http://bill.welliver.org/atom/tools electronic.alchemy :: tools 2026-04-13T00:45:48-04:00 Public.Syndication.ATOM (Pike v8.0 release 702) http://bill.welliver.org/favicon.ico http://bill.welliver.org/static/images/alchemy.gif The internet has made life so much easier in some ways, and so much more difficult in others… one of the downsides, for me at least, is the wealth of information available at the press of a button. I think back to the "before times" and wonder at the blissful ignorance: if I needed a tool, I got whatever was at the local store, or if I was feeling ambitious, from the Grainger catalog. No having to weigh the pros and cons of some obscure option available from a store in Japan that didn't speak English. Whether or not the internet needs another voice shouting out into the vastness of space, I figured I would review some of the various go-to tool options I've found, along with my thought process for why I've taken a shine to them. I'm fortunate to (sometimes, at least!) have the option of buying something other than the cheapest thing I can find, but I won't throw money at a product if it doesn't seem justified. My own preference is to find high quality tools with thoughtful design. I prefer to support manufacturers in first world countries, for a variety of reasons: There is likely to be higher respect for labor, environmental and intellectual property regulations. Workers are more likely to be treated well. You get what you pay for: while it's true that there are a number of players offering good quality tools made in places like China, that's a much more hit or miss proposition, and India is even worse in my experience. The opportunity to support my fellow citizens as well as those in "kindred" countries. Obviously, the downside is that this often means spending more, but the reasonable assurance that you'll not have to replace a tool is worth at least some price premium. Plus, there's something to be said for using a tool that's a pleasure to use. I won't focus much attention on the so-called "truck" brands, as I don't think they're a great value for most people who aren't serviced by those vendors. Certainly, they are worth looking into on the used market, but overall, I think there are better values to be found elsewhere.