Mr. Rawles,
Regarding your big listing of American-made tools: For 30+ years I was a devotee of CeeTee pliers because they were the best. Alas, like many, they are no longer American made. Even 25 years ago, I noticed that the then-new CeeTee pliers were not as heavily made as the pair I had purchased in 1971.
A few months ago, I was bemoaning the state of CeeTee pliers to a friend that works in a hardware store. He set me onto his favorite pliers (like me, he had been a CeeTee devotee): The pliers are from Wilde Tools.
These hand tools are all 100% American made, produced in Hiawatha, Kansas. They are heavy-duty and have a Lifetime Guarantee. Explore their web site. Get at least a pair of their “regular” pliers. I’ve only had mine a few months, but I love them! I cannot recommend these highly enough.
Keep up the great work with the blog! – Doug P.