As someone living in the US, I almost always think products “Made in the USA” are pretty high quality. Trouble is almost nothing is made in the USA because almost everything is imported, largely from China or SE Asia.
It’s a common perception for sure, although I have to admit when I do find things that are actually “made in USA” I also find I am often disappointed by their quality. Tools for example, Made in USA often seems to reflect a lot of shitty cut corners and weak crappy materials. There’s some good stuff too of course but it’s certainly not a guarantee and I wouldn’t even say it’s the majority.
Made in Japan or Made In Germany is usually a good bet but you’ll pay a steep premium, meanwhile there are honestly some exceptionally well made and affordable tools coming out of China, you just have to know what specifically you’re buying because of course there is also a lot of absolute crap.
As someone living in the US, I almost always think products “Made in the USA” are pretty high quality. Trouble is almost nothing is made in the USA because almost everything is imported, largely from China or SE Asia.
It’s a common perception for sure, although I have to admit when I do find things that are actually “made in USA” I also find I am often disappointed by their quality. Tools for example, Made in USA often seems to reflect a lot of shitty cut corners and weak crappy materials. There’s some good stuff too of course but it’s certainly not a guarantee and I wouldn’t even say it’s the majority.
Made in Japan or Made In Germany is usually a good bet but you’ll pay a steep premium, meanwhile there are honestly some exceptionally well made and affordable tools coming out of China, you just have to know what specifically you’re buying because of course there is also a lot of absolute crap.
Craftsman was the absolute best until Sears went out of business and they sold the name.
Being able to just walk into any Sears with a broken tool and walk out with a working one was amazing.
My local Sears even had a display of the oldest tools that were traded in.