We bought manual tools for the first few years because power tools were either too expensive or too hard to find (overseas) or too likely to go "missing" during a move. Once we knew what jobs we were likely to tackle more often, we'd buy power tools one or two levels below contractor grade. But we still haven't gone pneumatic yet.I am now trying to get the *right* product for intended jobs the first time around, without spending a bundle. Small learning curve here for me on frugal buying . I want to learn to buy good quality stuff CHEAP! (eBay so far has been working pretty good for me.)
You just can't churn through routine tasks without a good chop saw, drill, electric screwdriver, reciprocating saw, pole hedge trimmer, gas-powered weed whacker...
People don't want to fix stuff. They buy the cheapest tool for the immediate job, and if it breaks then they buy another one. The rate of improvement has really accelerated over the last 25 years, too, so we've been trained not to hold onto the old stuff for too long.I grew up on a farm and we had gardening tools that lasted 30 plus years. Now a premium Home Depot or Lowes shovel or rake is only good for a couple of years. WHY?
It costs more to fix stuff than to replace. My two-year-old electric pole hedge trimmer, adequately made, burned out its brushes. I know how to replace a set of brushes. I don't know how to find replacement brushes for anything less than a day's research and $20-$40. Then it'd take me another hour to replace the brushes, seat them, and get back to work. (If I can get the molded-plastic body off the tool without cutting.) I bet in two years I'd be replacing another set of brushes, too.
Meanwhile a new, longer, heavier-duty pole trimmer is on sale at Home Depot for $99, which I bought with a gift card that I found on Craigslist for half price. I'll let the Salvation Army fix the brushes.