Made in USA only Wrenches

[nahudson]

First let me say I am no mechanic, so I do not use my tools a whole lot, mainly on the weekend if I have a project or sometimes in may be a month or so before I pick up a wrench. Basically with that being said, I still only want made in USA wrenches. My wife says I am more of a wrench collector than wrench user. I dont own Snap On, Mac or Matco ect, cannot justify the cost, however I do try to buy any other made in the USA wrenches I can. In fact last year I sold all of my foreign wrenches on Ebay and went 100% American!!

I ordered a set of metric and SAE subby wrenches from Craftsman, they were Craftsman Professionals according to the web site and I did not even read the reviews. They were on sale so I picked them up for $56 for each set. 22 wrenches total. They came in the mail yesterday and I realize they were made in CHINA!!!! So I go back online to look at them again and if I had only read the reviews I would have know this. Even though I feel like I got a great deal on these, I am taking them back this weekend. No Chinese wrenches in my tool box!

I am sure others feel this way to. I just thought I would make a post and share my American made wrench pride.

God Bless America

 

[SKAutomotive]

USA made wrenches and inexpensive are like unicorns. You will have to decide if the USA forging justifies the cost of things like Snap On, SK, Mac and if not, then you will have to accept that the wrenches in your price range are imports.

 

[Brownsfan]

Williams, Wright, Armstrong and Proto all have USA offerings at less than tool truck prices. Williams does have a Taiwan series so make sure before purchasing. Almost forgot SK. They will all be more than Craftsman but less than the tool trucks

 

[archirelic]

I picked up a two 15 piece Armstrong wrench sets, one sae and one metric, off ebay for a steal compared to retail pricing. One set was listed as "used," and the other as new, both sets are immaculate. American made wrenches at a competitive price can be found, you've just gotta be patient.

 

[Jim C.]

I'm with you. I don't buy asian made tools either if I can avoid doing so. There's still some good USA made options out there that aren't only truck brands. I've taken to buying old used tools too. Common wrenches, etc. are plentiful.

Jim C.

 

[jmm]

I'd go SK if I were you. They're more than capable wrenches at a very good price.

I'm not crazy about American-made Craftsman wrenches -- even the industrial line -- of the past several years. Just cause they're stamped USA don't mean ****.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Search "vintage wrench set" on ebay. You can grab a really nice set(s) of wrenches on the cheap. Old is good!

 

[blackz26]

Its a wrench and it will still does the job just as easy. You are in the same boat as me. "Weekend warrior" my craftsman evolve set does just fine. I use it over RP because they are thinner
. Duralast hasn't failed me yet its tawain
To each their own. I just don't get it. AMD I'm sorry I don't, really.

 

[kts]

I ordered a set of metric and SAE subby wrenches from Craftsman, they were Craftsman Professionals according to the web site and I did not even read the reviews. They were on sale so I picked them up for $56 for each set. 22 wrenches total. They came in the mail yesterday and I realize they were made in CHINA!!!! So I go back online to look at them again and if I had only read the reviews I would have know this. Even though I feel like I got a great deal on these, I am taking them back this weekend. No Chinese wrenches in my tool box!

I'm not sure about SAE but for US-made metric your best affordable stubby wrench options are Williams from Harry Epstein (http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WilliamsD/WLMSTBY.html) which is missing the 7mm and 10mm or the SK 86240 stubby set which is 10mm-19mm for $112 on Amazon.

I could use the 10mm stubby fariyl often so I think I'm going the SK route even though it's a bit over twice the price. This site has infected me with the wanting US-made tools and the OCD-wanting-everything-to-look-alike bug!

 

[BK13]

I've decided that I'm not going to buy any more Chinese tools. I prefer USA-made, but I plan to pick up some Euro-tools, and I won't turn my nose up at Tiawanese (though I would really have American).

Is there a source of non-PRC sourced locking pliers?

 

[sk farmer]

First let me say I am no mechanic, so I do not use my tools a whole lot, mainly on the weekend if I have a project or sometimes in may be a month or so before I pick up a wrench. Basically with that being said, I still only want made in USA wrenches. My wife says I am more of a wrench collector than wrench user. I dont own Snap On, Mac or Matco ect, cannot justify the cost, however I do try to buy any other made in the USA wrenches I can. In fact last year I sold all of my foreign wrenches on Ebay and went 100% American!!

I ordered a set of metric and SAE subby wrenches from Craftsman, they were Craftsman Professionals according to the web site and I did not even read the reviews. They were on sale so I picked them up for $56 for each set. 22 wrenches total. They came in the mail yesterday and I realize they were made in CHINA!!!! So I go back online to look at them again and if I had only read the reviews I would have know this. Even though I feel like I got a great deal on these, I am taking them back this weekend. No Chinese wrenches in my tool box!

I am sure others feel this way to. I just thought I would make a post and share my American made wrench pride.

God Bless America

good for you. there are choices. lots of people don't think it is a big deal. someday there may be no choice and then maybe they will understand it should have been a big deal.

 

[B17E1943]

Yard/garage/estate sales & thrift stores. If you are patient, you can find all the USA wrenches & other tools you could ever dream of.

I just started doing this a couple years ago and I have a CRAPLOAD of fantastic tools. I have nothing compared to some people around here, though.

SO many great tools "WERE" made in the USA by many great tool companies. Kind of a sad state of affairs these days ...

 

[d.mcfarland]

I've decided that I'm not going to buy any more Chinese tools. I prefer USA-made, but I plan to pick up some Euro-tools, and I won't turn my nose up at Tiawanese (though I would really have American).

Is there a source of non-PRC sourced locking pliers?

Tiawan and ROC are the same. The PRC is politically seperate by claims control over all Chinese territories. Steer clear if you are at all concerned.

Get stuff from Wright, SK, or NOS Craftsman as far as wrenches. I ordered some NWS combination pliers so that will be my first German offering as far as pliers.

You are obviously looking for "value" so find something that will last.

 

[Conductor562]

I've decided that I'm not going to buy any more Chinese tools. I prefer USA-made, but I plan to pick up some Euro-tools, and I won't turn my nose up at Tiawanese (though I would really have American).

Is there a source of non-PRC sourced locking pliers?

Yep, the Proto set I bought last year are Spanish made and the same pliers are sold under several names. Good ones too.

 

[Conductor562]

The Blackhawk non ratcheting combos are still USA made. Here's a 17 piece set going all the way up to 1-5/16 for under $130.

http://http://www.toolup.com/blackhawk-by-proto_mf-017_17-piece-satin-finish-combination-wrench-set.aspx?utm_source=scShopping&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=sc&scpid=8&scid=scsho1081712

 

[BK13]

Yep, the Proto set I bought last year are Spanish made and the same pliers are sold under several names. Good ones too.

Thanks, man. Something else to go full-boat OCD over.

 

[Conductor562]

Thanks, man. Something else to go full-boat OCD over.

I've been there, hell, I'm still there. I believe Grip-On is the name of the company that OEM's them (IIRC). We had a thread about them a few months back, but I have no idea the title of it. If I'm not mistaken some of the truck brands re-brand the same pliers.

 

[cburnscrx]

If you have a Menards, the Masterforce wrenches and screwdrivers are USA made. Pliers...not so much.

 

[sberry]

I agree there are a lot of other options and its really the main reason to choose a Sears over its other competitors, I agree if one is going to buy an import its ideal to buy the best for the least. I would be really hard pressed to walk by a Lowes or a Menards in this quest, lots of USA stuff right off the shelf, hold first and hug it immediately when you get in the car, its a pinch more than Cman but the finish is nicer, its USA and its instant.

I went in to Menards to score a cheap set of metric combo a while back, I was out of town on a job and I wanted to leave a set of wrenches on it. I think I was in a hurry, Menards was there and they had only one set of cheap stamped stuff that was junk and not a price deal at that, had to look for them, when you headed up the food chain to a finished standard everything was really good and ended up with a set of Allens as the price gap really narrowed.

I waltzed thru a Walmart, do they even carry a stamped set? I imagine they do but they don't jump out anymore. Like flea mkts,,, they used to be full of real **** but now the good low end tools are so cheap, the difference in a dollar on a 10 inch adjustable there is absolutely no reason to buy an inferior tool or for a vendor to sell one.

All that stuff is Cman quality, maybe better. A lot of cheap screwdrivers are really good these days, some have been for a while. The difference in a tip is probably a penny on a cheap one and a nickle on a good one, I suspect a couple plants world wide make them, a couple models and many of them are the same tip they bought by the pallet ran with different handles. Not much savings in production anymore but huge, multiples in profits by changing the handle for a quarter and branding it at several levels.

 

[yogitech]

Keep in mind stubby wrenches are used under "limited torque" situations. I have a hard time justifying the cost for them, your choice but, I go the cheapest route available. A home wrench as your self is going to need these alot less than a pro. Your not gonna put a ton of load on them anyway...

 

[cgv69]

Tiawan and ROC are the same.

No, they are not in any meaningful way and I wish people would quit saying that as it's just not true. Yes, China technically owns Taiwan but the relationship pretty much ends there. Politically, socially and technologically they are drastically different countries. Saying they are the same is like saying Alaska and Florida are the same because they are both part of the US.

As it relates to tools, In my experience, tools made in Taiwan are typically of good to very good quality, often equal to and sometimes even better then some US made equivalents. Chinese made tools on the other hand are often (but not always) crude, poorly machined and made of inferior materials.

 

[yogitech]

I second that^^^^

 

[rusty65]

I really like my masterforce metric wrench set 7-18 for 25 bucks on sale and they came in a decent wrench rack although I just broke the 7mm yesterday using a cheater wrench

 

[cryan]

Actually Taiwan and the ROC (Republic of China) are the exact same place. Mainland commie China is called the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) and while they alone claim ownership over Taiwan that claim is not recognised by the rest of the world with the exception perhaps of North Korea. Taiwan is an Ultra Modern westernised country who's biggest allies are the USA. PRC is a modernising but communist country which in no way adheres to any kind of western labour practices or citizen rights. Taiwan is as modern as Japan or South Korea and has been at the forefront of industries such as electronics for decades. ROC and PRC used to be the same place until the Maoist communists took control of what is now the PRC. the South China Sea kept the Communists from taking the Island of Taiwan and so Taiwan/ROC became a separate capitalist country.

 

[nahudson]

My point of the post was not that I can't find made in USA wrenches, it is more to that fact that I ONLY WANT made in USA wrenches, whereas a few years back. I did not care a thing about them, but a few years after my grandfather passed away I got all of his old tools. Since then I have just fell in love in wrenches and especially made in USA wrenches, I would almost consider myself more of a collector than user.
There are over 140 wrenches and not a single one was made overseas. There is not a complete set of any of them and they are all SAE Most are from Farmall Tractors from around 1910 to 1935 Since then I have just fell in love in wrenches and especially made in USA wrenches, I would almost consider myself more of a collector than user.

 

[richfinn]

Either bite the bullet and get some new Snap-On or look for some used on auction sites, it pains me to say it being English but they are in a different class to everything else I have used except maybe Stahlwille (German so no good for you). My feeling on USA is that they make really good chromed tools like wrenches and socket sets but like anything else you have to pay for it.

 

[cgv69]

Actually Taiwan and the ROC (Republic of China) are the exact same place. Mainland commie China is called the PRC (Peoples Republic of China)

This is a tool forum so lets not play word games or stray too far off topic. The point was that Mainland China (PRC) and Taiwan (POC) are 2 completely different places in just about every conceivable way.

As it relates to tools, lumping Chinese made tools together with Taiwanese made tools is like grouping all Spanish, German and French made tools together just because they are all part of the EU.

 

[NIDDLE]

OP, I too try and buy mostly USA. There are occasions that doesn't happen though. As for the Craftsman stubbies, I just bought a 20pc set of SAE and metric (3/8"-7/8" and 10,12-19mm) set off Amazon for $99 and they are US made. Confirmed it before I bought them. I wanted just the metric set because I already had the SAE set but couldn't find a metric only set that was US made. I really like these wrenches so I had no problem paying the money.

 

[AV tinker er]

I bought a ~15 piece Matco set of metric wrenches (I will take a picture when I get home) from eBay for around $100 shipped. All made in USA; I have read that some Matco's are imports. Patience is the most important I think.

 

[vamcaptain]

I have stuck with quality Made-in-USA tools as well and I don't mind paying a little extra for the quality. So what is the biggest difference in USA tools vs communist made tools? From what I have observed by doing my own testing and measuring it's the tolerances that really are where you get your moneys worth. As you know, stripping a bolt head using a socket or wrench that is too large or trying to figure out why your 1/2-inch wrench wont fit your 1/2-inch bolt is extremely frustrating not to mention the time loss.

I currently use mostly Craftsman (USA) and SK wrenches. The SK wrenches are slightly beefier and have awesome chrome. The tolerances are tight and work well. Trust me or do your own measuring. Just go buy a cheap China brand set and compare the tolerances with a dial or electronic caliper. You will see for yourself.

As of now I haven't needed or desired to buy tool truck brands instead opting for the USA brands that have that high markup. So I am pleased with my Craftsman (USA), SK, and Wright.

 

[Gregg33]

My point of the post was not that I can't find made in USA wrenches, it is more to that fact that I ONLY WANT made in USA wrenches, whereas a few years back. I did not care a thing about them, but a few years after my grandfather passed away I got all of his old tools. Since then I have just fell in love in wrenches and especially made in USA wrenches, I would almost consider myself more of a collector than user.
There are over 140 wrenches and not a single one was made overseas. There is not a complete set of any of them and they are all SAE Most are from Farmall Tractors from around 1910 to 1935 Since then I have just fell in love in wrenches and especially made in USA wrenches, I would almost consider myself more of a collector than user.

I love wrenches too. Just in SAE regular combos I have 6 sets, 4 are Gray, one SO and one Danaher Kobalt. Obviously I have no need for this many lol. I use the SO set and one of the Gray's regularly (but not daily). The others receive little use. If I see USA or Cdn made combination wrenches on Kijiji or at a fleamarket for a decent price I usually pick them up.

I can say that SO is definitely better in alot of areas, especially the slimmer box end which is great if you work on cars. The Gray's fit the tightest. The Kobalt's are kinda clunky but they look cool and work fine.

I would say buying used is a good choice, but even if you drop a few hundred at a tool truck keep in mind that they will last you a lifetime and there is always good resale value too. (Probably 2/3 of new if they are in perfect condition, maybe 1/3 if they are in good condition, but have some use.

Also not sure where you are located, but Gray is also an option. They do have sales and they are Canadian made. It's also (to my knowledge anyway) the only privately held company still making wrenches in the U.S. or Canada. I've been to the factory before, as far as a factory is concerned it's pretty much mom and pop. If you are interested but are unable to purchase them where you are, let me know and we can work something out.

 

[Paladin]

Williams, SK and Proto are what I've filled most of my toolbox with. You can get them for a steal very often on Ebay, or even your local pawn shop.

 

[celticbhoy]

Tried searching for this but couldn't find it... what does COO stand for?

 

[cookiemonster]

Country Of Orgin

 

[bonneyman]

I'm with you. I don't buy asian made tools either if I can avoid doing so. There's still some good USA made options out there that aren't only truck brands. I've taken to buying old used tools too. Common wrenches, etc. are plentiful.

Jim C.

What he said.

 

[Paladin]

Man I have never seen no deals at my local pawn shops. They want new price for used stuff!

That's a bummer. They won't deal on the price? Most pawn shops I have gone to will generally start to dealing at 50-75% of asking price. I have scored some of my best deals at pawn shops and off of Craigslist. In fact, yesterday I got a Mac transmission and oil pressure test kit for $10. The kit looks like it has never been used. I managed to find a Proto 1/2" drive 1-1/4" chrome socket for $5 and a pair of Diamond (USA) slip-joint pliers for .50 cents at a pawn shop as well.

 

[diesel research]

No one want to haggle with their prices. I have come to the conclusion they don't really want to sell the stuff in their shops. I think its there to draw people in to pawn their stuff for exchange of high interest loans.

that is exactly how it works. pawn shops are not in the retail business of selling high risk old junk.

they need to put useless **** on the shelves, with high prices, to lull people in thinking they will get "top dollar". they dont want to keep your ****, the goal is for you to come get it out of hock, and a good pawn shop will rarely have new merchandise to add to the shelves.

with the arrival of craigslist, a lot less tools go into the pawn shop in the first place.

 

[basspro]

I have most of the wrenches I want up to 1 1/4". All my non ratcheting wrenches are made in USA Craftsman RP, Masterforce, Allen. I do have a couple Snap-On double box wrenches and a nice set of S-K flare nut wrenches. I have a small set of Taiwan Gearwrench ratchet wrenches in SAE and Metric, it bothers me a bit, I wish they were USA made but they do the job for the little I use them. Ive gotten my hands on quite a bit of S-K Lectrolite and JH Williams.
I dont have alot of use for them at work, but they make me smile every time I use them at home! God bless the USA!

 

[diesel research]

Then how come someone is on here always talking about the great price they got at the pawn shop on tools?

their pawnshop is old school, behind the times, or actually a junk/antique store that merely dabbles in short term payday loans.

sure a couple exist, but if you see one with mostly empty shelves, high prices, broken **** or unwillingness to haggle, you now know those items are "stage props" for a payday loan factory in disguise. "the real money is in the back"