The Price of American Power Tools
The US used to be one of the proudest producers of tools in the world. But now, in this era of increased tariffs, once-affordable tools have become luxury items that people can’t afford to buy twice. These tools were built to last, but now their cost keeps climbing, especially as American manufacturing continues to decline.
Whether vintage or new, these made-in-USA tools now carry shocking price tags that reflect their rarity and reputation.
Power Drills
Power tools are an old American staple, especially drills. Top US brands like Milwaukee Tool and Craftsman made high-quality power drills that the everyday man could afford. Recent tariffs on Chinese power tools have caused prices to skyrocket, so perhaps people will turn back to those American classics. These drills weren’t just tools—they were symbols of durability and craftsmanship that outlasted trends and changing markets.
Today, vintage American-made power drills are collector’s items, often fetching hundreds—even thousands—on resale sites and auctions.
Hammers
Hammers are a basic tool, so you’d never expect them to cost as much as they do now. And while splurging hundreds of dollars on a hammer might seem crazy, at least you’ll get something that lasts, especially if it’s made with a premium material, like titanium. American-made hammers are prized for their craftsmanship, balance, and strength—traits that are hard to find in cheaper imports.
High-end models now appeal to collectors and pros who demand performance and won’t settle for less.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are another basic tool that have fallen victim to price hikes. The tariff on imported screwdrivers is around 6.2%, making them far pricier than they were in the past. If you’re tempted to choose American, you’ll spend more, but get a well-crafted tool. Brands like Klein Tools and Grace USA offer precision, durability, and ergonomic design that outlasts their cheaper counterparts.
Collectors and tradespeople alike value these screwdrivers not just for function—but for their reliable, American-made legacy.
Hand Saws
Woodworking tools imported from countries like China are currently taxed at around 25%. This includes many hand saws. Classic American brands like Craftsman make some of the best hand saws on the market, but they’re no longer treated like basic home tools in price. These saws are celebrated for their hardened steel blades, precision teeth, and long-lasting handles.
They were clearly built for serious work. Today, even a used vintage American hand saw can demand a premium from woodworkers and collectors alike.
Allen Wrenches
Funnily enough, hex keys are now commonly referred to as “Allen wrenches” because the American-made Allen brand was so successful. And it’s still a fine example of American craftsmanship (albeit more expensive), with plenty of sets available for long-term use. The original Allen wrenches were designed to withstand high torque and resist rounding, making them ideal for both industrial and home use.
Today, premium sets from trusted American brands are prized for their durability, precision fit, and corrosion-resistant finish.
Pry Bars
Various home renovation jobs call for a good pry bar, but many cheap imports are now too flimsy to do the job properly. The best American pry bars are made of steel, but steel is currently subject to a 25% tariff, which has caused prices to rise. American-made pry bars are known for their leverage, durability, and resistance to bending under pressure.
Those are qualities essential for demanding tasks. These tools are now seen as premium investments, often sought after by serious contractors and DIYers.
Axes
The US has a long history of axe production that stretches back to when the first settlers arrived in the 17th Century. Since then, American axes have evolved to become handy tools, and you’ll be glad to already own one when you see how much they cost now! Today, these tools are prized by outdoorsmen and collectors for their rugged reliability and craftsmanship.
Brands like Council Tool and Snow & Nealley are known for producing heirloom-quality axes with forged steel heads and hickory handles.
Marking Gauges
Marking gauges are great for ensuring accuracy in both woodworking and metalworking, and they’re still mass-produced by brands like Barr Tools. But even the smallest addition to your toolbox can now leave a big dent in your wallet, thanks to modern prices. American-made marking gauges are typically crafted with hardwood bodies and finely machined brass fittings for maximum precision and longevity.
Today, these once-basic tools are considered premium items, often favored by artisans who value quality over cost.
Pliers
If there’s one tool you have to buy from an American manufacturer, it’s pliers! You can find some of the best on “Made in USA Tools”, but be warned, they aren’t cheap. A pair of simple pliers could now set you back almost $50! Go premium to make the purchase worth it. For tradespeople, they’re worth every penny spent.
Top brands like Channellock and Wilde still produce pliers with hardened steel, tight tolerances, and comfortable grips that stand the test of time.
Workbenches
Every serious home workman has a workbench, and we think vintage is best. Not only because American-made wooden products are designed to last, but also because a classic yet simple workbench is now priced at an average of $2,000! These benches were often handmade from solid hardwoods like maple or oak and built to endure decades of heavy use without wobbling or warping.
Today, they’re highly sought after for both function and their timeless, rugged aesthetic in any workspace.
Punches
Punches are used to put holes into hard surfaces, and they’re a useful tool to own. Unfortunately, manufacturers aren’t pulling punches with their prices anymore, and while cheap punch tools still exist, they’re liable to break, which costs more in the long run. American-made punches are typically forged from high-carbon or alloy steel, heat-treated for toughness, and engineered for precision tasks.
They're good for everything from marking metal to aligning holes during assembly. Quality punches can now cost a surprising amount, but they’re built to last.
Smithing Tongs
We’ll admit that we don’t all engage in casual smithing at home, but for those who do, proper smithing tongs now cost a fortune. Proud American companies like Big BLU Hammer still make long-lasting, authentic blacksmithing tools, but they now come at premium prices. Today, even hobbyist blacksmiths must pay top dollar for dependable, American-made quality.
These tongs are forged from high-grade steel, designed to grip hot metal securely, and built to endure intense heat and strain during repeated use.
Ratchets
Ratchets are a type of wrench that you can use to loosen bolts on just about anything. They’re a classic tool that everybody should have at home, but this isn’t the case anymore. Many people are buying fewer tools to save money, and ratchets often don’t make the cut. American-made ratchets from brands like SK and Wright Tool are engineered for durability.
They come with finely machined gears and smooth action that outperform cheaper imports. Their price may be steep, but their performance is unmatched.
Sharpeners
What’s the point in having tools if you let them get blunt? Ironically, sharpeners are now a type of tool that you have no choice but to splurge on if you want the rest of your tools to last and remain in good condition. High-quality American-made sharpeners—whether for blades, chisels, or knives—are often crafted with diamond abrasives or precision-engineered stones.
That ensures consistent, razor-sharp edges every time. They may seem like a luxury, but they’re an essential long-term investment.
Chisels
Chisels aren’t just for artists carving statues! They can also be used for cutting up materials for home improvement jobs, and anyone can learn how to use one. But the average American now feels they have no use for a chisel, especially an expensive one. That’s unfortunate, because American-made chisels are built for accuracy, control, and long-lasting performance on wood, metal, and more.
They're often forged from high-carbon steel with finely honed edges. For serious DIYers, these tools are worth every penny spent.
Measuring Tapes
There’s a tariff code for everything, even measuring tapes! Unfortunately, these once-affordable tools that could be bought for next to nothing from an American manufacturer have now taken on professional-grade prices. This is usually due to the materials used. High-quality measuring tapes from American brands like Lufkin or Stanley often feature nylon-coated blades, reinforced housings, and high-visibility markings.
Those features make them ideal for job sites. With durability and accuracy in mind, they’re now priced for pros—rather than the casual weekend handyman.
Clamps
Clamps are a tool that we often forget because we don’t use them often, but it’s good to have some lying around, especially in this new era of expensive tools. Clamps are the last tool that should be treated as a luxury item, but they’ve also gone up in price. Today, even a basic set can cost surprisingly more than expected.
American-made clamps, known for their strong grip and reliable adjustment mechanisms, are built to hold projects steady without slipping or warping under pressure.
Car Jacks
It costs enough to pay somebody to fix your car, so if you can do it yourself, all the better! But you’ll need a car jack, and these don’t come as cheap as they used to. Still, it’s better to invest more money in proper American craftsmanship than risk damaging your car. In the long run, safety and reliability are well worth the price.
Top-quality jacks from U.S. manufacturers are made with heavy-duty steel, precision hydraulics, and safety-tested components built to handle serious weight.
Utility Blades
Utility blades are a tricky tool to categorize because they have so many uses. Cheaping out on a blade could cause an injury while you work, so it’s best to choose a brand you can trust. While these will likely cost more, you can rest assured that they’re built to last. American-made utility blades are known for their sharpness, edge retention, and sturdy construction.
They're known to resist snapping under pressure. They’re a small upgrade that can make a big difference in safety and performance.
Drill Bits
What use is a drill without good drill bits? You used to be able to buy a drill and a full set of drill bits for a very modest price. But nowadays, everything is sold individually, so we’d advise taking care of your drill bits... unless you’d like to spend a lot of money. American-made drill bits are often crafted from cobalt or high-speed steel.
They're prized for their precision, longevity, and ability to bore through tough materials with ease. Replacing them today can cost far more than you'd expect.
Vises
Vises work similarly to clamps, though they’re often mounted on workbenches to keep things in place while you work. Years ago, people wouldn’t think twice about buying a cheap vise, but now, you know that if you buy cheap, you’ll be buying more vises in the future. Once an afterthought, a high-quality vise is now a major investment.
American-made vises, especially those cast from ductile iron or steel, are designed for serious holding power, smooth operation, and long-term durability under pressure.
Jigsaws
Jigsaws are an amazing invention that has helped to shape how we complete construction projects to this day. Sadly, the price of an electric jigsaw, even ten years ago, is less than it is now, so it’s good that American-made electric tools are designed to be robust! They may cost more upfront, but they deliver smooth cuts and long-lasting performance.
Brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee build jigsaws with powerful motors, precision control, and durable casings that can handle years of regular use.
Sanders
Sure, you could use a piece of sandpaper, but you’d be there all day. A sander helps to create a smooth finish on wooden surfaces that can’t be matched by other tools. Unfortunately, technological advancements have caused sanders to become far more expensive. Modern American-made sanders offer features like variable speed control, dust collection systems, and ergonomic grips.
This turns them into precision machines rather than simple power tools. These upgrades add value, but they also drive up the price significantly for quality models.
Wood Planes
While we’re on the topic of woodworking tools, have you noticed how much wood planes cost nowadays? Granted, they’re a bit unnecessary if you already have a sander, but if you don’t, you’ll be paying modern prices for an archaic hand tool. That said, wood planes offer unmatched control for shaving and smoothing wood surfaces, especially for fine woodworking tasks.
American-made planes, crafted with cast iron bodies and precision-ground blades, are now expensive—but beloved by serious craftsmen for their accuracy and feel.
Anvils
Anvils aren’t a tool that the average home workman would own, and that’s probably for the better. The issue is that anvils are made of steel, which is now heavily taxed, causing prices to skyrocket as high as $2,500 in luxury cases! American-made anvils, such as those from brands like Rhino or Holland, are forged for maximum durability and rebound—ideal for blacksmithing and heavy-duty shaping tasks.
Though niche, these heavyweights are now high-value collector's items and essential tools for serious smiths.
Loppers
While keen gardeners may prune by hand, most people don’t have time for that. That’s why every household should have a pair of loppers in their shed. Too many people are now neglecting their gardens because the proper tools seem to be extortionately priced. They may cost more, but they make yard work faster, easier, and far more satisfying.
American-made loppers, built with forged steel blades and reinforced handles, are designed for precision cuts and long-term use in even the toughest yard conditions.
Lawn Mowers
Perhaps lawn mowers are too large to be considered a simple tool, but every household needs one. Gone are the days of the first human-pushed American mower (designed in 1868); today, we must pay hundreds for a mower that will reliably cut the grass. American-made mowers from brands like Toro and Snapper are engineered with powerful engines, durable decks, and features like self-propulsion or mulching capabilities.
These features make yard care much easier. While pricey, they’re built to handle tough terrain and last for years.
Shovels
Shovels are simple, right? Wrong! There are now so many variations of this single tool that we barely know where to look in the store. If you own an old American-made shovel, you’ll at least be spared from this new era of buying luxury tools just to dig some holes. Quality shovels used to be made with forged steel blades and solid wood handles.
They were built to endure years of digging, lifting, and scraping without breaking down. Nowadays, even basic models can carry premium price tags.
Circular Saws
Circular saws are a godsend for cutting materials, including wood and metal. These saws have come a long way since the 18th Century, and so, unfortunately, have their prices. Again, the price of steel is likely to blame for American circular saws costing hundreds of dollars. They’re essential for pros, but their cost makes buyers think twice today.
Brands like Skilsaw and DeWalt produce high-powered models with precision engineering, safety features, and rugged components made to withstand years of demanding use.
Nail Guns
Fun fact: the first nail gun was invented by Paslode, an American manufacturer owned by Illinois Tool Works! What would have cost you a modest amount of money in 1986 now costs over $400 from the same company! But at least you can be assured of the craftsmanship. They're pricey, but they deliver professional-level results that last for years.
Modern American-made nail guns are engineered for speed, precision, and safety, using advanced materials and pneumatics to handle heavy workloads with ease.
Angle Grinders
Keen metalworkers could tell you plenty of facts about angle grinders, and one of them would likely be how these nifty tools used to cost a fraction of their current price. They’ve become a desirable tool rather than an everyday one, which has bolstered their cost substantially. American-made angle grinders are built with powerful motors, ergonomic designs, and heavy-duty components.
They can handle tough jobs like cutting, grinding, and polishing. Their reliability is top-tier—but you’ll definitely pay a premium for the performance.
Batteries
Your fancy electric tools would be pretty useless without batteries! But now, batteries are just another expense to add on top of the rest when it comes to putting together a toolbox. And they need to be of premium quality to ensure that they’re efficient. American-made batteries, like those from DeWalt or Milwaukee, are engineered for longer run times, fast charging, and durability under heavy use.
They’re no longer just accessories—they’re costly, critical components that power your entire tool collection.
Air Compressors
We admit that air compressors sit on the luxury end of the tool ranking scale, but that only makes it more disheartening that they’ve become more expensive yet again. Tools like air compressors have been made exclusive by rising market prices that shut regular people out. American-made models are built with cast-iron pumps, oil-lubricated motors, and heavy-duty tanks.
They provide consistent, reliable performance for everything from nail guns to spray painting. Their quality is unmatched—but so is the hit to your wallet.
Joiners
Joiners do exactly what they say on the tin: they join pieces together. Technically, any tool can be a joiner, so this is really about recognizing just how much basic tools have increased in price. American-made is still best; it’s just no longer affordable. Biscuit joiners and pocket-hole systems from U.S. brands like Porter-Cable and Kreg are crafted for precision, ease of use, and solid joint strength.
They're ideal for cabinetry, furniture, and general woodworking. Unfortunately, even these “basic” tools now carry premium price tags.
Toolboxes
Nothing shows how proud you are of American craftsmanship quite like keeping your tools in an American-made toolbox. That is, if you can afford one. But choosing flimsy, imported alternatives over something homemade guarantees future expenses when your tools are damaged or lost. U.S.-made toolboxes, especially from brands like Kennedy or Craftsman, are built from heavy-gauge steel.
They have secure locking mechanisms and durable finishes that stand up to years of wear. They’re an investment in both protection and peace of mind.