Friday, June 30, 2006

American-Made Tools

Sorry to be such a girl, but my idea of tools is hammer, saw and screwdriver (and yes, I know about the slotted vs. Phillips head thing). Thanks again to Practical Machinist, I now know that there are machine tools, air tools, and tool companies that only sell from trucks (“mobile tool sellers” like Snap-On and Cornwell). Not to mention specialty tools (e.g., for manufacturing of autos and aircraft, for working on railroad equipment and tracks) that are mostly for industrial use (not that it stops the hard-core DIYers from wanting them in the home shop!).

After doing a little research (i.e., Googling and pestering companies for information on place of manufacture), I am happy to announce my new Tools page. This is the first entirely new category I have added since launching StillMadeinUSA.com 2 years ago.

I always liked ChannelLocks when I was a kid, so I am happy to report they are still around, still made in USA, and now with a sporty blue rubber grip! (I noticed a trend toward more shock-absorbing handles on tools, which is a good thing.) I didn’t find American-made tool sets geared for us girls (smaller handles, maybe some pink?!), but I’m still looking.

So, look for American Made Tools when you shop, and stay tuned as I continue to add to the page. (Recommendations especially welcome on this one!)

Stephanie, Webmaster
StillMadeinUSA.com

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I work on a lot of things -- cars, around the home, etc.

It's nice to have quality USA-made tools. Presumably, when you buy a tool, you're going to keep it forever. Might as well be the best.

Speaking of Made in the USA -- I was sorry to see that Filson is no longer solely made in the USA.

Too bad.

Anonymous said...

While the "mobile" tool companies like Snap On, Matco, MAC and Cornwell were traditional "made in the USA", that is not the case any more. All have a portion of their tool lines that are made elsewhere with Cornwell having the highest percentage. I noticed that a lot of their "inferior" lines of tools don't have the country of origin labeled on the tool. Times are changing...

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Made in America too.
qpitools.com or bullytools.com - same company. looks like they're changing their name to bullytools. bought garden tools from them, they're really nice.

Anonymous said...

We would all like manufacturing to come back to the US. The best way this can be done is to put pressure on the idiots in our congress to lower the corporate tax rate from 38.9% (second highest in the world) to 20%. The influx of job creation would be astounding. Capital goes where it is treated best.

Unknown said...

{{{ All have a portion of their tool lines that are made elsewhere with Cornwell having the highest percentage. I noticed that a lot of their "inferior" lines of tools don't have the country of origin labeled on the tool. Times are changing...}}}

This comment isnt accurate at all. Cornwell is probably the most concerned about keeping everything in the USA. Im currently a cornwell dealer. Before I made the leap with a brand, I looked into things like this. Snap-on and Matco both have a whole lower grade line which they import. Mac tools go to the lowest bidder, which causes a huge fluctuation in prices, and quality from one year to the next. ALL of cornwells core line in Made in Wadsworth, OH with only US grade steel. They dont even buy any of the machinery in their manufacturing plant from overseas unless they absoulutely have to. Check out some of the videos at www.cornwelltools.com and youll see for yourself. Just cause it doesnt say "made in USA" doesnt mean its imported.

Mark at air tool parts said...

I heard that many but not all of the snap-on tools are made in the USA. I buy most of my tools from Northern Tool and equipment.

Robbie B. Cuellar said...

I am a professional Woodworker since 2012.
I use American power tools in my projects.
By the way,