Originally Posted by Blkstanger
I own some old Made in the USA Craftsman tools. If they ever break I wont be replacing them with cheap Chinese junk.
At one time a mechanic just starting out (me included) could go to sears and buy some decent tools that would last but they were not cheap, they were mid priced tools.
A 200 piece set which didn't have the usual fillers just sockets ratchets, swivels, extensions, wrenches, etc was $199,99 in 1973 which today is $1,155 which is far from cheap, it is still $200 so they did reduce the price along with the quality.
The trash they peddle today I wouldn't put in my box, it is not worth the scrap metal its made from. I still have my Craftsman sockets and the deep have a feature that today not common which is a very deep broach, deep enough to grab long engine sensors, try that with new anything inc the new Craftsman, they will not go on. I used the 19mm just yesterday on a temp sensor.
The amazing thing is none have broken and for the first 8 or 9 years I used them every day. The new Chicom stuff is not holding up like that today.
For the DIY I would go with Taiwan stuff if I didn't want to give out a bit more for US or Euro made, the quality is good enough and the price is right.