Sad Day

[danski0224]

Today I got a look at all the new Craftsman wrench sets , I then turned over each wrench set and each individual wrench was boldly stamped made in china...Will the last one out please turn out the lights in the K-mart Headquarters!

I guess the counterpoint is what would someone be willing to pay for these things with a "Made in USA" stamping?

I mean *really* made in USA. Not assembled, packaged, or some other BS to get around USA manufacturing?

It surprises me that the prices are as reasonable as they are for the Craftsman USA hand tools. All the stuff here that isn't in China like decent wages, environmental laws, workplace safety/OSHA and more... and the retail pricing is way less than snappy.

I'm guessing that as long as these sets are retail priced in the $100 - $150 range with a guessed wholesale of $20, they will be made in China.

 

[Skyline]

I was not aware that there is ANY ratchet wrench fully made in the US???

AFAIK, even the Snap-on ones use imported parts for the ratchet drive, even though the body of the wrench is made here, and the final product is made here.

 

[Titus]

Sears spun off Craftsman (along with Kenmore and DieHard) into a separate company a few years back. It seems to me that GearWrench has taken over A LOT of shelf space at Sears since then. With GearWrench (an imported tool) grabbing big chunks of Craftsman's marketshare, they may have felt that they had no choice but to follow them overseas to compete on products that they were in direct competition with???

 

[Old Donn]

Where can you find this information? I have looked and cannot find where craftsman Canada are produced in the PRC.

No offense, Keep. It wasn't a shot. Several Canadians on this site mentioned in other threads all they'd seen in their local stores were Craftsman made in PRC.

 

[Keep]

No offense, Keep. It wasn't a shot. Several Canadians on this site mentioned in other threads all they'd seen in their local stores were Craftsman made in PRC.

None taken. I have seriously been looking. I am at the point of "If it's not made in the US or Canada" I am looking elsewhere.

I have been eying the Gray tools but the origin of all the parts seem suspect. I have a feeling the blanks are made overseas but the (let me get the quote right) "Gray controls the critical processes that ensure, strength, durability and corrosion resistance of the final product." "Throughout the production processes we strictly MONITER all aspects....blah blah blah."

To me that says: We buy the blanks overseas and do heat treating here.

Everything I currently own is Craftsman. I started building the set when I was 16 in the 80's. I have been happy with most of the tools. But we send the Chicoms enough money, they do not need mine.

 

[JohnFreeman]

I'll never buy another new Chicom Craftsman.

RIP.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Until somebody says, "melt all the effing Asian tools."

oh ! sorry I have an opinion

 

[wrenchr]

oh ! sorry I have an opinion

And the funny thing is he use to be 100% pro USA He won some free GW stuff and was converted

 

[Fedwrench]

This is old news. I posted about these wrenches when I bought them on sale over a month ago. Some of you guys are real funny at times over this whole brand and country of origin thing. Some of you would rather not see China stamped on a tool but, would still use the tool without the country of origin stamped on it, or it's ok if they're rebadged Gearwrenches
Most of the late model US made (assembled in the US with global components) vehicles have more Chinese and Mexican made original parts than US made parts. Hell I don't think my fleet buys US made parts from the dealer, Carquest, or Napa. They're all imported.
Anyway, I think a tool's performance is more important than its origin but, that's just me. I prefer not to buy PRC made tools because, I'm a dinosaur and I don't think they're our friend but, I also fill my tank up with gas too. Anyway, most new tool releases these days are imported so, if you want someone to blame, look in the mirror because most of us like and use cheap imported stuff from food, to clothes, to the vehicles we drive, to even tools.

 

[toolnut]

I think we all know that the end is near and soon all the Craftsman will be knockoffs of what they once were. Buy what you can while the USA stuff is still out there....After that we can get together for a few beers and talk about the good 'ole days!!

 

[mattwgrizwald]

I was not aware that there is ANY ratchet wrench fully made in the US???

AFAIK, even the Snap-on ones use imported parts for the ratchet drive, even though the body of the wrench is made here, and the final product is made here.

matco ratchet wrenches are stamped made usa

 

[NAYLOR]

matco ratchet wrenches are stamped made usa

So are my new Craftmans.

 

[lbgradwell]

Where can you find this information? I have looked and cannot find where craftsman Canada are produced in the PRC.

No offense, Keep. It wasn't a shot. Several Canadians on this site mentioned in other threads all they'd seen in their local stores were Craftsman made in PRC.

Yes, the Canadian Craftsman wrenches, sockets & ratchets have been made in China for two decades or more. Just go to any Sears; it's written on the box - it has never been stamped on the tools themselves...

 

[lbgradwell]

I was not aware that there is ANY ratchet wrench fully made in the US???

Sure there are!

 

[Keep]

Yes, the Canadian Craftsman wrenches, sockets & ratchets have been made in China for two decades or more. Just go to any Sears; it's written on the box - it has never been stamped on the tools themselves...

Now it makes a bit more sense. I wondered why I could not get the rhft raised panel ratchets up here. Guess I will just have to start looking at other brands as I upgrade.

I do not have to have "Made in USA" it just has to not be made in China.

 

[Merkava_4]

And the funny thing is he use to be 100% pro USA He won some free GW stuff and was converted

You're making me out to be a politician.

 

[Kjbakke2]

Now it makes a bit more sense. I wondered why I could not get the rhft raised panel ratchets up here. Guess I will just have to start looking at other brands as I upgrade.

I do not have to have "Made in USA" it just has to not be made in China.

toptul

 

[06jds377]

One of these days the full polished Craftsman Pro wrench is gonna say "CHINA" on it ... that'll make for an interesting thread.

One of these days any tool you buy is going to have that CHINA stamp on it, I'm afraid..

 

[06jds377]

Speaking of which: Snap-On never got back to me on the email I sent their CS about Snap-On Chinese rebrands...

 

[MD11]

The most disgraceful thing I've seen since that "Made in China" US Flag I bought on 4th of July at the fair... YES, the dang flag was actually made in China. WTF??

When are people in this country going to wake up? Boycott Walmart, Target and anywhere that sources 99% of their products in China, put them out of business and send a message.. Time to poop or get off the pot people. I vote with my $, do the same.

 

[Snappy]

One of these days any tool you buy is going to have that CHINA stamp on it, I'm afraid..

I really don't want to believe that will ever happen ^ I'm glad that I have most of the tools that I need & 98% of them are made in the USA. It doesn't surprise me that China is being stamped on thier wrenches but it is a shame ,IMO.

The last 2 Wix (NAPA) oil filters that I bought don't have a country of origin listed. If I find out they're being made in China,I will be looking for another brand.

 

[american lockpicker]

Now it makes a bit more sense. I wondered why I could not get the rhft raised panel ratchets up here. Guess I will just have to start looking at other brands as I upgrade.

I do not have to have "Made in USA" it just has to not be made in China.

I agree with that. I used to buy all American but ran out of stuff to buy so now I mainly buy European or Canadian. I am suprised at how nice stuff from Germany is and the prices are sometimes lower than PRC stuff...

 

[MD11]

I agree with that. I used to buy all American but ran out of stuff to buy so now I mainly buy European or Canadian. I am suprised at how nice stuff from Germany is and the prices are sometimes lower than PRC stuff...

EU (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Swiss, etc..) and Japan stuff is every bit as good or sometimes better than US made... just beware of Chicom and other asian made **** from Vietnam, India, and Thailand.. to a lesser extent Taiwan. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't need US Made, but I do want my stuff made by skilled, well paid and free workers.. not slave labor.

 

[Merkava_4]

The most disgraceful thing I've seen since that "Made in China" US Flag I bought on 4th of July at the fair... YES, the dang flag was actually made in China. WTF??

It's getting pretty bad if we can't even make our own flags anymore.

I wonder where the flag flying at the Pentagon is made.

 

[american lockpicker]

EU (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Swiss, etc..) and Japan stuff is every bit as good or sometimes better than US made... just beware of Chicom and other asian made **** from Vietnam, India, and Thailand.. to a lesser extent Taiwan. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't need US Made, but I do want my stuff made by skilled, well paid and free workers.. not slave labor.

I agree if Chinese workers were treated well, had benefits, good pay and the products were of good quality and produced in an enviromentally friendly manner I would buy their stuff.

 

[american lockpicker]

It's getting pretty bad if we can't even make our own flags anymore.

I wonder where the flag flying at the Pentagon is made.

Actually theres a company in America that makes good quality flags for here and other countries but I'm not sure of its name.

 

[Snappy]

Actually theres a company in America that makes good quality flags for here and other countries but I'm not sure of its name.

valley-forgeflag.com

Our philosophy and practice is that U.S. flag products be sourced, woven, dyed, finished, sewn, packaged, and distributed in the U.S.A. in domestically owned facilities with American labor.

 

[JohnFreeman]

I found the Craftsman "contact us" page and told them what was on my mind. You might want to also:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/nb_10155_12602_NB_CScontactus?adCell=W3

 

[dustin19]

heres what i sent

Hello.

I have been a loyal Craftsman tool buyer my entire life cause your tools WERE of good quality and american made.
I just dont understand why you guys are outsourcing all your tools to china and other places. personally I only buy american tools and if you outsource all your to china your lifetime warranty is'nt worth anything cause whats the point of returning my AMERICAN tools for china ****.. Id rather spend 20 Dollars on a american tool then 1 dollar on china one!!

 

[tj90]

Off topic but....

I voted with my $$ yesterday. Frys had AA batteries - 100 for 18 bucks. Saw that they were made in China. Bought the US made Energizer AA batteries 24 for 9 bucks at Sams instead. The US made batteries are 2x the cost.... I doubt most consumers would have made the same choice.

I also bought my daughter an Apple ipod touch. Its an electronic device thats assembled in the USA with imported components. Thats the best your going to do with electronic devices... Bravo Apple for keeping many of your products in US manufacturer and assembly...

The rest of the christmas gifts - random toys (except for legos) and blanket are all made in China. ***** that many times there is no option...

I too noticed that automotive components are starting to be made in China. I bought some air and oil filters that were made in US now made in china. You guessed it - no change in price....

Maybe the best way to combat this love affair that the US consumer has with China is to stop buying all this ****! Do you really need a chinese spline drive? Really? Do you really need 5 versions of the same ratcheting wrench? Im so fed-up with it, I dont even step foot into a dollar tree or big lots.... I bought some aftershave lotion at the local drug store. Got home, saw that its made in China. WTF? Its everywhere.... Many of the items selling at places like Costco are not need to have, but nice to have. I would love to own some gearwrench, but when Ive got my dads proto box wrenches or craftsman raised panel I bought right out of school, somehow it doesnt seem to be as much of a chore with the old stuff.... Quality vs quantity....

 

[tj90]

One more point before I get off my soap box.....

I bought a US flag from the boy scouts. It was a fund raiser earlier in the year. Got home and saw that the flag was made in China. I was so mad I was spitting bullets. I called the San Diego chapter of the boy scouts and emailed them as well. I dont think it made a difference, but I hope enough of us complained that the freaking boy scouts dont pull a stunt like that again!!!!

 

[MD11]

One more point before I get off my soap box.....

I bought a US flag from the boy scouts. It was a fund raiser earlier in the year. Got home and saw that the flag was made in China. I was so mad I was spitting bullets. I called the San Diego chapter of the boy scouts and emailed them as well. I dont think it made a difference, but I hope enough of us complained that the freaking boy scouts dont pull a stunt like that again!!!!

yeah, I feel your pain bud. I posted a similar story above.. what's next? Burry our dead soldiers with Chinese flags? When is this nonsense going to end?

 

[american lockpicker]

Off topic but....

I voted with my $$ yesterday. Frys had AA batteries - 100 for 18 bucks. Saw that they were made in China. Bought the US made Energizer AA batteries 24 for 9 bucks at Sams instead. The US made batteries are 2x the cost.... I doubt most consumers would have made the same choice.

I also bought my daughter an Apple ipod touch. Its an electronic device thats assembled in the USA with imported components. Thats the best your going to do with electronic devices... Bravo Apple for keeping many of your products in US manufacturer and assembly...

The rest of the christmas gifts - random toys (except for legos) and blanket are all made in China. ***** that many times there is no option...

I too noticed that automotive components are starting to be made in China. I bought some air and oil filters that were made in US now made in china. You guessed it - no change in price....

Maybe the best way to combat this love affair that the US consumer has with China is to stop buying all this ****! Do you really need a chinese spline drive? Really? Do you really need 5 versions of the same ratcheting wrench? Im so fed-up with it, I dont even step foot into a dollar tree or big lots.... I bought some aftershave lotion at the local drug store. Got home, saw that its made in China. WTF? Its everywhere.... Many of the items selling at places like Costco are not need to have, but nice to have. I would love to own some gearwrench, but when Ive got my dads proto box wrenches or craftsman raised panel I bought right out of school, somehow it doesnt seem to be as much of a chore with the old stuff.... Quality vs quantity....

Ipods are actually assembled in China... Also Big Lots is a good source for quality European food thats inexpensive and they sell the occasional American made item in there you just have to look at COO labels.

 

[tj90]

My Apple ipod Touch 3rd generation - released in the last 6 months - says in bolt text "Assembled in the USA". Maybe your ipod is different.... I wonder where the iphone is assembled. Anyone have one that can look?

 

[Limonator460]

After living in Europe (Military) I was curious why I could not find US made cars and products... The import tax in Germany is nearly the same price as the product, so the price doubles.. but we allow all the overseas car and products to just flow in for little or no import tax..

 

[american lockpicker]

My Apple ipod Touch 3rd generation - released in the last 6 months - says in bolt text "Assembled in the USA". Maybe your ipod is different.... I wonder where the iphone is assembled. Anyone have one that can look?

I looked at the shuffle and it said Designed in California assembled in China. I haven't looked at any of the bigger models. If they are assembled in USA I'll buy one.

 

[t100]

My Apple ipod Touch 3rd generation - released in the last 6 months - says in bolt text "Assembled in the USA". Maybe your ipod is different.... I wonder where the iphone is assembled. Anyone have one that can look?

maybe the only part "Assembled in the USA" is the piece of film to protect the screen. there are so many ways to get away from this, i.e. you have 4 screws on a computer case, even you have 1000 internal parts already assembled overseas, if you leave the last one single screw out, have it put in and tightened "in the U.S.A.", you are golden.

 

[Zrexxer]

if you leave the last one single screw out, have it put in and tightened "in the U.S.A.", you are golden.

That's a convenient theory, but it's a complete fabrication. The Federal Trade Commission says:

"A product that includes foreign components may be called "Assembled in USA" without qualification when its principal assembly takes place in the U.S. and the assembly is substantial. For the "assembly" claim to be valid, the product’s last "substantial transformation" also should have occurred in the U.S. That’s why a "screwdriver" assembly in the U.S. of foreign components into a final product at the end of the manufacturing process doesn’t usually qualify for the "Assembled in USA" claim.

Example: All the major components of a computer, including the motherboard and hard drive, are imported. The computer’s components then are put together in a simple "screwdriver" operation in the U.S., are not substantially transformed under the Customs Standard, and must be marked with a foreign country of origin. "

 

[tj90]

I suspect that Apple is having their high end products assembled in the US by contract manufacturers like Solectron, Sanmina and Flextronics. All 3 of these companies are located in the SF bay area and in the past have built xboxes, phones whatever. Maybe Apple is doing this to protect intellectual property or maybe they are doing it to increase capacity and/or quickly meet Christmas demand so that they dont end up with a bunch of product sitting on a cargo ship off of Long Beach... or almost as bad, having to air ship product from Asia to meet contract obligations set by retailers like Walmart.

Did you know, a few years ago there were so many cargo ships coming into long beach that toys were late for delivery to retailers! Whoever made the tickle me elmo doll had to fed ex product to Walmart or face serious non-delivery-means-you-will-pay-big clauses in the contracts. LOL!!! All that money saved by going off shore manufacturing was sucked up in expedite shipping fees to meet Wal mart contracts. Walmart got paid for product whether it was on their shelf or not! Maybe Apple doesnt want to be in the same situation...

 

[american lockpicker]

Serves them right for outsourcing.