Sears and Craftsman to split?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by ghunt
I have yet to pick up ANYTHING Stanley that wasn't made in China...sockets, screwdrivers, you name it. Where are you guys finding stuff by them that's made in the USA?
Keep in mind, and I think I only mentioned this (and there were several exceptions).....They only had on display tape measures, hammers, screwdrivers, vise grips, saws (hand), etc.......They didn't have adjustable wrenches, wrenches, and sockets sets on display......For all I know, those are farmed out to the Chinese for manufacturing.....
That's why I was asking who was familiar with THOSE Stanley products....
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
And that's why I replied that the Wmart Stanley branded sockets and wrenches I purchased are crap.
Proto is Stanley, and it's quality.
The Chinese are catching up every day, remember Japanese stuff from the '60's and early 70's?
Proto is Stanley, and it's quality.
The Chinese are catching up every day, remember Japanese stuff from the '60's and early 70's?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 2
The Chinese can build to any quality that is asked of them. The importers lean more on price than quality. It is not because the Chinese can not build a quality piece, it is many times not asked of them by the buyer/importer. 99% of Americans will never need the high end quality tool that Snap On and others make.
Hootbro
Hootbro
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I agree w/ you entirely Hootbro.
They are only making what is asked of them.
The fact that they have a manned space program or some of their larger public works (thinking Three Gorges here) leaves no doubt in my mind as to their engineering or manufacturing capabilities.
See me lamenting the acceptance of mediocrity>>>
post #45)
"It's mostly gone now, victim of global trade, corporate bottom line and the ever declining demand for quality".
They are only making what is asked of them.
The fact that they have a manned space program or some of their larger public works (thinking Three Gorges here) leaves no doubt in my mind as to their engineering or manufacturing capabilities.
See me lamenting the acceptance of mediocrity>>>
post #45)
"It's mostly gone now, victim of global trade, corporate bottom line and the ever declining demand for quality".
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by spikedog
This thread went from Sears maybe spinning off Craftsman all the way to Chinese astronauts. You guys rock!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
ghunt,
Stanley USED to produce quality American tools here in CT.
Stanley USED to produce quality American tools here in CT.
Back on topic, though-
Wal-mart tools are for homemakers and the stranded. They are not professional tools, and therefore do not carry the professional quality or price. I have many Stanley tools that are made in the US, as well as other tools from the Danaher group. I have made in China stuff too, the quality is lower and the tolerances are looser.
Tools really are a good example of getting what you pay for.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Sorry to hear how my state treated you Jared.
They're beating little ole' me up pretty bad too.
And I'm glad to hear that EB gave you a chance out of GNLW. That place is a shell of what it was. Even with a new 2 sub contract I can't see it coming back.
Back on topic:
I REALLY like Klein hand tools. American Quality! http://www.kleintools.com/
Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, snips and hammers available at any self respecting electric supply house.
IMO the quality of Cooper (Crescent, Plumb, Wiss, Xcelite,) are still ok.
and Irwin (visegrip ect..) are going downhill fast.
For usable Asian mechanics tools I've had good luck w/ Performance Tools brand. They may not be sexy, but they do carry an unconditional warranty I have yet to use. This is my leave in the truck stuff, and BIG sockets that I can't see paying the tool truck guys $65 bucks a pop for one time use.
They're beating little ole' me up pretty bad too.
And I'm glad to hear that EB gave you a chance out of GNLW. That place is a shell of what it was. Even with a new 2 sub contract I can't see it coming back.
Back on topic:
I REALLY like Klein hand tools. American Quality! http://www.kleintools.com/
Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, snips and hammers available at any self respecting electric supply house.
IMO the quality of Cooper (Crescent, Plumb, Wiss, Xcelite,) are still ok.
and Irwin (visegrip ect..) are going downhill fast.
For usable Asian mechanics tools I've had good luck w/ Performance Tools brand. They may not be sexy, but they do carry an unconditional warranty I have yet to use. This is my leave in the truck stuff, and BIG sockets that I can't see paying the tool truck guys $65 bucks a pop for one time use.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 629
Likes: 2
From: DFW Metromess, TX.
I used to buy Craftsman. Not any more, unless it's a used tool. The last ratchet that broke I took it back to Sears and they gave me a Craftsman alright. But it was a totally different tool. It broke three weeks later after two uses...That was about three years ago. And I haven't gone back.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
Back on topic:
I REALLY like Klein hand tools. American Quality! http://www.kleintools.com/
Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, snips and hammers available at any self respecting electric supply house.
I REALLY like Klein hand tools. American Quality! http://www.kleintools.com/
Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, snips and hammers available at any self respecting electric supply house.
I've never HEARD of them!......
The beauty of the internet. As long as I can ORDER this stuff online.....
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Klein @ HD
Originally Posted by cmpd1781
Good site. Call me an American snob, but I'm looking for "Made in the USA".....Klein fits, obviously.....
The beauty of the internet. As long as I can ORDER this stuff online.....
The beauty of the internet. As long as I can ORDER this stuff online.....
I was stuck this past Sunday and ended up in the electrical department @ the Big Orange Box in B'port and noticed Klein tools for sale there.
You might find them in your locale too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Just checked last night, Jim.....Was up at Depot and they had a reasonable selection of Klein tools in the electrical section. Mostly pliers and cutters and snips (and wire strippers, of course). And really weird (I'm not an electrician) screwdrivers.......Prices weren't too bad---But some of the 'single' screwdrivers they had on display were in the high $20s to low $30s range.....They had 'locks' on the display peg to prevent customers from taking them off the rack themselves---you need an associate's assistance......
I guess because they're small, easy to conceal, fairly expensive tools........
They all sure as hell had the American flag logo on the front......Chicago?......
I guess because they're small, easy to conceal, fairly expensive tools........
They all sure as hell had the American flag logo on the front......Chicago?......
