ClassicCar

Snap- On, Matco, Mac, and Cornwell just to name a few are made in the USA. Only downside of these tools is that they are expensive, but they will last.

@46HudsonPU - I can't blame you, you want something that will last a long time instead of breaking in several years.
What about Cobalt?

@46HudsonPU - Yeah I meant Kobalt.
With me getting into the auto industry as a professional I can see staying away from those band name tools (I have a few mastercraft at home, and even they started to wear within a day of hard use) and putting more money out to get something that has a lifetime warranty. However most tool manufacturers do not have lifetime warranties on Air and Cordless tools because they tend to break more often than hand tools.

Well just how do you guys expect the CEOs of these multinational companies to get their golden parachutes? And the leadership in China are all bazillionaires while the average Chinese person, though better off that in the times of Mao, still work hard and get relatively little for their honest labor. We all appreciate honest labor in this country no matter where it occurs, but probably only 1% of us care much for management cutting corners to enrich their own personal coffers.

Snap-On is a great American tool brand, with high quality tools and you will pay for that quality. For tools used frequently, buy the higher quality stuff if you can't stand the frustration factor, and for infrequent tools you can probably go with the less expensive (although not always a good strategy). My torque wrench is a satisfactory one, but I'm sure it was manufactured in China. At work, we use only Snap-On torque wrenches, and the quality is very clear in going from one to the other. Most Americans can't afford or won't pay the higher prices for these tools now that they have become accustomed to outfitting their entire tool box at Harbor Freight prices. If I have a tool where failure could cause injury or catastrophe, I will go with the American built brands to make that outcome an unlikely occurrance.

Chinese manufacturing has both a good and less stellar side to the story. We all have access to a lot more affordable tools, but we shouldn't expect the quality to be as high when we pay so much less for those tools. As time has gone along, the Chinese manufactured tools are becoming more expensive because the workers are demanding better pay, and the cost of shipping has increased, along with better manufacturing techniques in general. Theoretically there's a tipping point at which it is just as cost effective to manufacture here in this country at our labor rates.

I think Walter Chrysler was correct that the mark of a true mechanic is when he makes his own tools, something he did as a mechanic for the railroads. But then again, that was a completely different era.

Hello, I think that if we start really looking for any products made in the USA, we would be doing our country a big favor but if you look hard you will be abel to find good tools made in the good ol USA.

Nick Hansen