Craftsman Hand-Tools Now Made in Chinahttp://www.svtperformance.com/forum...3524-craftsman-hand-tools-now-made-china.htmlhttp://www.svtperformance.com/forum...3524-craftsman-hand-tools-now-made-china.htmlhttp://www.svtperformance.com/forum...3524-craftsman-hand-tools-now-made-china.html
http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...3524-craftsman-hand-tools-now-made-china.html
Ok, let me start off by saying that this is not an entirely new development. Over the past few years Sears has been releasing new series of Craftsman tools, such as the Evolv and Universal lines, that are made in countries other than the US. Still, Sears continued to advertise "all" Craftsman hand tools as Made in the USA. I suppose they justified that under the theory that their classic Craftsman line was still US sourced.
However, that is no longer the case. During a recent trip to my local Sears I noticed something troubling. Sears has begun making their standard Craftsman ratchets and wrenches in China and Taiwan. They also haven't lowered their prices from those of their US made counterparts. The non US made tools do not appear to be as high quality of the ones made in the USA. I'm not pleased.
I've long considered Craftsman tools to be the best tools, both quality and value wise, for the casual mechanic. I no longer feel that way. If I wanted to buy inferior quality Chinese made tools I'd go to Harbor Freight. Now my main concern is breaking one of my current Craftsman tool and it being replaced with one I consider inferior. That will be unacceptable. I think I may start transitioning to Matco, Mac, or Snap-On.
A Craftsman Universal ratchet, made in Taiwan.
Another view.
Just look at the back of the packaging to see the country of origin.
Here we have one of the standard Craftsman ratchets, which had for years had been advertised as "Made in the USA".
Now made in China.
Two 3/4 inch drive Craftsman ratchet. Made in the USA on the right, China on the left.
You can clearly see the differences in the metal.
Another view
Two 1/2 inch drive Thin Profile ratchets. Made in the USA on the left, Taiwan on the right.
Notice that the packaging is a bit different, but the part numbers are the same.
Funny, one appears to be missing the "U.S.A." stamping.
Perhaps this is why?
Looks like you won't be able to find these in the stores for too much longer.
I managed to pick up one of the last old stock sets of Thin Profile Ratchets that were made in the USA.
Unfortunately, it appears that this "Made in USA" logo is going to much rarer on Craftsman tools.
Another view.
Just look at the back of the packaging to see the country of origin.
Here we have one of the standard Craftsman ratchets, which had for years had been advertised as "Made in the USA".
Now made in China.
Two 3/4 inch drive Craftsman ratchet. Made in the USA on the right, China on the left.
You can clearly see the differences in the metal.
Another view
Two 1/2 inch drive Thin Profile ratchets. Made in the USA on the left, Taiwan on the right.
Notice that the packaging is a bit different, but the part numbers are the same.
Funny, one appears to be missing the "U.S.A." stamping.
Perhaps this is why?
Looks like you won't be able to find these in the stores for too much longer.
I managed to pick up one of the last old stock sets of Thin Profile Ratchets that were made in the USA.
Unfortunately, it appears that this "Made in USA" logo is going to much rarer on Craftsman tools.
Please forgive the substandard photos, they were taken with an old cell phone.
-SID297:beer:
