Triumphrat

Silverado57 · 12-08-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonic

Of course, if there's more money in making crap tools in China, then you can't blame them for doing just that. Better to sell ten thousand cheap tools, than a thousand expensive ones....

I'd like to think there's more to a corporate strategy than "let's make our products in China and make more money".

If you can't blame a company for doing just that, then you won't mind when Bloor moves Triumph production to China.

Demonic · 12-08-2012, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverado57

I'd like to think there's more to a corporate strategy than "let's make our products in China and make more money".

If you can't blame a company for doing just that, then you won't mind when Bloor moves Triumph production to China.

Hey, I'm not saying I don't mind, only that it's not a surprise. As far as I can tell, most corporate strategies are "Lets do anything we can get away with to make more money".

Dan McGrath · 12-08-2012, 08:29 PM

The bottom line is "Vote with your wallet". Are you willing to pay the premium price for an American made tool or for that matter one made in the UK? I'd prefer to see American made products that are of good quality and affordable price. I'd like to have a job again too.

Tripps · 12-08-2012, 08:41 PM

I still have a set of J H Williams ratchet and sockets that were my dad's, formerly made right here in Buffalo. Gone, like everything else in Buffalo

zelatore · 12-09-2012, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonic

Of course, if there's more money in making crap tools in China, then you can't blame them for doing just that. Better to sell ten thousand cheap tools, than a thousand expensive ones....

True - to a point. But eventually the luster of the Craftsman name will dull and then you're left trying to sell cheaper and cheaper competing against the likes of Harbor Freight. And you simply aren't going to beat them on price. I still think (hope) there is room in the market for the higher end homeowner tool. The roll traditionally filled so well by Craftsman.

Of course, I admit I may be wrong.

PopPop · 12-09-2012, 10:09 AM

That's exactly what's happening. And until we can close the middle class income gap we will continue to see crappier products from everyone.

Sent from my iPhone

S1loki · 12-09-2012, 11:11 AM

I still buy Craftsman. I wont buy the ones labeled Sears though.

Even Union Pacific, which bought Snap-On almost exclusively, has switched to buying nothing but Proto.

zelatore · 12-09-2012, 01:49 PM

I've never used any Proto stuff. Not something you see very often.

Snap On does have my respect for making a top-quality tool, but I'm the first to admit they are PROUD of those things and price accordingly. I can easily see why a company would switch from them.

Junipero · 12-09-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoVel

I did the same 82-86. We replaced the internals on the spot and it only took a couple of minutes after you did it a couple of times. Drills were similar. If the chuck was messed up we would only replace the chuck althought they only carried a year warranty.

Sounds like they now take your tool and give you an equivalent replacement and then replace the internals on your tool and throw it in the box. I'm sure if you insisted on having you specific handle they would replace the internals.

Check above the door on your way out. I know this was in the store I worked in.

If it is still there point it out to the sales person.

Hey! Another Sears flunky!

. Seriously, I enjoyed my time working there...and built up a nice selection of tools.

You are right about the satisfaction guaranteed. We'd take anything back in return. Once I had to fill in at the returns desk. A woman came in with underwear that she didn't like. They were clearly branded with a K-Mart label. Well, I pointed that out to her and she said she bought them at Sears! I called my boss over and dire enough, we gave this woman her money back on the item. Can't remember though how we figured out how much to give her. True story.

zelatore · 12-09-2012, 08:23 PM

Well, not that long ago K-Mart bought Sears so I guess it's possible there was some cross-over (?)