When tackling a DIY project, does the brand name of your tools and supplies matter to you? Why? Why not?
What about the retailer? Is it important? Which home improvement store do you prefer? Why?
DIY Tools & Supplies: Is Brand Name Important To You?
Cricket
When tackling a DIY project, does the brand name of your tools and supplies matter to you? Why? Why not?
What about the retailer? Is it important? Which home improvement store do you prefer? Why?
21 - 38 of 38 Posts
For work, you might use the same tool everyday for hours. For DIY, you might use the same tool once or twice a year. However, for the tools you use often, like a screwdriver, a drill, ya, get durable, because when they break you have to stop and go buy a new one. I find the cheaper tools often have a weak link, like a switch, or the electronics board, or a small plastic keeper..etc.
Joined
·
5,642 Posts
Sounds similar to mine.
1995 Craftsman 113 series with cast iron extensions. Upgraded the fence to a Delta and in addition to the link belt, change out the cast pulleys for machined ones. I have since added a paddle switch to the front.
I also added an outfeed table.
Joined
·
25 Posts
Buy once cry once. I have learned that no matter what the tool quality is the way to go.
Joined
·
5,642 Posts
I agree that for some tools, one should buy the best quality they can afford.
IMO, they does not apply to all tools. I have numerous bar and f-clamps all purchased from Harbor Freight. Granted the bar clamps are extruded u-shaped aluminum and tended to twist a bit when tightened. However, the addition of a piece of 1x2 in the channel makes them surprisingly robust. I have used them for years with no issues. Additionally, I was able to purchase four 4ft clamps for the price of a single Bessey brand.
Joined
·
17,255 Posts
Curious what you and clamping that you are needing so much force to deform the clamps.
I also have 4 of those clamps [2-4' and 2-3'] but have never seen the need to reinforce them.
Joined
·
5,642 Posts
These bars are u-channel extruded aluminum similar to this. Sometimes you have a board that is a little stubborn. It is these where the aluminum can twist a bit..
Joined
·
17,255 Posts
If I have something that needs 'encouraging' to line up my go-to is pipe clamps.
Joined
·
5,642 Posts
I do own a pair of vintage bar clamps similar to this. They are about 5ft long so using them on smaller projects can be problematic.
Joined
·
5,642 Posts
I forgot to add, I also own a WEN drill press and benchtop planer.
Even though WEN is not regarded in the same class as Delta, DeWalt or Makita, they offered a good combination of quality and affordability for my budget and continue to work well for me.
Even though WEN is not regarded in the same class as Delta, DeWalt or Makita, they offered a good combination of quality and affordability for my budget and continue to work well for me.
In my younger days, i would buy the best I could afford as I wanted them to last me a lifetime. I still have all my old plug in tools, but now everything has switched to battery. Now with the battery tools, there is an issue with having different brands because of different batteries. So I gave all my battery tools to my son and in the past few years I have switched most of my battery tools to Ryobi. Lots of people look down on Ryobi, but I am in my 70's and I don't think I will outlive them. I have lots of batteries so I can let them cool between charging's which will make them last much longer. I get a good deal on them at https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/ . I usually buy blemished as they have the 3 year warranty rather than the refurbished that only have a 1 year warranty and I wait for free shipping deals. I really don't get the blemished ones as they come sealed in a brand new box just line getting one at Home Depot. If I need a tool for just one job, I will look at Harbor Freight. I needed a long drill to go through cinder block. I picked up a cheap HF one rather than a brand name one from Home Depot and saved a ton. If it was something I would use all the time, I would spend the money and get the good one.
Many years ago, (25+), I bought a RIDGID combo set at Home Depot to replace my dying makita tools. I chose these because of the lifetime warranty.
Problem with the warranty service is that the location is far from me. But they serviced my drill and charger just fine.
Found out that if you buy a RIDGID tool from AMAZON; RIDGID will not give you the lifetime warranty. You have to get it from Home Depot.
I have built half a house with these and many many remodeling projects. They have not let me down since.
RIDGID turned out to be a quality tool for medium amounts of work and sometimes more.
Problem with the warranty service is that the location is far from me. But they serviced my drill and charger just fine.
Found out that if you buy a RIDGID tool from AMAZON; RIDGID will not give you the lifetime warranty. You have to get it from Home Depot.
I have built half a house with these and many many remodeling projects. They have not let me down since.
RIDGID turned out to be a quality tool for medium amounts of work and sometimes more.
Generally to me specific brand name is irrelevant, but im buying at a certain level of quality or a specific model.
Most of my cordless tools are milwaukee, but the dewalt miter saws and routers are better. Corded hand held are all over the place, bosch, hitachi, craftsman, dewalt, festool, milwaukee, porter cable... and so on.
Stationary tools are all over the map, but generally European or pre 1970s American commercial/industrial. There are specific brand preferences but sticking to one brand with used equipment is more difficult and or expensive than buying equivalent machinery from different manufacturers as its available.
Most of my cordless tools are milwaukee, but the dewalt miter saws and routers are better. Corded hand held are all over the place, bosch, hitachi, craftsman, dewalt, festool, milwaukee, porter cable... and so on.
Stationary tools are all over the map, but generally European or pre 1970s American commercial/industrial. There are specific brand preferences but sticking to one brand with used equipment is more difficult and or expensive than buying equivalent machinery from different manufacturers as its available.
Joined
·
3,224 Posts
Dewalt tools were heavily used by pros for decades. That is ingrained in my brain. Lots of good options now, but if they aren't yellow, they just don't feel right for me.
Joined
·
5,642 Posts
If my P-C ever bite the dust, I will likely go with Ridgid. I have their cordless impact wrench and oscillating multi-tool along with a corded 14-gal wet/dry vac. All have served me well.
I was aware of the fact that the lifetime warranty is not available from Amazon. I never understood how Ridgid does not make Amazon disclose this on their website.
When I needed warranty service I just took the tool to my local HD and they sent it off ......... but it did take forever to get it back.
Joined
·
1,542 Posts
I'm not too picky for basic hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers and tape measures. Definitely picky when it comes to power tools.
I do prefer DeWalt for power tools, but they are so pricey anymore. Have several Milwaukee cordless tools that work great. Also have a Hitachi hammer-drill that seems indestructible.
I inherited my grandfather's old Craftsman power tools that are likely from the 1950's. Those things are TANKS. They definitely don't build them like they used to!
I do prefer DeWalt for power tools, but they are so pricey anymore. Have several Milwaukee cordless tools that work great. Also have a Hitachi hammer-drill that seems indestructible.
I inherited my grandfather's old Craftsman power tools that are likely from the 1950's. Those things are TANKS. They definitely don't build them like they used to!
21 - 38 of 38 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
