Hello! I have a, what I think is, set of first-generation Lithium-Ion Makita power tools that I bought, as a set, on eBay in like 2004. I'm pretty sure they're grey-market, as the warranty card was removed and the seal was broken; and, the drill has always had a little bit of a wobble to it.

Well fast forward to 2020, and in the midst of building a set of pergola-hammock stands for my kids, I think my drill has finally about had it. It finds itself in a situation where it won't actually turn the "head" but the motor spins inside the drill.

It was a great set for a long time, through hundreds of projects.

Should I just stick with Makita and grab a brushless drill-only kit from like Home Depot? As all of the tools are pretty well loved, I don't really have any huge reservations about moving to a new "eco-system" so to speak. Milwaukee, etc.

Are any of these tool sets or tool lines made in the USA? Is there a brand I should consider over the others? (At the risk of asking a Ford vs. Chevy question, I know.)

Thanks in advance!

DeWalt. Yes, global materials etc etc but they are assembled in the US.

https://www.dewalt.com/product...ucts-made-in-the-usa

^^^ DeWalt is the only company I know of that has some of their battery tools made in the US. The batteries aren’t made in the US, but all of my batteries are made in Japan or South Korea.

This is the main reason I don’t own Milwaukee. Every tool I’ve seen from them is made in Communist China and most if not all of the batteries I’ve seen.

While some of Milwaukee manufacturing is done out of the country (some in Mexico I believe), they currently employ 3,500 in this country and are expanding there plants in this country. I am sure they are made elsewhere as well.
I have a variety of their tools, made here and overseas. They are top quality. My oldest were made here in the last century. Newer Milwaukee tools are still, in my experience, as good or better than almost all the rest.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:
I have a variety of their tools, made here and overseas.

What Milwaukee battery tools are currently made here?

DeWalt 20 volt tools
Milwaukee 12 volt tools

I have not one complaint about my DeWalt tools, either 18V or 20 V, and now 60V. Not sure where they originate, but they will be my choice for work until I'm done.

Not all Dewalt 20 V tools are made in US. And I haven’t seen any Milwaukee 12V tools that are made here. The Milwaukee name has been owned by TTI, a Chinese company for years.

I couldn’t find anything on Milwaukee’s site, but DeWalt has this page: https://www.dewalt.com/product...in-the-usa?pageNum=2

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PowerSurge,

Searched “Milwaukee tools made in the USA”. Found allamericanreviews.com

Milwaukee was sold to Techtronic Industries in 2005. They are a Holding company based in Hong Kong. They also own Ryobi, Hoover and Dirt Devil. Milwaukee is now headquartered in Wisconsin with other plants in several towns in Mississippi.

“Most models of their cordless power drills and circular saws are made in China”


So, while I am not surprised at the news, I am a bit disappointed. I expect with this recent massive unemployment many have had time to ponder where their dollars go when they spend them. Being a bit more selective will allow those dollars to do more good here at home. This “thoughtful reset” of how we spend might have a lasting impact on the US economy.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help! I wasn't sure if general power-tool banter was appropriate for the Made In USA thread.

DEWALT MADE IN USA TOOLS

DeWalt USA made tools are the newest addition to their professional grade lineup. DeWalt has 7 US manufacturing facilities that ship over 90 million Made In The USA products every year. From cordless drills to accessories, these made in USA power tools are made to out perform the competition. Whether you're working with drywall, ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, plastic or wood, you'll find the right tool for the job. Shop among drills, impact drivers, hammer drills, reciprocating saws, combo kits and more. Plus, you'll even find a multi-level workshop, various tool boxes, blade sets and more in this category.

https://www.toolbarn.com/brands/dewalt/made-in-usa/

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
^^^ DeWalt is the only company I know of that has some of their battery tools made in the US. The batteries aren’t made in the US, but all of my batteries are made in Japan or South Korea.

This is the main reason I don’t own Milwaukee. Every tool I’ve seen from them is made in Communist China and most if not all of the batteries I’ve seen.

Just to note, not all of their tools are made here. You have to make sure you get the ones labeled Made In USA. If you are unsure you can google the part numbers to make sure.

As far as I know some components and all batteries are made outside of the USA, but I'll still take assembled in USA over completely made/assembled elsewhere especially PRC.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
^^^ DeWalt is the only company I know of that has some of their battery tools made in the US. The batteries aren’t made in the US, but all of my batteries are made in Japan or South Korea.

This is the main reason I don’t own Milwaukee. Every tool I’ve seen from them is made in Communist China and most if not all of the batteries I’ve seen.

Just to note, not all of their tools are made here.

Right. Mentioned in the first sentence of my post above.

These tools have Made in USA labels on them:

DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Combo Kit (2-Tool) with FLEXVOLT and 20-Volt Battery and Charger

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DE...DCK299D1T1/207135430

So I made the Dewalt plunge. I even picked up a 3-speed hammer drill today because the sign said “free power pack (charger and 3ah battery) on an end cap at Lowe’s.

They had a heck of a time getting the battery pack to ring in for free and finally had to have a manager clear it.

Well it must have been an old deal because when I went back for potting soil later, I was going to look at orbital sanders too, because free $120 battery pack, and low-and-behold someone had torn down the promo sign.

The Ridge Tool Company is an American manufacturing company that makes and distributes hand tools under the Ridgid brand name.