Why ‘Made in the USA’ Tools Aren’t Tariff-Protected (and How to Save Money Either Way)
Tariffs on imported products into the U.S., especially from China, Canada, and Mexico, have been a hot topic in the news, with many people predicting rising prices for things like DIY tools and supplies as the tariffs are put into effect. There is a lot of speculation about how to keep prices low on repairs and DIY projects, with many commentators advising people to simply “buy American,” but that probably won’t work. The economy is becoming increasingly international, and parts of almost everything made in the U.S. are imported from around the world.
Most tools made in the U.S., even brands with a reputation for being American, are actually “made in the U.S. with parts sourced from around the world,” meaning that at least some components of those tools are made elsewhere. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as hammers and axes from Estwing and Channellock , which makes a large selection of tools primarily in the U.S. with materials and parts sourced from the U.S. But most tools are subject to tariffs on imported materials and parts at some point in the supply chain.
With overall rising production costs due to tariffs on things like fuel and electricity, as well as materials and parts, and declining demand for American products abroad, U.S. manufacturing has slowed significantly in the last few months. As a result of this lull and the lack of international demand for American goods, prices for U.S.-made tools are unlikely to be much lower than imported products. Whether companies are struggling with higher costs, lower demand for their products, or both, their prices will not be lower than other products as long as their business operates in the global economy. Here’s what you can do if prices get too high.
Buy used tools
Don’t get me wrong: Estwing still makes my favorite hammer , and Klein still makes my favorite tool bag here in the U.S., and I would never advise people not to buy those things; ultimately, the reason I like them isn’t because of the tariffs, it’s because they’re well made and last a long time. But if you’re looking to save money in the tariff-induced economic storm, consider buying used tools. Buying quality used tools is a better choice than buying low-quality new tools — they’ll likely last longer. For more information on how to spot quality used tools, read my article on buying tools at estate sales.
Repair broken tools instead of buying new ones
While parts may be more expensive due to tariffs, you can probably still save some money by repairing power tools when they break rather than replacing them. Sharpening table saw blades can cost between $15 and $50 per blade, which is much cheaper than replacing them, especially for specialty blades. If you have a tool with a frayed power cord, you can get a replacement cord for $10 to $40, depending on the length and gauge. Even if you don’t feel comfortable replacing the cord yourself, the cost of repair will likely still be cheaper than buying a new drill press or bench grinder.
Join makerspace
You can find a makerspace locally at a school, community center, or one that operates as a business. Depending on the size and scope of the business, membership can cost anywhere from $10 to $200 per month and includes access to tools on-site for a variety of DIY projects. Some of these community stores also have tools you can take home with you. While membership costs at some of these spaces may seem high, they’re still likely cheaper than buying all the tools you’ll have access to, especially when you factor in the cost of maintenance and electricity for some of the larger ones, like table saws.
Rent your tools
While renting small power tools like drills and screwdrivers may not break even — the minimum rental fee for these is around $27 — larger tools like pressure washers, floor sanders, and tillers can be rented for $80 to $90 per day. That’s a significant savings when buying such a large tool, but be sure to check your rental agreement to see what’s included. Sometimes you’ll be responsible for providing sanding discs and other necessary accessories for the tool you rent. Auto repair shops like Autozone also sometimes offer tools for loan against a security deposit, as long as you return them within the 90-day rental period. If you have a DIY project that only requires using a specific tool for a short period of time, this type of rental or loan can result in significant savings.
Where to get tools
If you want to avoid tariffs altogether, you can try borrowing tools from your local tool library or neighborhood swap group. This is by far the most tariff-resistant way to get your DIY projects done on a budget — and build a community while you work. Tool libraries can often be a resource for more than just tools — they often host classes and repair shops, making them a great place to start if you’re new to DIY or just looking to make DIY friends.