Is Made in USA Actually Better?

When you pick up a Stanley hammer at Home Depot, does the "Made in USA" stamp still mean something? Or is that warm feeling just a story we tell ourselves? This episode unpacks the country-of-origin effect — why Americans trust brands with domestic roots even after manufacturing moves offshore, and why the stigma against Chinese goods might be protecting the very companies cutting corners. Through the stories of Stanley Black & Decker and Milwaukee Tool, we explore what actually determines product quality: spec rigor, inspection regimes, price, and relationship longevity — none of which are geographic. Episode #177497 — open it directly at myweirdprompts.com/177497