Most of my hand tools are Craftsman tools bought about 40 years ago. Very few have broken and they were replaced for free,
All of my air tools are Harbor Freight (Central Pneumatic regular or "Professional" series, whatever that means) that I bought about 10 years ago. They have now seen over 10 years of work on 3 frame-off restorations. I doubt if I will do another frame-off restoration, so those tools have admirably served their purpose.
I have strained them, abused them, and heavily used them:
1/2" impact wrench, 3/8 ratchet wrench, 3* high-speed air cutter, 1/4" air die grinder, and
high speed metal saw. I have not bought many electric-motor tools at Harbor Freight but the
4 1/2" angle grinder will not give up (no what what abuse I put it to).
In all cases, I waited to buy the tools when they were on 1/2 price sale - at that time there was free shipping and no tax.
Yes, I agree that I always hope that I get what I pay for when I buy an expensive tool.
However, I owe those inexpensive tools nothing and I smile every time I consider how much the name-brand expensive tools would have cost.
Tim
