How to Buy Tools
The Toolcritic is
dedicated to providing broad information and feedback about the tools
you use as a professional or a hobbyist. We want to provide you with the
information to make wise tool buying decisions. There are four steps to
purchasing a tool:
1. Evaluate your requirement. What is the application for the
tool? How often will it be used? Have you thought about future uses? Are
you buying the tool because you need it or because you want it (both are
Ok, but it's nice to know the difference)? How soon do you need it?
2. Determine your budget. There is an old adage for tool
purchases: "Buy cheap and you buy twice." Every tool expert we have read
advises that it's better to wait and get a quality tool than to buy a
cheap one that will be taking up space in a landfill. If you don't use
the tool every day, find that happy medium between the most expensive
tool available and the landfill variety.
3. Choose your tool. Check out all of the available
information on the category of tools. Read the user reviews, especially
those from people who were dissatisfied. Think about the brand
reputation. Check to see if there is a local service provider for the
brand.
4. Choose a vendor. We like to buy tools on-line because there
are sites that have great prices, offer free shipping, and don't charge
sales tax. Free shipping often means slow shipping so don't go that
route if you need the tool quickly. Vendors should handle your credit
card safely, ship your product as specified, and handle returns and
products broken during shipping without hassle.
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