Made in the U.S.A.

Ironbuilt · Oct 19, 2017

When it comes to your tools and equipment, how important is it to you that they are Made in the U.S.A.?

For the majority of my adult life I have made a living turning wrenches. From the time I was a teen my father preached to me, always by American made tools. Thanks to him, the majority of my collection is Snap-on, Mac, Matco and SK. Throw in a few Craftsman when they were still American made.
I have to admit, over the past few years, I have started purchasing some Foreign made tools. I now have some Kobalt, Tekton and Williams, all made in Taiwan. I can honestly say that I don't have any complaints so far. I started buying them when I learned that a lot of what the tool trucks carry are made overseas with their name put on it. All for a huge mark up.
When it comes to my large size tools, they are still all Made in the U.S.A., but I purchased them all years ago, and luckily haven't had to replace any lately.

I would love to hear from other members, what your thoughts are on American/Foreign tools.

gkent · Oct 19, 2017

Don't give a ****. Have a quality set of tools but also own a lot of off-shore stuff that has hung in just fine.

ToMang07 · Oct 19, 2017

Hard to find. I prefer Made in USA, but sometimes it's just too expensive.

Kern Dog · Oct 19, 2017

I am willing to pay more for USA stuff as long as it isn't double or triple the cost. If USA manufacturers think that they can *** rape consumers by waving the flag, they are wrong. I believe in taking care of our own but it has to be fair.

metaldad · Oct 19, 2017

imma foreman service pipefitter, so jah, i turn wrenches, use tools thru out my fun filled action packed day.
purposely buy USA when ever i can. lots things, there is no option.
mc master carr has a large selection of USA, you just have to ask.
i avoid harbor fright junk. and all new crapsman.
bought a few wrench sets for extras when it was announced no more armstrong.
never really was into the truck brands.
bought a new washer/drier set satterday. let her pick whatever she wanted, as long as it was USA. bought whirlpool

snakeoil24 · Oct 19, 2017

When I buy tools I buy Snap on, since I am not a tradesman nor a professional Mechanic. I usually buy used Snap on. I hate any crap from Harbor Freight or Sears which is all junk from China now. I feel we should give the Chinese the middle finger. I have to say new Snap on is very expensive. A lot of stuff I want is just to ripe for my bucket. SK, Old Craftsman is still good if US made..

ToMang07 · Oct 19, 2017

metaldad said:
imma foreman service pipefitter, so jah, i turn wrenches, use tools thru out my fun filled action packed day.
purposely buy USA when ever i can. lots things, there is no option.
mc master carr has a large selection of USA, you just have to ask.
i avoid harbor fright junk. and all new crapsman.
bought a few wrench sets for extras when it was announced no more armstrong.
never really was into the truck brands.
bought a new washer/drier set satterday. let her pick whatever she wanted, as long as it was USA. bought whirlpool

My last 2 major appliance purchases have been Whirlpool, both USA made, both exceptional quality. (Except the Fruit drawer....the support should be metal, not plastic, lol)

1967coronet440 · Oct 19, 2017

A lot of snap on, mac, matco tools are stamped overseas and then assembled or finished here.

snakeoil24 · Oct 19, 2017

bought a speed queen washer made in Wisconsin with all usa parts. A bit expensive but its built like a tank. I see alot of new tools are being final assembled here. I can't stand it. I just cant give the Chinese any more edge then they already have.

69L48Z27 · Oct 19, 2017

1967coronet440 said:
A lot of snap on, mac, matco tools are stamped overseas and then assembled or finished here.

^^^ This. Plus you get what you pay for IMO no matter country of origin. German tools are usually pretty precise and good stuff also.

1967coronet440 · Oct 19, 2017

69L48Z27 said:
^^^ This. Plus you get what you pay for IMO no matter country of origin. German tools are usually pretty precise and good stuff also.

Ya that was going to be my next post, even though they are made overseas you are getting a nice tool, snap on is not going to risk its reputation and start handing out **** ratchets.

Billccm · Oct 19, 2017

snakeoil24 said:
bought a speed queen washer made in Wisconsin with all usa parts. A bit expensive but its built like a tank. I see alot of new tools are being final assembled here. I can't stand it. I just cant give the Chinese any more edge then they already have.

Best kept secret in appliances. Had a Speed Queen dryer last 40 years. YES, FORTY YEARS. The washer lasted almost 32 years. They were in my house in California when I purchased the home (and I took them with me to Tucson). The seller of the home told me they would 'last forever'. Replacement washer and dryer is Speed Queen; hard to find, but I insisted on that brand.

According to the dealer in Tucson, Speed Queen 'does not allow the sale of extended warranties on their products'. What a great company!

metaldad · Oct 19, 2017

tool thread........... needs tool pics.
i just admire the USA shiny chrome.

and, fwiw, one side of the crypt.
yes, i know, irega channelock adjustables, and wera drivers. just about everything else is USA

MarPar · Oct 19, 2017

I buy American whenever I can. I usu find them at garage sales and buy up everything they have. SK is my favorite.

Ironbuilt · Oct 19, 2017

Ironbuilt · Oct 19, 2017

metaldad · Oct 19, 2017

how about................an olde, outdated pic, (many have been added), of blue dipped channellock?

Ironbuilt · Oct 19, 2017

Ironbuilt · Oct 19, 2017

Mechanic's heaven!!

WileERobby · Oct 19, 2017

I buy USA exclusively, unless I have no choice. My tools are all USA made, mostly over 40+ years old.

Made in the U.S.A.

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Life is full of turns. Build your car to handle.

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