OK, I had a big write up about this but I won't start a war. EchoRemeoCharlie, have you tried Doyle line of tools that Harbor Freight carries? While a lot of their stuff is low end they have changed and are changing a lot of their line of tools to a better quality tool. Are all of Harbor Freights tools top of the line? no. Does everyone need to buy a $1K set of snap on wrenches because they want to change the oil in their vehicle?
I hear this constantly, 'They're getting better...they make some good tools...." Who cares? It's still junk. Just because it's better than the trash they were putting out a few years ago doesn't mean it's quality.
I've used tools from HF before as a friend of mine is obsessed with them. He breaks tools constantly. Every time we work on something a tool of his breaks. I don't know what line they were, they all felt like cheap junk and they broke like cheap junk. Everything from box end wrenches, sockets, ratchets, to impact guns. I can count on 1 hand how many of my craftsman tools have broken. Every single time, it's because I was using a cheater bar. Every single time, the item has been replaced free of charge.
Yes, even if China did produce a equal quality product it would cost less...because labor over there is cheaper. I still wouldn't buy it. I support quality American made products when I have the choice. I just wish more people would prioritize quality when it comes to something that SHOULD last you a lifetime.
A homeowner doesn't need to spend snap-on prices. There are/were quality made budget tools available that keep American men and women working. Craftsman was a quality made in the USA tool that has a good warranty and was affordable by the masses. Less so now and keeps getting worse.
I get how the market works and if consumers want cheap junk, then someone is going to provide it for them. I just hate how easy it is for Chinese companies to blatantly steal designs that cost billions to come up with, and sell them in American markets. That's wrong in my opinion.