Cheap tools aren't always the best option

[Dedman]

Yup, it comes down to frequency of use. I just bought a cheap mig welder because I need one about 3 times a year and investing $500 or more would be silly, but stuff I use all the time like drills and saws it's Dewalt and Makita all the way. I still have the Sidchrome socket set I bought in 1977 when I got my first car, it's done a LOT of work.... keeps working Still have all my Dads hand saws and even some of his other tools which I'm guessing he'd had all his life. I prefer to spend $ on tools rather than gadgets like phones and Ipads

[FrankenWashie]

I started out with cheapy tools, which were fine for the occasional bit of work I wanted to do and were, to be fair commensurate with my level of skill and ambition. Moving forward a wee way, the tools got upgraded as my skill level increased and the attention to detail and finish grew.

Nowadays I'd much rather outlay the money for a decent tool, than compromise on a cheap and cheerful. That said I do not want to pay through the nose for it, if I can get a workable result with one of my old crappy tools all good. If the quality of the tool prevents my from achieving an acceptable result, he gets handed off to a mate or relative that can make use of it and I will upgrade with something better.

[corsair]

I prefer to spend $ on tools rather than gadgets like phones and Ipads

A rule for life, methinks!!

[dingobass]

A good place to find good tools at a reasonable price is your local swap meet.
Quite often there will be an old timer there with a collection of vintage tools for sale.
I have picked up some rippers over the years, they looked like hell when I bought them but with some tlc they came up trumps.

[Dedman]

Chisels and planes especially DB, all they need is a clean and sharpen most times.

[Fretworn]

I know an old guy who spent his who life in the tool trade. Now he goes around the council kerbside collections and finds heaps of tools. The good ones he cleans up and the B****gs ones he converts into artworks.

[Muzza]

Bunnings ones???

[Fretworn]

Bunnings ones???

Yep, he worked there for a little while when he was semi-retired and would agree with all of DB's statements re Bunnings.