Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:44:29 -0700
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Big tools for your big nuts; now Vanagon Tools Rant
In-Reply-To: <4c155516.483fe70a.34b9.ffff8724@mx.google.com>
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better buy one of those american made computers too.
:)
judge the tool by how it works in practice. most modern handtools are
not as nicely made nor finished as vintage ones. scour flea markets,
build up a collection of tools that you actually like. I find that,
with a few exceptions, I have a more "personal" relationship with
tools that I have either inherited or found at garage sales than the
ones I have bought new.
And that means that I am more likely to clean them up and put them
away properly.
I have tools from all parts of the globe and my favourites are not
all from one country or another.
To make one specific observation, my US made tools are by and large
old ones. I think the golden age of US tool making is long gone... a
reflection of how machine trades are valued now.
alistair
On 13-Jun-10, at 3:00 PM, Max Wellhouse wrote:
Yeah, I first noticed that Porter Cable tools were overseas-produced
a couple years ago, so I started buying Milwaukee Brand. My $230 18v
Lithium Ion cordless drill was made over there. I discovered that
and emailed the company and read them the riot act. I had the CSR
calling my house(despite me not giving out my number) and emailing me
explaining why it was a "business" decision to stay
competitive. "But it's still made to our specifications", he
quipped. Then I checked my Milwaukee orbital sander and guess
what? It's overseas as well.
I replied to the CSR via email that I';m not so much against a
quality item being made overseas, but that they shouldn't use their
trademark brand name on items that aren't made in
"Milwaukee". Furthermore, they shouldn't have the nads to charge
full retail price(same price as the US Made drill kit) for something
they're saving significant manufacturing dollars on supposedly. Call
it a Green Bay, or an Oshkosh, but don't call it a Milwaukee!!
Now enter Craftsman in to the fold. Craftsman used to have an
overseas-produced tool brand called Companion for the budget minded
shopper. It may have been re-badged recently to the Evolv brand. If
Craftsman label it's overseas-made tools as Craftsman, then I stick
them in the same pot as MIlwaukee, although some of the Craftsman
overseas made stuff is cheaper than what used to be made in the US.
What's a Mother to do?
DM&FS
At 12:16 PM 6/13/2010, Courtney Hook wrote:
> I just went out and checked my new Craftsman Socket set which is
> beautiful.
> Guaranteed forever; give it to your great grandchildren and even
> they can
> return it. Made in China.
> Courtney
>
>
>> I buy tools from Harbor Freight (the store, not the catalog) and
>> usually find nothing wrong with them, my breaker bars for the lug
>> nuts are from HF and the sockets from Sears (a new Craftsman 19mm
>> socket was the same price as one from the local pawn shop), I was not
>> able to get the single correct socket (6pt) from HF.
>> I generally buy the best tool I can afford when I need it & I don't
>> fear HF tools.
>>
>> Rob
>> becida@comcast.net
>>
>>
>>> On Jun 12, 2010, at 12:30 PM, neil n wrote:
>
>>>>> This is one set of tools that I would NOT buy at Harbor Freight.
>>>>> --snip--
>
> ,
|