Another slice of Americana/tools made in the USA

[Labeeman]

I bought this set of tap and dies a few years back when I started the restoration of my Jeep and they have been quite handy. There were so many times I needed them to freshen up some threads or clean out bolt holes that I’ve lost count. The Henry L Hanson Company was started in Massachusetts, but I don’t know the exact date. They made some really nice tools for a long time but like a lot of businesses they went under and some one bought the name. The newer tools are no where near the quality as the old stuff. I got them off of eBay and will buy another set of them when the right deal comes along.

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[highstandard40]

I have the same set. Great tools

 

[KDerekT83]

Very nice. I have a newer snap on set (about 10yrs old). It's nice, but those have got to be even better quality.

 

[Labeeman]

I’m thinking Snap On are pretty good tools as far as I know. I know some of their stuff is made over seas, but they are still considered better than most. The ones I have cost me about 40-50 bucks, but I just like the fact that at one time in America a working man could buy some decent tools for a decent price made by an American company, but not any more. There are still some tools made here, Channel Lock for example, but it’s more exception than the rule.

 

[DaggerBlade]

Saved my butt more than once.

 

[Labeeman]

Dang, another super set. Gotta be a story behind it.

 

[cajun 22]

I have had the same set for over 25 years and still a must have tool for the DIY crowd.

 

[Abby Normal]

I got my tap & die set when I worked at Graingers in the 80’s. I don’t use it much but when I need it I love having it.

 

[paddle007]

I REALLY like the old sets. The size is stamped into the metal.
For years manufacturers have used laser etching. I'm old, my eyes are old. If one desires to remove rust he also will remove the markings.
Hand tools have done the same thing. An impact socket is the worse.
And yes, I really like the older American made tools. I started my career repairing cars and buying tools in 1973. I am a busted knuckle member.

 

[Akajun]

For what your doing, basically cleaning out holes and chasing threads, yes your old set is good and is way better than the Harbor Freight sets. But your set was the budget set back then when it was made. Now there are quality import taps and dies from the better import tool companies that dont break the bank.
That said tap technology has really advanced with coatings, tap design, powdered metal taps, carbide, etc and if you have a big job or need to tap a difficult material like 316 or case hardened steel. Spend the money on a quality OSG, emuge, or other tap. You'll spend way more having a broken tap burned out than it cost.

 

[georg jetson]

There is a company that makes all of their tools in the USA.

Collections

With ice in your veins and steel in your hands, there’s nothing you can’t fix. All you need are SK Professional Tools: Premium quality, precision-crafted.

sktools.com

As far as I can tell, they're the best quality tools made today at less than half the price of the truck brands, snapon, mac etc.

Unfortunately their catalog is a bit limited, but if sales go up then they'll probably expand.

A family member of mine used to have a Cornwell truck on the north shore. I got tools from him per 'family discount'. When I got a set of sockets from him a couple of years ago, I saw they were made in Asia, I was extremely disappointed. After searching a few days I found that Sk was the only US tool company left. They get all of my business.

They have a lifetime warrantee that can be redeemed at many tool outlets including Grainger.

 

[Labeeman]

I’ll have to check them out. I need a few more tools (whether or not I need them ) to meet my yearly quota for tool purchases.

 

[Core]

My father had a barn full of tools that dated back to the early 1800's. I cant stand cheaply made tools.

 

[john17427]

I have a mix of old and new Craftsman, old and new Snapon, Proto and Gearwrench, about half of it inherited and from the 70's or earlier. I think the old stuff is great as well as some of the new stuff, you just have to pay a lot more for the good stuff today. I'll have to check out SK though. I also thought that Snapon was all still made in the US. They're pretty proud of of their tools too. My son is an aircraft mech and just a set of specialty open end's he has is $800+.