Switching to Made in the U.S.A.

[Gojeremy]

So I'm a fairly new homeowner and a fairly new DIYer also. I've been stocking up on a few tools here and there. Not too much invested in them yet but its a lot of made in China stuff. So i am in the process of switching over my tools to Made in the U.S.A.
Now, i was buying all my tools (Husky) at Home Depot because it was affordable to me. I need to replace screwdrivers, socket set, and about 35 wrenches, pliers and some crescent wrenches. Like i said, not a lot of stuff. I can't afford Snap-On and I have heard the quality of Craftsman has gone downhill and a lot of their tools are china too. I would like to buy new. Are there affordable Made in U.S.A tools out there? I am a huge fan of this forum and you have all convinced me, from several threads, that U.S.A is the way to go. Please give me a little direction. Thanks everyone.

 

[DJAMiller]

Sk makes some fantastic made in the usa tools still. Also check out Wilde and much of the craftsman stuff that is still made in the us (mostly the things made by Western Forge) are still good.

 

[the spyder]

Don't limit your search to U.S.A- there are tons of other brands out there that make some damn fine tools. Your goal should be to buy the best tools that fit both your use case and budget. I personally use a mix, Wera, Knipex, Snap On, Craftsman, Proto, Williams, and yes, even some Harbor Freight tools. Not everyone needs Snap On/Mac/Ect at home.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Don't replace stuff just to replace stuff. And used is THE best way at geting usa stuff at reasonable prices. Keep what you have and if you use something enough to break it then warranty it at HD, use it as a spare and get a better tool.

 

[coleman10]

Klein is also made in the USA, as is Channellock. Some Craftsman still is, too. In addition to their screwdrivers as already mentioned, I ran into a USA-made level and a nice 84 tooth socket wrench at Sears the other day. Personally, I would try to buy American when you can, but I think it's slim pickings. There are some very good tools made in Taiwan. GearWrench has a decent following. Lowes also has some decent stuff. I would just try to buy the best you can, paying attention to what tools work best for you.

 

[royesses]

Here is a start:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

USA made screwdriver set by Williams. Great screwdrivers. Check out Harry Epstein for other tools.
http://store.harryepstein.com/

 

[kctyphoon]

personally i have no issue with buying husky tools.. they work well for me at home and working on my cars.. can i say something without being torn apart by wolves - pride of ownership and brand loyalty has alot of influence in what some people write/say on here. also - you need to consider ALOT of people here are professionals, so their needs are different than yours. that being said - there are also alot of professionals on here that use the same brands you mentioned without any issues. my personal opinion is that HOW you use the tools are much more important that what brand you pick.
dont get me wrong, buy whatever you like - for whatever reasons you choose, just have realistic expectations. even some major tool truck brands have much of their own tools made overseas, and their quality is just as good as stuff made here.

 

[Josey Wales]

If you're hell bent on NEW USA, I would read up on how to only buy what you need.
For example, would you be able to skip the chrome sockets and use impacts for everything?
This place can either save you a fortune, or cost you a fortune.

 

[Gojeremy]

Thanks KC....i was thinking that my Husky stuff was complete junk. I am not a professional when it comes to tools. I'm a dad.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Thanks KC....i was thinking that my Husky stuff was complete junk. I am not a professional when it comes to tools. I'm a dad.

I got a bunch of husky stuff and it is pretty good for the price.

 

[southalabama]

If you haven't tore it up them it works for you.

As stated earlier I wouldn't switch just to switch. I'd begin upgrading and buying tools I don't have and then buy them USA if sockets. I personally like the s&k sockets. I also love channellocks and German made Knipex. Wera is non USA but great screwdrivers. Electrical stuff I go Klein. Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches are Taiwan and or china and are perfect acceptable. I've got a collection of older USA craftsman and kobalt USA.

Add to the collection.

 

[kctyphoon]

Thanks KC....i was thinking that my Husky stuff was complete junk. I am not a professional when it comes to tools. I'm a dad.

i have alot of husky branded items.. more than 1 socket sets.. one however, is at least 15 years old, maybe even older, i honestly dont even remeber when i bought it. its funtion is exclusively to work on the cars and do anything where grease and hammers might be invloved.. i have another set that just for use in the house, that i keep clean, and even another as an emergency set in the car. I've never cracked a socket, or broken a ratchet. the case has seen so much use that the plastic hinge broke and i replaced it with a metal piano hinge. among other brands, i have all the basic husky hand tools and ive never had an issue with them, or needed to swap to a crescent set to get something done. i mean honestly, i still have my first tool set that was made by allied tools, (made in china) which are some of the cheapest, dumbest looking tools ive seen.. they all still work, and 25+ years later they are still in my toolbox.
there is no need to own a $40-$50 pair of pliers, because for people like us, they wont do anything a $9 pair wont..

if you decide you still want US tools, id search your local sears for sockets sets, maybe some are still floating around - or just cruise ebay or craigslist.. i personally dont see a reason to replace hand tools that work fine for you - and youll find many posts/threads on here praising items from harbor frieght, which are some of the cheapest things around.. you just have to do a little research on the items before you buy them.

 

[tomshep]

If it works now, keep using it.

I have had good luck buying off of the forum here, ebay and craigs list. Many items are slightly used or new. My rule is I don't pay over 50% of new.

A lot of the fun is the search!

Tom

 

[kctyphoon]

just some background info:

Husky is a line of hand tools, pneumatic tools, and tool storage products. Though founded in 1924, it is now best known as the house brand of The Home Depot, where it is exclusively sold. Its hand tools are manufactured for Home Depot by Stanley Black & Decker, Western Forge, Apex Tool Group, and Iron Bridge Tools.[1] Its slogan is "The toughest name in tools." Home Depot also carries a higher-end line of tools marked Husky Pro.

Husky hand tools were formerly manufactured exclusively in the United States[2] but are now largely made in China and Taiwan. All Husky hand tools have a lifetime warranty.[3] In the past, Home Depot had a program offering consumers an exchange of their broken Sears Craftsman or other brand of hand tool for a comparable Husky tool at no charge.[2] This program has since been discontinued.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Thanks KC....i was thinking that my Husky stuff was complete junk. I am not a professional when it comes to tools. I'm a dad.

That's a title a million times more important than some flag waving fanboy ******* away money he doesn't even have for tools that cost 5 times what the equivalent is available for
Your Husky stuff should do you fine. Just don't take it to outer space for a reliability test.

 

[volleyball]

Buy American is great but it was america that chose to give up making stuff. We chose to close dirty factories and send mfg overseas and we would all become white collar pencil pushers. That was the american dream. Since then those same have found out it was stupid and short sited and now a slogan is buy american ( because we f**ked up so now we want you to pay for our mistake). I say buy what is good enough for you. American made doesn't mean better. Lots of junk made here.

 

[n8n]

I've had exceptionally poor luck w/ USA Husky sockets but it seems I'm an outlier... broke 2 of them from the same set in 10 years of light use. If I buy new sockets now they're SK; Williams black handles for screwdrivers, and Wright for combination wrenches. Those seem like the best values w/ pro level quality out there.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

 

[dnschmidt]

My definition of junk is stuff that fails. Has any of your "junk" failed? If a tool doesn't do what it's designed to do then it's "junk". If it works it's doing what it's suppose to do. The name on the tool or the COO doesn't define what is "junk."

 

[whitetrash1]

My definition of junk is stuff that fails. Has any of your "junk" failed? If a tool doesn't do what it's designed to do then it's "junk". If it works it's doing what it's suppose to do. The name on the tool or the COO doesn't define what is "junk."

This. Ive got a 200~ piece craftsman set that has more than earned its keep. A friend of mine gives me a little grief that I've had to replace a couple sockets under warranty while his blue point set has had no issues. I happily point out my set doesn't have an inch of dust on in the garage, it actually gets used.

 

[Gojeremy]

Thanks Trony. So i will take your guys' advice and just keep what i have and if something breaks, then try to replace with U.S.A if possible. Thanks guys.

 

[McFarmer]

Go to HJE site and get things from their close out section.

Epsteins

 

[n8n]

Thanks Trony. So i will take your guys' advice and just keep what i have and if something breaks, then try to replace with U.S.A if possible. Thanks guys.

Sure, unless you think that "better" tools will help you work better/faster/whatever.

I will say that being a stickler for quality makes a difference though. e.g. the other day I was trying to replace a busted spring in a drum brake assembly without disassembling the whole thing so I had to stretch it pretty tight. First pair of pliers I grabbed was some "Pittsburgh" slip joints, damn near put my eye out when they slipped. Then I tried some similar Snap-On ones out of my friend's cart, those you'll be shocked to hear worked fine Same operator, same technique, etc.

So while yes you can do good work with "OK" tools, it's also a bit of an eye opener how much good tools can help you when you're used to working with "OK" ones, if that makes any sense whatsoever.

 

[Gojeremy]

None of my stuff has failed and i have bought the Husky Pro line but i definitely want a U.S. made bench grinder though.

 

[Gojeremy]

Unrelated question but i notice when i post comments that the writing is kinda small and when others post it is larger and easier to read...how do i fix that?

 

[exmaxima1]

Sk makes some fantastic made in the usa tools still. Also check out Wilde and much of the craftsman stuff that is still made in the us (mostly the things made by Western Forge) are still good.

This got me thinking---who is Western Forge? A quick search revealed they are the oem for many brands, including some Williams and Proto tools, as well as CM. Most surprising is that they make the adjustable wrenches for them all!

 

[ChrisPace]

I would recommend one Snap On product, one single purchase, get a set of Snap On (or Williams) screwdrivers with the tray and make that your first USA purchase. I did that 30 years ago and I have never regretted it, still have them.

 

[coleman10]

None of my stuff has failed and i have bought the Husky Pro line but i definitely want a U.S. made bench grinder though.

I think you'll be hitting Craigslist for this requirement.

Anyone know of any new, US made bench grinders? I don't think this exists anymore.

 

[Davefr]

I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish. If you're breaking low quality tools then replace them with higher quality right away.

If your tools are doing the job but you just take pride in higher quality then shop good used or when there are killer promotions that include quality name brands. (like Proto when Zoro has a flash sale).

There is no one "best" brand. Do research and pick the best brand for that particular item. A wide mix of brands will yield best quality and value.

None of my stuff has failed and i have bought the Husky Pro line but i definitely want a U.S. made bench grinder though.

Baldor if you want new. Many brands if you're willing to go used.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Husky are good tools for the money, and fine for homeowner use. I agree with others, if you want to switch over some of your tools to USA-made, you can't beat garage sales and craigslist for used tool deals. Your money will go further buying used at first. (and you can try out a tool brand before deciding to purchase it new). I usually replace tools that are getting worn out first (like screwdrivers) with higher-quality items.

You just need to know what USA made tool brands to look for, and GJ is a great source of information on tool manufacturers and quality.
What Davefr said... "There is no one "best" brand. Do research and pick the best brand for that particular item. A wide mix of brands will yield best quality and value." I couldn't agree more.

 

[Farmall450]

+? On the US made cman or Channellock pliers.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

You guys have Menards in MN right? Start there.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I've had exceptionally poor luck w/ USA Husky sockets but it seems I'm an outlier... broke 2 of them from the same set in 10 years of light use. If I buy new sockets now they're SK; Williams black handles for screwdrivers, and Wright for combination wrenches. Those seem like the best values w/ pro level quality out there.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

Not sure what you are doing with your sockets that they are breaking, probably just some duds. I have never ever broken a socket, even cheap ones.

 

[Gojeremy]

Just to be clear, none of my tools have broke and they have done all the jobs i have needed them to do. But they are made in China. I was under the impression, from this forum, that China tools won't last like U.S tools. I'm just a home DIYer but i want my tools to last quite a while obviously, so that is why i was going to make the switch. A lot of you guys have made some real valid points on why i should just keep what i have, for now, and buy U.S made when the need arises for a new tool or tools and that is what I'm going to do. I appreciate your guys' opinions. I've been searching Craigslist for a bench grinder but no luck so far.

 

[reader2580]

I try to buy Made in the USA as much as I can. It isn't that the tools are necessarily better, but I feel better about keeping jobs here in America. There are some times it just doesn't make sense to pay $75 for an American tool when I can buy a $15 tool that works just as well and I might only use once or twice.

There are some things I can't seem to find Made in the USA at pretty much any price. I bought a folding step stool last week and couldn't seem to find anything Made in the USA that was metal. There are lots of wooden stools

I'm new to GJ and don't have a huge tool collection. My Craftsman wrenches and sockets don't owe me anything from the amount of use they have had and none have broke. I have done tons of work on my converted bus with these tools.

 

[McFarmer]

Just to be clear, none of my tools have broke and they have done all the jobs i have needed them to do. But they are made in China. I was under the impression, from this forum, that China tools won't last like U.S tools. I'm just a home DIYer but i want my tools to last quite a while obviously, so that is why i was going to make the switch. A lot of you guys have made some real valid points on why i should just keep what i have, for now, and buy U.S made when the need arises for a new tool or tools and that is what I'm going to do. I appreciate your guys' opinions. I've been searching Craigslist for a bench grinder but no luck so far.

Part of DIY work is the enjoyment you get. If handling USA made tools adds to that, go for it.

It's fun to look for used tools that fit your need. No need for new Snap-on in your situation. My two cents.

 

[txdude87]

If you want to replace your sockets, go look on ebay for the NOS craftsman usa sockets. I just bought 17 3/8" drive metric sockets brand new unused for ~20 to my front door. The usa made craftsman sockets have been so good to me that even with 8 ft cheater bars I haven't broken one!

Then search for used snap on ratchets and buy those williams screwdrivers.

By the way I think you would not regret investing in any german engineered tools either.

 

[n8n]

Not sure what you are doing with your sockets that they are breaking, probably just some duds. I have never ever broken a socket, even cheap ones.

One just split taking off a lug bolt on my car that had been torqued by me to ~88 ft-lb not that long before. Another I found starting to split at the same time when I examined them closely. They'd never been abused to my knowledge. I replaced them with a set of SKs and gave the unbroken ones to my roommate. I've used mostly USA Cman either purchased new by me in the mid-late '90s or by my grandfather years before, or hand me down/used/pawn shop c'man, SK, whatever I could find that was USA made without issue. Really, it's only the one set of Huskys that left a bad taste in my mouth like I didn't get my money's worth. I'm guessing that I did get a bad set because I've seen mention by others that they'd got good service out of theirs. Only other socket I remember warrantying that wasn't ancient was a Taiwan Kobalt 13mm 12 point that someone with Fists of Ham had borrowed and completely barfed up.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Just to be clear, none of my tools have broke and they have done all the jobs i have needed them to do. But they are made in China. I was under the impression, from this forum, that China tools won't last like U.S tools. I'm just a home DIYer but i want my tools to last quite a while obviously, so that is why i was going to make the switch. A lot of you guys have made some real valid points on why i should just keep what i have, for now, and buy U.S made when the need arises for a new tool or tools and that is what I'm going to do. I appreciate your guys' opinions. I've been searching Craigslist for a bench grinder but no luck so far.

A majority of my US-made tools are well over 10 years old, and holding up well considering the use and abuse I put them through. You do get what you pay for when it comes to a quality tool brand compared to cheap (country of origin a separate consideration).
Disclaimer: I'm no longer a professional wrench-turner though, so my stuff doesn't get the daily abuse of a working mechanic like it used to. Other members use their tools for their trade, and they want them to last.

The steel used to make tools also makes a difference in tool life/longevity.

 

[boiler7904]

I wouldn't buy new tools just for the sake of buying new tools if what you have is working. Spend that money on stuff you don't have currently have but have a need for. If you've borrowed or rented it more than once you need to look at buying it.

Like others have said, there are plenty of good brands that aren't USA but I try to avoid Chinese stuff and buy as many USA tools as I can. As a homeowner, over the last couple of years I've been bargain-hunting and my go to brands have become:

Klein - Electrical tools, screwdrivers, pliers
Knipex - pliers (Lowes clearance and online sales)
Gearwrench - stubby wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, extra socket set (all at deep discounts - thanks Menards and Home Depot clearances)
SK - socket sets (Epstein / SK Day)
Ridgid - pipe wrenches and plumbing tools

I have some USA Craftsman stuff (sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches) but it's hard to buy them from Sears given the offshoring and reduced quality of the product, Sears' financial state, and the fact that their are better options at a similar or slightly higher price point.

Power tools are a mix of Bosch, Dewalt, Dremel, Fein, Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee, Porter and Cable - basically whatever seems best for the task at hand at the right price.

I try to keep a running list of things I want to buy or upgrade so that when I see things on sale, I know what I want to buy without wasting money.

 

[erty67]

I am a huge fan of this forum and you have all convinced me, from several threads, that U.S.A is the way to go. Please give me a little direction. Thanks everyone.

I love this site and hate this site. This is why. Thanks to those of you that have encouraged him to keep using his Husky stuff. No need to waste money if the tools are working for you. Husky (and other imported tools) are fine for the average DIYer.