Total sham at Sears today....

[ramairthree]

got there when they opened.

The 50% off mechanics tool set- not a single one in stock. Not sold out mind you, just not a one in stock.

Screwdriver set 50% off, not a single one in stock. Again, not sold out. I got there when they opened. Just they did not have any.

Other mechanics set on sale, oh wait, that was Wednesday, not today. And sold all four of them they had.

Craftsman 50$ stool- all on hold, no more in stock

empty 10$ tool box, got a ton of those.

Made in China super cheap 50% off toolset, sure, got ONE of those. I checked it out. Same quality as some set I got to throw in the trunk of an old car from Home Depot or something because I got a giftcard for a present there. Kind of thing you trash with a few uses.

No Craftsman racheting wrenches on sale,
"but how about these 50% off Gearwrench ones,
flexible head, made in the USA lifetime warranty"

Because of a wrist injury / surgery leaving me with about 30% range of motion and strength in my main hand, I got them- even though before this I never thought I would need that type of wrench. I always just turned my wrist into a pretzel or got imaginative with extensions on a socket.
You know the deal, like in the old Two Lane Blacktop movie when he is changing spark plugs between a hot set of headers. How many other movies do you see a guy go into a store and get a rebuild kit for a Quadrajet! Alright, let me focus again.

I get them home-
NOT made in the USA. Made in China.

Had to go to Lowes later- same wrenches at regular price only 10$ more than the sets at Sears. 50% off my ****.

Come on man,
I grew up with Sears. Great warranty on Craftsman and best quality at that price. Unless you went with SnapOn making stops at the garage, it was the best stuff you could run out and buy.

Last sale at Sears I thought I got a good deal on a set.
NOT the same quality, despite being made in the USA, as 20 year or more older Crastmans stuff I have.

Anyways, I want Sears to stay and business and for those jobs making tools to stay in the USA. But about one out of three guys I saw in there were leaving the store PO'd and buying nothing. I may still be willing to spend a little more there for a torque wrench or set of jumbo wrenches than you do walking into a harborfreight, northern tool, or shopping online or whatever, but each day like today makes it less so.

It's sort of like buying good NewBalance running shoes. You spend a little over a hundred bucks on some running shoes made in the USA. And most of that cost went into making the shoe. You spend the same on a pair of Nikes, and little went into the cost of making the shoe in Asia, but a lot went into millions of dollars of advertising, felon athlete deals/sponsorship, etc. So you are happy to buy the NewBalance. But if NewBalance started making their shoes in the same factories in Asia, scammiing you on "sales", etc. would you stick with them?

Anyways, if your Sears actually had most of the items on sale today, I stand corrected. I am also cool with only having a small stock of doorbusters getting sold out. But when the salesman says he has never seen the set in the paper, something is up.

 

[nismomans13]

everyone always ******* about sears but i've never had a problem. If you don't like made in china tools than buy from a truck and spend 3 months salary on a set of sockets.

 

[The Rider]

I get them home-
NOT made in the USA. Made in China.

Fyi those words on the packaging that say "Made in China", those mean the contents are made in China.

Don't criticize Sears because you couldn't be bothered to check out what you bought.

 

[Red Green]

Well the OP has only been on this board for a month. It's not like Sears advertises that the stuff is made in China.

I was in the local Sears the other day buying a few Flare wrenches to fill out my set while I could get USA ones and the cashier said the set is on sale for the same amount as you are paying for the individuals. I politely told her that I had no intrest in wrenches from China and she said "What?" I said these are american made ones that match the other american ones I have and if I can help it I won't buy anything made in China. She said that she didn't know the new wreches are from China.

 

[heathkiks]

Because of lack of service and inventory it seems like every time I go to Sears anymore I leave flustered and frustrated. I keep giving them a chance because I'm not a fan of other box stores and can't afford the truck tools, but they are forcing me to go elsewhere.

 

[Tom2]

Well the OP has only been on this board for a month. It's not like Sears advertises that the stuff is made in China.

I was in the local Sears the other day buying a few Flare wrenches to fill out my set while I could get USA ones and the cashier said the set is on sale for the same amount as you are paying for the individuals. I politely told her that I had no intrest in wrenches from China and she said "What?" I said these are american made ones that match the other american ones I have and if I can help it I won't buy anything made in China. She said that she didn't know the new wreches are from China.

The bottom line is sadly that the vast majority of people don't know or care. As long as the price is cheap - doesn't matter if it lasts long. Were such a throw away society today...Very wasteful.


Really tough for a heavy user hobbyist / DIYer to find quality tools now that fit well and lasts a long time - that don't cost an insane amount.

 

[blown94conv]

everyone always ******* about sears but i've never had a problem. If you don't like made in china tools than buy from a truck and spend 3 months salary on a set of sockets.

If 3 months of salary for you equals $220, you need to another career.

 

[Red Green]

The bottom line is sadly that the vast majority of people don't know or care. As long as the price is cheap - doesn't matter if it lasts long. Were such a throw away society today...Very wasteful.


Really tough for a heavy user hobbyist / DIYer to find quality tools now that fit well and lasts a long time - that don't cost an insane amount.

I agree completely this summer I found a toro snowblower by a guys garbage can with the plug in cord for the electric start. I took it home and it fired right up. I ordered a new belt and $10 later my dad has a "new" used snowblower.

 

[ramairthree]

Fyi those words on the packaging that say "Made in China", those mean the contents are made in China.

Don't criticize Sears because you couldn't be bothered to check out what you bought.

What are you, like two?

You have never been in a hurry with limtied time to run errands, buy Christmas presents, drop off kids, etc. during business hours?

The salesman told me they were USA made. You decree that I cannot criticize a salesman for lying?

I have already criticized myself for not double checking. I don't like that I was lied to. I am taking them back. It is wasted time. I work more than twice the "standard" 40 hour week and am away from home a lot. I do not like my time wasted.

I'm glad you had so much to add to the post. Something along the lines of "gearworks is a Chinese brand" would be more helpful.

 

[gatewaysysop]

She said that she didn't know the new wreches are from China.

I can beat that. I'm standing by the sockets, Sears employee who regularly works the tool section (seen her there before) comes over with a customer. He wants an 18MM spark plug socket. She is literally standing right in front of the single on the rack and not 3 feet from the 4-piece set that also includes the same socket. She takes a cursory look, sees nothing and tells the customer,

"Looks like Sears doesn't make one of those," to which he responds, "Oh, that's... interesting."

I was gonna point it out but he walked off with her kind of in a huff and I didn't feel like chasing after him for those idiots to make a sale.

Unreal.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

Get used to china tools... if it isn't made there now, it is only a matter of time. Not all china tools are bad, Gearwrench tools are pretty good quality and have top notch fit and finish. I know it is sad but you have to evolve or get left behind. Or you could spend 300 dollars for Snap-on wrench set. How much is it worth to you?

 

[ramairthree]

everyone always ******* about sears but i've never had a problem. If you don't like made in china tools than buy from a truck and spend 3 months salary on a set of sockets.

Yes, I don't like to buy made in China tools.

Your post adds what to the information?

Tell us where a Sears is you have great luck at,
or name some items that are a good deal from Craftsman.
That would be useful.

Like this tidbit that is useful-
A buddy bought one of those "Craftsman" stools at 50% off at another Sears.
It is also made in China. It is made of a super light tube steel that is not long for this world with significant use.

 

[The Rider]

What are you, like two?

You have never been in a hurry with limtied time to run errands, buy Christmas presents, drop off kids, etc. during business hours?

The salesman told me they were USA made. You decree that I cannot criticize a salesman for lying?

I have already criticized myself for not double checking. I don't like that I was lied to. I am taking them back. It is wasted time. I work more than twice the "standard" 40 hour week and am away from home a lot. I do not like my time wasted.

I'm glad you had so much to add to the post. Something along the lines of "gearworks is a Chinese brand" would be more helpful.

I apologize if I came across a little strong.

My point is that if you are as committed to buying American as much as you claim to be, then double checking items before you buy them is a good policy, other wise you need to get used to wasting yet more of your time.

Anyway, fwiw Gearwrench make excellent tools. Give them a try. You may not need to waste as much time as you thought

 

[Hiball]

Sweet....Just what i was wanting for Christmas, Another thread that turns into USA vs China.

 

[old salvage]

 

[ramairthree]

Get used to china tools... if it isn't made there now, it is only a matter of time. Not all china tools are bad, Gearwrench tools are pretty good quality and have top notch fit and finish. I know it is sad but you have to evolve or get left behind. Or you could spend 300 dollars for Snap-on wrench set. How much is it worth to you?

This is useful. I don't know the Gearwrench reputation.
I am still kind of mad at the salemans and kicking myself in the **** for not checking.


Specifically, I like to spend as much as it takes to max out the quality to cost ratio and not get into the point of diminishing returns.

How many times have you gotten something that seemed like a deal, then ended up having to spend more because it was not a deal, it was a cheap/poor quality product that was not worth what you paid for it.

I have heard it explained along the lines of:
A 15,000$ Dodge Neon is a piece of ****, if you buy a 25,000$ Camry you get a car that is twice as good, but the 50,000$ BMW is not twice as good as the Camry, it's only half again as good. And the 125,000$ Mercedes is not five times the car the Camry is. Get the Camry if price is an issue. If you can find a 35,000$ car that is half again as good as the 25,000$ Camry- you are getting close to maxing the price to quality ratio.

I may have the car models and $$ amounts messed up, but it has been proven to me several times where I thought I got a deal on a scope, binoculars, some tool I thought I would only need once and bought cheap, etc.

I may not want to pay three times as much for a US made set as a Chinese set, but if none of us are not willing to pay any premium at all more for US made stuff, this is not going to be a very pretty country in another few decades.

The only thing that could end up worse for America in my opinion than us all buying the cheapest possible low quality Chinese stuff,
is if they get their quality on par with some Japanese items, and meet or exceed the quality of any US made stuff, at prices US made could never come close to. If that happens there will be nothing manufactued here anymore. I don't know what Americans would do for a living then. I got a buddy building decks at prices he can barely put food on the table and he is a straight up carpenter that built houses.

Hell, my last new American car was made in Canada and the engine in Mexcio. My wifes "Japanese" car was made in the US.

 

[ramairthree]

I apologize if I came across a little strong.

My point is that if you are as committed to buying American as much as you claim to be, then double checking items before you buy them is a good policy, other wise you need to get used to wasting yet more of your time.

Anyway, fwiw Gearwrench make excellent tools. Give them a try. You may not need to waste as much time as you thought

Thanks, point taken. Like I said, I am a little mad at myself too.

 

[ramairthree]

Sweet....Just what i was wanting for Christmas, Another thread that turns into USA vs China.

Sorry, not trying to do that.

More specifically let's call it a "you thought you were buying US but not" or "What companies are supposed to be US made but are not" thread.

If you wanted an AK rifle, it was not too long ago you had to buy Chinese or European. So I have to admit, there are things not always made to buy in the US vs. another country.

Given a choice, I'll get US made products usually, but do have a limit on how much of a premium I am willing to pay. I have payed about 15% more on some car restoration parts for US made than overseas, but much over 25% more I am not sure I would have unless the US quality was a lot better.

If no one is willing to pay nothing premium for US made, well, at some point those products will not be able to be made in the US anymore.

 

[TN_GARAGE]

gotwhen the salesman says he has never seen the set in the paper, something is up.

I can tell you are pretty particular and passionate about all of this. If so, I'd suggest you try to meet the department manager (or at least a more experienced salesman).

It's not the same, but I can tell you that when I worked at a bank there were definitely gray areas. I can absolutely guarantee you that the bank employees liked helping their "good" customers out (makes for a much more enjoyable day).

 

[William Payne]

Alot of the chinese stuff that is sold down here in New Zealand is quite nice some better then others. I got myself a cheap tool set a while back that suits what I have needed it for. Over time as I can afford it I just buy nicer stuff to add to it or replace it. Unfortunatly unless you have a good paying job you cant be picky down here in new zealand as good as the american stuff is it is either really really expensive or very hard to get or both.

 

[klhitman]

its all about the bottom line!!! do you think they care if the stuff is made here or there. they got you to buy something.

 

[Jeff]

I've seen Sears evolve since the mid-60's, now I see a evolutionary regression. While I think that Craftsman tools definitely have their place in tool boxes, they're not for everyone.

I went to my Sears this passed Black Friday during the afternoon. It just didn't look the same. So many crappy China tool sets and gimmick tools. Although I was there to pick up some clamps I left empty handed.

I remember good times with my Dad walking the tool aisles and learning what each tool was for.

Gone are the days when we said "Honey, my truck is auto-programmed to stop at Sears".

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

It's sort of like buying good NewBalance running shoes. You spend a little over a hundred bucks on some running shoes made in the USA. And most of that cost went into making the shoe. You spend the same on a pair of Nikes, and little went into the cost of making the shoe in Asia, but a lot went into millions of dollars of advertising, felon athlete deals/sponsorship, etc. So you are happy to buy the NewBalance. But if NewBalance started making their shoes in the same factories in Asia, scammiing you on "sales", etc. would you stick with them?

Man, I hate to rain on your rant, but Ive got to point out, that Ive never seen a pair of New Balance shoes that where USA Made. Ive got 3 pair around the house at this moment that are all ROC. Ive been wearing their shoes for years, not because I'm athletic in any way, but I have 13EEEE feet. Shoes are hard to come by for me. I also have 3 pairs of Dunham boots and one pair of dunham shoes, which is owned by New Balance, and they are all also ROC... I know, its a sad day, and it ain't getting any better. If they used to make them here, they have sold out like all the rest, and the ones that have not, just didnt get around to yet......

 

[Hiball]

Man, I hate to rain on your rant, but Ive got to point out, that Ive never seen a pair of New Balance shoes that where USA Made. Ive got 3 pair around the house at this moment that are all ROC. Ive been wearing their shoes for years, not because I'm athletic in any way, but I have 13EEEE feet. Shoes are hard to come by for me. I also have 3 pairs of Dunham boots and one pair of dunham shoes, which is owned by New Balance, and they are all also ROC... I know, its a sad day, and it ain't getting any better. If they used to make them here, they have sold out like all the rest, and the ones that have not, just didnt get around to yet......

http://www.newbalance.com/usa/

Only 25% of there lineup is Made in the USA according to there Website, I suppose thats better than 0%.

 

[NWphotog]

The only thing that could end up worse for America in my opinion than us all buying the cheapest possible low quality Chinese stuff,
is if they get their quality on par with some Japanese items, and meet or exceed the quality of any US made stuff, at prices US made could never come close to. If that happens there will be nothing manufactued here anymore. I don't know what Americans would do for a living then. I got a buddy building decks at prices he can barely put food on the table and he is a straight up carpenter that built houses.

Hell, my last new American car was made in Canada and the engine in Mexcio. My wifes "Japanese" car was made in the US.

I hate to break it to you but there are quite a few tools made in China/Taiwan/Asia that are equal or better made than many US tools. COO does not dictate quality level. I buy the best quality/value. IF I can get a US made tool I am willing to pay a premium for it IF they are competitive. Am I willing to pay 2x as much for a US made product of only equal quality? Hell no! There are lots of career fields that don't involve manufacturing and foreign companies have proven US workers can compete with overseas workers. US management and to a lesser degree unions are the problem imo.

 

[ramairthree]

you guys are right. The running shoes I buy by New Balance are US made. A lot of their line is not. I have been buying the same model, or line of model rather as it gets updated each few years since the mid 80s and they are made in the US.

I would have to say after thinking about it, the guy did not lie to me on purpose. Probably thought they were US made because of the warranty.

I'm a lot less mad thinking it was an accident than purposely being lied to.

And it would not have taken more than a minute to double check the the two packages when all is said an done. Some of the mad was at myself.


Let's just leave it at me being dissapointed now and not mad.

It was not the fault of the people working in the store that the flyer cover listed today as the start of the sale, but halfway through the flyer paper it discretely changed to items that had been on sale a couple of days ago. Or that they never had some of the items in the store. Or that they just had a couple of some items. They were the ones stuck with the third or so of the mad customers storming out, or the third or so of guys that looked around real quick and just left without buying anything, or like me getting a lot less than planned on. And also not their fault the Sears "50% off" price was just a little less than some stores regular prices.

I thought Whirlpool had factories in several states and that all the Gladiator cabinets I got would be US made, but I may have been wrong there too.

 

[ramairthree]

I hate to break it to you but there are quite a few tools made in China/Taiwan/Asia that are equal or better made than many US tools. COO does not dictate quality level. I buy the best quality/value. IF I can get a US made tool I am willing to pay a premium for it IF they are competitive. Am I willing to pay 2x as much for a US made product of only equal quality? Hell no! There are lots of career fields that don't involve manufacturing and foreign companies have proven US workers can compete with overseas workers. US management and to a lesser degree unions are the problem imo.

I guess that is the current reality and the trend will continue.

I hear you on quality to cost ratio.

I got US made tiles at a 17% or so premium over overseas ones, but the quality was better.

I got a shotgun US made from a local store at a 30% premium over a foreign made one at a chain store, but the quality was better.

I probably would have bought equal quality tiles from the US for the 17% premium, but I would have had a hard time doing a 30% premium for the same quality on the shotgun.

 

[Skin]

New Balance has been skirting the FTC for years [search "New Balance FTC"]. Their shoes are not USA made despite what the tag says. Pretty sure all companies have outsourced production of most if not all their models.

 

[welderwink]

I wonder how many threads on this site rip into china stuff. Not that I support china ****, just wondering. I get annoyed when I notice that almost no carhartt is made in the US, and most red wing boots too. Even a lot of danner boots arent made here. but it is what it is.

 

[ramairthree]

New Balance has been skirting the FTC for years [search "New Balance FTC"]. Their shoes are not USA made despite what the tag says. Pretty sure all companies have outsourced production of most if not all their models.

What do they make at their US factories?

I hope its not just the tag that says "Made in the USA."

I am going to hit the Kentucky bourbon tonight,
some Vermont maple syrup in the mornng,
and anything else I can verify by state now if you can't trust a US tag.

 

[Skin]

I wonder how many threads on this site rip into china stuff. Not that I support china ****, just wondering. I get annoyed when I notice that almost no carhartt is made in the US, and most red wing boots too. Even a lot of danner boots arent made here. but it is what it is.

its what the market demands or just plain consumer ignorance, as a consumer looking for domestic products you just need to do your research. Got a new pair of boots recently myself, Chippewa, i think they literally make about 10 models [if that] in the states still and the rest are china. I was not too happy when i saw the china tag on a $150 pair of Red Wings.

What do they make at their US factories?

I hope its not just the tag that says "Made in the USA."

I am going to hit the Kentucky bourbon tonight,
some Vermont maple syrup in the mornng,
and anything else I can verify by state now if you can't trust a US tag.

From what i gather they basically told the FTC to screw and feel that they can call their products USA made if they feel it has enough domestic content. There use to be a disclaimer on their shoes arguing their stance.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

or name some items that are a good deal from Craftsman.
That would be useful.

I thinks these two items are a very good buy for what you get. Especially if you can get them on sale.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935299000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944048000P?keyword=944048000&sLevel=0&prop17=944048000

 

[welderwink]

I was not too happy when i saw the china tag on a $150 pair of Red Wings.

Exactly. Why is it $150 if its made by some 8 year old girl in the middle of china? I have no problem with $150 for a pair of US made boots.

 

[minitruck_freq]

I went to sears yesterday and picked up a set of craftsman wrenches. The cashier tried to sell me a $5 "1 year free replacement plan" in case I break a wrench. Then got into an argument with him about craftsmans warranty. I paid for my wrenches, told him to castrate himself before he passed his stupid gene to any future kids and walked out.


Some people are dumb.

 

[nw2571]

Exactly. Why is it $150 if its made by some 8 year old girl in the middle of china? I have no problem with $150 for a pair of US made boots.

The cost of manufacturing an item doesn't set the price. The market sets the price. If you don't want to pay $150 for something then don't, but don't blame companies for trying to maximize their profits. That's what they're SUPPOSED to do. Instead, maybe you should invest in these companies?

 

[fflintstone]

I wonder how many threads on this site rip into china stuff. Not that I support china ****, just wondering. I get annoyed when I notice that almost no carhartt is made in the US, and most red wing boots too. Even a lot of danner boots arent made here. but it is what it is.

At least with DANNER you can tell the USA models from the Chinese stuff. The website will say which ones are USA made. Pretty much anything with a molded sole is Chinese and most of the stitch down soles are USA made. Also there is the price point, it is hard to find a USA made DANNER for under $200 retail. (About $250 list) Most of the china **** is under $200.
DANNER’s are awesome boots!!!! I have over a dozen and my wife has a half dozen.

 

[dwm]

For those of you interested in wasting less time with Sears... shop online, select in-store pickup when available. One of the trends at almost all of the Sears stores in the Detroit area... very little quality stuff is on display. Want a Craftsman Premium ratchet? You can order online and pick up at one of the stores in a nicer area (but not at all of the stores... darn demographics), the same day. In stock, but you won't find a single one on display. I've lost track of the number of items I've bought or looked at online where this is the way it works. 'Many' is the best I can guess. The retail space is aimed at the mainstream, and the mainstream tool buyer may not be you. I'm personally just grateful that I can still pick up some good items from the local Sears (ordered online) without incurring large shipping charges. We'll see how long that remains true.

It's just the way things have gone, and I myself prefer to just deal with the trend rather than waste energy on fighting it. Read reviews online, ask for opinions, experiences and suggestions right here on GJ, and shop online. In the end, it's a positive trade-off for me. I don't get to see and touch the tool before buying, but I still make an educated decision, and it's based on a much broader selection and set of experiences than I've ever had in a local Sears. The same is true of Sears' own website; there is a much larger selection of tools on their website than you'd ever see at once on the floor in a store. And thankfully, they appear to not be overly aggressive about censoring reviews.

Occasionally I wind up with a tool on my porch that was less than I expected. That's no different than when I've bought in the store; a polished turd is still a turd. Returns are a little more work, but I don't harbor any fond memories of returns to any store; it's always something I'd rather not be doing. At least nowadays I can ask others all over the world whether or not a given tool's beauty is more than skin deep, and get several answers in less than 12 hours. 30 years ago, I couldn't do that, and my exposure to quality competitors was much more limited. Today it's easy to order very good tools, domestic or imported. I'll take that tradeoff any day of the week.

 

[HuskerMedic]

I was told that even though Sears sells the Gearwrench stuff, they won't warranty it. Is there any truth to that?

My neighborhood Ace Hardware now sells both Craftsman and Gearwrench. Don't know how they handle warranties, though.

I was buying the Ace Hardware store brand stuff up until a few years ago. Then, it got as expensive as Craftsman stuff. I wonder if the store brand will go away now that they carry Craftsman.

 

[PassnThru]

Exactly. Why is it $150 if its made by some 8 year old girl in the middle of china? I have no problem with $150 for a pair of US made boots.

I think the child labor thing is a little overdone these days. Sure - Apple got into a mess not long ago because some 15 year olds were working in a suppliers factory. But not 8 year olds. The overwhelming majority of US companies are extremely sensitive to that issue these days. They know what will happen if they are caught.

 

[PassnThru]

The cost of manufacturing an item doesn't set the price. The market sets the price. If you don't want to pay $150 for something then don't, but don't blame companies for trying to maximize their profits. That's what they're SUPPOSED to do. Instead, maybe you should invest in these companies?

Good point. I would expand it a little further to say that sometimes you have to cut the cost of manufacturing to keep the price point at $150 because that is what your market demands. If the market will not tolerate a price greater than $150, then you have to reduce the cost of manufacturing to continue to offer the product at that price. You cannot rely on people paying a premium for US made.