[boatsie]

I think the best way to find repairable and long lived products is to buy commercial grade when possible or look at what gets used by contractors. The types of things that get used in commercial settings or pro use tend to be a lot more repairable and durable than the consumer equivalents. Definitely more expensive though.

[ghaff]

There are tools I use a lot like my cordless drill and the main thing that goes is the battery which can be easily replaced.

But there are a ton of tools I use once in a blue moon and probably aren't worth spending a premium on.

[TeMPOraL]

Caveat: contractors are also into disposables in some cases. I had a conversation with our electrician the other day, and he told me there are tools he invests in, and very similar - to a layman like me - tools he buys absolutely the cheapest brand, because he knows the latter are going to get damaged regardless of quality, so he treats them as consumables.

[coderenegade]

I use a backpack vacuum cleaner for this reason. I did a bit of cleaning work for pocket money when I was in uni, and the backpack vacuums were a revelation. I don't need a cordless vacuum, because it doesn't offer much of an advantage over what I already have, and what I have actually cost substantially less.