Why is everything so crummy!! warning CAPS have been used

[01_fast_ride]

I tell you what. The companies that have consistantly provided equipment for professionals are CLEANING UP because of the lack of quality from consumer goods. The examples are listed above. Matco, Snap-On, MAC in tools; Viking, SubZero in kitchen appliances; etc, etc. That should tell you that people demand quality. I'm afraid that its become *trendy* to overdo things (how else can you explain the Hummer's popularity). I understand professionals owning expensive tools and such, because busted tools means lost wages so they cant afford downtime.

For average Joes the word *overkill* comes to mind. Overkill by definition is waste. Why spend $170 on a torque wrench when you can get the same effect with a $15 torque wrench? Sure, the $15 one may not last a lifetime but who cares? Any hear of, "A poor craftman blames his tools"? Means that great tools don't make a great mechanic, and bad tools don't make a bad mechanic.

I am certainly not dissing any company for putting out great stuff. Absolutely not. I'm just saying why overdo it? A friend of mine loves gadgets. He has a ~$3K server that he uses to surf the net. That's like using a nuclear sub to go fishing. All I'm saying is use your head. For the same price you can own a drawer full of nice tools or a garage full of decent tools (both with *lifetime* warranties).

Sorry about the longish post.