It is my obligation to be fair, neutral, open-minded, and objective when it comes to discussions about USA-made tools vs. imported tools. Sometimes I even have to play devil’s advocate and take the unpopular side in an argument.
Even though I don’t always let it show, I do favor USA-made tools.
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For my personal tools, I buy USA-made when I can and where there’s a benefit in respect to features, performance, build quality, or durability. But I typically won’t choose a USA-made tool that’s inferior to one that’s made in Europe or Asia. The same goes for ToolGuyd tools and equipment – I prefer USA-made if it’s a feasible option.
To date, there have been over 250 USA-made tool posts and discussions here on ToolGuyd. Every time I write about a USA-made tool or related topic, I check a box that sends it to the USA-made tools section.
Buried in ToolGuyd’s footer section at the bottom of all pages is a USA-Made Tools link. I was doing a regular audit of ToolGuyd’s layout and links, and realized that this shouldn’t be the only place for a link to the USA-made tools category.
Posts and reviews about USA-made tools typically also include links to this and other related categories, but I don’t think most people notice these links. For instance, here is where the link appears at the bottom of a USA-made tool review:
This morning I felt like the USA-made tools section could use some more attention, so I made space in the menu bar, and added a new link that will show up on all ToolGuyd pages.
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This USA-made tools section isn’t new. It’s been there as long as ToolGuyd’s been around, although I haven’t done a very good job of making it visible.
There are currently 257 posts in this category, and a lot of the reviews and tool discussions are still relevant. Here are 5 older posts that you might enjoy from the USA-made tools archive:
- Johnson hardwood level review
- Ullman hook & pick set
- Proto ratcheting combination wrench preview
- Yost clamp-on vise review
- Joe’s tire pressure gauge review
Have you ever read these reviews before? If not, then there might be other great reviews, previews, and discussions that you might have missed.
The USA-Tools link will remain in the menu bar for a while, at least until I can gauge how popular it is. If it doesn’t seem to be popular with readers, the link will be replaced with a different category or topic link, but the page will always be there.
There is always a list of USA-made tools posts, whether you notice the link or not. Every time I write about a new USA-made tool, I check a little box and that post is automatically added to the list.
Do you like the idea of this USA-made tools section? What other types of content filters would you like to see? Is there anything special you would like to see added to the USA-made tools pages?
Visit Now: ToolGuyd’s USA-Made Tools Section
For those of you that receive ToolGuyd updates through RSS, there’s also a feed for that page. Enter the link into your RSS reader and the software should find it. If not, try this link – ToolGuyd USA-Made Tools Section RSS Feed.
Lisa
Stuart you rock doll! USA is the only way.
Stan
I agree entirely. Granted, there are cases where you have no choice but to buy an imported product, in that case I try to follow the ABC rule. Anywhere But China to be specific.
We need those jobs here in the United States of America and while I understand other countries need jobs, ultimately since I live in America, I care about the people here.
I make no apologies for staunch stance on this subject. I’ve had friends and family lose their jobs due to outsourcing, so imagine how they must have felt when they lost their job. Truthfully, in person I tend not to talk about this much as I realize most people don’t care, but online it’s another story.
I wish more people, at least those who are in fact American citizens would care about country of origin, as that job that is shipped overseas might be your job or someone you care about job in the future.
Reading the country of origin label isn’t hard and I assume anyone with a rudimentary education could easily do this.
I’ve known about this tab for a long time now and often re-read topics there. I am not sure what the policy is with comments on older subjects, so I don’t comment on the older ones typically.
David
I’m with you, Stan. I have been scoffed at by a lot of people when I tell them I feel this way about not just tools, but many other USA made products as well. However, I have brought a few people around to this idea also, so there’s still hope. We just have to vote with our wallets. If enough people do the same, it could make a difference.
Joshua Latham
Very good, I was in Lowes the other day and everything is foreign made and I was really disheartened. I really try to spend extra and get a USA made product and this will help greatly.
Grady
THANK YOU! WELL DONE!