I don't know about you guys but I exist in a bubble of trustworthy friends with whom we effectively pool tools. Just now one has called to ask if he can borrow the impact driver (Makita TD0101F) as his own battery powered jobbie just isn't up to the job.
Another reason why I like mains powered tools is that generally you get more power delivered to your elbow.
My cheap power tool bargain is an SDS drill from Lidl. Less than fourty notes but it is certainly an effective beast. Mains powered of course.
Not really, as most of my friends live in rented places, meaning that their DIY needs are minimal. It's only a few of us like me who make stuff as a hobby, that have tools. Also woodworking etc... is not taught to everyone in all schools in this country, there's very much a if you're educated in this school, you should be earning enough to pay someone to do this for you, mentality.
I have a gay friend where we have a good arrangement, i go round and do the DIY stuff, and they give me fashion advice. It works well, even if it is something of a cliche...
Why? Are you a professional using the tool everyday to earn a living?
Nope. But there are a few reasons why I feel you should buy quality tools.
- Sam Vimes is right (
http://bit.ly/1gCbnWv )
- Quality tools are a joy to use, if you enjoy using the tool, you will use it more, treat it with more respect, and enjoy the process a lot more.
- Tools from well known trusted named brands tend to have a supported life considerably longer than their warranty life. My makita drill is 4 years old now, i can still buy batteries for it, as well as some spares.
- Range. Sure you can go to lidl and get a drill, and then you go back and get a jigsaw, but the battery might not be interchangeable, and so now you've got 4 chargers for 4 tools, and 4 different batteries and that's a faff. With an ecosystem like Makita, you can have a wide selection of different tools, and a small pool of batteries and charging infrastructure. This helps lower the cost a bit. I can put my batteries in anything from a screwdriver to a chainsaw to even an electric bike.
Life is too short to buy shit tools.
J