As we mentioned earlier, new Bostitch hand tools have started popping up at Lowes home improvement stores. While it’s great to see new hand tools, especially from dependable brands, we imagine that the great folks over at Estwing and Dasco Pro aren’t too happy to see their own products removed from Lowes’ shelves.
That’s right, much to our alarm, we noticed that Estwing’s USA-made hammers and Dasco Pro’s USA-made chisels and punches, among other tools such as pry bars and nail pullers, have already been replaced by the new Bostitch versions.
There are a few reasons why this news is upsetting. First, how will this shift in product availability affect both Estwing and Dasco Pro? Second, the imported Bostitch tools are being sold at the same prices as the previously available USA-made Estwing and Dasco Pro tools. What?! Something isn’t adding up. Third, there is the possibility that this move will promote additional bad behavior.
It is possible that only a small percentage of Estwing and Dasco Pro’s tool sales came from Lowes. Both brands are quite reputable, and are available at many other retailers and industrial suppliers. Still, this move can only hurt them.
This isn’t intended to be a criticism about Bostitch, it’s mean to question Lowes’ motives. What could prompt a national retailer to dump USA manufactured tools for imported ones (regardless of how comparable in quality they may be) after so many years of carrying them? $$$$$
These comments are based on our own and others’ observations. If anyone has some conrete info about what is going on for this apparent switch to have happened, please let us know!
I scored some good deals on DASCO & Estwing at Lowe’s, between 50-70% off.
With regards to Lowe’s changing vendors, it’s probably all about the bottom line. Quality, Made in USA tools don’t come cheap.
The Dasco chisels were value priced. It’s always sad to see a quality USA made tool replaced with an Asian import.
i don’t shop much at lowes anyhoo. but if i need something to use more than once or twice then i look for usa quality stuff. funny how they hurt american businesses and then wonder why sales are down cuz folks are out of work and unable to buy stuff..