said, many, many factories in China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. are not run with prison labor, and forced low wages. There are prevailing wages and they are rising quickly, making it extremely difficult to keep workers. That is one reason the plant I just worked on in India and several others are locating away from the cities. makes it harder for the workers to leave and jump to a competitor for more $$...(BTW, many workers come from impoverished countrys on work visa's, not necessarily citizens of the Asian countrys where the factory is located.)

I agree it isn't necessarily fair/true competition when a socialist or communist gov't artificially invests in technology, infrastructure, and/or dumps products below cost on our shores. That is SUPPOSED to be illegal, but happens (just look at the metals markets).

The reality, though, is that we have to compete with country's with government styles different than ours. we can't just take over the world and force capitalism on everyone so we can compete. We need to pull up our bootstraps and use the awesome work ethic this country was founded on and find a way to compete.

Sometimes grasping at straws isn't the answer. Sure, there are some things that are gone. maybe not worth bringing back. But others are here need more. Look at Tesla (only an example, don't like them, they are the Bose speaker company of the battery world), that kind of startup doesn't happen over there. Take Apple. again, started here, but the process of micr-electronic SMD tech has gotten so automated, all you need are low skilled assemblers. Not a great job we should be begging to bring back...

There are other ways to compete as well. We lost a lot of tool and die work to Asia over the past 2 decades. business learned, quality, leadtime, quick response has a value often greater than the low cost dies initial investment. That is why it is coming back, and industry is scrambling for machinists, weldor's, and other skilled labor.

I worked for a company who had me outsource a PCB that was previously made 30 miles away to save $2 per unit. I did all the analysis showing the cost of the container loads of inventory on the water for 6 weeks, the fall out rate, inefficient supply chain, etc. would eat that up. I was right. They are now out of business...guess what? another US manufacturer picked up their sales base and is doing great. Sometimes some businesses have to learn the hard way and I say let them die off. The ones left will be much stronger.

Great thread btw, and hope nobody is too offended...

 

[maxpower_hd]

I know the Snap On Flank Drive adjustable wrenches are made in Spain. I wouldn't mind finding out by whom and see if there is a more affordable option because they are pretty damned nice.

I prefer US made and try to buy them whenever possible but I am at times forced to buy from elsewhere. I try to stay away from Chinese whenever possible but that isn't always an option these days either. It's the way of NAFTA. Ross Perot was right after all.

 

[maxpower_hd]

Manufacturing in China is real life, not a movie. And that labor is not capitalism nor fair, which not only plays into the argument, it is the entire argument. In a capitalist environment, there would not such cheap labor.

Anthem is the short one.

It isn't just industry that is maturing that is being offshored. That has nothing to do with it. It is everything. X-Ray lab technicians, engineers, computer support. Everything. It is happening because our business leaders are going after dollars that way rather than trying to build better mousetraps. Hank Reardon and John Galt built better mousetraps. Reardon metal wasn't purchased, despite its superior qualities, as Taggart's railroad was all chummy with the right guy in the right bureaucracy. So the consumer got a crappier product, and when things got bad, they depended on government help. Sound familiar?

GREAT book! I read that last summer. Something I think everyone should read.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I did look at the Irega and they do look like they are the same as the standard Snap On ones but the Flank Drive Plus have the ridges that prevent slipping. I have used them and they are awesome. I may try the Irega standard ones from the price though.

 

[Don53]

I've worked factory, steel mill, and other blue collar jobs. They ****. I would gladly let other nations do the **** work nobody really wants to do or enjoy in this country so we can do the jobs others can't.

Factory, steel mill, and other blue collar jobs might **** (welcome to life), but they're better than a lot of the alternatives (i.e., unemployment &/or many "service industry" jobs).

What exactly are these other jobs that we can do in the US that others can't do, that a healthy, sustainable economy will be based on?

- Flipping Burgers
- Cash Register (although... between Amazon & self checkout machines this doesn't look good).
- Repair / maintenance (cars, house)
- Construction (oops... scratch that... we import our labor for that)
- Teaching (eroding... no reason someone in India / China can't teach a virtual class)
- Doctoring (my health plan offers an option to call a Doctor for $20 and get a diagnosis, and even treatment (e.g., prescription)... not sure why that dr. couldn't be sitting in India / China)
- Lawyering

Obviously design, development, engineering, accounting, IT, management, etc. aren't on that list. Plenty of educated, hard working, intelligent people in India / China that can do, and are doing, all that stuff.

Sounds like a good strategy. What could go wrong?
(1) Buy all your stuff at Walmart and HF
(2) Be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates (or Sam Walton)
(3) Or... work as a fry cook, plumber, mechanic, or lawn mower... honest, respectable work, but not sure the US can support 100 million plus of these.
(4) Or... go to law school. This might be our answer. Assuming the courts don't go virtual on us, criminal and civil litigation work will probably continue to increase here in the US.

A nation of fast food workers suing each other... with cheap tools in the garage. Can't wait.

Or, we could just spend an extra buck or two and buy the goods and services that our neighbors produce, working for companies that pay a living wage and adhere to reasonable safety and environmental standards.

 

[Wakefield]

"Factory,steel mill and other blue collar jobs" and "smoke stack industry" are part of what made the USA more than just another poverty stricken 3rd world country.
I agree that they don't get as much respect as they deserve and probably are undercompensated as contrasted with management and "clever" occupations.