Xyspade t1_j8jrw42 wrote on February 14, 2023 at 8:43 PM

Reply to comment by RabidBlackSquirrel in BIFL while secondhand buying: what brands do you see most often? by emmybby

>labeled made in USA or Germany

I'd add Japan to that list, their cars and a lot of their appliances and electronics were and are top of the line. They know what they're doing.

TheMrDrB t1_j8k2tln wrote on February 14, 2023 at 9:53 PM

Anyone can make a really good product. But anyone can also make complete crap. I've had USA made tools fall apart in my hand and Chinese made tools survive the Gauntlet that is my job. A good example of a USA made tool being trashy is the Matco eighty8 tool line. I one one of each drive for the series and all 4 have been back to the tool truck for a rebuild within 6 months. On the flip side I've had my Chinese built Proto 45 tooth ratchet for over 5 years without incident. I know that tooth counts matter and that it may be an unfair comparison but that's just my 2 cents on the matter i suppose.

hudstr t1_j8k80oq wrote on February 14, 2023 at 10:28 PM

I wouldn't tell that to someone who doesn't who doesn't know much about tools. Most of the tap and die sets I see at garage sales are made in Japan probably from the 80s or 90s and are absolute garbage. They were sold and priced like what Harbor Freight is today.