USA made ratcheting screwdrivers?

[Dzmax77]

Hi, Im new to the forum. I posted this thread in the garage sale thread and shouldn’t have.

Anyway, aside from the SnapOn/Williams ratcheting screwdrivers, are there any other brands made in the USA? Ever since Armstrong, Danaher, Western Forge and other tool manufacturers closed and ceased US production, it left SnapOn as the only company making them.

I know MegaPro has a very nice one thats also rebranded for Channellock, but I believe those are made in Canada while the other MegaPro drivers are made in the US.

I purchased the last remaining NOS Armstrong ratcheting screwdrivers, both long and stubby, from cripes. If there are other NOS made in the US, I’d like to buy them.

Thanks!

 

[BTJHP]

Chapman bit drivers are USA but I can't think of anything else

 

[Lesserstore]

Proto offers a 5 and an 11 piece set with a gearless ratcheting screwdriver that is made in the USA.
11 piece model number: J9322
5 piece: J9320

 

[Dzmax77]

Yes, thats more of a bit ratchet wrench.

Sad that we don’t have more than 1 option on something so basic. Snap On’s the only game in town, and at $70+ a pop, or the Williams version at $35, it’s a pricey option.

I refuse to buy anything by Gearwrench after what Bain and Apex did to Armstrong and Allen. Other Taiwanese & Chinese offerings from Tekton, Craftsman, Klein and these other outfits that just rebrand the same stuff, don’t have the same quality. So I guess if its not Snap On, it’s either Canadian, Japanese or German for me.

 

[BTJHP]

Agree 100% with no Apex/Bain for me either. Perhaps Wiha will come out with more than just the 6 in 1 and 11 in 1 USA screwdrivers.

 

[Dzmax77]

Proto! Nice! Its ugly but at least its American. Thanks!

Looks like it costs $50-60; do they make a Blackhawk version?

Why doesn’t Stanley make an affordable option for the DIY, non-pro that doesn’t mind spending a bit more for USA made?

 

[BTJHP]

Proto offers a 5 and an 11 piece set with a gearless ratcheting screwdriver that is made in the USA.
11 piece model number: J9322
5 piece: J9320

Do you have experience with the Proto?

Any better than my Megapro or Rolgear?

 

[Dzmax77]

I give SnapOn credit for making the Williams version at half the price. Even though Taiwanese and Chinese offers ones that are half the cost of the Williams, spending another $15-20 for American made won’t break the bank. But when pricing vary into a price point that depending on the $ range is over 100%, like $20 vs $40, I’ll take the US $40 option, but when the domestic option is $70, $50 price difference is a lot. If that made any sense...

 

[Dzmax77]

On the topic of Armstrong, Western Forge, Allen, ect., what ever happened to the facilities and the tooling in those plants?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I read online the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver was USA made but could be wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Lesserstore]

Do you have experience with the Proto?

Any better than my Megapro or Rolgear?

No, I remembered that I had thought about buying it before I decided that I didn't need it

 

[measuredtwice]

You can get the Williams for cheaper than $35 if you buy from Zoro with a 20% off coupon.

The Williams is also sold as CAT, Case IH, and New Holland.

CAT 9U-7291
Case IH SC80005
New Holland SN80005

The Craftsman 41796 is marked made in USA. It is an old (outdated version?) MegaPro. I don't have one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203249111619

I do have the MegaPro Automotive. Driver made in Canada, bits made in Taiwan. The bit storage is excellent. They are the patent holder but the patent is too old to enforce and lots of companies are copying them now. The storage closes with a strong magnet (not fragile latches used by some of the clones). The bit storage on the MegaPro automotive is the best that I've seen. Replace the cheap bits with better ones.

I also have the Snap-On. The grip and the ratcheting mechanism of the Snap-On is my favorite.

 

[Dzmax77]

I read online the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver was USA made but could be wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

I cant reply or send messages until after 10
Posts so thanks for the heads up.

Maybe its made here and there. Do you like your MegaPro?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I cant reply or send messages until after 10

Posts so thanks for the heads up.



Maybe its made here and there. Do you like your MegaPro?

No problem. Always happy to help a new member out you weren’t the only one who had done that so don’t sweat it or anything I just wanted to make sure you knew that is why you weren’t getting any replies. Yep it was great many of my coworkers have them too. I say was because mine was stolen when my box got broken into at work. Some of them are rebranded Megapro too so that maybe something to look at. The tips I had no issues with not sure if they were USA or not.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Dzmax77]

You can get the Williams for cheaper than $35 if you buy from Zoro with a 20% off coupon.

The Williams is also sold as CAT, Case IH, and New Holland.

CAT 9U-7291
Case IH SC80005
New Holland SN80005

The Craftsman 41796 is marked made in USA. It is an old (outdated version?) MegaPro. I don't have one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203249111619

I do have the MegaPro Automotive. Driver made in Canada, bits made in Taiwan. The bit storage is excellent. They are the patent holder but the patent is too old to enforce and lots of companies are copying them now. The storage closes with a strong magnet (not fragile latches used by some of the clones). The bit storage on the MegaPro automotive is the best that I've seen. Replace the cheap bits with better ones.

I also have the Snap-On. The grip and the ratcheting mechanism of the Snap-On is my favorite.

I actually have that! I didn’t realize it was MegaPro, but it makes sense. I also have another Craftsman like that but its not a ratcheting one. I prefer my Williams as well.

Are there any US bit makers aside from Montana Brands and Vermont that makes reasonably priced bits?

 

[BTJHP]

By the way, I think that some of the smaller Megapro ratcheting models are made in Taiwan. I have a compact one that is black and red and has a stainless shaft that isn't marked made in Canada like the standard large size Megapro.

 

[BTJHP]

Here's the compact Megapro. The description on Amazon says "Made in USA"

 

[Lesserstore]

I actually have that! I didn’t realize it was MegaPro, but it makes sense. I also have another Craftsman like that but its not a ratcheting one. I prefer my Williams as well.

Are there any US bit makers aside from Montana Brands and Vermont that makes reasonably priced bits?

Ideal has this 32 piece set with screwdriver at Lowe's for $24. I do have this set and the bits are pretty good and the screwdriver is good however, it's not ratcheting, and the quick release can get in the way of you are in a tight area.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-32-Bit-Quick-Change-Screwdriver/1002956424

 

[glenng]

Here's the compact Megapro. The description on Amazon says "Made in USA"

I bought the compact megapro ratcheting when it first came out in late 2011. I'm pretty sure it was made in Asia, I think Taiwan. Could have changed since then, that is all I know about it.

And I think the Megapro bits from that time period were also from Taiwan, if I recall correctly.

 

[glenng]

Also, I think the old style Klein ratcheting screwdrivers are USA made as well. Someone please correct me if wrong. This is what I'm talking about:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...ut-Driver-Cushion-Grip-Handle-32558/202970520

Edit: Just read an amazon review that said this driver^^ is made in China. Not sure where it was made when I purchased it like 8-9 years ago.


I just went to their website to check COO and noticed they have this new model that has bit storage similar to megapro, though the ratcheting mechanism looks different. Not sure of the COO on this model though:

https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/multi-bit-screwdrivers/15-1-multi-bit-ratcheting-screwdriver

 

[Dzmax77]

How do I get the zoro 20%? Or do they offer it as a promotion at certain times of the year?

That Ideal set is nice. Decent price.

I dont think any of the Klein ratcheting screwdrivers were made in the US, but I could be wrong. Their non ratcheting screwdrivers are made in the US.

So far its SnapOn (and the various rebrands) and Proto. Im surprised SK, Wright, Mac and Matco don’t make any here.

 

[glenng]

How do I get the zoro 20%? Or do they offer it as a promotion at certain times of the year?

That Ideal set is nice. Decent price.

I dont think any of the Klein ratcheting screwdrivers were made in the US, but I could be wrong. Their non ratcheting screwdrivers are made in the US.

So far its SnapOn (and the various rebrands) and Proto. Im surprised SK, Wright, Mac and Matco don’t make any here.

Yeah I edited my post, it looks like the old style Klein is made in China. Not sure where it was made when I bought it almost 10 years ago. I try to stay away from Chinese tools. Maybe I assumed it would be USA made because their non-ratcheting are USA made.

That Ideal bit holder is very nice. I have the same exact one except it is branded Pratt-Read.

The Armstrong ratcheting you bought from Cripe, are you talking about the blue handle driver? It's a silent-drive ratchet, correct? I have one of those too, but don't like the silent mechanism. I like to hear the clicks.



Sorry, not sure about the zoro discount.

 

[Dzmax77]

Yes, they’re silent, but I have the red handle without the shaft. Ive been looking for magnetic shafts for them but I can only find those made by Gearwrench which I think is for the same screwdriver model that replaced the Armstrong version I have. Attached are the product pictures from cripes.

 

[glenng]

Yes, they’re silent, but I have the red handle without the shaft. Ive been looking for magnetic shafts for them but I can only find those made by Gearwrench which I think is for the same screwdriver model that replaced the Armstrong version I have. Attached are the product pictures from cripes.

Yea mine is just like that but has a blue handle and a black shaft.

Cripe has Armstrong magnetic extensions with part numbers in near succession to your handles, but they have hex male ends, not square drive male ends like on the gearwrench or snap on magnetic shank/bit holder. I noticed you said you are not sure if the gearwrench square drive would fit (in your other thread). You may want to double check if the female end in the Armstrong handle accepts hex or square drive shaft. Because I found a Spec Tools driver on ebay (sold by Cripe), and it looks almost exactly like the Armstrong handle (more like my blue handle), and it takes hex male end, not square. If your handles have a hex female like these Spec Tools Driver, these Armstrong extensions looks like it could be what you are looking for. And they have 5.5" extension for $5 and 9.5" extension for $6.

Spec Tools, check out the handle and shafts:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Spec-Tools...476793&hash=item4db9c82f78:g:3yYAAOSw~tpf3NKv

Handles:

66-582
66-583

Armstrong Extensions:

66-585

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-magnetic-screw-tip-holder-extension-unmarked

66-586

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...xtension-unmarked?_pos=1&_sid=2bce55288&_ss=r


Hope this helps.

 

[bob15]

I refuse to buy anything by Gearwrench after what Bain and Apex did to Armstrong and Allen. Other Taiwanese & Chinese offerings from Tekton, Craftsman, Klein and these other outfits that just rebrand the same stuff, don’t have the same quality. So I guess if its not Snap On, it’s either Canadian, Japanese or German for me.

Agree 100% with no Apex/Bain for me either.

So by doing that, you are hurting American workers that still work for Apex. That makes so much much sense......

Instead of not buying anything from them, why only buy the US-made items from them?

 

[Brad Walker]

I purchased a Megapro Automotive Ratcheting a week ago. Its stamped Made in Canada on the rubber part of the grip, however I don't see the country of origin on the bits. Although, I have not had a chance to use it the quality and the ratcheting mechanism seen to be solid. A lot of great reviews online and I would buy it again. I not sure where the Williams are made but it also had great reviews.

 

[bonneyman]

Go old school!

EASYDRIVER ball driver. Not for everybody, but I've always found them fast and comfortable to use.
Just recently I went to tighten a shelf screw into a wall, and the normal driver just wouldn't cut it. Arthritis has really messed with my hand. Grabbed an EASYDRIVER - and ran that sucker right in!

 

[Dzmax77]

So by doing that, you are hurting American workers that still work for Apex. That makes so much much sense......

Instead of not buying anything from them, why only buy the US-made items from them?

Such as?

Jobs gone will never come back no matter what anyone or government official says. The only thing we can do as consumers is to support those companies that continue to manufacture in the US and help them grow and expand so they can fill in the gaps in domestic offerings. Because once a decision is made to shut down and leave, the cost to retool and train coupled with actual production costs will be so high, that it would affect their bottom line. Shareholders don’t care about patriotic duty. Apex may produce some bits, but a majority of their hand tool divisions are all in Taiwan and China now.

 

[visionguru]

Craftsman 41796

No good!

(1) ratcheting mechanism stuck right out of package.
(2) the bottom doesn't even close properly.
(3) screw driver bits: not even straight.

It's total garabage, lowest quality I've seen.

 

[BTJHP]

Are those Craftsman bits really bad or is it just the picture?

 

[measuredtwice]

How do I get the zoro 20%? Or do they offer it as a promotion at certain times of the year?.....

They email them to subscribers. You can subscribe on the front page of their website. I get several coupons each month and usually one of them is 20% off.

I actually have that! I didn’t realize it was MegaPro, but it makes sense. I also have another Craftsman like that but its not a ratcheting one. I prefer my Williams as well.

Are there any US bit makers aside from Montana Brands and Vermont that makes reasonably priced bits?

Apex and Zephyr have a huge selection of bits with different profiles and hardness. Their USA made bits are excellent. Zephyr made/makes some bits for Snap-On. I recommend downloading the PDF catalogs from both companies. Zephyr sells a few things on Amazon and Ebay for dirt cheap... like $1 shipped. Both Zephyr and Apex are also on Zoro. And you can find some deals. Note: Both have added some cheapo import bits to their catalogs but they should be easy to tell apart.

There's a nice set of Allen bits at Menards.

This post has some photos and links to some US made bits (and others). --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8888216&postcount=3

Here's an expired deal that I posted a while back. Something to keep an eye out for. --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7944271&postcount=1

 

[visionguru]

Are those Craftsman bits really bad or is it just the picture?

The bits were really bad.

 

[bob15]

Such as?

Jobs gone will never come back no matter what anyone or government official says. The only thing we can do as consumers is to support those companies that continue to manufacture in the US and help them grow and expand so they can fill in the gaps in domestic offerings. Because once a decision is made to shut down and leave, the cost to retool and train coupled with actual production costs will be so high, that it would affect their bottom line. Shareholders don’t care about patriotic duty. Apex may produce some bits, but a majority of their hand tool divisions are all in Taiwan and China now.

So to the Americans still are making some Apex Group products in American factories, you say screw 'em? That line worker making Apex bits, that guy working in shipping to make sure those Apex bits make it out the door to GJ members and the woman in billing and payroll, they don't count as American workers?

So we shouldn't buy, among some of these Apex Group products that are MANUFACTURED IN the USA:

Cleco air tools that are still made in the States by Americans?

Apex bits that are made in the USA by Americans?

Campbell chain products that are made by Americans?

So how does "boycotting Apex" help the American worker that still works for them in the States? And yes, I watched my job of almost 18 year go overseas before I was laid-off, so I have an idea of how this works.....

 

[Dzmax77]

I think you’re making incorrect presumptions about my argument. My position is to support those companies that continue to house a majority of their manufacturing here. They are taking the risk and additional financial burden that comes with domestic production. And the reality is, most if these corporations are beholden to their shareholders and our $ should support them first so they can continue to be profitable. Not saying that we shouldn’t buy Apex bits, Im saying, Apex is probably in a healthier financial position than other companies that continue to have a majority north american presence. Otherwise, we will see more go to Asia. I think we’re all on the same team when we prefer domestic production, it’s just we need to also take into account business realities. And we as the consumer have the power of purchasing right.

 

[Dzmax77]

Yea mine is just like that but has a blue handle and a black shaft.

Cripe has Armstrong magnetic extensions with part numbers in near succession to your handles, but they have hex male ends, not square drive male ends like on the gearwrench or snap on magnetic shank/bit holder. I noticed you said you are not sure if the gearwrench square drive would fit (in your other thread). You may want to double check if the female end in the Armstrong handle accepts hex or square drive shaft. Because I found a Spec Tools driver on ebay (sold by Cripe), and it looks almost exactly like the Armstrong handle (more like my blue handle), and it takes hex male end, not square. If your handles have a hex female like these Spec Tools Driver, these Armstrong extensions looks like it could be what you are looking for. And they have 5.5" extension for $5 and 9.5" extension for $6.

Spec Tools, check out the handle and shafts:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Spec-Tools...476793&hash=item4db9c82f78:g:3yYAAOSw~tpf3NKv

Handles:

66-582
66-583

Armstrong Extensions:

66-585

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-magnetic-screw-tip-holder-extension-unmarked

66-586

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...xtension-unmarked?_pos=1&_sid=2bce55288&_ss=r


Hope this helps.

Thank you! That’s exactly what I need.

 

[Dzmax77]

I have that same one. It’s treated me well. I use it for simple quick light duty type situations. Could be that particular one is defective.

I still prefer the SnapOn Williams screwdriver. Its perfect for everything.

 

[glenng]

Thank you! That’s exactly what I need.

Right on, man! So glad I could help!

 

[Dzmax77]

Does anyone know where and when Pratt-Read made this ratcheting screwdriver?

Pratt-Read 42664

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232748751775

 

[Dzmax77]

In the rabbit hole but politicians promises are as good as a one night stand in a red light district. We must continue to help support US manufacturing.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Yea mine is just like that but has a blue handle and a black shaft.

Cripe has Armstrong magnetic extensions with part numbers in near succession to your handles, but they have hex male ends, not square drive male ends like on the gearwrench or snap on magnetic shank/bit holder. I noticed you said you are not sure if the gearwrench square drive would fit (in your other thread). You may want to double check if the female end in the Armstrong handle accepts hex or square drive shaft. Because I found a Spec Tools driver on ebay (sold by Cripe), and it looks almost exactly like the Armstrong handle (more like my blue handle), and it takes hex male end, not square. If your handles have a hex female like these Spec Tools Driver, these Armstrong extensions looks like it could be what you are looking for. And they have 5.5" extension for $5 and 9.5" extension for $6.

Spec Tools, check out the handle and shafts:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Spec-Tools...476793&hash=item4db9c82f78:g:3yYAAOSw~tpf3NKv

Handles:

66-582
66-583

Armstrong Extensions:

66-585

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-magnetic-screw-tip-holder-extension-unmarked

66-586

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...xtension-unmarked?_pos=1&_sid=2bce55288&_ss=r


Hope this helps.

Thank you for this well written post!
This answered a question I had about the female socket in the Armstrong driver . I now know that it is hex not square like the others!