favorite / least favorite brand of tools

racsan · 03-20-2009, 10:08 PM

i really like my dewalt drill. i just got a porter-cable recip saw from menards that is very nice, almost as good as a milwaukee. for mechanics tools i have mostly craftsman. a few snap-on's here and there and a few things from mac. back in the day black&decker was worth having, now there about as reliable as harbor freight stuff.

fuster · 03-30-2009, 12:18 AM

Depends on what type of tool. Harbor Freight is mostly made in China. I don't buy stuff made in China. OK, maybe occasionally, because I have no choice. But given a choice:

Like a lot (all are not made in China, all are ones I own): Saws: Skill Mag 77 (made in USA) and their older saws that are made in USA; Bosch. Roto Hammer: Bosch. Drills: Bosch; Makita , USA made Skill commercial grade. Routers: Porter Cable. Vacuum: Bosch; Fein. Nail/staple guns: Hitachi (best framing nailer); Porter Cable. Air tools: Ingersol Rand. Drill presses: some Craftsman (the big ones). Grinders and sanders: Milwaulkee; Makita; Porter Cable; some Craftsman. Compressors: Ingersol Rand; Quincy. Delta is going to start manufacturing one of its table saws again in the US. But it is very spendy. At least they are making one of their saws here.

Do NOT like: Black and Decker; Ryobi; any other product made in China or not made in USA, Japan or Europe. Do not buy stuff made in China, at least try to give the manufacturing jobs to Americans or some of our real allies like Japan or Europe. We need to start demanding that stores offer stuff made in USA. I tell sellers I expect to see something made in USA or I will shop somewhere else. So you know one store I NEVER shop in is Walmart.