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Re:How Lee Valley built a cult-like following by mesofile on Wednesday July 05, 2023 @09:54PM (#36609975)
“Buy once, cry once” as they say. I’ve found it a good rule but one I must apply very selectively. Knowing where to spend on quality and where to make do with junk is a bit of an art in itself, I believe.
Re:How Lee Valley built a cult-like following by doubled112 on Wednesday July 05, 2023 @10:46PM (#36610434)
It is an art and takes experience to know when to apply it.

There are a ton of tools in my garage I have only used once or twice. They're closer to the junk end of the scale and that's just fine. Even at that quality level, it might take me another 20 years to wear out or break them.

You can only bust your knuckles so many times on a cheap ratchet, though, before it just isn't worth it. Cheap blades that snap and chip are terrible too.

Sometimes the price is a complete lie too. The more I think about it, the harder I realize this is.

Re:How Lee Valley built a cult-like following by waynesonfire on Thursday July 06, 2023 @03:47AM (#36612609)
"Buy cheap tools until you know what you really need from that tool, then buy the best version you can afford." -Adam Savage
Re:How Lee Valley built a cult-like following by bluGill on Thursday July 06, 2023 @09:01AM (#36615090)
Cheap tools are often so bad that you will conclude the problem is you and not the tool - then you will hire the work done and find a new hobby.
Re:How Lee Valley built a cult-like following by sh34r on Thursday July 06, 2023 @08:32PM (#36625359)
For most things, Harbor Freight is good enough for Harry Homeowner. You’re gonna be doing a lot of crying if you buy the fanciest tools for every one-off job you run into.