US made drill and c-clamp recommendations

[kyoung]

First a small rant.....
I went to Lowe's last night to pick-up a 1/2" electric drill and some c-clamps. I looked over all the drills and the c-clamps, NOT ONE was made in the USA. I admit that in the past this probably would not have bothered me and I would have bought the dewalt, milwaukee or bosch (these three were made in places similar to mexico, switzerland or china) but recently I have become anti-foreign on my purchases.

Can anyone recommend a US made electric drill and c-clamps? THANKS!!!

I am e-mailing lowe's and telling them of my displeasure with them for not stocking more US products. They probably do not care though.

 

[Uncle Buck]

No idea about the drill, but I hope Jorgenson C-clamps are still USA made, Armstrong used to also produce great C-clamps as well. For some reason I am thinking Williams and Proto at one time also made C-clamps but I could be wrong on them. A few years back I bought a bunch of Sraftsman 6" C-clamps when they were still marked USA. I almost forgot a brand Cinncinatti, I have no idea as to country of origin for them today though.

 

[Stuey]

I *believe* an older Milwaukee Magnum model is still made in the US.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000223HF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

There's nothing wrong with Bosch being made in Switzerland, if you could afford it.

Emailing Lowes won't solve anything, it's not their fault that manufacturers are producing nearly everything overseas these days. If Lowes stocked more US-made products and less imports, everyone would start going to Home Depot and Sears for lower prices.

For C-clamps, just get whatever they carry - would you rather have eight decently performing import clamps from a reputable brand, or one clamp that's made in the US? If you REALLY want US-made C-clamps, your best bet would be to buy some used.

The higher end Milwaukee that Lowes and HD carry *might* be made in the US, but it's hard to say. If you order the one I linked you to from Amazon and find that it's not made in the US, then they will likely pay for return shipping depending on why you tell them you want to return it.

Again, if you can find a Bosch that's made in Switzerland, the quality should be almost as good as a made in US tool.

 

[MAD]

We have some Makita and Porter Cable power tools at work that were purchased in recent years that were made in USA. I don't know if they still make some here or not. If you have a locally owned lumber yard/hardware store nearby you should give them a call. The ones around here that cater mostly to professional contractors will often have a much better selection of the higher end power tools than the box stores.

 

[wilbilt]

For C-clamps, look at you local Ace Hardware. The store here carries "no-name" USA versions.

If you want something heavy-duty, look for some Wiltons like these:
http://www.movingriggingsupplies.com/catalog/clamps/domestic.html

I bought my US-made Milwaukee drill from a pawn shop ($35).

 

[eschoendorff]

If you really want old-school American made clamps, wander over this way:

http://www.harryepstein.com/clamps-main.htm

As for an American-made drill, go to a pawn shop. You will find older American made stuff relatively cheap....

 

[DavidtheDuke]

I *believe* an older Milwaukee Magnum model is still made in the US.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000223HF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Technical Details

* Amps: 5-1/2
* Watts: 630
* Volts: 120
* No Load Speed: 0 to 850 rpm
* Chuck Capacity: 1/2 in.
* Torque Rating: N/A
* Cord Type: 3-prong, rubber
* Cord Length: 8 ft.
* Bearing Type: Ball and roller
* Gear Type: Helical, dual gear reduction
* Speed Ranges: One
* Grade: Professional
* Country of Manufacture: USA

Says USA! I thought all electric and cordless went overseas at least ten years ago.

 

[Kevin54]

Not much you can buy anymore that is made in the good 'ole US of A. But if I HAVE to buy something that is not made in the US, I will look for something made in Germany, etc. Not in the land of Chow Ho Fat.

 

[wilbilt]

Not in the land of Chow Ho Fat.

Mmmmm...sounds yummy.

 

[billymade]

The craftsman clamps are still made in USA and I have had pretty good luck with them; this link on page #2 has the Craftsman but they also have higher end ones such as Armstrong and SK as well! If you are willing to spend the dough, the SK ones look good, made in USA and have lifetime warranty. Their design looks similar to those old 50's era clamps you run into out at the flea markets; they look like the real deal (the Armstrong looks good too)! Drill-wise, that might be a tough one; DeWalt was or is made with USA parts but people seem to say many times are "assembled" in a foreign country; this may have changed recently, however. Good luck! http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?vName=Tools&keyword=c+clamps&sLevel=0

 

[eschoendorff]

Beware of "made in USA" packaging... I was looking at a starter solenoid for a garden tractor at NAPA yesterday. The package clearly stated "Made in USA," but you could clearly see the part and it was labeled "Made in China."

Caveat Emptor...

 

[hamburglar]

....................

 

[kyoung]

I went and looked at the Northern Tool and Equipment website and it lists several drills which are made in the US. Mainly milwaukee and makita. I like this one..

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200108124_200108124

 

[jniolon]

Not much you can buy anymore that is made in the good 'ole US of A. But if I HAVE to buy something that is not made in the US, I will look for something made in Germany, etc. Not in the land of Chow Ho Fat.

Kevin

NOW YOU'VE DONE IT

you said "HO" You just can go around dissin those people. Aw ****
now I've done it.... I said those people... we're all in trouble now

john

 

[jniolon]

I've got some M.I.T.U.S.A. clamps

Proto - 12" H.D. clamps

but the shipping will kill ya

http://bham.craigslist.org/tls/618795509.html

john