Let's post our Made in USA tool finds (yard sales, old store stock, auctions etc)

[Happy Gilmore]

I toured a factory up in Vancouver Canada recently. They said that humans only have an accuracy of 80% on average. They employ a lot of humans, but they are overseeing basically robots to improve on human's faults. I don't see a problem with this as long as the equipment is manufactured on this continent. Hopefully the US will do the same. That company, by the way, is off the charts on their growth.

As far as this thread goes, please keep the old iron pictures coming, but current US companies making stuff here are extremely, extremely, deserving of recognition as well.

Tom, we have another thread going on tools currently made in USA, check it out, feel free to add away. I completely agree with the recognition.

 

[ultrarunner]

32 years ago I opened a store charge at the local Ace Hardware... it's a full city block and opened in 1946.

I knew things were not going too good since the owner passed away and last week they put out a 50% off all merchandise and displays... cash only.

In the locked cabinets I found lots of made in America items... thing is just how many pry bars and center punches does a person need... also had USA vice grips.

I did buy a brand new old stock Milwaukee Hole Hawg still in the box for $150... just when I thought I was done with Milwaukee tools...

May return to see what else I can find... a couple of local contractors bought displays and all of faucets and such...

Another local institution bites the dust...

 

[Happy Gilmore]

32 years ago I opened a store charge at the local Ace Hardware... it's a full city block and opened in 1946.

I knew things were not going too good since the owner passed away and last week they put out a 50% off all merchandise and displays... cash only.

In the locked cabinets I found lots of made in America items... thing is just how many pry bars and center punches does a person need... also had USA vice grips.

I did buy a brand new old stock Milwaukee Hole Hawg still in the box for $150... just when I thought I was done with Milwaukee tools...

May return to see what else I can find... a couple of local contractors bought displays and all of faucets and such...

Another local institution bites the dust...

That's sad Ultra, really sucks. I love a good local hardware store. We have an old auto parts store 15 minutes away. It's like stepping back in time. They have tons of old tools and parts etc. The owner has no kids, once he's gone, it'll be gone. I've bought numerous older Williams tools from him, his price list is from 1980 and that's what he sells them at. Truly a unique place.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

We lost 1 of our big hardware stores about 4 years ago. Our Ace is doing OK I hope, they supplement their sales with septic service, large irrigation systems and lawn and garden stuff.

 

[ultrarunner]

This hardware store was the go to place for the area... they had everything... full lumber, housewares, fine china, a retired plumber ran the plumbing and an electrician ran electrical.

The older employees had a profit sharing plan with match that was paid out after 20 years upon retirement... also medical.

I was invited to one of their Christmas parties, maybe one out of five customers invited... got to meet the families of all the employees.

The area has changed greatly... back in the day the Chevrolet plant was two blocks away and street cars ran along the median... that was a long time ago.

Most folks simply no longer venture into that part of the city to do any shopping...

Foothill Hardware - East Oakland - Oakland, CA | Yelp

 

[downsizingnow48]

Found these Starrett punches tucked away in one of my Dad's old toolboxes. Even the smallest punch has the complete name of the company, location, and "Made in USA" imprinted. Probably from the 60s.

 

[Big Barn]

Found these Starrett punches tucked away in one of my Dad's old toolboxes. Even the smallest punch has the complete name of the company, location, and "Made in USA" imprinted. Probably from the 60s.

Wow. Nice.

Terry

 

[downsizingnow48]

Yeah in his shop there was a drawer of well-used punches which is what I used, I didn't even know about these!

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Picked these Channellock mini pliers/cutters up over the last couple weeks. Pen is for size comparison, it's made in Korea.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I posted this vise in its own thread, but hey what the heck. Local auction, $30.00. Athol Machine Co. 5" heavy bugger