Harbor Fright..... please tell me that the tools that we all purchase

at H.B. are not infested with the same lead that woulda coulda poisoned and neurologically disabled another generation of American children. I hope this isn't the case but I know better. Anyone have anything on it cuz I can't find much about this possibility.

first google link:

http://www.leadinspector.com/

and you'll be OK...

The crappy brands at HF - even the ones with American-sounding names - use low-grade materials. Lead and other heavy metals can be found in kitchen utensils in China, so don't expect any different on cheap tools.

You really get what you pay for. Makita tools are made in China, but they have Japanese personnel running the factory and their quality control is quite rigid.

I'm puzzled...Would your young children have chewing, biting exposure to your tools? :shrug:

I'm sure I've got tons of lead-containing implements and objects, but as long as it is solid and not used for food purposes, I'm not sure what the concern might be?

http://www.leadpoison.net/about-lead.htm

Lead occurs naturally in the earth's crust. When ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin, lead is highly toxic to humans. Lead's toxicity has been known for thousands of years; Greek physicians made the first clinical description of lead poisoning in the first century B.C.

Lead is not biodegradable. It persists in the soil, in the air, in drinking water, and in homes. It crosses all social, economical and geographical lines. It never disappears, it only accumulates where it is deposited and can poison generations of children and adults unless properly removed.

At high levels, lead poisoning causes coma, convulsions and death. At low levels - levels far below those that present obvious symptoms - lead poisoning in childhood causes reductions in IQ and attention span, reading and learning disabilities, hyperactivity, impaired growth, behavioral problems, and hearing loss. These effects are long-term and may be irreversible.

Not possible with a solid lead hammer, for instance.... I think you are a bit confused....

But, DO contact your Public Health Department. They will be able to explain the routes of contamination in a way that should very much reassure you. :thumbsup: