I was browsing Channellock’s website the other day and was quite pleasantly surprised by what I found. As you can see from the above screen capture, Channellock is openly disclosing that their screwdrivers and nutdrivers are made overseas. That open disclosure (not the fact that the drivers are imported) should be praised.
You may be wondering why this is significant. Well, have you ever emailed a company asking about where a certain product is manufactured? In my experience, only about 50% of such inquiries are ever answered. Some companies, such as Channellock, respond to COO (country-of-origin) inquiries completely and promptly while others provide delayed vague responses or choose to ignore such questions entirely.
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This open disclosure conveys that Channellock is proud of and stands by their products regardless of where they are made. Other tool manufacturers should follow their example and put an end to the subterfuge. COO disclosure is especially important these days since many companies are slowly and subtley moving their factories overseas.
Note: Channellock’s core product lineup is still made in the USA; only their screwdrivers and nutdrivers are produced overseas.
Jason
Not sure if you know, SK can be a bit tough via email to gather country of origin info. But, if you call their main line they seem more than willing to tell you where whatever item you’re interested in is manufactured since they only list the “Made in USA” on their site for particular tools. I recently called about their new Tri-Molded screwdrivers and Ratcheting Combo Wrenches. Slovenia for the drivers, Taiwan for the wrenches.
Have a good one.
Will
I agree that Channellock deserves recognition for posting COO information on their site. It can be difficult, if not impossible to find such information on other companies’ sites.
With virtually everyone doing comparison shopping online these days, such information should be required so that consumers can make an informed choice.
I have noticed the Canadian Home Depot site lists COO information for all tools. Perhaps it is required there.
Stuart
I too have noticed the same of HomeDepot.ca but forgot all about them – thanks for bringing them up! Some time ago I had used their site to determine where a new jigsaw I wanted to buy elsewhere was made.
Anthony Volpe
why would anyone applaud channellock for shipping work overseas????? the main reason i like them is because of their company history & being a u.s tool company. i WONT be buying these just because their made “overseas’
Stuart
You misunderstood my point. Channellock should not be applauded for shipping work overseas. Actually, in fact, they did not ship work or move factories overseas; as far as we are aware, their screwdriver line has always been produced by a 3rd party.
What we are applauding Channellock for is their open disclosure policy. Rarely will you find a manufacturer that tells you upfront that certain tools are produced overseas. There are many companies that won’t even discuss this information upon request, leaving consumers on their own to try to find COO info from retailers and distributors.
Channellock’s core product line – their pliers and such, are still produced in the USA.
jesse
Your assertion that “only their screwdrivers and nutdrivers are produced overseas” is not quite accurate. The adjustable wrenches are made by Irega in Spain, and always have been. The comfort grip handles are imported, from Asia as I recall.
While I do commend Channellock for being up front about COO, I am nevertheless disappointed by their decision to move production overseas, especially to Asia. I also resent their flag-waving ads about ‘fiercely made in USA’, which tends to imply that their tools all are, when they are not.
I try to buy USA whenever possible. My buying preference in order is USA>Canada>Europe(Germany first for quality)>Taiwan>lastly, China. Why would anyone want to buy from China?
I have never had any trouble getting COO information. Never. Must be how you ask.
David
While it is disappointing that not all Channellock products are made domestically, I do appreciate them being upfront on their website in regards to COO. I never buy foreign made hand tools, but most of the other top brands conceal COO (at least on their company websites) if it isn’t made in USA. And yes, Klein and Craftsman, I am talking about you. Nevertheless, I will continue to support Channellock’s vaunted pliers line as long as it is made in the USA.
Coach James
I have had difficulty getting COO information from some vendors and there was nothing wrong with the way I asked. Some answered with the COO, but at least two that I can remember said they did not know, which is absurd.
Channellock did not move production to Asia. Those screwdrivers and nut drivers were always made in Asia.
David
Armstrong ignored several email attempts I made to find out COO on certain tools. I finally gave up and chose another manufacturer.
David
I have a Channellock screwdriver and nutdriver set that are made in the USA. Granted, they are old. The Channellock slogan on the pouches that they were using at the time states, “For you who want the best.”