Power tools question

[danickstr]

If I want to support a US company with a power tool purchase, which one would I use? I need a new cordless drill, for example.

[mdshunk]

I'm not so sure that there are any US companies making power tools anymore. Milwaukee is owned by Ryobi now. Panasonic and AEG both get high marks in the cordless category, but they're both foreign owned too.

[ItsHot]

This is something I have not thought about! I think Ryobi is manufactured in USA( anderson sc. ???) I purchased some Romex this week and was glad to see it was still made in the USA!!!

[cadpoint]

I've heard dewalt was owned by Black & Decker, urban myth ?

[mdshunk]

I've heard dewalt was owned by Black & Decker, urban myth ?
Yeah, that's true, but who owns Black and Decker?

There were some red steel guys complaining to me the other day that they like Ingersoll-Rand bolt guns, but now they're aparently owned by Volvo?

[nakulak]

Remington. ( Of course, that might not be the kind of power tool you were looking for lol)

[Dennis Alwon]

Yeah, that's true, but who owns Black and Decker?

There were some red steel guys complaining to me the other day that they like Ingersoll-Rand bolt guns, but now they're aparently owned by Volvo?

Yeah but Ford owns Volvo.

[cadpoint]

Black and Decker

Here (http://www.blackanddecker.com/CustomerCenter/Company-Information.aspx)

USA - Towson, MD (best I can tell)

[ItsHot]

I just did a brief search. Vermont American owns Bosch, and Black and Decker(Dewalt??) is in Townson MD.. Did you know that Toyota and Nissan are american made cars?? " made" being the trick word!

[Dennis Alwon]

I just did a brief search. Vermont American owns Bosch, and Black and Decker(Dewalt??) is in Townson MD.. Did you know that Toyota and Nissan are american made cars?? " made" being the trick word!

I thought the body of the cars were made in america and the engines were made in Japan or at least by Nissan and Toyota.

The Nissan Quest and the Mercury Villager at one time and perhaps still were almost identical vehicles. Chrysler made the bodies for both vehicles while Nissan made the engine for both.

[Dennis Alwon]

The obvious point to this whole question is that everyone seems to be involved overseas. Even if it is an American company many of the parts come from overseas or they have some connection in the overseas market.

[wbalsam1]

Most all of the wiring harnesses in my Harley Davidson come from Japan, and it's a '79 1/2!!!:-?

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Most all of the wiring harnesses in my Harley Davidson come from Japan, and it's a '79 1/2!!!:-?

And now, many Harley parts are made overseas, and only assembled in America.

[wbalsam1]

And now, many Harley parts are made overseas, and only assembled in America.


Global thinking, global economy, global trade, global warming, global schmobel.........I want my Harley to be 100% made in the USA.:cool:

[JES2727]

Makita has a manufacturing facility in Buford, Georgia. I don't know how much of their stuff is made there. I would assume they have other manufacturing facilities overseas.
Porter-Cable has a manufacturing facility in Jackson ,Tennessee.
I bought a Milwaukee hammer drill last year. I foolishly assumed it was made in the USA. I was dismayed to read on the nameplate "Made in Czechoslavakia" !
Thanks for bringing this topic up, I think it's important.....

[mdshunk]

I bought a Milwaukee hammer drill last year. I foolishly assumed it was made in the USA. I was dismayed to read on the nameplate "Made in Czechoslavakia" !
Wow, that tool must have been in stock for some time at the dealer. After January 1, 1993, Czechoslavakia was no longer the name of any country.

[ItsHot]

Hey Marc that is what I was thinking also. Sears used to carry one of the most comfortable work boots made by those guys! Not anymore! Where is Old Milwaukee made these days?

[danickstr]

ridgid is mostly made overseas from what i have seen as well...thought it was American...

I like Makita drills alot, and would be happy to support us made japan co, at least better than going with a china made model.

[JES2727]

Wow, that tool must have been in stock for some time at the dealer. After January 1, 1993, Czechoslavakia was no longer the name of any country.

OK, maybe it says "Czech Republic". I'll take a look at it tomorrow.

[celtic]

Where is Old Milwaukee made these days?
Still kicking...
http://diversioncansafes.com/otherimages/exp/52002s.jpg

[FNCnca]

Where is Old Milwaukee made these days?

Still made in america by SABMiller (South African Breweries Miller)

[ptonsparky]

I think my kids were made in America...everything else has mixed linage.

[bkludecke]

My daughter was concieved in America and born in Portugal. She is a naturalized US citizen but she works for Home Depot.

My son was concieved and born in America but got married in Germany and now lives in the US.

Just wondering why all the consternation about what is made where? I buy the products that serve me best and price sometimes plays into my decision. I really don't care who made it or where.

It seems that we Americans want top wages for our work but won't step up to pay the price for US made products; so the manufacturers get things done in markets paying very low wages and we buy the stuff and bitch about where it's made.:-?

[danickstr]

i understand your point. I am usually looking to do what I can to support our economy when I can since we have such a trade deficit, which ends up costing us money. Also, i try to go with other countries than china since they have such lax labor fairness and environmental policies.

but i am not trying to support nationalism as a means of exclusivity.

[weressl]

Yeah, that's true, but who owns Black and Decker?

There were some red steel guys complaining to me the other day that they like Ingersoll-Rand bolt guns, but now they're aparently owned by Volvo?

And Volvo is owned by Ford, or is that Saab....

[weressl]

If I want to support a US company with a power tool purchase, which one would I use? I need a new cordless drill, for example.

As somebody who was not born in this Counrty, I feel very strongly in favor of this.

Two things that comes to mind that I am grappling with and could not make up my mind how it should influence my decisions.

Does the US Company manufacturers in the US, solely and uses US made parts in his production?

Does the US Manufactured item has the same features, longevity and quality than the competitive product? Or am I supporting a Corporation whose management is incompetent to produce a Worldclass product? Not the workers, mind you, who are capable of producing superior products WHEN the tooling and design is provided. But if I buy the product, I am supporting not only the US worker, but supporting incompetent management who deserve to "go under".

[jim dungar]

If I want to support a US company with a power tool purchase, which one would I use? I need a new cordless drill, for example.

Do you mean support US workers or US investors?

[weressl]

Do you mean support US workers or US investors?

Why would the two be exclusive of each other?

[tallguy]

Why would the two be exclusive of each other?Clearly, the OP needs to bring an economist along to the store... (not saying that as a slam, but it really is that complicated)

[jim dungar]

Why would the two be exclusive of each other?

The point is they could be, so which is more important?

Subaru is a Japanese company but its cars are assembled in the US.
Oshkosh B'Gosh is a US company but its clothes are made overseas.
Schneider Electric is a French company with a US manufacturing division that has identical products made worldwide.

[HotWire367]

My curiousity got the best of me so I did a quick check on some of my tools.

Milwaukee 2.4 V cordless screwdriver, made in Japan
Milwaukee 18V hammerdrill/driver, made in China
Makita 14.4 V drill, MAkita tools, Georgia
Dewalt 18V hammerdrill/driver, made in Mexico
Ramset fastening tool, the tool, nails, and shots, all made in USA

Dave

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

It seems that we Americans want top wages for our work but won't step up to pay the price for US made products; so the manufacturers get things done in markets paying very low wages and we buy the stuff and bitch about where it's made.:-?

I think Americans want livable wages for their work, few want to be more than comfortable. The American marketplace has long catered to the desire for Americans to "save money" by purchasing cheaper, foreign made goods.

If all things were equal, a pair of Jeans made in USA or Thialand would have the same production cost.

A pair of New Balance sneakers will cost 20 bucks, made in America, a pair of Nike's could run over $250.00, made for pennies in Mylasia.

[JES2727]

OK, maybe it says "Czech Republic". I'll take a look at it tomorrow.

It was made in the Czech Republic. Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic - it's all the same to me.

Just wondering why all the consternation about what is made where? I buy the products that serve me best and price sometimes plays into my decision. I really don't care who made it or where.

It seems that we Americans want top wages for our work but won't step up to pay the price for US made products; so the manufacturers get things done in markets paying very low wages and we buy the stuff and bitch about where it's made.

Wow, you really don't get it, do you? This thread was started by someone who wants top wages for his work and DOES want to step up and pay the price for US made products! Please don't generalize and say that we don't want to pay the price so we buy the cheap stuff and bitch about where it's made. I AM willing to pay the price, I don't buy imported stuff if I can avoid it, but I still bitch about where it's made. I care. It's unfortunate that you don't.

[bkludecke]

It was made in the Czech Republic. Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic - it's all the same to me.



Wow, you really don't get it, do you? This thread was started by someone who wants top wages for his work and DOES want to step up and pay the price for US made products! Please don't generalize and say that we don't want to pay the price so we buy the cheap stuff and bitch about where it's made. I AM willing to pay the price, I don't buy imported stuff if I can avoid it, but I still bitch about where it's made. I care. It's unfortunate that you don't.

Actually I do get it. And if there were enough of folks like you who were willing to pay any price for domestically made products, those products would be easy to find. So you are definately a minority. The US auto industry was just about distroyed in the '80s because they couldn't (or wouldn't) produce a quality product at a reasonable price. Today GM has to add about $1500 to the price of an average car just to pay for health insurance for retired workers. I'm not willing to pay for those mistakes/concessions that management @ GM allowed just to keep the UAW in business.

I'm as red-white-and blue as anyone but when companies can't compete in a global market place they will eventually fail. Capitalism is the the only moral economic system there is. When products and $$ cross borders, soldiers don't. Global trade is a good thing and I'm sorry you don't agree.

I could go on for hours be you'd be bored I think. Peace.

[LarryFine]

Today GM has to add about $1500 to the price of an average car just to pay for health insurance for retired workers. I'm not willing to pay for those mistakes/concessions that management @ GM allowed just to keep the UAW in business. Is that so different from our discussions about customers who only want the lowest price and use trunk-slammers vs. those who want and are willing to pay for licensed and insured professionals?

(I'm not specifically talking about union shops, but I'm not excluding them for the sake of this discussion, since you mentioned the UAW.)

[e57]

Just wondering why all the consternation about what is made where? I buy the products that serve me best and price sometimes plays into my decision. I really don't care who made it or where.

I can agree with this.... So what Bosch makes it better than some for some things, they don't make everything.... WiHa and Knipex replaced all of my Kliens... Kliens do not even make the same "type" of screw driver WiHa does - apples and oranges...

Oh - From what I understand if Carhartt's can be sewn in/out-sourced via Mexico, and the zipper installed in the US - qualifies as "Made in America" what's the point anyway?

Why determine quality by country of origin? Capitolism and socialism just don't seem to mix in any country, they have simular problemsas we do... Pensions collapsing, social security crisis, aging polpulations, etc.

[iwire]

Members, where do you see this thread going?

Does anyone really think they will change the views of others here?

Here is the OPs question.

If I want to support a US company with a power tool purchase, which one would I use? I need a new cordless drill, for example.

Lets stay on topic and leave the rest of the discussions to your PMs or another type of forum.

[ITO]

Made in Japan is a mark of quality for me, its the crap from China that concerns me.

However, if you looking for a good drill the Bosch are really nice, but I cant seem to hang onto them for very long.

[ceknight]

If I want to support a US company with a power tool purchase, which one would I use? I need a new cordless drill, for example.

http://cgi.ebay.com/STANLEY-VINTAGE-BIT-BRACE-DRILL-MODEL-H1250-MADE-IN-USA_W0QQitemZ150157360801QQcmdZViewItem

:)

[bkludecke]

http://cgi.ebay.com/STANLEY-VINTAGE-BIT-BRACE-DRILL-MODEL-H1250-MADE-IN-USA_W0QQitemZ150157360801QQcmdZViewItem

:)

Hey I've got a couple of those! I guess I am an American after all LMAO

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Members, where do you see this thread going?

Does anyone really think they will change the views of others here?

Lets stay on topic and leave the rest of the discussions to your PMs or another type of forum.

I suppose an NEC forum isn't the place for socioeconomic discussion. Now, which religion is the correct one? :grin:

[danickstr]

Did not mean to stir a hornet's nest, and thanks for all the replies. I guess I will go with Makita drill since it is made in Georgia. Otherwise I would get dewalt (made in China) since the profits go to US company, I guess. Or ridgid 24v is supposed to be good.

Thanks again for your input to all.

[ITO]

I use the Makita cordless tools at home for my personal use, they work great.

[Kessler4130]

I have had several dewalts in the past and the batteries always seemed to fade fast, maybe it is just me. But the makita stuff is top notch IMHO.

[tallguy]

I have had several dewalts in the past and the batteries always seemed to fade fast, maybe it is just me. But the makita stuff is top notch IMHO.1) DeWalt - It's not just you
2) Makita - I agree

[mattsilkwood]

I have had several dewalts in the past and the batteries always seemed to fade fast, maybe it is just me. But the makita stuff is top notch IMHO.

the thing i hate most about dewalt is everybody has them , it seems that batteries always seem to dissapear and its hard to point a finger when theres 200 batteries on a job that are just alike.
for that reason ive got in the habit of spraying them with pink marking paint.

you can see a hot pink drill from 300 yds away and nobody will want to borrow it either.:D

[iaov]

Most all of the wiring harnesses in my Harley Davidson come from Japan, and it's a '79 1/2!!!:-? The connectors in my 03 & 05 Harleys are German made and almost any of the "Genuine" Harley aftermarket parts are made in Tiawan!!

[iaov]

Is that so different from our discussions about customers who only want the lowest price and use trunk-slammers vs. those who want and are willing to pay for licensed and insured professionals?

(I'm not specifically talking about union shops, but I'm not excluding them for the sake of this discussion, since you mentioned the UAW.) You get what you pay for wether its tools or 'tricians.

[iaov]

Made in Japan is a mark of quality for me, its the crap from China that concerns me.

However, if you looking for a good drill the Bosch are really nice, but I cant seem to hang onto them for very long. Made in Japan is a mark of quality today but I'm old enough to remember when it wasn't. The Chinese stuff gets better all the time. Karl Marx said when it comes time to hang the capitalists, they will be happy to sell us the rope. I think we have sold the rope to the chinese. But before we swing we should be able to buy some excellent consumer goods at competative prices!!

[LarryFine]

the thing i hate most about dewalt is everybody has them , it seems that batteries always seem to dissapear and its hard to point a finger when theres 200 batteries on a job that are just alike.

Not too many people are using 36v deWalt tools, and I love mine. The batteries seem to supply power for a long time, then poop out all at once. They do recharge faster than they get used up, so a spare is forever.

[TOOL_5150]

dewalt all the way for me...


http://xaetrex.net/tools/smallpix/DSC00279_resize.jpg


~Matt

[iwire]

Not too many people are using 36v deWalt tools, and I love mine.

To each their own I can't see me ever needing a 36 Volt, to heavy to work with all day. :smile:

When buying my own tools I still buy 14 volt, if I need more power I am more then happy to get a cord and plug a tool in.

[sparky_magoo]

To each their own I can't see me ever needing a 36 Volt, to heavy to work with all day. :smile:

When buying my own tools I still buy 14 volt, if I need more power I am more then happy to get a cord and plug a tool in.

I couldn't agree more. If I need more than my 14 volt Bosch has to offer, I roll out the extension cord.

I also happen to think that cordless circular and recip. saws are stupid. That statement ought to get some blood boiling.

[mattsilkwood]

I couldn't agree more. If I need more than my 14 volt Bosch has to offer, I roll out the extension cord.

I also happen to think that cordless circular and recip. saws are stupid. That statement ought to get some blood boiling.
to each his own but my cordless sawsall is worth it weight in gold on a pipe job.

[mdshunk]

I also happen to think that cordless circular and recip. saws are stupid. That statement ought to get some blood boiling.
I never really had a cordless circular saw until recently, and I only got it because it came with a kit. It's proved to be handy. I find myself mostly using it to run out to the truck and cut a chunk of 2 x 4 lumber for installing a paddle fan box in an existing home.

[andinator]

Actually I do get it. And if there were enough of folks like you who were willing to pay any price for domestically made products, those products would be easy to find. So you are definately a minority. The US auto industry was just about distroyed in the '80s because they couldn't (or wouldn't) produce a quality product at a reasonable price. Today GM has to add about $1500 to the price of an average car just to pay for health insurance for retired workers. I'm not willing to pay for those mistakes/concessions that management @ GM allowed just to keep the UAW in business.

I'm as red-white-and blue as anyone but when companies can't compete in a global market place they will eventually fail. Capitalism is the the only moral economic system there is. When products and $$ cross borders, soldiers don't. Global trade is a good thing and I'm sorry you don't agree.

I could go on for hours be you'd be bored I think. Peace.

Read Allan Greenspan's new book. I'm just about done and it will explain it all to you.

[chris kennedy]

Last Monday I bought a Hilti SFH 181-A. $350 at Big Orange. I'm tired of my Bosch cordless hammer drills burning up. We do hunrdeds of Tapcons a day so I need a couple of reliable hammer drills. Happy with the Hilti this week. I'll let you know how it holds up.

[iwire]

Happy with the Hilti this week. I'll let you know how it holds up.

I bet you stay happy with it.

Another contractor on a job had a nice Hilti hammer drill and it had built in dust collection. It was perfect for working in finished buildings.

The company just bought me a bunch of 18 volt Dewalt tools, the Hammer drill seems pretty good.

[220/221]

If I want to support a US company with a power tool purchase, which one would I use? I need a new cordless drill, for example.


Don't be concerned abpout supporting the economy by the simple purchase of a power tool. Use that tool at work every day and spend 80 percent of what you earn. THAT will help the US economy.

[iaov]

dewalt all the way for me...


http://xaetrex.net/tools/smallpix/DSC00279_resize.jpg


~Matt It all looks brand new. Buisness is either realy good or realy slow.

[sparky_magoo]

what do you guys think of cordless impact drivers? I have been told the Hilti steel gears and the others use plastic. Of course a Hilti rep. told me this.

I won't be buying one soon. I can't afford to get the x-mitter fixed for my Ideal cable locator. I also want a generic Meggar real bad. Business is slow now and I don't want to spend the cash.

I do love the size of those cordless impact drivers.

[iwire]

what do you guys think of cordless impact drivers?

I have had a Dewalt 14 volt 1/4" drive impact gun and I really like it.

Nothing better for Tek screws, it's real light.

It is loud and it will break stuff if your not careful.

[TOOL_5150]

It all looks brand new. Buisness is either realy good or realy slow.


Not all of them are new.. The pic didnt really show it though. And yes, business has been VERY good to me. :D

~Matt

[928Doug]

Ownership is like kinship, Evrybody owns everything like everone is related to someone. I think the real question is Where does the money trail go?