http://bill.welliver.org//space/toolsThe internet has made life so much easier in some ways, and so much more difficult in others&#8230; 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.<p class="paragraph"/> 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.<p class="paragraph"/> 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: <ul class="minus"> <li>There is likely to be higher respect for labor, environmental and intellectual property regulations.</li> <li>Workers are more likely to be treated well.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>The opportunity to support my fellow citizens as well as those in "kindred" countries.</li> </ul>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.<p class="paragraph"/> 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.Fins 0.9.7http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss