What I've tried to do is to stop at second hand stores, junk shops and the like to look for old American made quality tools. I don't care for pawn shops too much.
I've also bought off of Ebay small lots of things like an old set of different size screwdrivers for 3 or 4 dollars plus the shipping. It's been every day items that no one else bid on so I got it for the minimum.
I know I can't do this when I need a certain tool right away but I've built up my tool chest this way. I even picked up a pair of sheet metal snippers marked, "Shang hai". It was really old and well made and easy to use.
Jacques
