The USA made conundrum...

[1cargarage]

As much as I can understand the patriotism sentiment, there's a huge difference between being realistic and just plain zealot like. Shite is shite, regardless of where the label says it was made. Same with quality.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Steinmetz]

Phased out completely trying to read through some of the USA made waffle. Not meaning to be tactless, argumentative or such, but what a load of twaddle. I seem to recall a very good vice manufacturer we had over here who was taken over by an American company. They've turned out shite ever since, so as much as I will say you've made some good stuff across there, you're also responsible for some right old shite, the same as any country is. And as to keeping our own in employment, christ, a good percentage of the work force in our countries probably aren't even originally from our countries, yet they come and work because the homegrown populace are either too idle, choosy else expect silly wages to bother doing the menial production work.

As much as I can understand the patriotism sentiment, there's a huge difference between being realistic and just plain zealot like. Shite is shite, regardless of where the label says it was made. Same with quality.

A good portion of your skilled work force left the UK for the United States, and to a lesser extent, Canada, years ago. I've personally known scores of them over the years (both engineers and machinists). A common thread in all cases was somewhat like this: I left because I can make twice as much income in a year in the US.

 

[-Brent-]

As much as I can understand the patriotism sentiment, there's a huge difference between being realistic and just plain zealot like. Shite is shite, regardless of where the label says it was made. Same with quality.

I'd expect and hope that all nationalities have patriotism and support their nation's economy and I wouldn't fault them for it - not one bit.

However, I agree with you, "shite is shite" and like I mentioned previously making a quality product is most important. I have no qualms buying foreign-made quality items but buying "shite" for the sake of being cheap, that bugs me. It bugs me, too, when people buy junk at high-end prices.

As far as the OP's question, it could be posed for any nation. If Knipex moved it's operations away from home and the quality dropped (and prices stayed the same or increased), would you still want your Knipex? Or would you want the lesser quality replacement?

 

[BB Stacker]

I have a set of chisels that were made in Sheffield England that I am very happy with. Good steel that holds a very sharp edge. Those are the chisels that I use to cut out the stars on the flags I make out of reclaimed wood.

 

[tarbellb]

I have a set of chisels that were made in Sheffield England that I am very happy with. Good steel that holds a very sharp edge. Those are the chisels that I use to cut out the stars on the flags I make out of reclaimed wood.

FUNNY, SINCE this threads original posting (2014) ......

your Made in England Marples (I presume) chisels are now made in China iirc.

Those newer units are garbage, I bought some a few years back under the impression they were the og mfg location and returned due to inconsistencies.

 

[The Fall]

My dad was shipped to Vietnam, went through hell, and the only thing he knew how to do when he got back was make cabinets. That's what he did for 45 years. Luckily, he did custom work and you couldn't easily outsource his job. That's why I buy USA-made tools. It doesn't hurt that we still make outstanding tools. It's a personal thing combined with a penchant for high-end tools.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I try to buy mostly USA made tools especially if I will use the tool often. Even the tools that ride around in my truck tool box are USA made tools I bought used. There are exceptions though. When Gearwrench was 50% off at Advanced I bought several socket sets, usually less than a dollar a socket. That's cheaper than buying used at the flea market. Also, if I know the tool will have a hard life or likely to get lost (like when riding in a tractor) I fill that toolbox with Harbor Freight quality tools.

I buy USA tools because they're usually better quality and I like supporting American companies and workers. If I can't buy USA tools my next option is anything not made in China.

 

[AmericanMechanic]

I suppose most folks either aren't paying attention or just don't care, but when China has made it clear they want to take over the world (which would mean a destruction of the USA and freedom and prosperity as we know it), how anyone can happily buy Chinese products on a regular basis, i don't understand.

 

[nieuport17]

How did u guys dig up a 5 year old thread?
I mean we have “made in USA” thread every other day here.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

It worth while to read the tone of the 5 year old postings and the current ones. The Taiwanese gets more respect now.

 

[four.cycle]

I prefer US made tools for working on my wayback machine.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

It worth while to read the tone of the 5 year old postings and the current ones. The Taiwanese gets more respect now.

Yup, that's how you gotta do it. Make a decent product long enough and eventually you should make headway.


At one point USA manufacturing was just a bunch of uppity colonists; we've progressed since then.



EDIT: The "anti imported ratchets" is also amusing. As though a craftsman ratchet is some great standard of quality and strength. Objectively speaking, I would say a $9.99 HF composite ratchet is much superior to that raised panel USA knuckle breaker that came in the socket set I got when I was 16.

Person breaks a USA ratchet, is given imported replacement. They assume the import is worse than the product that literally just broke, so they put it aside and acquire another of the ratchet which just broke?

 

[lardy1]

I love apples to oranges comparisons.

 

[LRBroome]

Without bragging I venture to say that few are more proud of their American heritage than myself. With that being said I I try to buy American made everything... From clothes to everyday household items and especially tools. That's just me and how I wish to spend my money. However, It gets more and more difficult with every purchase. Just based on availability alone with no regard to the expense.

Back to the point of this thread, TOOLS! I would pay much more for a quality American made tool. I'm not bias to any brand, but I am bias to quality and with quality comes price. Even still I prefer the German Knipex pliers over any other brand I have used.

In the end it's your money, spend it how you see fit.

 

[Two Speed]

How did u guys dig up a 5 year old thread?

When you are going through pages of threads, opening up in new tabs threads that may be interesting, and you gotta admit, 'The USA made Conundrum' is a timeless thread title, you read it, you respond to it. No reason an ancient thread can't be brought back to life, with some luck, it'll spurn some related further discussion rather than you and I going off on a tangent. =-)

On Topic: Makes little difference to me where a tool comes from, I just want a tool that is going to survive and is properly manufactured.

Alex.