Interesting that you bring up the old Canadian Tire tools Courtney.

I am still using (I >just< replaced my steering rack) the little 3/8" drive
Husky socket set I bought at the original Summerhill Canadian Tire Store 39
years ago to work on my '64 MGB!  I am missing the 9mm socket because I
hammered it onto the brake master of my '57 Chevy pickup ~30 years ago and I
assume its still there!  ;)

On Sun, Jun 13, 2010 at 4:00 PM, Courtney Hook <courtneyhook@shaw.ca> wrote:

> I'm with you Alistair; I have an old Rockwell drill that is bulletproof,
> (literally, the case is made of alum. or steel, not plastic) and when you
> pick it up it just feels right in your hand. Like a set of old Canadian
> made
> Gray ratchets and sockets. Super quality from the day of pre-computerized
> milling machines I think.
> Courtney
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Always be yourself, because the people that matter don't mind,
> and the ones who mind, don't matter.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Alistair Bell" <albell@SHAW.CA>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2010 3:44 PM
> Subject: Re: Big tools for your big nuts; now Vanagon Tools Rant
>
>
>  better buy one of those american made computers too.
>>
>> :)
>>
>>
>> judge the tool by how it works in practice. most modern handtools are
>> not as nicely made nor finished as vintage ones. scour flea markets,
>> build up a collection of tools that you actually like. I find that,
>> with a few exceptions, I have a more "personal" relationship with
>> tools that I have either inherited or found at garage sales than the
>> ones I have bought new.
>> And that means that I am more likely to clean them up and put them
>> away properly.
>> I have tools from all parts of the globe and my favourites are not
>> all from one country or another.
>>
>> To make one specific observation, my US made tools are by and large
>> old ones. I think the golden age of US tool making is long gone... a
>> reflection of how machine trades are valued now.
>>
>> alistair
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 13-Jun-10, at 3:00 PM, Max Wellhouse wrote:
>>
>> Yeah, I first noticed that Porter Cable tools were overseas-produced
>> a couple years ago, so I started buying Milwaukee Brand.  My $230 18v
>> Lithium Ion cordless drill was made over there.  I discovered that
>> and emailed the company and read them the riot act.  I had the CSR
>> calling my house(despite me not giving out my number) and emailing me
>> explaining why it was a "business" decision to stay
>> competitive.  "But it's still made to our specifications", he
>> quipped.  Then I checked my Milwaukee orbital sander and guess
>> what?  It's overseas as well.
>>
>> I replied to the CSR via email that I';m not so much against a
>> quality item being made overseas, but that they shouldn't use their
>> trademark brand name on items that aren't made in
>> "Milwaukee".  Furthermore, they shouldn't have the nads to charge
>> full retail price(same price as the US Made drill kit) for something
>> they're saving significant manufacturing dollars on supposedly.  Call
>> it a Green Bay, or an Oshkosh,  but don't call it a Milwaukee!!
>>
>> Now enter Craftsman in to the fold.  Craftsman used to have an
>> overseas-produced tool brand called Companion for the budget minded
>> shopper.  It may have been re-badged recently to the Evolv brand.  If
>> Craftsman label it's overseas-made tools as Craftsman, then I stick
>> them in the same pot as MIlwaukee, although some of the Craftsman
>> overseas made stuff is cheaper than what used to be made in the US.
>>
>> What's a Mother to do?
>>
>> DM&FS
>>
>> At 12:16 PM 6/13/2010, Courtney Hook wrote:
>>
>>> I just went out and checked my new Craftsman Socket set which is
>>> beautiful.
>>> Guaranteed forever; give it to your great grandchildren and even
>>> they can
>>> return it. Made in China.
>>> Courtney
>>>
>>>
>>>  I buy tools from Harbor Freight (the store, not the catalog) and
>>>> usually find nothing wrong with them, my breaker bars for the lug
>>>> nuts are from HF and the sockets from Sears (a new Craftsman 19mm
>>>> socket was the same price as one from the local pawn shop), I was not
>>>> able to get the single correct socket (6pt) from HF.
>>>>  I generally buy the best tool I can afford when I need it & I don't
>>>> fear HF tools.
>>>>
>>>> Rob
>>>> becida@comcast.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>  On Jun 12, 2010, at 12:30 PM, neil n wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>  This is one set of tools that I would NOT buy at Harbor Freight.
>>>>>>> --snip--
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>> ,
>>>
>>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27