Craftsman...but seeing they just cancelled my nearly $10k credit line with them from lack of activity, I may re-evaluate. I spent a TON with them since I got my card at 18.
Craftsman hand tools USED to be all made in the USA. Nowadays, many are made in China...and IMO, quality has declined.
Home Depot's Ridgid Power tools are Chinese built, (like all cordless tools) but they're very good...and like some video cards, if you register them, you get a "lifetime service agreement" for them. I have their smaller 18v Lithium-Ion drill. I'm impressed by how good it is. I also have their corded "multi-tool" with the plunge cutter and auto-hammer attachments. Nice tools.
As far as I know, sockets wrenches and things like that are still USA made.I literally have stocked my tools in the last year with mostly craftsman stuff thanks to slickdeaks on some of them
Don't blame Sears, it's Citi bank that mandated 12-month-inactivity account closures when they took over Sears credit.
Alk, we're hosed unless we have some real leadership step up. Sadly, we won't get it out of DC./shakes fist!
Also to others. I grew up with crappy Chinese products (I am 42). They are kicking the USA's butt in the affordable market In the uber market, we are still not a contender.
Meanwhile, our fucking MickeyD workers think they are worth $15/hr.
Dear Lord save us!
Alk, we're hosed unless we have some real leadership step up. Sadly, we won't get it out of DC.
More guns, more ammo.
LOL Americans, in general, want cheap crap. That's why wal-mart is king. Politicians...LOL X2..."I got mine...oh, yea, America...Fuck yeah." Runs to the bank.Americans should speak up. That's what made us awesome. Our senators used to go to fisticuffs over what was important.
harbor freight? with the 20% coupon, can't get much better bang for buck than that.
What are you doing OP?
I would never purchase a tool unless I absolutely need it. Assuming need = buying tools + sitting around for years/never used.
Rule one, quality is the best value. Harbor Fright power tools are worth scrap value of the metal they're made from. Rigid is pretty good, Riobi is OK.
Go to Tool King and check out the refurb tools. I've purchased around $3k worth of them over the years and have never had a single problem.
I have a harbor freight sawzall, belt sander and MANY other tools that are over 7 years old that would like to disagree with you.
Dubious. I've bought way too many chinese butter steel items at harbor freight.
They are changing. All of the old hand tools have MADE IN USA stamped into them. Instead of stamping "MADE IN CHINA" they simply removed the original text. Some old stock is still around so you can still find them. Personally I don't want to support Sears anymore since they've sold out their good name in pursuit of the bottom line. And if I'm going to pay for tools made in China, I might as well get them for a good price (HF).
But HF is hit or miss. Their aluminum jack isn't bad. The torque wrenches aren't bad. The toolboxes are excellent. Their power tools, no thanks.
I bought a large Craftsman Professional set (Black handles/Black steel) of screwdrivers/pliers around 2000. They were kept in an attached garage and all have rusted, even ones that Ive never used. Some pliers and wire cutters have rusted shut.
I brought them back to Sears and they wont replace them because they say I must have got them wet. They have never been wet although I live right near the bay/ocean so maybe salt air? Even so, my other tools, even cheap Stanleys dont rust. Will never buy Craftsman again.
Bring them back again to a different store-if they reject it again ask for the rejection in writing and escalate it corporate-wise with Sears. Sears warranty on hand tools is unlimited-no exclusions for alleged abuse, etc. I know of people who have replaced Craftsman tools in the same condition you described with absolutely no problems.
<--- very depressed to hear that Craftsman tools are now made in China. I guess there is absolutely no reason any longer to go to Sears.