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Originally Posted by PanAm Ken
Dewalt's fine line of tools has always been an arm of Black & Decker. It was conceived as a clever marketing plan from the get go.
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Mostly true. Dewalt introduced their line of small power tools in 1992, under
the ownership of B&D. The company got its start when Ray Dewalt invented
the radial arm saw. At one time, the company was even owned by AMF.
It is funny how people have such notions about brands these days. You may
assume you are getting an American made product just because it has one
of the oldest tool names on it, like Brown & Sharpe, or LS Starrett. If you
look further, you see where these companies have become so global that they
also have plants in Puerto Rico and Brazil. You have to look at the small print
on the box to see where it actually came from.
When I was a kid, if we saw something that said "made in Japan" on it, we
thought it was crap because Japan made all their products from recycled
tin cans. I have the perception now if it says that, I expect a quality product.
It may be my own prejudice flaring up, but if I am comparing two major brand
products with similar price and features, and I notice that one was made in
China, and the other was made in say, the USA, Canada, England, Japan, or
Germany, guess which one I would choose. The Chinese tool would have to
have something to really make it stand out, like a special feature, or a much
better warranty, before I would take it home.
I don't want to sound like a tool snob. I've got my share of cheap tools that
I abuse with reckless abandon. Many have provided excellent service considering what I paid for them.
When I worked in Virginia, there was a Black & Decker factory outlet store
close by, and I bought a reconditioned Workmate for $39. They had a special
where I could get a drill powered band saw for an extra $10. I have used both
of these tools for nearly 20 years, and they have never let me down. That
band saw never ceases to amaze me. I don't use it very often, but it works
when it's needed. Still has the original wood band on it. I think I got my $10
worth!
Steve