Jack recall, chinese junk from Harbor Freight

[mrtexas]

Don't figure anyone here would be as dumb as me to have bought cheap chinese junk jack stands from Harbor Freight but here goes anyway. They have been recalled. Any with numbers: 61196, 61197, and 56371. I have set with another number, hmm, they safe?

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...Cx7MgDn2USEgNY

[41Joe]

I have a couple of the 61196. I got the email about the recall too. I used them a handful of times and never noticed anything unsteady about them. I'm going to return them anyways.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

Don't figure anyone here would be as dumb as me to have bought cheap chinese junk jack stands from Harbor Freight but here goes anyway. They have been recalled. Any with numbers: 61196, 61197, and 56371. I have set with another number, hmm, they safe?

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...Cx7MgDn2USEgNY

Jack stands are one thing (among many) that should never be bought "cheap". I'd never consider a set from Harbor Freight. We all (well most of us) know they sell "cheap - throw away tools".
That's okay if your life won't be jeopardized.

[ford38v8]

Don't know why they were recalled, but, those type have no support under the legs and sink into blacktop.

[tubman]

Anyone can have a bad item released now and then. I remember that my dad had a "Snap-On" ratchet that fell apart on him. It seems that Harbor Freight realized they had a problem and handled it responsibly. The recall notice (with emails to purchasers, no less) seems to be managed well. I wish Sears had been able to handle my problem with the Craftsman drill that died after 3 months a few years ago as well.

[40cpe]

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this is a copy from the email from Harbor Freight
"For certain units of the Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton and 6 Ton Heavy Duty Steel Jack Stands there is a potential, while under load and with a shift in weight, for the pawl to disengage from the extension lifting post, allowing the stand to drop suddenly."

I have a set of the 6-ton units that I have used on a level concrete floor with no problems but will be returning them.

[TonyM]

If I can get half a dozen uses out of a Harbor Freight product before it fails, I consider it even.

[deuce_roadster]

TonyM--If you can crawl out from under whatever they were holding up.

[hotrodart]

I refuse to buy or use any tools made in China......pure garbage. For jack stands, I have found that old Ford V-8 transmission cases work quite well.

[Habusailor]

You are knocking the store that sells "fine china"

Sent from my SM-T550 using Tapatalk

[skidmarks]

Banjo axle housing. Got a bunch of them all the same height. No recall on them

[Ruth]

Not sticking up for Harbor Freight but y'all better check where other tools that used to be made in USA are now being manufactured. Craftsman comes to mind.

[mrtexas]

Got $43 store credit for 2 sets of jack stands

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Not sticking up for Harbor Freight but y'all better check where other tools that used to be made in USA are now being manufactured. Craftsman comes to mind.

As does most of SnapOn.

[RalphM]

Originally Posted by skidmarks

Banjo axle housing. Got a bunch of them all the same height. No recall on them

Skid marks, got a picture of those?
I have some I want to convert to stands. I can remember seeing some years ago and I want to duplicate them.

[mhsprecher]

I can remember when Made in Japan meant junk, too. Not true for many years now.

Why are things made in China, because they are cheap and we want cheap. It's one of the ways Walmart became so big.

[skidmarks]

Originally Posted by RalphM

Skid marks, got a picture of those?
I have some I want to convert to stands. I can remember seeing some years ago and I want to duplicate them.

Its quicker and simpler to cut the end off square and use a piece of 3" channel iron.

A word of caution....cut the register off the banjo center end so they sit flat on the full flange. I did these in a lathe only because i had a lathe big enough to swing them. You can do it the hard way with a grinder. Also the taller you make them the less stable they become

[rotorwrench]

Snap On's claim that all basic hand tools like wrenches, socket sets, screw drivers, and tool storage cabinets with that name/trademark on them are made in the USA. Their Blue Point line does not make that claim and the prices reflect that. Electrical tools like cordless drills & impact drivers with their name are not made in the USA as well as other electronic analyzers and devices. China is only one of many countries that supply the company. A lot of there stuff comes from various European countries both eastern and western and some stuff even comes from South American countries.

Since they still have a lifetime warranty on USA made products, they want to make sure they make them well but the price damn sure reflects that.

[Karl Wescott]

Originally Posted by Habusailor

You are knocking the store that sells "fine china"

Sent from my SM-T550 using Tapatalk

Remember though, most "fine china" was made in England.

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

TonyM--If you can crawl out from under whatever they were holding up.

Yep. You got that right.

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

I can remember when Made in Japan meant junk, too. Not true for many years now.

Why are things made in China, because they are cheap and we want cheap. It's one of the ways Walmart became so big.

Exactly, as long as Americans want cheap, China (and Walmart) will provide it.

I do have two sets of Craftsman open ends and box end that say Made in USA. One set, purchased in the early 90s, is still in its packaging.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Kube

As does most of SnapOn.

Most Snap-On made in China? Not sure about that.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Snap On's claim that all basic hand tools like wrenches, socket sets, screw drivers, and tool storage cabinets with that name/trademark on them are made in the USA. Their Blue Point line does not make that claim and the prices reflect that. Electrical tools like cordless drills & impact drivers with their name are not made in the USA as well as other electronic analyzers and devices. China is only one of many countries that supply the company. A lot of there stuff comes from various European countries both eastern and western and some stuff even comes from South American countries.

Since they still have a lifetime warranty on USA made products, they want to make sure they make them well but the price damn sure reflects that.

I know others will disagree and that's fine, but if you want a US made wrench, ratchet or socket (including Allen's bits, etc), it's hard to beat Snap-On quality.

Some members have come on here are said that they've had trouble getting warranty returns from Snap-On, etc. That has not been my experience.

I am not a professional mechanic by any means, but I do enjoy the few Snap-On tools I do own. They have never let me down and continue to perform as new.

[John R]

An internet search provides some info on the ever-changing status of COO (country of origin) for various tool brands. Not the full story by any means, but some interesting info is at the following websites:
https://www.usalovelist.com/american-made-tools/
https://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/#faq
Apparently, SK hand tools (wrenches, ratchets, etc. are still made in the US
US-made jack stands are available from USJack but are expensive vs HF stuff.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by TonyM

Exactly, as long as Americans want cheap, China (and Walmart) will provide it.

I do have two sets of Craftsman open ends and box end that say Made in USA. One set, purchased in the early 90s, is still in its packaging.

Craftsman and Craftsman Professional are some really great tools. I own a very large amount of US made Craftsman Professional (fully polished). Excellent tools and most I bought in the 90's on sale or from the clearance racks at my local Sears.

[Tim Ayers]

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Originally Posted by John R

An internet search provides some info on the ever-changing status of COO (country of origin) for various tool brands. Not the full story by any means, but some interesting info is at the following websites:
https://www.usalovelist.com/american-made-tools/
https://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/#faq
Apparently, SK hand tools (wrenches, ratchets, etc. are still made in the US
US-made jack stands are available from USJack but are expensive vs HF stuff.

S-K are US made and are trying to make headway into the professional market.

There are also some really under the radar tools that are worth checking out. The US-made Kobalt sockets and impacts sold by Lowe's were actually made by Snap-On. I can't say if they are identical quality, but I have full SAE & metric 1/4" & 3/8" impact sockets from Kobalt. If you look at the font, it is identical to Snap-On, but instead it says Kobalt. I think when Lowe's was blowing them out, they were like $10 a set or something ridiculous.

I think I got turned on to these by posts on The Garage Journal.

[Ross F-1]

Originally Posted by tubman

Anyone can have a bad item released now and then. ....

I've read that HF's supplier used worn-out tooling to produce these jackstands, result being that the engagement of the pawls is much less than it should be. That's just the kind of shortcut I'd expect from Chinese.

I am always careful setting the load on jackstands, I have seen too many pictures of the saddle on these breaking off from an off-center or suddenly-applied load.

[Kurt in NJ]

I have seen the saddle split too. They bought some at work, I refuse to use ones with cast saddle, too brittle, brought in old USA ones with forged parts

[hope]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

I have seen the saddle split too. They bought some at work, I refuse to use ones with cast saddle, too brittle, brought in old USA ones with forged parts

When ever possible (most all the times) when i use jack stands i leave my hydraulic jack in place just in case.


Hope

[Ian NZ]

We have been notified by the New Zealand Hot rod Association about the faulty Chinese Jack Stands. I avoid any Chinese made Motor, and Engineering products.

[nickthebandit]

You get what you paid for. Craftsman hand tools were being made in China. Stanley Tools, of Farmington, Connecticut bought Craftsman Tools, and built a new plant in Texas to make them here in the USA.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I know others will disagree and that's fine, but if you want a US made wrench, ratchet or socket (including Allen's bits, etc), it's hard to beat Snap-On quality.

Some members have come on here are said that they've had trouble getting warranty returns from Snap-On, etc. That has not been my experience.

I am not a professional mechanic by any means, but I do enjoy the few Snap-On tools I do own. They have never let me down and continue to perform as new.

Rest assured most is made in China. I live about six miles from their Kenosha facility where most of the tools USED to be made. Not anymore.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Ross F-1

I've read that HF's supplier used worn-out tooling to produce these jackstands, result being that the engagement of the pawls is much less than it should be. That's just the kind of shortcut I'd expect from Chinese.

I am always careful setting the load on jackstands, I have seen too many pictures of the saddle on these breaking off from an off-center or suddenly-applied load.

Don't blame the manufacturer. The blame (properly)belong cast upon the sellers that peddle this crap. It is their choice and their choice only to decide whether or not something is "good enough" to retail...

[Automotive Stud]

I'm fortunate that I don't have any of these jackstands, but many people do. I am always leery of buying from Harbor Freight, we all know the quality. But something like a jack stand seems generic enough that it would be okay. I bet you'd be hard pressed to find a new USA made jack stand if you tried. I have a harbor freight floor jack I bought last year to replace my worn out 40 year old one, that was probably made in china also.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by nickthebandit

You get what you paid for. Craftsman hand tools were being made in China. Stanley Tools, of Farmington, Connecticut bought Craftsman Tools, and built a new plant in Texas to make them here in the USA.

Get what you paid for? Not necessarily. While I believe that used to be a good rule, it no longer applies.
We own a clothing store and occasionally we have clients that demand US made clothing.
The first issue is to even find that. The second issue? Cost. Typically three to four times the cost of a similar item made in Viet Nam, India, etc. The third issue? Nearly 100% of the time, the USA stuff is CRAP.

[STEVE O]

I agree with Kube. What was a good rule is no longer true. As some of people of my age say what was wrong is now right, what was right is now wrong??. I personally fell out with Snap-on after a ordeal over a torque wrench. Good luck if t ratcheting head goes bad and they no longer supply that head its all yours no help! I've tried every Snap-on person that calls on us at work and several people have taken up the issue with different reps with no luck. They will not warranty it. I understand the torque wrench side but not the ratcheting head same as there ratchets. I will say Snap-ons screwdrivers and side cutters are the best I've ever used but who know how long that will last. Steve

[rotorwrench]

Kenosha is likely just their headquarters now days. They have manufacturing facilities in 9 other states.

Like Harley Davidson, they wanted to become an international company so they can sell their stuff. There aren't that many items that are "made in USA". that people around the world want to buy. We have to manufacture good stuff to even be competitive in the world market.

With this Corona Virus thing, it will be interesting to see what happens to Red China. How much longer can they stand with this mix of dictatorial powers and capitalist form of international trade. Folks here in the US balked at low wages and long working hours many years ago. When will the Chinese people balk and start wanting change? Better yet, what will the rest of the world do when something happens over there? Have we become too intertwined with Red China to be able to survive on our own again? The future will be interesting indeed.

[Tim Ayers]

The Snap-On tools I use on a regular basis (ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screw drivers, picks, and other hand tools) are still made in USA without any question. What fraction of the other tools that defines "most" is certainly up for one's own interpretation.

How do I know the tools I use regularly are still made in the USA? My best friend is a Snap On dealer and I hop on his truck regularly to marvel at all the other tools I can't afford.

[philipswanson]

HF is still selling these jacks but under different numbers. These numbers on recall are older stands, like 10 years or so. I have two which are on recall and two of the newer numbers which are still carried by HF. They all look the same to me. I am going to take the older ones back and swap them for the newer numbers anyway. The suggestion to leave a jack in place for redundancy is a good one, one I will follow. Although I never had one fail after many years of use. There are many jack stands of this same style out there under many different names and capacities. I have to wonder about all of them, not just the HF ones. I have Craftsman ones that look even cheaper. Who knows?

[JT FORD]

Those jack stands will never kill as many people as their Virus!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Kenosha is likely just their headquarters now days. They have manufacturing facilities in 9 other states.
Have we become too intertwined with Red China to be able to survive on our own again? The future will be interesting indeed.

The fact that we obtain approximately 75% of our drugs from China kind of scares me.

[solidaxle]

Originally Posted by Kube

The fact that we obtain approximately 75% of our drugs from Chia kind of scares me.

I was thinking the same thing. If one good thing has come out of this pandemic, it has opened up some eyes.

[Ron Pilger]

Well said JT Ford. I don't wish bad on anybody but it's difficult to respect the Chinese government and their policies which have such afar-reaching repercussions on so many levels.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Ron Pilger

Well said JT Ford. I don't wish bad on anybody but it's difficult to respect the Chinese government and their policies which have such afar-reaching repercussions on so many levels.

And ours?

[bobH]

Originally Posted by Kube

And ours?

Right on, Mike

[mike in tucson]

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A long time ago, I installed some waterjet cutters in China. When I finished and was getting ready to come home, my customer technicians asked if they could buy my American tools....they said that Chinese tools were "junk"! I sold them and got enough $$ to replace them with new stuff when I got home.

[Hoop]

My tools reflect equal opportunity for a wide range of suppliers .... true diversity.

Craftsman, Snap-On, Proto, Blackhawk, Napa, Pennkraft, Mac, Powerkraft, Thorsen, etc., etc.

Rarely bought new sets. Just filled in what I needed at the time both in sae and metric. Had to raise a couple of kids so big expenditures on tools didn't happen.

First car ... first sockets were S-K given to me. I still use them and fondly remember the previous owner.

All of these are U.S. made. Quite a few by the same manufacturer in the same factory (like New Britain Machine).

Anyhow, always got along just fine with all of them. i like my Snap-On screwdrivers, Craftsman 1/2" fine tooth ratchet, and Craftsman 1/4" socket set.

... I would rather look through the flea markets than buy Harbor Freight.

(A new set of golf clubs does not make you a better golfer. Same with hand tools and mechanics.)

[mike in tucson]

"It's a poor workman who blames his tool" anon

[Kube]

Originally Posted by mike in tucson

"It's a poor workman who blames his tool" anon

Oh my, I couldn't agree more.
When I first became a tool maker, it became apparent rather quickly that the tool room had the machine tools that well, were poopy compared to the production part of the shop.
We were told that with our schooling, we could make gold out of horse sh--.
We did... there was no option "B".

[Mike Conshafter]

When I was around 10 years old the neighbor two doors down was taking the transmission out of his car in the garage, it was sitting on cheap stamped steel jack stands, it started to rain so the wife moved the riding lawn mower in garage, her foot slipped, the mower bumped the car, the car fell on George. He was around 50 at the time, told my Dad the day before he just paid off the house, he spent the next 30 years in a motorized wheel chair unable to talk. He just died a couple years ago, she still carries the guilt. Sure you can say the jack stand wouldn’t matter but when you’re 10 and you watched all this from the bottom of the driveway it made an impression, the other neighborhood guys who helped get him free made comments of the sort in regards to the stands and jacks with no blocking. When I put a car in the air I go overkill... when I go to swap meets estate sales, auctions or on Craigslist I always look for industrial strength jacks and stands that are in the 40-100 year old range. I never buy anything new.

Hand tools much the same, old Craftsman sockets and wrenches, older Snap-on ratchets, proto, S-K, Matco, MAC, last year I bought a complete 3/4” drive S-K socket set from the 60’s/70’s for around the same as a new China set. I’m rarely disappointed with old quality name tools, as stated above the new tools from the quality names often disappoint. Thankfully I’m an old soul that likes old stuff.....

Mike

[Tinker]

As a instant buy cheap society. We get what we pay for. There are options, always have been. We always made some stuff here, just never bought it.

Picking up at auctions and garage sales are good, but take time.


.

[RalphM]

I have some really good quality jackstands and then I have a couple that are the L cheapo‘s for $20 or whatever. I only use those for holding up something that I guarantee you I will not get underneath.
Oh yea, So when are they going to recall this virus?

[Tinker]

...


.

[Karl]

The way things appear to be going you won't have to worry about Chinese junk because there will be no trade between China and the USA or worse . That should serve nicely to deflect any reflection on the quality of the administrations response to the virus !

[40cpe]

Originally Posted by Karl

The way things appear to be going you won't have to worry about Chinese junk because there will be no trade between China and the USA or worse . That should serve nicely to deflect any reflection on the quality of the administrations response to the virus !

That sounded blatantly political to me, and uncalled for.

[tubman]

I agree with BOTH of you!

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by hotrodart

I refuse to buy or use any tools made in China......pure garbage. For jack stands, I have found that old Ford V-8 transmission cases work quite well.

Where do you purchase your floor Jacks from that are American made?

[hotrodart]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

Where do you purchase your floor Jacks from that are American made?

My floor jacks are older than me, and I am in my mid-70s.....they are well cared for, and can be rebuilt as they wear.....every tool I have (2 roll away boxes, several hand boxes, and 2 machinist's boxes) is made in USA......as are all my power tools.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by hotrodart

My floor jacks are older than me, and I am in my mid-70s.....they are well cared for, and can be rebuilt as they wear.....every tool I have (2 roll away boxes, several hand boxes, and 2 machinist's boxes) is made in USA......as are all my power tools.

So awesome. Your a hero seriously. Unfortunately all new floor Jacks I’m aware of are Chinese make. It is also getting harder to find good jack rebuilders as the cheap Chinese junk & people willing to accept it have put the rebuilders out of business.
Keep digging my friend.

[Lawrie]

I have a great USA made floor Jack, Its a treat, I will get a pic and brand for you today.
Lawrie

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

So awesome. Your a hero seriously. Unfortunately all new floor Jacks I’m aware of are Chinese make. It is also getting harder to find good jack rebuilders as the cheap Chinese junk & people willing to accept it have put the rebuilders out of business.
Keep digging my friend.

I do too. My Walker 2 ton is USA made and has been trouble free for 20 years. I found a '30's vintage Blackhawk 1 ton bottle jack at a swap. $5. $60 for a rebuild and it's as good new.

[Lawrie]

My jack is a Brunnhoelzl alloy one,
I have had it for 9 years(got it for a birthday prez), never missed a beat.
Used most days in the shed.
Tony, I bet they use these at your shop.
Lawrie

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

My jack is a Brunnhoelzl alloy one,
I have had it for 9 years(got it for a birthday prez), never missed a beat.
Used most days in the shed.
Tony, I bet they use these at your shop.
Lawrie

Mon Dieu!! I've gotta sit and catch my breath for a minute. Those things are "ONLY" $875 at Speedy Bill's. Looks about the same as my Craftsman alloy jack that has performed wonderfully. DD

[alanwoodieman]

I was in the Navy in the late sixties and was assigned to a relatively new ship, all of the tools on board were made in Spain-you could literally bend a wrench around a bolt with out loosening the bolt and they expected me to rebuild a 12 cylinder diesel with this junk. when one broke I threw the rest in the junk bin, would have been over the side had we been at sea. I used my craftsman wrenches for two years on that ship and repaired a lot of machinery. Look at the quality of the tools you think are made in the US vs old school USA tools

[hop up]

Originally Posted by hotrodart

My floor jacks are older than me, and I am in my mid-70s.....they are well cared for, and can be rebuilt as they wear.....every tool I have (2 roll away boxes, several hand boxes, and 2 machinist's boxes) is made in USA......as are all my power tools.

Yes yes and yes old tools were built to last forever and will. I see the HF tool post here and on the hamb and always say why in my head. What happens to the tools after you buy them ? Screwdriver gremlins ? Jack stand gremlins ? Now where are to good old tools passed along by family or bought when no harbor freight was around and Craftsman was made in the great USA .
My father told me when I was a kid buy the best tool you can and it should last you a lifetime. Some of my woodworking tools are over a 100 years old and still do a amazing job..
As for jack stands I see guys making the 2x4 risers that fit under the tire. I like that idea and chopping up a dozen or two 2x4 is easy cheap and safe.

[Merc Cruzer]

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My favorite jack cost be just $25 off of craigslist. I restored it it (new seals, fluid and a paint job). He had two so I bought them both. When I broke an axel this was the only jack to have. And it has built in locks.

I was great when I redid the rear brakes, because you have to jack this car up so high just to get the rear tires off.

Still trying to get original rubber pads. And it was made in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Yes I still use jack stands with it.

Ok, so I don't use it under the bumper, instead I put the pads under the frame.

One of these on each on side of the car and you have a car hoist.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

My jack is a Brunnhoelzl alloy one,
I have had it for 9 years(got it for a birthday prez), never missed a beat.
Used most days in the shed.
Tony, I bet they use these at your shop.
Lawrie

G’day Lawrie. Yes that’s exactly what we use. But who can afford them for hobby use.

[V8COOPMAN]

Hein-Werner Jacks are the "Cadillac" of American-made jacks. Most guys that own a Hein-Werner jack refer to them proudly as their "Hiney". DD

[Bored&Stroked]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

I can remember when Made in Japan meant junk, too. Not true for many years now.

Why are things made in China, because they are cheap and we want cheap. It's one of the ways Walmart became so big.

I totally agree . . . this is ONE part of the problem. The other is that we no longer really have any selection - hard to find "good, better, best" choices for almost anything. When one goes into Home Depot to buy even simple garden tools - you basically can't find anything that is made well and made in this country . . . so what do you do, you buy what they stock and you head back home to your garden . . .

It is sort of a vicious circle -- and too few people will actually PAY for quality these days. They make products that "look good" - but with poor designs, poor materials and shady manufacturing processes . . . and most US shoppers don't know any difference - so they buy the cheapest on the shelf.

[KiWinUS]

This is a brand new Hein Werner jack I have. Copy of Lincoln or NAPA

[KiWinUS]

Chinese
I have worked on many of these as I have purchased them cheep most leeked or has an issue all near new. I am completely done fixing these as I have more than will last me if I lived to 100. I have next to 0$ in them. Simply because they had issues from brand new.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

I totally agree . . . this is ONE part of the problem. The other is that we no longer really have any selection - hard to find "good, better, best" choices for almost anything. When one goes into Home Depot to buy even simple garden tools - you basically can't find anything that is made well and made in this country . . . so what do you do, you buy what they stock and you head back home to your garden . . .

It is sort of a vicious circle -- and too few people will actually PAY for quality these days. They make products that "look good" - but with poor designs, poor materials and shady manufacturing processes . . . and most US shoppers don't know any difference - so they buy the cheapest on the shelf.

I'm sure most of us on here can recall when Sears sold two completely separate lines of tools. "Dunlap" for the masses and "Craftsman" for those who cared.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by tubman

I'm sure most of us on here can recall when Sears sold two completely separate lines of tools. "Dunlap" for the masses and "Craftsman" for those who cared.

And now a lot of Craftsman wrenches are 'Hecho en Chine'.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Ruth

And now a lot of Craftsman wrenches are 'Hecho en Chine'.

"Heck-O" on that 'Hecho-elsewhere' BS from now on! DD

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

I was in the Navy in the late sixties and was assigned to a relatively new ship, all of the tools on board were made in Spain-you could literally bend a wrench around a bolt with out loosening the bolt and they expected me to rebuild a 12 cylinder diesel with this junk. when one broke I threw the rest in the junk bin, would have been over the side had we been at sea. I used my craftsman wrenches for two years on that ship and repaired a lot of machinery. Look at the quality of the tools you think are made in the US vs old school USA tools

You were in the wrong outfit. I was in the Navy from Feb 66 to Nov. 69 in VP squadrons and Naha, Okinawa. We used Navy issue Snap On tools all the time.
We always had great tools. Never went aboard ship though in 4 years in the Navy.

[Lawrie]

My Dad was in there Air Force during the war,I have some of his snap on tools, one a 1/2 ratchet I gave to the snap on man to give it a clean up, he said that style was last made in 1945, so I know where he got it from lol, I still use it today.
Lawrie

[JSeery]

I don't remember what tool supplier we used in the Army (Hawk Missile System) but I do remember they were high quality!

[Tinker]

Been a thing for a long long time. Things have been made over seas forever and will continue. In the 60-80's japan made better guitars then the states. Why?

Supply and Demand. If demand is for higher quality and cheap, well it's not possible. The old saying... Cheap, quick, or good. Pick two.



If nobody is going to buy a jack for more money, No one is going to make. I'd personally buy quality over anything. I don't need to rebuy something like a jackstand or a jack. But if cadillac could keep a bumper on a old caddy, why buy another one.


.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Ruth

And now a lot of Craftsman wrenches are 'Hecho en Chine'.

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

"Heck-O" on that 'Hecho-elsewhere' BS from now on! DD

Are you suggesting some Craftsman Tools are not made in China? Your wrong. I doubt Ace Hardware could sell a ⅜" drive socket set or a set of wrenches for $9.99 if they were still Made in USA.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Are you suggesting some Craftsman Tools are not made in China? Your wrong. I doubt Ace Hardware could sell a ⅜" drive socket set or a set of wrenches for $9.99 if they were still Made in USA.

I'm aware of the origin of Craftsman stuff any more. The ONLY thing I'm suggesting is that MY dollars will NOT be going westward across the Pacific any more.....FOR SURE! Furthermore, it's likely that my dollars will remain within the confines of the contiguous 48 from now on.....USA! DD

[Tinker]

Good luck east or west. You have a computer or a phone or like stuff? I agree but not real. Change isn't going to happen quickly.

[leon bee]

Sometimes people forget that a lot of the stuff made in USA is junk now. The same greed dogs that sent so much industry to Asia don't allow people here to do their best anymore.

[rotorwrench]

Folks may think this is getting political and maybe it is but Corporations are all about making as much money as they can. If this means purchasing things from foreign countries that might use slave labor, they have no problem with that. That may be the problem. Maybe they should have a problem with that.

We purchased very little from the Soviet Union and Red China during the cold war. A lot has changed since then. Mom & Pop businesses are a lot more few and far between now days because the consumer wants low prices too.

[leon bee]

Today I pulled out my favorite adjustable (crescent type) wrench. One of my friends went to China way back before such a trip was common, and for souveneirs and gifts he bought tools. This wrench even has chinese writing on it. It's made of perfect stainless steel and is the best adjustable wrench I've ever owned.

[dumb person]

I don't have a photo of it, or even know where it is at the moment. But i had a pre-war ratchet that was made in china.
Wasn't even a ratchet as such, more like, a heavy steel scroll that bound up when you turned it in one direction.
Wasn't amazing, but showed, that once, a long time ago, they could make stuff that wasn't junk.

Some more modern tools i've bought, it was amazing. Amazingly bad.
They didn't weigh much despite their volume.
The steel itself was 'hollow' and wasn't really steel. Where they broke, showed the metal was more like sponge, and would rust in 50% of the surface. The rest looked like someone recycled every random grey metal they could find. Didn't know lead, aluminium, and tin cans could mix.

[Lawrie]

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I had a mate who had a boat that had a chi+++ engine in it, It was called a dungho
My mate and son were doing a service in the engine room and the sons job was to clean the dungho,s oil bath air clear and refill it with oil.
What he did was fill the air cleaner right with oil, when my mate started it up it got reving faster and faster ,they couldn't,t shut it off, the vacated the eng room as the flywheel exploded,.
He showed me the remains of the f/wheel it was supposed to be cast iron but iron looked more like cork it was so large grained.
After that the engine was called the dungheap.
Lawrie

[cajunfirehawk]

I use them but I don't bet my life on anything I use, if I work under a car or truck, it has a minimum of two jack stands and a floor jack, period. Anyone who says they buy cheap tools that says they were unaware they came from china is full of crap, its cheap for a reason and in most cases they work fine, as shown in the jack pic I own a ton of Milwaukee M18 and M12 tools, those are not sold in HF but are made overseas where most other battery powered tools are made and they are rated very highly. Most hobbyists like us cant afford made in USA tools, I wish I could afford them but I have to settle for cheaper brands, too many politics involved in why tools are made overseas. And sorry to say I don't think in my lifetime (almost 60) we will see a big change in that, I hope so but...YMMV

[kiwitony]

With this covid thing you guys in the states and us in kiwis land might be able to get some quality locally manufactured stuff. It may be one positive to come out of these trying times.

[itslow]

Originally Posted by hotrodart

I refuse to buy or use any tools made in China......pure garbage.

Garbage is produced everywhere, including here in the USA. It all boils down
to the thoroughness of the engineering behind a part and the quality control processes after its been manufactured.

[Ruth]

So, after this discussion of all kinds of tools... back to the subject. Who does make a good jack stand, USA or otherwise?

I have seen a lot of jack stands that are cheaper than Harbor Freight.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Don't know why they were recalled, but, those type have no support under the legs and sink into blacktop.

Not sure I would trust ANY jack stand on blacktop. I have seen motorcycles fall over on a warm day when their stands sank into soft asphalt.

[John R]

Originally Posted by Ruth

So, after this discussion of all kinds of tools... back to the subject. Who does make a good jack stand, USA or otherwise?

USJack makes 3, 6 and 12 ton jack stands made in the USA: www.usjack.com
Also, Snap-on says their 3 and 6 ton stands are made in the US.
The USJack units have a two-tooth locking system which appears to be superior to the typical design.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by dumb person

I don't have a photo of it, or even know where it is at the moment. But i had a pre-war ratchet that was made in china.
Wasn't even a ratchet as such, more like, a heavy steel scroll that bound up when you turned it in one direction.
Wasn't amazing, but showed, that once, a long time ago, they could make stuff that wasn't junk.

Some more modern tools i've bought, it was amazing. Amazingly bad.
They didn't weigh much despite their volume.
The steel itself was 'hollow' and wasn't really steel. Where they broke, showed the metal was more like sponge, and would rust in 50% of the surface. The rest looked like someone recycled every random grey metal they could find. Didn't know lead, aluminium, and tin cans could mix.

One must remember that they (Chinese) can make anything we can make. They DO make what the guys in the USA chose to buy from them.
Typically, the choice is low quality as most folks seemingly want as cheap as possible with little or zero forethought as to how long that thing might last.
If most folks actually gave an ounce of thought, they would buy better quality that would last a lot longer and subsequently be cheaper in the long run.
Days long gone I'm afraid...

[Kube]

Originally Posted by itslow

Garbage is produced everywhere, including here in the USA. It all boils down
to the thoroughness of the engineering behind a part and the quality control processes after its been manufactured.

In part I agree with you.
However, what it truly boils down to is the wholesale buyer's requirements.

[51504bat]

Couple of thoughts. Back in 1965 I had a friend that bought a new Honda 50. I remember looking at the "Made in Japan" plate on the frame and giving him a hard time about it. His reply was "unfortunately they all come that way" Now all these years later "Made in Japan" is considered a good thing. Also, the Chinese can make nuclear devices so they can pretty much make anything they want to and in any quality. And finally don't bet on all your Snap On tools being made in the USA. They are making some product off shore, including China.

[rbone]

My son is a certified Mercedes Benz technician. I have been in the shop with him several times and asked him about their choice of tools. Interestingly, there are many different brands depending on quality and service. For instance, almost all 'hand tools' are Snap-On. Battery operated tools are generally Milwaukee. Scanners and such are either Midtronics or Matco. Some of the floor jacks are Northern tool - Arcan brand. Some are Snap-On. The lifts I have seen are Rotary Lifts.

Are there any Harbor Freight tools in there? A few, but not many. Jack stands from Harbor Freight? No.

My wife and I spent the weekend with him over Memorial Day and he gave me an early father's day present - a 1/4 inch and a 3/8 inch Snap-On ratchet handles! They are smooth as silk.

[philipswanson]

Have any of you guys returned older jack stands for the recall? I have an old pair but the decals are no longer on them identifying the numbers. Will they take them back when the numbers are worn off? Can they id them?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Have any of you guys returned older jack stands for the recall? I have an old pair but the decals are no longer on them identifying the numbers. Will they take them back when the numbers are worn off? Can they id them?

Ah.....You've done it now! Having jacks with the numbers worn-off proves to HF that you got MORE than your money's-worth in use......RETURN DENIED! DD

[tubman]

Thanks, COOP.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by John R

USJack makes 3, 6 and 12 ton jack stands made in the USA: www.usjack.com
Also, Snap-on says their 3 and 6 ton stands are made in the US.
The USJack units have a two-tooth locking system which appears to be superior to the typical design.

What do y'all think of Hein-Werner 6-Ton Jack Stands? Made in USA. Any good?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Ruth

What do y'all think of Hein-Werner 6-Ton Jack Stands? Made in USA. Any good?

Not familiar with Hein-Warner brand jack stands as such, but Hein-Warner hydraulic jacks (affectionately known as "Hineys" by their proud owners) have been known as a "Cadillac" of quality, American-made jacks for decades. DD

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Ruth

What do y'all think of Hein-Werner 6-Ton Jack Stands? Made in USA. Any good?

Picture please.

[40cpe]

Originally Posted by Ruth

What do y'all think of Hein-Werner 6-Ton Jack Stands? Made in USA. Any good?

"Hein-Werner HW93506 Jack Stand is the 6 Ton Jack Stand that is assembled in the US. It was designed with the safety in mind."

Note it says ASSEMBLED in the USA.

[JSeery]

Same basic design as the cheaper HF units, but you would assume much better quality based on the price, around $100.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

"Hein-Werner HW93506 Jack Stand is the 6 Ton Jack Stand that is assembled in the US. It was designed with the safety in mind."

Note it says ASSEMBLED in the USA.

Appears to say "Made in the USA" on the label.

[JSeery]

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Originally Posted by Ruth

Appears to say "Made in the USA" on the label.

Ya, interesting, if you read the reviews the supplier states it is assembled in the US from parts sourced from several overseas sources. Seems like some flaky claims to me. Not sure how they get away with that label.

"These stands are manufactured in the US from US and Global components. Until 2013 they were Made in the USA. Nothing in the manufacture and construction of these stands has changed since 2004, what has changed is the law. Since we can't find American manufacturers to cast all of the small castings for these stands some of the less vital parts are produced overseas and always have been. The major weight bearings components are cast in South Dakota and the stands are assembled at our facility in Kansas City where we are headquartered. Don't let our corporate name fool you, We are a family owned company based in Kansas City that was founded by an American Citizen of Taiwanese descent. There is only one company left that still manufactures an entire line of lifting products in the United States and we are it."

This is interesting: "These Jack Stands are Made in America. These products were formerly known as the Marquette and Lincoln line of professional lifting equipment which were purchased by Shin Fu of Taiwan. Shin Fu America re branded the Marquette and Lincoln lines as Hein-Werner and introduced them to the U.S. market back in 2004. Hein-Werner is the U.S. manufacturing division of Shin Fu America."

All of this seems very sketchy to me.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Ya, interesting, if you read the reviews the supplier states it is assembled in the US from parts sourced from several overseas sources. Seems like some flaky claims to me. Not sure how they get away with that label.

"These stands are manufactured in the US from US and Global components. Until 2013 they were Made in the USA. Nothing in the manufacture and construction of these stands has changed since 2004, what has changed is the law. Since we can't find American manufacturers to cast all of the small castings for these stands some of the less vital parts are produced overseas and always have been. The major weight bearings components are cast in South Dakota and the stands are assembled at our facility in Kansas City where we are headquartered. Don't let our corporate name fool you, We are a family owned company based in Kansas City that was founded by an American Citizen of Taiwanese descent. There is only one company left that still manufactures an entire line of lifting products in the United States and we are it."

This is interesting: "These Jack Stands are Made in America. These products were formerly known as the Marquette and Lincoln line of professional lifting equipment which were purchased by Shin Fu of Taiwan. Shin Fu America re branded the Marquette and Lincoln lines as Hein-Werner and introduced them to the U.S. market back in 2004. Hein-Werner is the U.S. manufacturing division of Shin Fu America."

All of this seems very sketchy to me.

Sketchy and (intentionally?) confusing.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Ya, interesting, if you read the reviews the supplier states it is assembled in the US from parts sourced from several overseas sources. Seems like some flaky claims to me. Not sure how they get away with that label.

Well, it's just like any other obfuscatory rhetoric spewed-around hither and yon now-a-days. It's a "not-incorrect statement" aimed at the sheep of the world that ain't got the common sense to question just WHY they would "weasel-word" something that SHOULD have a VERY simple, concise answer! Lots and lots of obfuscation going-around today across our land. DD

[Mart]

Funnily enough, my trolley jack is a Shinn Fu. It is a really good jack.