Leon & et al,

I've read all the responses to date. I think it's time I stuck my oar in.

First - on the 'answer the real question' side . . . the smell comes from
out-gassing of solvents & other component chemicals. Probably from very
loose control of additive formulation, quick & barely complete curing, and
final cleaning to simply 'get off the big chunks'. I typically get rubber
'trucker straps' to hold tarps in place {they deteriorate to failure after
about a year - the tarp ABD the straps}. Any rubber I've gotten exhibits
this acidic odor - even rubber parts like the 'strap' on a 'Strap Wrench'.

NOW - what ****es me off about this Chinese stuff . . . NOT that it's
'junk'. I've always tried to 'be responsible', 'Buy American', and purchase
the 'Best' that I can afford - for the long term. Something that will be
destroyed in use, or only for temporary use, go for the cheapest around.
Typically, for me, that was Harbor Freight, FREE SHIPPING mail order.
I knew where it came from and I knew it was typically junk, but the price
was equal to the quality.

Over the last many years a number of 'Home Center' Chains opened - and
closed - around the country. At least six, if not more. I've wondered
through all of them. As of now the only ones around here are Home Depot and
Lowes. I don't see 'pot metal' tools & other junk - even in the 'store
brands'. I do see a lot of 'Quality Names' at slightly discounted prices.
However, my 'tool buying' THERE has actually decreased. Shortly after Harbor
Freight changed their 'Free Shipping' policy, a local outlet opened, and I
go there.

WHY ??? Simple . . . when I pay 'dollars' for a tool or part I expect a
'dollar's worth' of value. When I pay a 'nickel' for a tool or part . . . I
don't expect more then a 'nickel's worth'. However - suddenly I noticed a
great similarity between 'cheap' and the 'Top Dollar'. O.K., a wooden clamp
is a wooden clamp, etc. {and a boatbuilder can *never* have too many clamps
!!} Then I started to look at the other 'Adjustable' clamps, including the
'one-hand, ratchet closing' ones. From there I looked at other tools, and
moved on to 'bigger' items. True, in SOME cases the finish was a bit better,
but in others the items were IDENTICAL!!

If I'm paying $2 for ONE clamp at HF, what is 'XX Company' paying for each
clamp when they buy TEN THOUSAND? And how much profit are they making when
Home Depot sells them for $8 ?

OUR government complains about China's record on Human Rights and their
oppressive Totalitarian System. At the same time they give them 'Favored
Nation' status on business & commerce. I don't think 'stupidity' is the
correct word.

Regards,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop

"Leon" wrote
"Peter Huebner" wrote

Seriously, just how stupid do those XXXXXXX [censored] speak: [nice
Chinese
manufacturers] think we are? Or is it them thats so stupid?


If their products were not selling here, their products would not be here.
I think that they are probably pretty smart to be able to unload inferior
products on us. So it is probably that most of "us" are stupid.