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Re: Cheap Tools

To: "A. B. Bonds" <ab@vuse.vanderbilt.edu>
Subject: Re: Cheap Tools
From: Art Pfenninger <ch155@FreeNet.Buffalo.EDU>
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 13:20:38 -0500 (EST)

On 24 Nov 1997, A. B. Bonds wrote:

> In <9711241054.AA07137@rt.el.utwente.nl>, Bert Palte wrote:
> 
> >>That's probably a good way to go. While the quality may not be quite the
> >>same, the occassional use we give special tools as hobbists doesn't really
> >>require it.
> >>
> >I tend to disagree.
> >A professional may still be able to return an acceptable job with only fair
> >quality tools,
> >but the combination of a hobbyist and poor quality tools is a NO-NO.
> >
> >Bert
> 
> Sorry, Bert, I have to disagree.  While it is folly to have less than
> the best for one's primary tools (sockets, end wrenches,
> screwdrivers), there are some instances in which cheap tools only make
> sense.  Consider the recent discussion regarding 3/4" socket sets.  I
> have had a Harbor Freight set for about ten years.  It cost $40.
> That's what a _single_ 3/4" socket can cost from e.g. Craftsman.  I
> use something from the set about twice a year and it works just fine.
> The other advantage is cheap tools is adaptability.  I always have a
> set of cheap end wrenches and screwdrivers around.  No telling when
> you need to make a left-handed flange wroffle or some such...  A
> little grinding, a little bending, voila!
> 
>                       A. B. Bonds
> 
> 
        I second that. I've this a number of time before but I'll say it
again . There are cheap tools and there are inexpensive tools. I just put
another order in to Harbor Freight. If the tools didn't hold up I would be
the first to tell the world. Tools are like kitchen items. You can spend
$500 on a stove or $3000. Both work but some people just like the look or
feel of a better product. I have yet to buy wrenches or sockets from them
because I can get good quality from Sears. I d plan on trying their stubby
wrench set. Sears gets $57 they have theirs on sale for $9.99. I have
nothing to loose. They carry a life time waranity (who would bother to
send back at this price). I say for those that want to build their tools
up, give them a try. Until you do you will never know.
...Art


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