Well I am having doubts that the 24" Mintcraft bolt cutters that I just bought are American made, even though the hardware store guy said they were. There is a residue on the handle from what I would guess to be a removed label - maybe stating country of origin? Plus when I see what appears to be the same bolt cutters in the ebay auction that fourfeathers posted for $22, well that puts them in the same price range as the Chinese made cutters that Sears, Northern Tool & Ace Hardware sell. I paid $33 for the Mintcraft cutters versus the $20 price of the Chinese cutters at the above listed stores, so at the time I really thought I was paying a little more for an American made product. Not so sure now.
Plus, when I compare the Mintcraft cutters to the Cooper Tools/H. K. Porter brand, there is a major price difference. The Do It Best hardware website lists the general purpose bolt cutter model 0190AC for $63 and the industrial grade model 0190MC for $100. I don't think this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but the big price difference makes me all that more suspicious.
Also, from the ebay link, it appears that Mintcraft is a line carried by Soundbest International. Never heard of them, but I am trying to find out who and what they are.
So I am on a mission to see if these Mincraft bolt cutters are US made or another Chinese import. I'll report back when (if?) I find out.
Later,
