[steverb]

I have a rule for buying tools. The first one I buy, I buy the cheaper version (Harbor Freight house brand for instance). If I use it enough to break it within3 years, or become frustrated with its shortcomings, then I go buy a "pro" version.

Yes, it does mean I have spent more money than absolutely necessary, but on the other hand I have a lot of cheap tools that are perfectly serviceable for the two times a year I actually need to use them.

It works for me, you go do what works for you.

[hutrdvnj]

Yeah, I think that is the best approach especially if the price difference is like tenfold for the high quality product.

However there are some exceptions to the rule, for example I would never buy a low quality notebook or a low quality car.

If the price of the high quality product is too high for me, then I don't try to look for a cheaper model immediately, but try to go second hand first.

[steverb]

Oh yeah, there are certain things that I know I am going to really care about the quality of.

Never ever buy cheap jack stands for instance. The extra money you spend on the good ones is just life insurance.