STARRETT!?! - GASP! I remember when I wouldn't buy Mitutoyo precision tools because they were Japanese! They were probably making better tools than Starrett (I know - Heresy) then. That is NOT the case with made in China. Its all made out of (our) melted down crushed cars..
Here's a few more that put profit before quality now.Milwaukee Tools,Square D "QO" breakers and Craftsman tools.These all use to be American "staples".One other thing to be aware of now,congress has relaxed the labeling laws so a generalized label is close enough.I.E "Assembled in The US with parts from various countries of origin".I spend a little more for the right stuff when I can find it.Congrats on the wheel returns.
Good point Bill. I noticed that as well with the Craftsman tools. Taiwan and China. If you look HARD some of it is still USA made. Perhaps we should ask congress to stiffen the labeling laws and require a 3"X5" flag of the country of origin on everything. Its what they do in other countries.
Or, better put, the China Government Tire Company makes tires with a Cooper brand on them and Cooper buys them. The point is "Seek and Ye Shall Find". When I was in Discount Tire, I told the salesman that I do not run chinese tires and to check the country of origin BEFORE he ordered tires into the store for me. He obliged me and we were good till the "American" Racing Wheels arrived in that cheap cardboard box from china that you can spot a mile away. I am always surprised when fellow Americans give me "That" look when I ask specifically for parts and products made in the USA. Not trying to be a tool, just trying to BUY AMERICAN. As was pointed out above, if we ALL start asking for USA made items, the suppliers will start finding them for us. Hunter
Funny thing with my Chrysler: The electrical connector for the towing hook is "Made in the Nerherlands", but on the Mopar label it says "Printed in the USA".
Good shout. And dead right. I BUY AUSTRALIAN or NEW ZEALAND where and when I can. On the same principle. Saving local jobs. Keeping Australasian (that means NZ too) manufacturing alive. I buy American-made parts for my classic Harley-Davidsons where and when I can down here too. I just bought a quilt for my daughter's bed that is made in Australia and twice the price of the Chinese-made one. She thought I was nuts. I explained why. I am fortunate that I can just about afford my principles. **** China. General Motors has just stopped manufacturing cars here in Australia after 65 years. The next wave of GM Holden cars will be made in China. I have an 11-year-old Australian-made V8 station wagon with a USA-made LS1 350 V8. I will keep it and drive it into the ground, and when it dies I will still not buy a Chinese ''Australian'' car.
Bought a pair of Justin work boot about a year ago, got them home and they were made in China. I couldn't believe it. I bought several pairs of Dan Post western boots this year and they were made in Mexico, at least they were made in North America. The majority of the manufacturing jobs have left the USA.
I've been wearing these for years now. The MIC boots I used to buy were around $50, would last 6-9 months and I'd get weird pains in my feet. The Chippewa Made in USA lasted 2.5 years and were still going strong but were looking worn so I bought another pair. They've also been the most comfortable boot I've ever owned and I've been buying steel tow boots since 1990. They have spring steel in the arch that literally puts a spring in my step. Check out the little American flag attached to the laces. http://www.amazon.com/Chippewa-Mens-25223-Waterproof-Lace-Up/dp/B003F24E3O be aware though, not all Chippewa's are made in usa.
I have a hard time replacing my worn Made in US tools and parts, so I just rebuild stuff if I can, or buy used instead of new. Can't really do that with tires though I guess. Latest example for me was the option of replacing a worn and ugly Holley Blue fuel pump (old US made). No way am I going to get rid of that core and motor (the new motors are disposable, old ones you can replace the brushes...if you can find a used one to swap brushes from). That's sad about Weld. Used to make a great product.
