[TheForge] Tools

[Ron Childers]

Older brand name tools bought at estate, flea market or garage sales are much better than Harbor Freight. The long reach HF needle nose are junk as are their imitation vice grips. Broke several and kicking 80 I don't have the strength I had 50 years ago. Real Vise Grips with just a broken spring for $1 will last a long time. 
Merry Christmas, 
ron

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of SCHLESINGER, JONATHAN
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2019 10:54 PM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [TheForge] The "tick stick."

Bruce,

You said, "When buying tools for hobby use, buy the cheapest you can find that meet the spec at all."  While my tool buying philosophy has moved more in this direction -- that's what happens when Harbor Freight sets up shop a mile from your house -- I do appreciate and treasure some of the very functional tools that have been passed down to me from my father and grandfather.  I am the beneficiary of men who didn't buy cheap stuff, so I do feel a little pressure to not break with custom and leave my son with garbage.

Jonathan