Zrexxer
Well-known member
I'm betting by that statement you've never tried communicating with anyone who works at HF before... those people make postal counter workers look happy
Who makes US General?
- Thread starter welderwink
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I dont get why theres so much hostility towards Chinese made tools or even import made in general. Its the companies you guys should be sickened by if anything. They made the decision to move elsewhere, they decided to take a company thats held USA customers happy for years but instead decided to make a few extra bucks making it elsewhere. If those homeless people were employed by these companies, hell id be mad too, but come on there's opportunities everywhere to find a job to get by. Im not tryna turn any minds around or anything but like ATTappman said China buys alot of our products and vice versa.
Eric Nordstrom
Well-known member
I'm betting by that statement you've never tried communicating with anyone who works at HF before... those people make postal counter workers look happy
That is oh so true, And funny!
Eric
I'm betting by that statement you've never tried communicating with anyone who works at HF before... those people make postal counter workers look happy
People in the stores or at corporate? The closest one to me has reasonably friendly counter-people and an old-school manager that's pretty cool.
Zrexxer
Well-known member
Nah, the store people are generally pretty good to deal with... but he was talking about emailing them so I was referring to their corporate people. Talking to them can be frustrating, enough so that I haven't done it in years, so who knows, maybe it's improved.
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
Im also not against trade as long as it is a balanced trade. If china did buy allot of our stuff I would have no problem buying their stuff, but they don't. The trade deficit with China is over 226Billion Dollars: REF: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5700.html#2009.
And it i increasing by 1 billion dollars a day.
Ref: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18518903
They only purchase one dollars worth of american stuff for every five that we spend on their stuff. Most of the stuff they get from us is soybeans, semiconductors, and other raw materials like copper that is used in manufacturing.
I don't think the problem lies with the Chinese or the companies. I think it is the american consumer who demands low prices at any cost, and really don't care/realize that it may costs their neighbor's job. The only way that demand can be met is by using cheap offshore labor. If more consumers demanded American made products, and were willing to pay the extra cost, the companies would find a way to get it, and more americans would have a job.
Id do buy foreign products from countries that buy allot of ours. That is how free trade was supposed to work. They buy our stuff and we buy theirs, Right???? Apparently the Chinese forgot that they should buy stuff from us.
Chris
old salvage
Well-known member
Probably nos. The Milwaukee drills at all the Home Despots around here are import.
Buying a Stanley tool where does the profit go? I would imagine:
Chinese labor + chinese materials + chinese factory overhead + chinese distribution + US distribution + Stanley Corporate.
Buying an US-made tool (a.k.a SK, SO, Wright, etc.):
US labor + US materials + US factory overhead + US distribution + US store sales + Corporate.
Buying a used US made tool:
US distribution + US store sales + Corporate (store)
It's the Chinese side of where most of the profit/cost which bothers me. Yes, there is some quality stuff comming from China, I won't buy it unless I'm desparate (low on funds and need to fix something). I would rather spend the cash buying Cmans and searching pawnshops. About 95% of my tools are Cmans and 4% pawnshop finds and the last 1% HF stuff (1/2 Impact sockets). Actually, I enjoy scrounging around searching for US tools, its like a treasure hunt to me.
Chinese labor + chinese materials + chinese factory overhead + chinese distribution + US distribution + Stanley Corporate.
Buying an US-made tool (a.k.a SK, SO, Wright, etc.):
US labor + US materials + US factory overhead + US distribution + US store sales + Corporate.
Buying a used US made tool:
US distribution + US store sales + Corporate (store)
It's the Chinese side of where most of the profit/cost which bothers me. Yes, there is some quality stuff comming from China, I won't buy it unless I'm desparate (low on funds and need to fix something). I would rather spend the cash buying Cmans and searching pawnshops. About 95% of my tools are Cmans and 4% pawnshop finds and the last 1% HF stuff (1/2 Impact sockets). Actually, I enjoy scrounging around searching for US tools, its like a treasure hunt to me.
Let me give you my viewpoint:
1. The tools are of lesser quality made from lesser quality materials.
2. The Chinese will lie. Ask me for the story about Finkl tool steel.
2. The nation itself is communist.
I am and have sent several e-mail to Irwin & Sears letting them know I don't buy China branded tools when another option is available.
It's my understanding if you want to sell in China, you must be a minority partner in a joint venture with a China-based company. They heavily protect their domestic industry by doing this and force you to "bring them up to speed" on everything.
Now don't get me wrong: I'm a Republican, not a Democrat. I believe in the American worker but abhore unions. Do I think someone running a press in America should make a career out of it & live in the same house as a doctor? Nope. But I will always choose an American tool over Asian.
1. The tools are of lesser quality made from lesser quality materials.
2. The Chinese will lie. Ask me for the story about Finkl tool steel.
2. The nation itself is communist.
I am and have sent several e-mail to Irwin & Sears letting them know I don't buy China branded tools when another option is available.
It's my understanding if you want to sell in China, you must be a minority partner in a joint venture with a China-based company. They heavily protect their domestic industry by doing this and force you to "bring them up to speed" on everything.
Now don't get me wrong: I'm a Republican, not a Democrat. I believe in the American worker but abhore unions. Do I think someone running a press in America should make a career out of it & live in the same house as a doctor? Nope. But I will always choose an American tool over Asian.
They do buy a lot of our stuff and more than just raw materials. Ever heard of our national debt? They buy US debt by the billions on a weekly basis.
If American tool companies produced junk and the Chinese produced better quality tools overall, then your similie would be true.
Zrexxer
Well-known member
Annnnnnnnnd we're back.
OP
welderwink
Well-known member
look at what i started.
Jack90210
I'm not bashing you and do like your stance but I believe the auto industry at that time doesn't reflect what we are facing now. Back then, especially in the 80's, US auto makers did produce a lesser quality vehicle then the Japanese and 'Buy American' for a junkie car didn't sell well with US consumers. But with tools, US always produced better tools than the Chinese in which case 'Buy American' slogan has a different meaning - 'Buy Quality'.
I'm not bashing you and do like your stance but I believe the auto industry at that time doesn't reflect what we are facing now. Back then, especially in the 80's, US auto makers did produce a lesser quality vehicle then the Japanese and 'Buy American' for a junkie car didn't sell well with US consumers. But with tools, US always produced better tools than the Chinese in which case 'Buy American' slogan has a different meaning - 'Buy Quality'.
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
When the bank loans you money, do you say that they bought your debt? No, the bank charges you interest for the loan, Just like China. Where does China get the money to loan the US? I bet it is our own consumers.
I assume if the government wasn't spending close to a trillion dollars to bail out american companies, as well as having to pay keep extended unemployment going due to lost jobs we would not have to borrow so much money from China. This is in addition to government that never learned to balance its budget. Lets balance the budget and actually use the excess money to pay down debt, instead of other giveaway programs.
Chris
Naw, it wasn't you.
This general topic is our pool of gasoline and occasionally someone tosses a match. In your case it was unwittingly!
Most cordless tools are imported, especially the non-industrial type. B&D/DeWalt [Stanley Works] are certainly no different than Milwaukee in this regard although few of Milwaukees cordless tools are from the EU.
I think Makita is one of the few distributors that import cordless from Japan rather than China and still has a largely USA based production of corded. All the same i'm just making the point that Milwaukee is USA based and does nothing that every other company out there doesnt do.
I want to mention though that "Made In" is actually a very useless term. Anything that is comprised of 100% imported materials but has its final assembly done in the USA can be termed Made in the USA. Many companies use this to their advantage so it is a giant fallacy to think you can go out and trust that stamp. Something as simple as a combination wrench which is stamped Made in the US can be 100% Chinese steel. Even a "Made in USA" drill, could be and most likely would be, a Chinese electric motor at its heart. You just wont know.
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Mickey O
Well-known member
I thought you said cordless, know idea why (maybe because I referenced cordless earlier), anyhow I'd still be interested in USA Milwaukee corded tools and all the ones I've seen were imports. I'll have to lake a look at my saw, I bought that a few years ago, I hope it's USA made, I didn't check, didn't think I had to.
Kent Skinner
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Look, I know you aren't trying to start a fight here. However, there's NO SUCH THING as a $400 American made tool cabinet. Does. Not. Exist.
Your bottom of the line Waterloo box, most likely wasn't made here. They don't advertise "Made in the USA" on their website, so I would be very surprised if they are.
If any tool cabinet you're looking at is much less than a SnapOn, Mac or Matco, it's imported. This one is $1300, and imported.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200358127_200358127
Go ahead and buy American. If I could afford it, I would - and so would everybody else here. Just realize that you're going to pay. Asking if the stuff at Harbor Freight is imported will only start stupid fights and arguments. It's far too inexpensive to be made here.
arkangel06
Banned
I think these guys could tell you
1. They get the job done.
2. Americans will lie.
3. I don't care and yes I'm a Vet. I do think we may go to war with China at some point in the distant future.
4. Harbor Freight helps me get the job done.
5. I looked at the US General box, I like my Kobalt box better but it would not surprise me to find out that they were made in the same factory.
6. I would own all made in the U.S.A. tools but I can not justify the expense of spending 4 times more (or more then that) for a tool that does the same job I can do with Harbor Freight tools.
7. I don't want to spend all my time at yard sales, pawn shops, Craigslist or Ebay looking for used tools. I want to go pick up what I need and go back to work.
I think these guys could tell you
Those look like the guys Bruce beat up in the Big Boss
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billymade
Well-known member
So is there any kind of info on the box anywhere?
It's funny how so many threads become US vs China on this forum. I think that reflects well on the intentions of many of the members here. We are proud of this country and will do our best to support it. I don't see how there is anything wrong with that. My motivations are the same but I also support well made European tools. Bottom line is I just like good stuff. China has been making a lot of junk for such a long time that it will take them a while to shake off that tarnished image. In addition to the patriotic, economic and poor quality reasons not to buy Chinese there are the human rights violations and environmental reasons. There are just too ma y reasons why we shouldn't buy their stuff. That being said, they do make some really good stuff. You just have to be a discerning buyer. That US General toolbox is one of those good things as are gearwrench and a whole slew of other products. I try my best to avoid Chinese but out of necessity (having no other choice), convenience, personal finances etc I will buy Chinese if I have to.
IndustrialMechanic
Banned
"I want to mention though that "Made In" is actually a very useless term. Anything that is comprised of 100% imported materials but has its final assembly done in the USA can be termed Made in the USA. Many companies use this to their advantage so it is a giant fallacy to think you can go out and trust that stamp. Something as simple as a combination wrench which is stamped Made in the US can be 100% Chinese steel. Even a "Made in USA" drill, could be and most likely would be, a Chinese electric motor at its heart. You just wont know."
"Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has historically agreed that "all or virtually all" of the components and processes used to make a product must be of U.S. origin to earn the "Made in U.S.A." honor."
Taken from Armstrong tools website
"Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has historically agreed that "all or virtually all" of the components and processes used to make a product must be of U.S. origin to earn the "Made in U.S.A." honor."
Taken from Armstrong tools website
Kent Skinner
Well-known member
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Lookout - somebody's going to throw down a "The Chairman" or "Commie" insult/defense any second now.
michael murder
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I don't think anyone has actually knowledgeably answered your question. U.S. General is in fact made in China.
I'm continually annoyed at threads being choked to death and made useless by the 'ol you-didn't-exactly-ask-for-it-but-here-is-my-opinion-on-U.S.-made-tool-purchases-that-I-bring-up-constantly,-so-much-so-I'm-an-unproductive-broken-record move. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped.
The U.S. General toolbox is good for the money but if you want to keep it all in house there are great deals to be found on used truck brand toolboxes.
I'm continually annoyed at threads being choked to death and made useless by the 'ol you-didn't-exactly-ask-for-it-but-here-is-my-opinion-on-U.S.-made-tool-purchases-that-I-bring-up-constantly,-so-much-so-I'm-an-unproductive-broken-record move. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped.
The U.S. General toolbox is good for the money but if you want to keep it all in house there are great deals to be found on used truck brand toolboxes.
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
Underdog
Well-known member
OK I'll jump in on this. My rant for the week. Finally got a chance to take a vacation out in Colorado last week in Steam Boat Springs. Been 20 years since my last visit, what changes. Now my story, went to old downtown into the FM Light western clothing store which has been in business sine 1905. Looking to buy myself a new pair of Sorel winter boots to replace my old ones which were always made in Canada. All the ones I saw where now made in China. On to a new Duster, Outback brand formerly from Australia, now made in you guess it, China. Walked out empty handed and depressed.
On to a new Duster, Outback brand formerly from Australia, now made in you guess it, China. Walked out empty handed and depressed.arkangel06
Banned
China..........................
poprockcrusher
Banned
NO ! you were TOLD the Japanese car was better and attracted by the low price ...
lemmings always try to justify their behavior
poprockcrusher
Banned
Harbor freight serves the HACKS and illegal alien market better than sears ever could
jvitez
Well-known member
Gray Tools still makes their boxes in Canada. Bought a small hand box recently. Made in Canada, thick, heavy steel, awesome quality.
http://www.graytools.com/catalogue/2 - Tool Storage.pdf
http://www.graytools.com/catalogue/2 - Tool Storage.pdf
riiight, thats why there are so many 80s-early 90s american cars still on the road. They were so reliable yet oh so disposable!
man i drove american for many years, they were **** compared to the imports plain and simple. dont delude yourself. Go find any self respecting mechanic who worked on cars during that era and say that i promise you they'd laugh in your face. I know many who still dont suggest American to this day. American isnt even American anymore. Some of the highest end best perfomance American cars contain ALOT of foreign parts/engineering.
Nobody wins if nukes are used. If it's a navel battle we have a big edge. If it's a Chinese land grab then they are in the dominate position. If we try and fight a politically correct war like we are in the Middle East then we can kiss our Snap-ons goodbye.
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