Who makes US General?

[Kent Skinner]

Originally Posted by welderwink

I am somewhat interested in a waterloo box and an excel box. i worked at a place where we had a bottom of the line waterloo and it worked great.

Look, I know you aren't trying to start a fight here. However, there's NO SUCH THING as a $400 American made tool cabinet. Does. Not. Exist.

Your bottom of the line Waterloo box, most likely wasn't made here. They don't advertise "Made in the USA" on their website, so I would be very surprised if they are.

If any tool cabinet you're looking at is much less than a SnapOn, Mac or Matco, it's imported. This one is $1300, and imported.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...8127_200358127

Go ahead and buy American. If I could afford it, I would - and so would everybody else here. Just realize that you're going to pay. Asking if the stuff at Harbor Freight is imported will only start stupid fights and arguments. It's far too inexpensive to be made here.

[arkangel06]

I think these guys could tell you

[Abbott]

Originally Posted by kornjulio

Let me give you my viewpoint:
1. The tools are of lesser quality made from lesser quality materials.
2. The Chinese will lie. Ask me for the story about Finkl tool steel.
2. The nation itself is communist.

1. They get the job done.

2. Americans will lie.

3. I don't care and yes I'm a Vet. I do think we may go to war with China at some point in the distant future.

4. Harbor Freight helps me get the job done.

5. I looked at the US General box, I like my Kobalt box better but it would not surprise me to find out that they were made in the same factory.

6. I would own all made in the U.S.A. tools but I can not justify the expense of spending 4 times more (or more then that) for a tool that does the same job I can do with Harbor Freight tools.

7. I don't want to spend all my time at yard sales, pawn shops, Craigslist or Ebay looking for used tools. I want to go pick up what I need and go back to work.

[Abbott]

Originally Posted by arkangel06

I think these guys could tell you

Those look like the guys Bruce beat up in the Big Boss

[billymade]

So is there any kind of info on the box anywhere?

[stricht8]

It's funny how so many threads become US vs China on this forum. I think that reflects well on the intentions of many of the members here. We are proud of this country and will do our best to support it. I don't see how there is anything wrong with that. My motivations are the same but I also support well made European tools. Bottom line is I just like good stuff. China has been making a lot of junk for such a long time that it will take them a while to shake off that tarnished image. In addition to the patriotic, economic and poor quality reasons not to buy Chinese there are the human rights violations and environmental reasons. There are just too ma y reasons why we shouldn't buy their stuff. That being said, they do make some really good stuff. You just have to be a discerning buyer. That US General toolbox is one of those good things as are gearwrench and a whole slew of other products. I try my best to avoid Chinese but out of necessity (having no other choice), convenience, personal finances etc I will buy Chinese if I have to.

[IndustrialMechanic]

"I want to mention though that "Made In" is actually a very useless term. Anything that is comprised of 100% imported materials but has its final assembly done in the USA can be termed Made in the USA. Many companies use this to their advantage so it is a giant fallacy to think you can go out and trust that stamp. Something as simple as a combination wrench which is stamped Made in the US can be 100% Chinese steel. Even a "Made in USA" drill, could be and most likely would be, a Chinese electric motor at its heart. You just wont know."

"Even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has historically agreed that "all or virtually all" of the components and processes used to make a product must be of U.S. origin to earn the "Made in U.S.A." honor."
Taken from Armstrong tools website

[Kent Skinner]

Originally Posted by Abbott

4. Harbor Freight helps me get the job done.

5. I looked at the US General box, I like my Kobalt box better but it would not surprise me to find out that they were made in the same factory.

6. I would own all made in the U.S.A. tools but I can not justify the expense of spending 4 times more (or more then that) for a tool that does the same job I can do with Harbor Freight tools.

Lookout - somebody's going to throw down a "The Chairman" or "Commie" insult/defense any second now.

[michael murder]

I don't think anyone has actually knowledgeably answered your question. U.S. General is in fact made in China.



I'm continually annoyed at threads being choked to death and made useless by the 'ol you-didn't-exactly-ask-for-it-but-here-is-my-opinion-on-U.S.-made-tool-purchases-that-I-bring-up-constantly,-so-much-so-I'm-an-unproductive-broken-record move. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped.

The U.S. General toolbox is good for the money but if you want to keep it all in house there are great deals to be found on used truck brand toolboxes.

[Shadowdog500]

Originally Posted by Abbott

3. .... I do think we may go to war with China at some point in the distant future.

Out of curiosity, Who do you think will win?

Chris

[Underdog]

OK I'll jump in on this. My rant for the week. Finally got a chance to take a vacation out in Colorado last week in Steam Boat Springs. Been 20 years since my last visit, what changes. Now my story, went to old downtown into the FM Light western clothing store which has been in business sine 1905. Looking to buy myself a new pair of Sorel winter boots to replace my old ones which were always made in Canada. All the ones I saw where now made in China. On to a new Duster, Outback brand formerly from Australia, now made in you guess it, China. Walked out empty handed and depressed.

[arkangel06]

Originally Posted by Shadowdog500

Out of curiosity, Who do you think will win?

Chris

China..........................

[kornjulio]

In the end, all we have are our values and convictions. You live by yours, and I'll live by mine.

[poprockcrusher]

Originally Posted by quneur

Jack90210

I'm not bashing you and do like your stance but I believe the auto industry at that time doesn't reflect what we are facing now. Back then, especially in the 80's, US auto makers did produce a lesser quality vehicle then the Japanese and 'Buy American' for a junkie car didn't sell well with US consumers. But with tools, US always produced better tools than the Chinese in which case 'Buy American' slogan has a different meaning - 'Buy Quality'.

NO ! you were TOLD the Japanese car was better and attracted by the low price ...
lemmings always try to justify their behavior

[poprockcrusher]

Harbor freight serves the HACKS and illegal alien market better than sears ever could

[jvitez]

Gray Tools still makes their boxes in Canada. Bought a small hand box recently. Made in Canada, thick, heavy steel, awesome quality.

http://www.graytools.com/catalogue/2...%20Storage.pdf

[Skin]

Originally Posted by poprockcrusher

NO ! you were TOLD the Japanese car was better and attracted by the low price ...
lemmings always try to justify their behavior

riiight, thats why there are so many 80s-early 90s american cars still on the road. They were so reliable yet oh so disposable!

man i drove american for many years, they were shit compared to the imports plain and simple. dont delude yourself. Go find any self respecting mechanic who worked on cars during that era and say that i promise you they'd laugh in your face. I know many who still dont suggest American to this day. American isnt even American anymore. Some of the highest end best perfomance American cars contain ALOT of foreign parts/engineering.

[Bull]

Maybe this needs to be closed?

[Abbott]

Originally Posted by Shadowdog500

Out of curiosity, Who do you think will win?

Chris

Nobody wins if nukes are used. If it's a navel battle we have a big edge. If it's a Chinese land grab then they are in the dominate position. If we try and fight a politically correct war like we are in the Middle East then we can kiss our Snap-ons goodbye.

[Bull]

Ok, yep, Skin's post just sealed the deal. CLOSED.