Tool Buying Philosophy

[jseklund]

Reading the thread about Aimlesssoul no longer using his son's tools and looking for new tools got me to thinking about my own personal "tool buying philosophy".

Not long ago, I didn't have many tools and when I would buy a tool it was normally something that I needed right then. Most of these tools were "general use" tools, such as a drill, reciprocating saw, etc. When I bought them, I always bought them with a couple of thoughts in mind:

1. I am going to use this for as long as I can so I want to buy something that will last.
2. I am going to use this in more situations than the one I am facing now.

What this meant was that I would buy the best (and usually highest priced) tool that I could afford. I always figured that I could buy a drill for $100 but then there may be a day where I would need the $250 drill because the $100 wouldn't get the job done - so I'd buy the $250 drill even if I didn't need it right then.

This philosophy has worked very well over the years, and I've usually had tools that work well for what I need.

As I've become more experienced, however, I have noticed that I view tools as being more "disposable". Even the $250 drill will break eventually with enough torture (although I still have my first 18V Dewalt Drill that I got as a gift about 8 years ago and the motor has been smoking on and off for the past 2 years).

Now, I often go for the cheapest tools that will get the job done that I have on hand. Maybe this is because I already have the best of a lot of the tools and I buy things that are for more specific uses, or maybe it's because I know that they will all break eventually.

For instance, I used to buy SK or Craftsemen socket sets and wrenches. Now, if I need a specific size socket or wrench, I usually look for the cheapest place to buy the specific size I need, even if it's Kobalt, Great Neck, etc. I've snapped enough craftsman wrenches to know they all break, and the better tools have a warranty - but they are much more expensive in many situations.

So, in the end I realize some things have changed. I now have a collection of tools that even my friends who are in the trades professionally often are suprised by, and I also have much more experience with these tools. Some tools I still look for the best of the best, others I will cheap out on as I view it as more disposable...or a backup, or whatever.

What is your tool buying philosophy, and how has it evolved over time?

[toolguy1000]

i would classify my philosophy as "opportunistic".

1. buy tools one time only. accordingly, ridgid, with it's LSA, is usually my first stop for staionary and hand held power tools. if it breaks, i want someone else to pay to have it repaired.

2. always buy tools BEFORE you need them. there have been many times i'd get in a jam and be thankful that, e.g., i picked up that $100 palm nailer for $20 on clearance at HD never knowing at the time if i'd ever actually need it. i've found that the most important tool in any project is the one you need and don't have.

3. CL for all significant tool purchases, unless a tool can be purchased new for a fraction of its retail value (aka, tool clearances).

4. buy what you need, unless the "over the top" tool can be had for the same or less than the tool that will support what you need/want to do.

value and funtionality above all else.

[leehljp]

I agree pretty well all the way through with what you wrote. I don't go for the highest price tools as a matter of philosophy (although LOML thinks so.). I buy what will get the job done and done well. There are times and situations when a cheaper tool will do just as well as the same type of tool that costs 3 times as much. I do realize that I get what I pay for, and generally stay away from "good enough" tools.

My philosophy is not so much on the expense of the tool, how good it is or how cheap it is - my focus is always on - will this tool allow me to accomplish what I want with quality left over! (One of my key slogans that I used with our teams was: "Good is the enemy of Best.") As an example in the tool realm, I had a good heavy duty PC jig saw. It was heavy and strong and durable, but it was not the best saw. I hated using it after a few times. I preferred my old Sears jig saw over that one. I shoulda bought a Bosch, and eventually did at a cheaper price 5 years later.

I have two HF 3-piece tool chests. These things are plenty heavy for me and are not flimsy. But if I were working in a shop day-in, day-out, it would not stand up over 5 to 10 years. As it is, it will pass on down to my son-in-laws or be sold - at my demise!

That brings me to another change that I recently had. I no longer look for the long term - a 30 to 40 year tool, even heavy tools as I will not be around as long as the tool. Should I need an expensive tool, I would not want a $500+ tool that will require lots of maintanence or adjustments when a $700+ will save lots of maintanences. I need and expect maintanence free as much as possible.

Still, my age keeps me from thinking of such as a unisaw! Totally useless for me. Shucks, I can't even physically handle heavy enough wood that would "require" a unisaw!

[Ratscat]

As far as your DeWalt smoking, if the rear cap has screws holding it on you can buy replacement brushes. The assembly with the brush slides out.

I got mine from ereplacementparts.com., Two brushes plus shipping was around 16-18, dont remember exactly. Enter your model # and you get a blowup of your drill and the different parts.

Cured the smoking problem for me.

[BigguyZ]

Maybe it's because I'm younger, but I've gone the other way. I used to buy cheap junk that would regularly break. They would get the job done, but they never worked all that well.

Now, I try to buy the best tool I can afford. The difference is, as you did note, I try to anticipate my needs and buy before it's a current need. So when I see a great deal on clearance or sale, or something used that's a good price, I'll pick it up even if I don't need it right now.

Ryobi cordless drills and drivers are just fine, but when I upgraded to my Makita set, I noticed a huge difference in the quality of the tools (especially the saws). I used them hard for over a year, and they were invaluable. However, the batteries died, and with the high cost of the Makita batteries I just bought a Ridgid set. The reviews of the old sets weren't as high as the Makita sets, but the new X4 series seems a big step up to me and I'm impressed. Now I also have the LSA, so I have durability AND quality.

I have used the HF multi-tool, but I have to say the Rockwell one I bought was better. Worth 2-3X the price? I don't know, but I think so.

Craftsman are overpriced, but Husky has some nice hand tools and I've gotten a few for a great price. And again, I have noticed the difference in quality.

But then again, for things like hammers and dead blows, I dont buy $$. I usually buy HF. Safety glasses are another thing that I usually buy cheaply. They'll get scratched up pretty quickly- long before they crack from the type of even we wear them for.

So I guess I'm in the middle. I'll probably never buy Festool. But I have enjoyed using and relying on a better product. Certainly, I do a LOT of remodeling work on houses in my "spare" time, so I'm a heavier than average user (about 20-30 hours a week, every week, for the last 1-1/2 years).

Now that I think of it, if you need a tool for a single project that you just want to get done to get to your next project, then I see buying cheap. However, if you use a tool regularly for work or as a project you want to enjoy doing, buy quality. If it's your job, that's self-explanatory. But if it's a DIY project for the home, or a WWing project, for a lot of people the enjoyment is as much doing the project as it is enjoying the results of the project. Given than, if a better quality tool makes things a little easier to work with- or more enjoyable in any way, then it's done it's job. If you get pleasure from using a highly polished set of two cherries or narex chisels more than you wold a set of Marples (Chinese or Sheffield), then the difference in cost can be written off as part of your enjoyment of the hobby. And given it's a hobby, we don't always simply look at it in terms of getting the most "value". I hope that makes sense...

[Knottscott]

I've learned to buy the tool as opposed to the tool brand, because tools within a brand can vary a lot....some great, some not so great. If it's a primary tool like my TS, I'll spend more time and more money researching it, and will often wait until the right deal comes along. By buying tools at blowout sale prices, refurbs, or good used tools, it's easier to sell them without a loss when it's time to upgrade.

I've also learned that within a tool class, many of the brands are more similar than different. Given adequate basic design of a tool, proper setup and proper cutter selection is more important than the brand.

[JimD]

For me it depends on the tool. I bought a few B&D drills, a "Craftsman" router (not a good one), a skil jigsaw and other "homeowners" tools. But I decided that a "professional" quality tool really did work better and have not gone back for hand held tools. My cordless stuff is Ryobi but other than that, I've purchased Milwaukee, or PC, or DeWalt. I like to use Fine Woodworking reviews to decide what is best or best value and usually go with one of those tools.

Stationary tools I guess I haven't really graduated yet. My Craftsman drill press seems fine to me. My bandsaw is home made and will get replaced some day. My BT3100 might get replaced, I haven't decided, but it gets the job done for now. My DC is a Delta. I have a Inca jointer and a Ryobi planner. I'd like a planner that locked but I don't know if I'll upgrade.

I have some nicer hand tools and some HF. It depends on what I think will get the job done. C-clamps, for instance, are a fine HF choice. Spending more just doesn't make sense to me. There are no cheap shoulder planes, however, so you have to spend a bit if you want the tool.

Jim

[jseklund]

Great thougths guys.

Toolguy - I particularly like your #2 comment. So often I am doing something and I hit a stopping point because I don't have the right tool. I either work around it at the expense of time, or I go to a local store and buy whatever expensive item the have. Just in a recent project I came up against this - doing tile I had to buy a hole saw with diamond grit. Locally the Hitachi bit was $25 - or I could have bought a cheaper bit for $10-15 on Amazon...and working on cars I often run into specialty tools that I have to buy from Sears for more than I could online. This tip could save people a lot of money.

Lee - you certainly don't look old enough to worry about tools outlasting you just yet! I think your point about the jig saw is a perfect example. I have a Dewalt, which I personally think is the only other saw that may be the equal of the old Bosch - and people use it all the time and love it because a nice jig saw is a different tool than a regular jig saw. It was definately worth the money.

Also - I can agree with the fact that my family members always think I look for the most expensive tool available, which isn't the case, it just normally works out to appear that way. I'd hate to tell them about Festools and such - it'd ruin their opinion of me.

Ratscat - thanks for the input. I thought there had to be a way to fix it, I've just not had the time to take it apart. I actually have 3-4 Dewalt Drills in various sizes, and 2 impact drivers. I use the impact driver for almost everything...drills are for mixing mud and drilling holes. I'll get it fixed now that you've handed me the solution..thanks.

Bigguyz - I thought of my gf when you mentioned the HF multi-tool. My gf got me the Genesis version of the multi-tool a couple years ago as a gift. I had mentioned that any cheap old version would work because I'd probably only use it once in a while and if it broke in a few years I could just buy another for $40. Well, I've been using it A LOT lately, and the noise is driving her nuts. She told me she hates the tool so much she is going to get me a better one. Never thought of that as a way to get upgrades...I shoulda been buying cheap all along

Knottscott and JimD - I think your comments go hand in hand. You have to buy the tools that get the job done and not focus on the marketing in many instances.

As mentioned above - I have the Dewalt Jigsaw, and we all know that Bosch is often heralded as the best of the best. I feel that these two saws are the only two options in a jigsaw.

If I'm looking for an ROS, Bosch is usually where I look.

When I bought my circular saw, PC had the best saw IMO at the time.

I go Dewalt Yellow on many tools, but sometimes they're junk. I don't think their sanders are that great, and I went Bosch on a recent power planer purchase.

Every brand seems to have a tool or a couple tools that they are just a little bit better at.

On the other hand, now that I have a base of tools that get the job done with quality left over, I often find myself looking at Ryobi or whatever to fill in the gaps, and I often wonder if I could have just saved some money on the tools that I use to fill in the gaps...given my multi-tool experience I think I could have saved at least SOME money (as my girfriend upgrades so that she doesn't have to listen to the noise, etc.).

[leehljp]

Great thougths guys.

Lee - you certainly don't look old enough to worry about tools outlasting you just yet!

Well, the Japanese are on to something - raw fish DOES keep one young looking! LOML doesn't look retirement age either and both of us are there already! Thank you, Raw Fish, and raw squid and fresh urchin! (I am seriously considering a second career which I will decide on by August.)

[cwsmith]

I buy to fit the need or at least the perceived need in the immediate future. However, there have been a couple occasions when a "sale" simply appears to be too good to pass up. But, that only applies when it is some tool that I have been drooling over for some time.

I try to buy "good quality", but I certainly do not buy "expensive". Expensive just doesn't fit the budget, and every tool that I own (hand and power) has been purchased at some kind of sale, "close-out" or "introductory" price. I'm sure there are a couple of exceptions, but only a few.

I used to think, and be part of "a crowd" of people of the mindset that you had to buy the best in order to get quality work. A good example of that was with artist's brushes... a "Windsor-Newton" brush was about the minimum that anyone would dare have at their easal (water color, acylic, and oil painting). Then one day I was at an art show and I met this very talented young lady whose art was most attractive. The astonishing thing was that all she used was bits of twisted paper towels... because has her elderly mother explained, they simply "could not afford the luxury of brushes!".

One looks at certain "tools" with envy, and certainly they go a long ways to deliver on your ability to do good work. But a tool is just that, it's a tool. IT's your hand and your skill that delivers the final piece.

CWS

[Cochese]

I was sitting here trying to define my strategy when I realized I don't really have one.

I try to stay within a budget, but I blew that yesterday.

I try to keep myself buying tools only when I need them, then I open my eyes and start my day.

The only thing I can say that I've stuck to the best is doing my research on more expensive purchases, and going with my gut for less expensive ones. Both have done me good service, as I've probably made bad purchases less times than I have fingers on a hand. No real regrets, either. I've bought tools that I may never have a need for, but you never know (tile saw). I've bought tools that I wanted, found it was wanting, but made a neat toy for my kids (leaf blower). I've bought tools that I've used, liked, bought a newer version, and gave the old one away (radio).

I've bought tools that were clearly inferior, but provided great learning opportunities (chisels). Some might view that $8 as wasted, but I learned how to sharpen with them, so I think it was $8 well spent.

There are very few purchases I've made that I wouldn't ultimately recommend to someone else. Even those few I find a use for, and consider it a good investment. I don't think any of my tools will be heirlooms, as I'm only 32. But, I am starting to see value in more expensive tools due to the feeling they give. If you aren't enjoying woodworking, you probably won't do it long. I'm hoping what I bought yesterday will be a controlled gateway to owning some really nice tools that let me enjoy building things. And hopefully, those things will turn out to be the heirlooms.

[woodturner]

Now, I often go for the cheapest tools that will get the job done that I have on hand.

Defining "cheap" is the part I find most challenging. Least expensive is easy - but "cheap", meaning quality does not match price and quality is lower, not so much. For example, I went through three of the "cheap" $120 Makita hammer drills before buying the "good" $20 HF hammer drill that is still going strong years later. I ended up with the HF because that's what I could find locally on short notice and had to finish a job. I was as surprised as everyone else that it turned out to be a better tool than the Makita.

In addition, usage affects longevity. Others have used the Makita hammer drill for light duty applications and were happy with it, but they didn't survive in my heavier duty pro applications. Designs also change over time, and perhaps Makita fixed the problems between the time I "used up" three of them and the later purchases by others, or "cheapened up" the design to cause the problems if my purchase was later than the others. All of these issues complicate the buying decision.

I like good quality tools, particularly for tools where precision is important, such as sockets. "Cheap" sockets damage fastener heads and can cause frustration and even injuries. However, HF sockets are pretty good, with low prices but not "cheap". I still prefer Craftsman, though.

When it comes to woodworking tools, I try to buy better quality, but am still price conscious. I'll likely never own the $300 fancy modern hand plane, but I own several older Stanleys I got used for $20 or so. I can't directly compare a 1920's #4 to the modern high end equivalent, but the Stanley works pretty well for me.

For cordless and hand held power tools, I like Bosch and Ridgid, but have also had good results with Milwaukee.

[dbhost]

I am a bit of a cheapskate, I am very aware of that. BUT...

If I am in the market for say a new lathe, and I can go and buy a brand new Central Machinery #34706, which is indeed a good machine, lots of guys have them and love them, but say for the same money, or maybe 20% higher cost grab a good condition used Jet JWL1236, I am gonna get that Jet, not because there is anything wrong with the Central Machinery lathe, but because the Jet will certainly deliver a much higher resale value down the road for either myself, or my heirs should they chose not to pursue woodworking.

I learned a VERY long time ago, after dropping thousands of dollars on Snap On tools, that they guy in the bay next to me with a box full of Craftsman, GM Goodwrench, and even Great Neck tools was just as good of a mechanic as I was, and those tools didn't fail any more often than mine, and they cost less than a quarter of the price I paid...

Now there are some tell tale signs of a bad tool, overly thin stampings, poor fit and finish, undersized components etc... and for the most part, that is EXACTLY why I avoid Harbor Freight's handheld power tools, and for that matter, most anything Black and Decker.

The story of the girl that painted with twisted bits of paper towels reminds me of a pinch fix I had to do when I worked as a mechanic... I was doing brakes on a GM product when my 3/8" allen socket busted. It was going to be a week before the snap on truck got there. So I fished out a bolt with a 3/8" head, a cheap china socket, and the MIG welder, and I fixed my own problem. That need it now solution is still in my toolbox, and it has made me a LOT of money when that was my trade.

Would I like to own a shop filled with nothing but the absolute best tools and equipment? Sure. Do I think it is worth the added hit to my budget? Have you guys seen my shop tour? It looks like a mix of Home Depot, Rockler, Grizzly, and mostly Harbor Freight once you get away from my automotive tools... It all works, and works well. What doesn't gets sold off, or donated for a tax deduction. And yes, there are some high end, REALLY expensive upgrades I do want to make. The ethics of the inventor / company owner aside, I would REALLY like to own a 3 HP SawStop PCS, a Hitachi sliding miter saw with the front facing rails would be a great upgrade from my Chicago Electric, and my Central Machinery 2HP Dust collector, well I think a JDS Cyclone would be a cool upgrade. Actually a Delta 50-760 with a Thien underneath the impeller would be a great upgrade!

[pelligrini]

I tend to go for a better quality tool than a cheaper lower quality item. There are times where a purchase will be made on a something cheap, but I do acknowledge that the tool might not last and may be a bit more problematic to work. I prefer to get something that has the best value with the scale leaning towards quality over cost.

Same goes for bigger appliances. Not top of the line, but surely not 'el cheapo. Some time ago our fridge went out. My wife wanted to get another used POS for a few hundred. I opted to get something a whole lot nicer, and new. It's still going fairly strong (Ice maker has some issues after 15 years). I'm sure if I went by my wife's reccomendation we would have bought several by now, plus a lot more hassle.

When it comes to woodworking tools, I try to buy better quality, but am still price conscious. I'll likely never own the $300 fancy modern hand plane, but I own several older Stanleys I got used for $20 or so. I can't directly compare a 1920's #4 to the modern high end equivalent, but the Stanley works pretty well for me.

I've got a bunch of old Stanley's and they do work well. I picked up a Lee Valley low angle jack recently (got delivered yesterday), and it is really nice. That bevel up Jack sure does work superbly right out of the box with no fetteling. I won't end up with a mess of new planes anytime soon, but I do see the value of some of the new ones. A lot more now that I've actually used one.

[cabinetman]

I buy the best tool that I can afford. Since I earn my living with my tools, they have to be comfortable and dependable. Some socket wrench handles feel better in the hand than others. Same for chisels, and screwdrivers. Much of the opinions on tools comes from my friends in the business that comment on what works good for them.

Router bits are a good example. I tried many brands, and seem to always buy Amana when possible. Many operators of their tools complain about their quality. Could be they don't take care of their tools or use them incorrectly. I don't buy electric hand tools at HF, although they may be OK. I've had good luck with HF's brad nailers and staplers. I don't think they are of the same quality as Senco or Duo-Fast, but they keep on working.

I've used my corded Makita hammer drill regularly since the late 80's. Maybe I just get lucky with electric drills. DeWalt's have been very dependable. I still use a Craftsman half inch drill and a scrolling jig saw, that I bought in the late 70's. It's not as smooth as my Bosch 1587's, but does a nice job. Same for some of my routers. I have B&D's, Bosch, PC's and several PC 309's that are used on a regular bases for laminate and light profiling since the late 70's and early 80's. IOW, I don't have to regularly buy new tools.

The difference may be in how tools are taken care of and used.

.