The Home Ownership Thread

[FtRoyalty]

Regarding tools, I usually buy the store-brand for hand tools (Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman). I don't have too many power tools (I can get by with a drill most of the time) but tempted to buy a miter saw when I have time to try my hand at windowpane wainscoting. Single most expensive purchase was a Honda self-propelled mower for $500 and worth every cent.

The only time I seriously thought about throwing some money down was to purchase some Snap-On tools (torque wrenches) for my car. However, I couldn't justify the cost since only perform regular maintenance and don't see myself getting in the engine anytime soon.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

I have a hitachi miter saw, but plan to give it to my dad and buy a festool.

 

[Ataturk]

So do you think Snap-On is worth the premium price? What about Harbor Freight, are their tools a good value, or are they peddling Chinese junk that puts Americans out of work? Hah.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Huh?

 

[FtRoyalty]

When I was shopping for torque wrenches, I was considering CDI, which is rebranded Snap-On. They are on Amazon. In the end, I got a cheaper one since it would primarily be used for my alloys. The fear of a wheel falling off or warping the rims justified the purchase, but specific calibration wasn't necessary.

Never bought harbor freight but from what I've heard they are good throw away tools. One breaks, just buy another. I think it comes down to how much you really need the tool and how much you plan on using it.

For my homeownership experience, I'd say start with a good drill and a good lawn mower. Those are the two I use the most.

 

[Ataturk]



Huh?

More ink has been spilled arguing about those two questions on gearhead forums than all Mafoofan's threads combined.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Yeah, I understand that part, I just did not know if it was directed toward my saw.

I think it depends on the work you do and what you expect from your tools. Often I like to just skip the baby steps if possible. For instance, I needed a set of small screwdrivers for my humidors. Went to lowes, bought a set, stripped screws immediately after they began to wear slightly. I replaced them with a set from Wera and from Lie Nielsen which were probaby 20x the cost, however they do not fail. Most often I like to save the grief and buy something worthwhile upfront.

 

[Ataturk]

I was adjusting a sprinkler with one of my harbor freight mini screwdrivers. I could feel even resistance, but no adjustments were happening. I was confused for a minute, until I realized the shaft of the screwdriver was spinning inside the handle. So I guess I can see where you're coming from.

 

[otc]



I was adjusting a sprinkler with one of my harbor freight mini screwdrivers. I could feel even resistance, but no adjustments were happening. I was confused for a minute, until I realized the shaft of the screwdriver was spinning inside the handle. So I guess I can see where you're coming from.

Get a set from mcmaster carr. For most of their tools and parts, they don't actually list the brand (everythign except powertools and things where batteries/accessories are not compatible across makers), but they make a solid effort to just carry the best version of everything.

Their prices may not be the best but if you don't want to figure out what to buy, they will get you the good stuff. My mini screwdrivers are Wiha and they are great.

 

[RedLantern]



When I was shopping for torque wrenches, I was considering CDI, which is rebranded Snap-On. They are on Amazon. In the end, I got a cheaper one since it would primarily be used for my alloys. The fear of a wheel falling off or warping the rims justified the purchase, but specific calibration wasn't necessary.

Never bought harbor freight but from what I've heard they are good throw away tools. One breaks, just buy another. I think it comes down to how much you really need the tool and how much you plan on using it.

For my homeownership experience, I'd say start with a good drill and a good lawn mower. Those are the two I use the most.

My mother has a Honda lawnmower that is older than I am. It even survived a small lawn mowing business that my brother and I had in middle school. Guess what I'm going to buy!

 

[Ataturk]

Friend of mine had a self-propelled Honda push mower that stripped out in about three years. YMMV I guess. He sure was pissed, though.

 

[VLSI]

Seller lied on the disclosure statement and didn't check the scorpion box. I'm averaging one in the house per month.

Also I hate owning a home and wish I had actually given it some thought before buying. Huge mistake, now I'm stuck for a while.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

How do they get in?

 

[VLSI]

I dont know. Doors, windows, walls. They're crafty little F***ers and climb all through cracks they find. I had put out this dust stuff the past weekend so the one I found this morning was all shriveled up, so I assume he walked through it, which was at the door.

 

[brokencycle]



Seller lied on the disclosure statement and didn't check the scorpion box. I'm averaging one in the house per month.

Also I hate owning a home and wish I had actually given it some thought before buying. Huge mistake, now I'm stuck for a while.

That's the one downside to the southwest that I see. Scorpions, snakes, spiders, etc.