I'm in the process of setting up my workshop and need to replace some tools that were damaged in a move. I want to know, based on your experience, when budget tools have actually worked well for you and when they've just been a waste of money. For instance, I've heard good things about Aldi chisels from Paul Sellers and some Amazon chisels that Rex Krueger tried out after replacing the handles. Have you found any cheap tools, like a tenon or dovetail saw, that you still use after years? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
3 Answers
It's generally a good rule of thumb to buy the best tools you can fit in your budget. Some Harbor Freight tools can be decent, but the steel quality is hit or miss. Hand tools aren't as commonly used these days, which means you’re stuck choosing between high-end tools that cost a lot or lower-quality options. It's worth considering how much you’ll actually use the tool before buying.
Honestly, each tool has its own worth. A chisel being good or bad often comes down to how it holds an edge after sharpening. That said, I would swear by my Woodpecker TS-600—it’s a game changer that helps prevent so many mistakes. If you can invest in something like that, it's worth every penny!
From what I've seen, the effectiveness of budget tools really depends on the specific item. For chisels, the steel quality plays a big role in how often you'll need to sharpen them. Beginners might actually benefit from cheaper chisels to learn sharpening skills. But for tools like squares, I'd recommend investing in something reliable right from the start. I also have a cheap shop vacuum that works fine for general cleanup, but I’d stick with quality for more precision tools.