Tapping Screwdriver made in USA?

[Shimon]

I recently bought a Klein tapping screwdriver to replace an older Klein that was stolen/lost. The handle says "Made in USA" but the tapping portion of the tool is stamped "China" and it broke on the first use. Took it back for a refund. It was the same as this one listed on Amazon: Amazon.com: Klein Tools 626 Cushion-Grip Six in One Tapping Tool: Home Improvement

I did some searching online but can't find one that is really made in the USA and is a quality product. Snap-On truck comes to my workplace on Wed so I'll check with him but I couldn't find one listed on the Snap-On website. Any ideas?

It's not a "must have" tool for me but it's handy to keep in the tool bag for service calls if you need to clean or tap small machine screw threads. I keep my big tap/die set back in the rolling tool box at the shop. Need a quality tool because I work with a lot of stainless steel which is a bear to drill/tap (I work on yachts where SS is the norm). Thanks.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Contact cripe to confirm, but they usually carry NOS bought at surplus...

Klein Tools 623 24 Cushion Grip Triple TAP Tool 6 32 8 32 10 24 USA | eBay

 

[Shimon]

What is "NOS"?

That looks like the same one I bought. Says "Made in USA" on the handle, but the tap is "China".

 

[murphy1244]

NOS- New Old Stock

 

[Buckgnarly]

NOS- New Old Stock

Yup. Call the seller, cripe distributing, and ask if it is entirely made in US.

 

[Shimon]

Ok. Thanks. Will contact that seller.

 

[Shimon]

I never heard back from the E-bay seller.

In the meantime, I wrote a letter to Klein. Not that it would really do anything...but with enough people crying out, someone may eventually listen. Here is a link to Klein's "American Manufacturing" page that I reference in the letter wherein Klein tries to rationalize their use of shoddy products: American Manufacturing | Klein Tools. I still think they make many fine products and I will still buy them, but I will closely inspect every product before purchasing. And I do commend Klein for at least trying to keep most of their products American made and for maintaining factories here. I just think they can do a better job of protecting their reputation. Many people (not all) are willing to pay more for quality.

Attached is a photo I took of the tap (this is the one that didn't break on first use...it was never used).

This is regarding your tapping tools (#626, #627-20).

I had a 626 that I bought about 15 years ago and it served me well for many, many years until an apprentice walked away with it. I bought a replacement and the tap broke on the first use. I looked closely at the tap and it says "China" on it. The handle says "Made in USA". I returned the item to the store where I bought it for a refund. I was disappointed to see that Klein is using inferior junk and putting its name on it. I have used Klein tools for years and will continue to do so but I will not be using any of the "junk" made in China.

I read your "American Manufacturing" page under the "Company" header on your website and I see that you go to great lengths to rationalize your overseas products. The bottom line is that people who buy and use Klein tools pay the extra money for quality. If we wanted junk, there are hundreds of other brands that have sold out to the bottom dollar. You can't tell me that you are unable to make or source a tap for this tool from a quality supplier in the USA who makes something that will last more than one use. I use tools professionally and I spend a lot of money on them because I need them to work. I will pay more for a 626 or 627-20 that has a REAL tap made of quality metals...not something made from Chinese mystery metal.

And I find it egregious that you still have the gall to put "Made in USA" on this tool when only the handle in made in USA and the actual tool is made in China.

Klein is obviously aware of customer's concerns on this matter otherwise you wouldn't have posted the seven FAQs on the "American Manufacturing" page. It's time you started listening more to your customers instead of trying to talk your way out of this issue.

Thank you,

Shimon Mor
Sedro Woolley, WA

 

[grsthegreat]

I never heard back from the E-bay seller.

In the meantime, I wrote a letter to Klein. Not that it would really do anything...but with enough people crying out, someone may eventually listen. Here is a link to Klein's "American Manufacturing" page that I reference in the letter wherein Klein tries to rationalize their use of shoddy products: American Manufacturing | Klein Tools. I still think they make many fine products and I will still buy them, but I will closely inspect every product before purchasing. And I do commend Klein for at least trying to keep most of their products American made and for maintaining factories here. I just think they can do a better job of protecting their reputation. Many people (not all) are willing to pay more for quality.

Attached is a photo I took of the tap (this is the one that didn't break on first use...it was never used).

View attachment 335035

i used to like Kline, but ive been noticing that their tools are bending and breaking on me too much. The supply houses wont replace the tool if theres as much as a nick on them as the distributor will not reimburse them anymore

Im an electrician so i depend on them.

Lately ive been using lowes house brands. Lowes never blinks an eye on a return....lifetime refund even if its smashed to pieces.