Craftsman Tools
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Yep, as mentioned, around here you return a stripped rachet back to Sears and they will reach down in a drawer and flop down a "Rachet repair kit". The pawls in the new kit are even weaker than the first ones, so if something breaks in a bind, they have a cheap fix for you. Craftsman are probably OK for light/mid duty; but when it's big torque time, choose your better weapons or pull handle.
I have some older Williams Ratchets that have survived the unthinkable. Really.
I have some older Williams Ratchets that have survived the unthinkable. Really.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,394
Likes: 1,868
From: California
I use craftsmen and snap on. Never had a problem with any of them. I have been to China more than a few times and just like any country they make shitty products and good products.
The simple fact is China is a world power because we let them become one because we pissed away our manufacturing. I know very smart people who now are employing Chinese speaking Nannies because they know in the future their kids will need to know it to get ahead in business.
We can bitch but it is our fault we used to be number one as a country in most areas that mattered and many that didn't. No longer.
I am a capitalist and if a company cannot compete they either find a way to do it or they die. It can be done and many companies in the US do it. especially now in the South. It is a product for money. nothing more and if we are going to **** our manufacturing away and think we can sit back and pay people tons of money to do various manufacturing jobs or a ton of money to sit on their asses and watch TV we deserve it.
The simple fact is China is a world power because we let them become one because we pissed away our manufacturing. I know very smart people who now are employing Chinese speaking Nannies because they know in the future their kids will need to know it to get ahead in business.
We can bitch but it is our fault we used to be number one as a country in most areas that mattered and many that didn't. No longer.
I am a capitalist and if a company cannot compete they either find a way to do it or they die. It can be done and many companies in the US do it. especially now in the South. It is a product for money. nothing more and if we are going to **** our manufacturing away and think we can sit back and pay people tons of money to do various manufacturing jobs or a ton of money to sit on their asses and watch TV we deserve it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
I thought Craftsman was made by Stanley tools and thought Stanley tools were made in the US. Guess not.
Are Stanley tools made in the US?
Channel Lock is made in the US, but they have limited tools.
I've also used Kobalt tools and they are rather decent, but not made in the US.
Are Stanley tools made in the US?
Channel Lock is made in the US, but they have limited tools.
I've also used Kobalt tools and they are rather decent, but not made in the US.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,394
Likes: 1,868
From: California
The bullet train from the airport to the city is absolutely awesome 185 miles an hour and it is the smoothest thing you'll ever ride.
I hate communism, socialism etc etc. China does some really crappy things but you know what most countries hate us too. No country owns the right to be number 1 you have to want it and do what is necessary.
We apparently have given up that goal/ideal. I love the USA will always be a patriot but we have to understand we are no longer on top and it is our collective fault. China will at some point soon be the one remaining power. I just hope they can get there without wiping us off the map and they don't do too much harm when they take that lead from us.
Maybe it is someone elses turn to be hated by the world.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Over the past 20 or so years we in the manufacturing industries have taken the brunt of the move to overseas manufacturing. (*note it's not only China, but India, Tiwan, ect,..the list goes on) a lot of fine trades folks have gone on to other careers some just plain retired. Their knowledge and techniques left with them. We SCREAMED LITERALLY!!! As it happened, We lost Careers, Jobs, Entire Communitys, Marriges Where Destroyed and in general it's benn a living Hell for the past 20 years. Our plea's fell on deaf ears. Been happening for 20 years. You just now noticing???
Enjoy your Chinese made tools, as the most of the American Trades Folks are gone.
Enjoy your Chinese made tools, as the most of the American Trades Folks are gone.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,394
Likes: 1,868
From: California
Over the past 20 or so years we in the manufacturing industries have taken the brunt of the move to overseas manufacturing. (*note it's not only China, but India, Tiwan, ect,..the list goes on) a lot of fine trades folks have gone on to other careers some just plain retired. Their knowledge and techniques left with them. We SCREAMED LITERALLY!!! As it happened, We lost Careers, Jobs, Entire Communitys, Marriges Where Destroyed and in general it's benn a living Hell for the past 20 years. Our plea's fell on deaf ears. Been happening for 20 years. You just now noticing???
Enjoy your Chinese made tools, as the most of the American Trades Folks are gone.
Enjoy your Chinese made tools, as the most of the American Trades Folks are gone.
We gave #1 away fair and square. I will enjoy my Chinese made tools if they are as good as they'd be made elsewhere.
I personally remember folks screaming about manufacturing going overseas. I also remember buying an american made car back in the 80s because I was told it was what Americans do. And it was a piece of crap.
Didn't make same mistake for awhile. Then in 2006 bought a brand new Vette. after about 5K miles every time I drove it I felt like I had gotten ripped off. So I got rid of it.
I may buy American car again if I see good evidence they have improved. Until then not a chance.
People work hard for their money and to buy something that is on occasion demonstrably worse just so someone else can keep a job is stupid. We'll never be great again if it is based on- Buy American- it may not be a great product but we made it!
And I won't buy a car that has a built in cost just to support the presence of some group that spends crap loads of money, vocal and physical support of socialist politicians and ideals here in this country. Sorry man, sorry we lost our edge, but I ain't giving money out of my pocket if a portion even if a small portion of it is going to them and their big gov't BS.
Right or wrong I bet more folks would have supported it if that ball and chain weren't involved. I'd rather help feed a socialist in another country then feed a socialist in my country and help them get more power.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,136
Likes: 51,475
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Snap-on is made in china now too bud didn't you know ? Sears bought the Snap-on name a few years ago and it went downhill so if you want real snappy tools you gotta look for the older stuff cause the new **** isn't what is was I've even twisted off a few of the stubby allen sockets and the snappy guy is a bit of dick about replacing them anymore . Hell the Pittsburg branded Harbor Freight hand tools are are as good as sears anymore and have a better finish with the same warranty .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Mar 20, 2013 at 08:38 PM.