There are fewer and fewer tools on the market now that say "Made in the USA" or "Used Global Materials." Whatever the cause, you can point fingers at politics, legislation, retailers, or any other party. The reality is that more consumers are opting to save money by purchasing lower-quality tools. There are, of course, additional considerations. As a starting point, the demise of Sears had a significant impact on the industry.
Late last year, tool box manufacturer International went out of business.
In 2019, Armstrong Tools went out of business.
In 2020, Western Forge has closed.
It was widely believed that numerous Sears Craftsman Professional mechanics' tools were manufactured at Armstrong plants. Sears Craftsman purchased hand tools and pliers from Western Forge. 2017 had seen the acquisition of Waterloo Industries, a firm that made several Craftsman tools boxes while Sears owned the brand, by Stanley Black & Decker. Who knows what would have transpired if this acquisition had not taken place?
However, not everything can be laid at the feet of Sears.
IRWIN apparently relocated Vise-Grip production in 2008 in order to maintain the Vise-Grip brand's position as a viable competitor. This year, at least some of IRWIN Unibet step drills were manufactured outside the United States.
It was in 2014 that Irwin began making pliers for the National Weather Service. They were replaced in 2016 by a new range of Taiwan-made pliers that were comparable to the originals. Despite the fact that neither line was drawn here, there are some thematic similarities.
Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial purchased Shop-Vac when it closed its doors in 2020. After months of negotiations, GreatStar, a Chinese manufacturer, purchased the company. Other brands owned by Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial include Arrow Fastener, Pony Jorgensen Goldblatt, Shop-Vac, and SK Tools. In the middle of 2021, Ideal Industries sold SK Tools to Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial. Eleven years earlier, Ideal Industries purchased SK Tools and other US tool firms. Ideal Industries purchased Pratt-Read and shut down the factory of Western Forge. Hangzhou GreatStar's plans for SK are still a mystery, but the company has pledged to keep manufacturing in the United States.
When Stanley Black & Decker acquires Craftsman, they plan to launch their first American-made mechanic's tools.
Milwaukee Tool's new hand tool plant in the United States will open later this year.
Tekton has made it clear that it supports domestic manufacturing and plans to increase it. DeWalt had screwdrivers created in the United States, but they were immediately withdrawn. Stanley Black & Decker makes Proto and Mac Tools screwdrivers, so I'm assuming these were created there as well.
There is a lot of change in the tool industry. Often, however, the issue boils down to money. If you're selling a six-piece screwdriver set for $30, which one is more likely to sell? An imported three-piece set costs $20 less than a $36 set made in the United States. If you're looking for tools created in the United States, don't despair. This can be found if you simply dig a bit deeper. The wallets of tool users speak louder than words. Why would merchants switch to more expensive American-made products if imported items are selling well? This is good news for American-made equipment, but money talks louder.
The question "why are American tool brands fading off?" was raised by a reader today.
There are numerous explanations for this. My opinion is that Western Forge never fully recovered from Sears' bankruptcy. Fingers have been pointed at severe mismanagement with Shop-Vac. Some brands are unable to keep up with the trends or change with the times.
The decline of American-made tools: Some of them have vanished, yes. Some people have made a comeback, or at least are making an effort. Additionally, Tekton's wide range of screwdrivers made in the United States is a welcome addition to the market.
As of 2009, Channellock introduced a new series of screwdrivers. A few years ago, I inquired about the importation of these screwdrivers and was informed that they were created in China because the company's supplier failed to meet their quality standards. In 2014, Channellock was able to provide a new line of American-made screwdrivers and nut drivers to the marketplace. Screwdrivers made in the United States and from other countries are still being sold by the company. There is good news in that you may still buy tools made in the United States, such as wrenches, socket sets, ratchets, hammers, chisels, punches, and screwdrivers. The same holds true for outside gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and so on. There are times when you can find tools made in the United States in large box stores. Online shopping at independent dealers and industrial suppliers is sometimes necessary.
It's true that a lot of individuals are buying imported tools for various reasons, and that's perfectly OK. A variety of factors may have contributed to their decision to purchase a non-American-made product, such as the brand's familiarity, the cheaper cost, or the lack of awareness of other possibilities. I buy tools made in the United States on sometimes and tools imported on other occasions. Each purchase is influenced by a wide range of factors. They are able to adapt and grow.
What are the chances that Ideal Industries would have sold SK Tools to Hangzhou GreatStar instead of letting it go under-performing? Many American tool companies have expanded their product lines to include lower-priced imports. Blackhawk is at Proto's disposal. Imported and domestic products are available from William. Bluepoint is a Snap-on product. Hammer and striking tool brands Estwing and Vaughan both produce hammers made in the United States and those made in other countries. Cougar Pro is available to Wright.
As bizarre as it is to see some of the most well-known American businesses launching ever-more imported tools, I'm all for it if it keeps their forges burning. Every time, I assume and pray that they're paying attention to the quality. As soon as we start talking about American-made tools vs. foreign ones, there's always a lot of finger-pointing. It's true that some of the best tool brands and makers can be found all around the world. In the long run, more production in the United States benefits consumers by providing more high-quality products at lower prices. As long as the tool is created in the United States, I will never say, "You should buy [the tool]." My own purchasing selections are influenced by a variety of elements, including the product's quality, utility, and uniqueness. There should be more to "Made in the USA" than just implying a higher-priced tool. With American-made instruments, I'm more likely to find something unusual or iconic.
If you are looking for good quality tools at reasonable prices and excellent customer service, look no further than the Workpro brand, which is well-known in the United States. However, Bondhus is a lower-priced option for high-quality hex tools, which is why they're so popular. Hex tool manufacturer Eklind is also well-known in the industry. Xuron's no-frills small cutters and pliers are top-notch. The pliers from Channellock are top-notch. Klein's wire cutters and strippers are among the best in the business. To name a few, the best hammers on the market right now include those made by Estwing, Vaughan, Nupla, Martinez, and Trusty-Cook. It is well known that Mayhew produces high-quality punches and cold chisels. The screwdrivers, small pliers, and mechanics tools in Proto are top-notch. Williams and Tekton make excellent screwdrivers with a firm handle.
"Made in the USA" is not the primary selling factor for any of these tools or brands. In my opinion, these and other companies are here to stay since they are distinct and unique in the market. Many consumers are looking for low-cost options. With justification, though, they'll spend more money on American-made goods. Over the years, a rising number of tool brands went out of business, but new ones are springing up in their stead. For the first time in a long time, I'm hopeful that the trend is about to reverse itself.
