Crappy tools

MattCoops · 04-14-2008, 03:58 PM

I bought a $15 grinder from Harbor Freight about 3 years ago, and the thing still runs strong.
Sometimes cheap tools work magnificently.

I bought a little 7" compact wet saw for $65. It looks like a table saw for cutting tile. It's great for small jobs. Don't have to lug a heavy wet saw around or take time to set up.

travelover · 04-14-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattCoops

I bought a $15 grinder from Harbor Freight about 3 years ago, and the thing still runs strong.
Sometimes cheap tools work magnificently.

I bought a little 7" compact wet saw for $65. It looks like a table saw for cutting tile. It's great for small jobs. Don't have to lug a heavy wet saw around or take time to set up.

I also own both of these and have been satisfied. Except that $15 grinder was on sale recently for $9!

Rustedbird · 04-16-2008, 08:01 AM

I have a Sears Craftsman ninety-nine dollar table saw. Just got it for sticking in one floor two years ago. Still going strong.

handyguys · 04-16-2008, 12:13 PM

I have sworn off craftsman. I try and only buy quality tools and I will sing their praises when they perform.

Lets see - Craftman jigsaw - Trashed, replaced with excellent Bosch.
Craftsman stud finder, $50, couldn't find a stud, replaced with $10 stanley that works like a champ.

i could go on and on.

The Handyguys did a few tool tests that may be germane to this discussion.
First - A reciprocating saw tool test where we compared cordless to a corded sawzall
http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/27/episode-3

Then a drill test - We tested 7 different drills in a tough wood drilling task and also tested out two hammer drills with tapcons.
http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/63/episode-9-drill-it

We did a show on a basic tool kit for every homeowner
http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/30/episode-6-the-tool-kit

and lastly, we did a show comparing air compressors and talked about nailers.
http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/31/episode-5-compress-it

I guess the Handyguys are tool snobs. We really like or hate our tools and have opinions on most tools.

I would say my all time favorite tool is my Makita LXT impact driver and my most hated tool purchase was my craftsman jigsaw.

Rustedbird · 04-26-2008, 12:37 PM

Craftsman is just badgineering. My Craftsman fiberglas hammer I use for mucking around was actually made by Vaughan. The balance sucks for nailing but it os great for de-nailing or therapeutic whacks when my temper is up. My Craftsman chop saw was made by Ryobi, and on and on. I just made out like a bandit with a nice set of chisels and all made in the Old US of A. Nice to keep one's fellow citizens employed.

asbestos · 04-27-2008, 09:25 PM

Man a bunch of stuff.
Grizzly bucket boss knock off
$10 skill drill
craftsman compressor
gorilla bar
non-swanson speed square
strait-line studfinder (I got so PO'd at it I took it out and backed over it)
irwin blue bi-metal blades
Stanley utility knife.

tomtoolman12345 · 04-29-2008, 09:34 AM

I agree with what everyone said, basically the parts that compose most of the expensive tools like craftsman are the same parts that compose the cheap ones. The only difference with craftsman is they incorporate, black and decker, porter cable, and some dewalt parts in their tools. So in turn all these different brands of parts do not work well together, causing the downfault of the tools. This is why you either go with a Bosch brand tool or Hitachi because the company that produces this tools soley only uses their own parts.