They always had a bunch of colors on the asian market, many special editions... I guess they didn't dare to introduce as many on the western markets previously cause many people get really tribal with the colors and immediately assume a different color means different quality.
Makita Addiction Thread
- Thread starter willhollin
- Start date
They always had a bunch of colors on the asian market, many special editions... I guess they didn't dare to introduce as many on the western markets previously cause many people get really tribal with the colors and immediately assume a different color means different quality.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Makita is almost like snap on when it comes to colors.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The new quickie saw...
:
:duneslider
Well-known member
I just wanted to give an end of season update on the makita mower. I still absolutely love it. One big thing to note is that if your grass is really thick and/or long you will go through a lot more battery. I have 8 5Ah batteries and never needed more than that for my 1/2acre yard. In the early season and late season when the grass isn't as thick I could make it through the whole yard no problem with just 4 batteries. The kids being less efficient mowers usually needed 6 batteries. In the middle of summer when the lawn was at its peak and was thick and lush I would generally need 6-8 batteries to get the yard done. Since I have the batteries its no big deal, however, if you only had the 4 that came with it you could easily charge one pair while mowing with the other pair and be just fine. I have 2 dual chargers so I would just wait until both pairs were done and swap out all 4 at a time. The makita mower is a solid professional looking
engineer2
Well-known member
How do you like the rear wheel drive for maneuverability? I have a flat lot, but a lot of obstacles to mow around.
engineer2
Well-known member
Happy 10th birthday to my LXDT01 impact driver!
Still works as good as the day I got it, even with the original 3.0 batteries (not shown).
LXDT01 on the left. My newer XDT16 is on the right.
Still works as good as the day I got it, even with the original 3.0 batteries (not shown).
LXDT01 on the left. My newer XDT16 is on the right.
duneslider
Well-known member
In all honesty, I have never used a front drive so I don't have anything to compare it to. This is also the first self-propelled I have owned, last house didn't have enough yard to justify it. I have used a lot of self propelled in the past but never a front drive. So most of my mowing is straight line and when I do have an obstacle I am fine giving it a little push. I unfortunately can't give you a good response, I didn't have issues in my yard.
duneslider
Well-known member
How would you compare the two? I have an even older version of the impact and I have picked up and put down the newer brushless model at Home Depot more than once. My current one has done everything I need it to but there are times I wouldn't mind having two with two different bits chucked up.Happy 10th birthday to my LXDT01 impact driver!
Still works as good as the day I got it, even with the original 3.0 batteries (not shown).
LXDT01 on the left. My newer XDT16 is on the right.
engineer2
Well-known member
LXDT01: 122 ft-lbs, 3 speeds
XDT16: 133 ft-lbs, 4 speeds + 4 other modes that I haven't played with yet due to not reading the manual.
The XDT16: more compact, better lighting, hits a lot harder, but the motor gets warm quickly if you push it.
Makita makes a bunch of models at many price/feature points. The XDT16 is their top 18V model (in 2022).
If your old one is a single speed this is a worthwhile upgrade.
The upgrade from LXDT01 to XDT16 is hardly worth it, but like you, I wanted to be able to run 2 different bits and wanted a little extra power for rusty lugnuts. My impact drivers are by far my most used tools.
Milwaukee has one that makes 167 ft-lbs, but some have reported it can break 1/4 hex bits. If the XDT16 won't get it loose, I just grab my 1/2" drive impact.
When I got it, my wife who I thought never paid attention to my tools said "Don't you already have one like that?"
Yes, but I'll use the old one in the shed (woodworking and OPE stuff), and we'll also use it for our road trip tool bag. When you visit the kids, they always have something that needs to be fixed.
XDT16: 133 ft-lbs, 4 speeds + 4 other modes that I haven't played with yet due to not reading the manual.
The XDT16: more compact, better lighting, hits a lot harder, but the motor gets warm quickly if you push it.
Makita makes a bunch of models at many price/feature points. The XDT16 is their top 18V model (in 2022).
If your old one is a single speed this is a worthwhile upgrade.
The upgrade from LXDT01 to XDT16 is hardly worth it, but like you, I wanted to be able to run 2 different bits and wanted a little extra power for rusty lugnuts. My impact drivers are by far my most used tools.
Milwaukee has one that makes 167 ft-lbs, but some have reported it can break 1/4 hex bits. If the XDT16 won't get it loose, I just grab my 1/2" drive impact.
When I got it, my wife who I thought never paid attention to my tools said "Don't you already have one like that?"
Yes, but I'll use the old one in the shed (woodworking and OPE stuff), and we'll also use it for our road trip tool bag. When you visit the kids, they always have something that needs to be fixed.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
@engineer2
Where is your XDT16 made?
My XDT12 (Japan) has been absolutely beat to death and still works perfectly. IMO, its the best impact they ever made, but I havent used a 16 yet. The minimized runout design would be appreciated.
Where is your XDT16 made?
My XDT12 (Japan) has been absolutely beat to death and still works perfectly. IMO, its the best impact they ever made, but I havent used a 16 yet. The minimized runout design would be appreciated.
engineer2
Well-known member
Says made in China 
, but I understand Makita controls the factory.
, but I understand Makita controls the factory.Ton ton
Well-known member
You mean you don't have a Makita table saw? LOL.
duneslider
Well-known member
Thanks for the info.
I have an old giant makita 1/2" impact that I use for lug nuts. I don't need anything crazy for a 1/4" impact. My old white impact does everything I need it to do.
HD has an impact, battery, charger on sale for $99 right now. I think it is the XDT13z, just a basic unit. Thinking about picking it up. With the battery it makes it a pretty good deal. I don't really need another charger though. I also don't know that I need the features on the XDT16, although it seems really nice.
Makita Announced New Cordless Power Tools for 2023
Here’s a look at Makita’s latest cordless power tool announcements.
toolguyd.com
FTWingRiders
Well-known member
Nice additions, thankfully the only one I’d really be tempted is the compressor.. but I could live without it.. maybe…. Oooo.. I see it over my bench for quick jobs.. ****.. 
Ton ton
Well-known member
Beautiful work, sir.
SK-Mike
Well-known member
starting to migrate some tools over to the XGT line, combo kit GT400M1D1 with circ saw, hammer drill, impact driver, light. Added bare tools - inflator, mid torque 1/2" impact wrench, & splurged on the 8.5" slider miter.
Next on the list is the track saw. Hope they come out with a 40V Tower work light.
Next on the list is the track saw. Hope they come out with a 40V Tower work light.
BigLeagueSmoes
Well-known member
I threw a little write up in the "Tools of Japan" thread as well but thought this would fit in here too. I bought this last week and impressively enough it made it to my door in 4 days from Osaka Japan to Illinois. Out of the box, well, I can't read anything because it's not in english. The quality is noticeably better than other Chinese Makita tools I have. The tool itself just feels nicer, the weight distribution, the rubber grips, the plastic housing. It has a nice rubber and plastic cover over the front of the driver. The LEDs are great. The motor is incredibly smooth, like unbelievably smooth. It dampens vibrations so well too. It has ample settings for various applications. It's nice and compact. I have only used it so far to drive some Tapcons into concrete but it worked flawlessly. I bought it with the intentions to use it for automotive work when I don't need the massive torque of an impact wrench but want something faster than my hands, or something that's more compact. But I can picture myself using this for all impact driving needs because it's just that much nicer than my other Makita impact driver which is crazy to say because at no point (before I had Japanese driver) did I think to myself "eh.. this Makita driver is kinda dumpy.." or "man I really wish this Makita was better quality". I've always been pleased with my cordless Makita power tools, even the Chinese ones, but when I got my hands on the Japanese one, it was an "ohh... WOWWW" type of moment 
10/10 tool right here. Merry Christmas to me!
10/10 tool right here. Merry Christmas to me!duneslider
Well-known member
How do you buy one from Japan? Ebay? Dedicated website? Just sort of curious.I threw a little write up in the "Tools of Japan" thread as well but thought this would fit in here too. I bought this last week and impressively enough it made it to my door in 4 days from Osaka Japan to Illinois. Out of the box, well, I can't read anything because it's not in english. The quality is noticeably better than other Chinese Makita tools I have. The tool itself just feels nicer, the weight distribution, the rubber grips, the plastic housing. It has a nice rubber and plastic cover over the front of the driver. The LEDs are great. The motor is incredibly smooth, like unbelievably smooth. It dampens vibrations so well too. It has ample settings for various applications. It's nice and compact. I have only used it so far to drive some Tapcons into concrete but it worked flawlessly. I bought it with the intentions to use it for automotive work when I don't need the massive torque of an impact wrench but want something faster than my hands, or something that's more compact. But I can picture myself using this for all impact driving needs because it's just that much nicer than my other Makita impact driver which is crazy to say because at no point (before I had Japanese driver) did I think to myself "eh.. this Makita driver is kinda dumpy.." or "man I really wish this Makita was better quality". I've always been pleased with my cordless Makita power tools, even the Chinese ones, but when I got my hands on the Japanese one, it was an "ohh... WOWWW" type of moment
duneslider
Well-known member
I had one of these but it was the option with the nihm batteries. I couldn't justify keeping it, just couldn't find a use for it. These were my introduction to cordless tools though. They were gamechangers, I remember when the 14v dewalt came out and we got some of those and I smoked one in a couple of weeks and had to fall back on the old makita while the dewalt was in the shop getting fixed. Ended up smoking it again and have never been able to look at dewalt cordless tools that same.
I likewise never had a mechanical problems with those old Makita's. The thing that killed them for me years ago was the batteries started dying fast, and new replacements weren't any better. Since tool voltages were going up Makita moved on with those, and all of the great 9.6v tools out there were kinda mothballed. Now that I'm looking to get back into cordless I'm returning to the Makita 9.6ers.
I snagged a pair of the stick battery angle drills over the past year. A 7.2volt along with a 9.6 volt. Gonna mess around with them and see what I can come up with. I see alot of car mechanics using angle drills and I'm wondering if my two old Makita's can be modernized for similar tight area work. If I get anywhere I'll probably start a separate thread.
BreeStephany
ALLIANCE MEMBER
My Makita addiction all started off with Makita's 9.6V NiCD right angle drill. The drill is still 'running strong', but I haven't had working batteries for it in probably 20 years.
I turned to red tools at the start of my apprenticeship, but after buying my first Makita impact driver, I'm really sold on Makita. I just wish they had more trade focused tools specific to the electrical trade, which is really the only reason I have a pretty even collection of teal and red.
I recently found out that my XDT16 impact driver can take wheel lug nuts off without an issue when I had to do a quick tire swap on my company vehicle. I knew it had a lot of power, wasn't sure it could handle lug nuts, but was very pleasantly surprised when it took them off without breaking a sweat. Had all 4 tires off and new tires on in less than 10 minutes, most of which was time jacking up the vehicle and making sure the jack stands were well seated!
Also found out that I can cut 3/8~1/2" plate steel with Makita's XSC02 metal saw faster and cleaner than I can with oxy, plasma or a abrasive saw, as long as its a straight cut!
I have been extremely impressed with the quality and power of Makita's LXT line and am definitely sold on Makita when the tools I need are available.
I turned to red tools at the start of my apprenticeship, but after buying my first Makita impact driver, I'm really sold on Makita. I just wish they had more trade focused tools specific to the electrical trade, which is really the only reason I have a pretty even collection of teal and red.
I recently found out that my XDT16 impact driver can take wheel lug nuts off without an issue when I had to do a quick tire swap on my company vehicle. I knew it had a lot of power, wasn't sure it could handle lug nuts, but was very pleasantly surprised when it took them off without breaking a sweat. Had all 4 tires off and new tires on in less than 10 minutes, most of which was time jacking up the vehicle and making sure the jack stands were well seated!
Also found out that I can cut 3/8~1/2" plate steel with Makita's XSC02 metal saw faster and cleaner than I can with oxy, plasma or a abrasive saw, as long as its a straight cut!
I have been extremely impressed with the quality and power of Makita's LXT line and am definitely sold on Makita when the tools I need are available.
BigLeagueSmoes
Well-known member
eBay. There were multiple sellers for this impact driver, I just went with one of the highest rated that shipped for free. It's cheap enough that you don't have to pay an import tax. No currency exchange fee or anything like that for the buyer. The seller I bought from was very friendly and good with communication, and like I said, he shipped it to my door in 4 days, halfway across the world, for FREE. It was $160 on eBay and local Home Depot price for their Makita 18v brushless impact driver tool only (Chinese) is $150. So for $10 more you get higher quality, an origami crane, and a cool story to go with it!
duneslider
Well-known member
I've been looking to get another impact. I might look at these and pick one up just to compare.
rancherbill
Well-known member
duneslider
Well-known member
That's not an impact, just a drill but still pretty cool. I would rock one of those around the neighborhood for sure.
duneslider
Well-known member
I'm not an electrician so I don't know all your needs but what does Makita not offer that you need that Milwaukee does offer?
Dave455
Well-known member
Following the discussion with interest.
I’ve long believed that there is quite a difference in quality of Makita tools, according to where they are made.
How much of this is due solely to country of origin, and how much is due to Makita deciding to make the better tools in these countries, I couldn’t say.
You don’t have to buy from Japan to get a Japanese tool though, sometimes you just have to go a bit upmarket.
Here in the U.K. we seem to find four popular options. The cheapest tools of each type are often made in China. Having said that, the quality is better than some other Chinese tools. I have a palm sander, palm router and circular saw, all made in China, and all fine. Especially for the price paid.
Next grade seem to be made in Romania, I quite like these. Pricing is comparable to the Chinese made, but I feel the quality is a frac up. For some tools (e.g. angle grinders) even the cheapest (of the “blue” tools) are made in Romania.
The top end / pro grade tools mostly seem to be made in Japan or the U.K. For some tools, such as the angle drill below, there is only a pro grade option. I assume the thinking is that these are not really DIY tools anyway.
I’m loving that TD172 impact wrench. I have to admit I have one on my wish list.
The Japanese seem to make more use of impact drivers than we do in the west. Not sure if it’s due to their style of building or the way they go about their woodworking. Either way, it seems to me that the range of impact driver bits available on the Japanese domestic market (certainly in the stores) is way more comprehensive than elsewhere.
I’ve long believed that there is quite a difference in quality of Makita tools, according to where they are made.
How much of this is due solely to country of origin, and how much is due to Makita deciding to make the better tools in these countries, I couldn’t say.
You don’t have to buy from Japan to get a Japanese tool though, sometimes you just have to go a bit upmarket.
Here in the U.K. we seem to find four popular options. The cheapest tools of each type are often made in China. Having said that, the quality is better than some other Chinese tools. I have a palm sander, palm router and circular saw, all made in China, and all fine. Especially for the price paid.
Next grade seem to be made in Romania, I quite like these. Pricing is comparable to the Chinese made, but I feel the quality is a frac up. For some tools (e.g. angle grinders) even the cheapest (of the “blue” tools) are made in Romania.
The top end / pro grade tools mostly seem to be made in Japan or the U.K. For some tools, such as the angle drill below, there is only a pro grade option. I assume the thinking is that these are not really DIY tools anyway.
I’m loving that TD172 impact wrench. I have to admit I have one on my wish list.
The Japanese seem to make more use of impact drivers than we do in the west. Not sure if it’s due to their style of building or the way they go about their woodworking. Either way, it seems to me that the range of impact driver bits available on the Japanese domestic market (certainly in the stores) is way more comprehensive than elsewhere.
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duneslider
Well-known member
Is England considered the "West"?Following the discussion with interest.
I’ve long believed that there is quite a difference in quality of Makita tools, according to where they are made.
How much of this is due solely to country of origin, and how much is due to Makita deciding to make the better tools in these countries, I couldn’t say.
You don’t have to buy from Japan to get a Japanese tool though, sometimes you just have to go a bit upmarket.
Here in the U.K. we seem to find four popular options. The cheapest tools of each type are often made in China. Having said that, the quality is better than some other Chinese tools. I have a palm sander, palm router and circular saw, all made in China, and all fine. Especially for the price paid.
Next grade seem to be made in Romania, I quite like these. Pricing is comparable to the Chinese made, but I feel the quality is a frac up. For some tools (e.g. angle grinders) even the cheapest (of the “blue” tools) are made in Romania.
The top end / pro grade tools mostly seem to be made in Japan or the U.K. For some tools, such as the angle drill below, there is only a pro grade option. I assume the thinking is that these are not really DIY tools anyway.
I’m loving that TD172 impact wrench. I have to admit I have one on my wish list.
The Japanese seem to make more use of impact drivers than we do in the west. Not sure if it’s due to their style of building or the way they go about their woodworking. Either way, it seems to me that the range of impact driver bits available on the Japanese domestic market (certainly in the stores) is way more comprehensive than elsewhere.
I know I use impacts for everything, I even drill holes with them more than with my regular drill honestly. Most holes I drill are pilot holes in wood so the impact does it just fine.
Dave455
Well-known member
Oh yes!Is England considered the "West"?
I know I use impacts for everything, I even drill holes with them more than with my regular drill honestly. Most holes I drill are pilot holes in wood so the impact does it just fine.
The U.K, western Europe and west Africa are all considered “west”. Certainly compared to Japan, which would be considered “the far east”!
I’m coming round to the idea of using an impact for drilling too. For years I’ve used a drill driver, but most of the time I’m only drilling pilot holes too (or small clearance holes) so away from base, I’m thinking it’s the way to go.
Trouble is, I’m choosy about my drill bits, and a lot of the hex shank ones I see don’t seem to be the best quality. Might try some Bosch.
I’d be interested what others are using.
duneslider
Well-known member
Totally joking about the west thing. I don't drill what I would consider "precision" holes with the impact but just more for rough work, which tends to be most of what I do. If it is nicer and needs a counter sink or anything like that I am using my drill. I usually buy whatever hex shank bits are on sale, dewalt, milwaukee, whatever.
rancherbill
Well-known member
With my impact driver, I use hex style drills, spade bits and hole saws for wood. For metal I use step drills in my impact. I seldom use my drill.
The one thing I do use my drill for is it's adjustable clutch. I put several things together with small screws that were prone to breaking. I just adjusted the clutch and it worked perfectly and nothing broke.
Dave455
Well-known member
I notice my local store sells Milwaukee hex shank bits in 2 packs, so I might just try a couple. They’re conventional style drill bits, which I prefer.
In hex shank Bosch only seem to offer “multi material” or “brad point”. I’ve got a few round shank Bosch ”brad point” bits, which are supposedly superior for wood, but they’re rubbish. I’ve whittled neater holes with a jack knife!
Yes, I‘d definitely prefer my drill driver for the smaller screws. I’ve got a little Festool CXS and it’s awesome.
But after Christmas I’m helping a mate move flats. We’ve got a lot of “fitting out” to do to make it nice, but only a week to do it, so I’ll just carry my cordless saw and cordless impact if I can get away with it. They’re both Bosch so share batteries, which makes it easy to carry everything. Probably shouldn’t “fess up“ to that in a Makita thread!
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Following the discussion with interest.
I’ve long believed that there is quite a difference in quality of Makita tools, according to where they are made.
How much of this is due solely to country of origin, and how much is due to Makita deciding to make the better tools in these countries, I couldn’t say.
You don’t have to buy from Japan to get a Japanese tool though, sometimes you just have to go a bit upmarket.
Here in the U.K. we seem to find four popular options. The cheapest tools of each type are often made in China. Having said that, the quality is better than some other Chinese tools. I have a palm sander, palm router and circular saw, all made in China, and all fine. Especially for the price paid.
Next grade seem to be made in Romania, I quite like these. Pricing is comparable to the Chinese made, but I feel the quality is a frac up. For some tools (e.g. angle grinders) even the cheapest (of the “blue” tools) are made in Romania.
The top end / pro grade tools mostly seem to be made in Japan or the U.K. For some tools, such as the angle drill below, there is only a pro grade option. I assume the thinking is that these are not really DIY tools anyway.
I’m loving that TD172 impact wrench. I have to admit I have one on my wish list.
The Japanese seem to make more use of impact drivers than we do in the west. Not sure if it’s due to their style of building or the way they go about their woodworking. Either way, it seems to me that the range of impact driver bits available on the Japanese domestic market (certainly in the stores) is way more comprehensive than elsewhere.
had this older ( 20yo ?) makita given to me couple year ago. fairly sure it was made in uk. its been a peach. much better than china **** ive used before
Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you for the write up, Big League Smoes.I threw a little write up in the "Tools of Japan" thread as well but thought this would fit in here too. I bought this last week and impressively enough it made it to my door in 4 days from Osaka Japan to Illinois. Out of the box, well, I can't read anything because it's not in english. The quality is noticeably better than other Chinese Makita tools I have. The tool itself just feels nicer, the weight distribution, the rubber grips, the plastic housing. It has a nice rubber and plastic cover over the front of the driver. The LEDs are great. The motor is incredibly smooth, like unbelievably smooth. It dampens vibrations so well too. It has ample settings for various applications. It's nice and compact. I have only used it so far to drive some Tapcons into concrete but it worked flawlessly. I bought it with the intentions to use it for automotive work when I don't need the massive torque of an impact wrench but want something faster than my hands, or something that's more compact. But I can picture myself using this for all impact driving needs because it's just that much nicer than my other Makita impact driver which is crazy to say because at no point (before I had Japanese driver) did I think to myself "eh.. this Makita driver is kinda dumpy.." or "man I really wish this Makita was better quality". I've always been pleased with my cordless Makita power tools, even the Chinese ones, but when I got my hands on the Japanese one, it was an "ohh... WOWWW" type of moment
BigLeagueSmoes
Well-known member
I'll try not to speak too much out of hand but I do have some thoughts about Japanese Makita's higher standard of manufacturing quality based on trends observed in other industries, a Japanese history course I took in college, and what I've learned form other people who know more than I do. When it comes to manufacturing and quality, I think the answer lies some in the history of Japan. (And actually the economic history of Japan is rather fascinating and very impressive to see what they accomplished with the relatively tiny size of their country). After the feudal system fell in the the late 1800s the social and economic scene for Japan largely turned to capitalism and people were encouraged to pursue higher education and learn valuable work skills. People were also encouraged to become innovative and pursue new businesses. The government encouraged this and often times gave entrepreneurs cheap loans and would help them establish their company/trade. The key here is the government wanted to help their people succeed at all costs. The government also encourage major vertical integration and essentially created these mega monopiles to spur on growth and development in banking and industry. And then post WWII when a major economic and social rebuild was necessary Japan placed a high importance on rebuilding the economic welfare of the country and placed and emphasis on higher education and modernizing manufacturing to accomplish this. This helped companies keep up, and take lead with the modernizing world.Following the discussion with interest.
I’ve long believed that there is quite a difference in quality of Makita tools, according to where they are made.
How much of this is due solely to country of origin, and how much is due to Makita deciding to make the better tools in these countries, I couldn’t say.
You don’t have to buy from Japan to get a Japanese tool though, sometimes you just have to go a bit upmarket.
Here in the U.K. we seem to find four popular options. The cheapest tools of each type are often made in China. Having said that, the quality is better than some other Chinese tools. I have a palm sander, palm router and circular saw, all made in China, and all fine. Especially for the price paid.
Next grade seem to be made in Romania, I quite like these. Pricing is comparable to the Chinese made, but I feel the quality is a frac up. For some tools (e.g. angle grinders) even the cheapest (of the “blue” tools) are made in Romania.
The top end / pro grade tools mostly seem to be made in Japan or the U.K. For some tools, such as the angle drill below, there is only a pro grade option. I assume the thinking is that these are not really DIY tools anyway.
I’m loving that TD172 impact wrench. I have to admit I have one on my wish list.
The Japanese seem to make more use of impact drivers than we do in the west. Not sure if it’s due to their style of building or the way they go about their woodworking. Either way, it seems to me that the range of impact driver bits available on the Japanese domestic market (certainly in the stores) is way more comprehensive than elsewhere.
Makita was obviously founded in Japan as an electric motor sales company in the early 1900s and to my knowledge they really had two goals in mind: pioneering all things small electric motor related (especially power tools) and do it with a high degree of quality. Since Makita started in Japan you look at some of the other economic developments that were going on at that times as well as cultural values of that country and you see that Japan highly values doing high quality work, taking pride in your skills/abilities/trades, caring about serving other people, working and progressing as a group rather than as an individual, and generally working hard. Now you take these cultural values that the people possess and you combine them with a growing company, and hey, you get companies like Toyota, Honda, Makita, Bridgestone, Cannon, Mitsubishi, the list goes on and on but what's common with all these companies is that they all originally had, and still have to some degree, that importance of creating a high quality product and valuing the consumer and taking pride in what they do. They wanted to make something good that would allow them to grow into an influential company and economic powerhouse for their country.
I know that the Toyota factories in Japan have a very high standard for quality control and quality assurance. They also have been reported to pay their employees well which will motivate people to be better at their job, become well educated in their trade, and take it more seriously. Happy employees make better products that disgruntled employees with a high turnover rate. And when these people are told that quality matters and they care about making something of value, the consumer gets a pretty darn good product.
Eventually these companies grow to massive sizes and they begin to outsource their manufacturing to other countries. Sometimes this is simply because there's not enough domestic labor to go around. Other times it is to reduce manufacturing costs. We see that today with virtually every company in the manufacturing world, trying to reduce costs to maximize profits. Often times you get companies with plants in China or Mexico or India, sometimes even the U.S. that are looking solely to maximize profits and if that means cutting corners to cut costs, then hey, so be it. And what typically happens when you outsource to areas that have a cheaper means of production? Quality control/quality assurance goes down. The manufacturing process isn't as refined. The workers may not be as qualified/trained/motivated to produce a high quality product, etc. Not saying this is all bad for the consumer because hey, sometimes the lower price is more valued than anything else. But it often results in a lower quality product.
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Lot easier to read if broken into paragraphs instead of a long wall of text.
BigLeagueSmoes
Well-known member
Thanks, I changed it. When I started that reply I was only intending it to be a few sentences, then it quickly became long winded..
Ton ton
Well-known member
My favorite hex bit set is Makita brand. I believe it's made in Taiwan.
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