My dad told me to stop buying cheap tools and he was right about everything

I used to think a $15 drill from Harbor Freight was fine for hanging shelves around the house. Dad kept telling me I'd regret it when the chuck stripped out or the battery died mid-screw. Last month I was putting up curtain rods in the living room and the drill just gave up halfway through the third bracket. I finally got a DeWalt kit for $180 and now I see what he meant. Has anyone else had to learn the hard way that you really do get what you pay for?

3 comments

3 Comments

lee8471mo ago

I had a $30 Ryobi last me 12 years before it quit.

the_thea1mo agoTop Commenter

Wait, so your Dad gave you solid life advice and you just ignored him for years? Classic. I bet he had the biggest "I told you so" smile on his face when he saw that DeWalt in your hand... probably couldn't hide it if he tried.

the_jennifer1mo ago

My buddy Mike bought a $40 corded drill from Harbor Freight back in 2016 and it finally died last month. He told me his dad gave him the same speech about buying quality tools and he laughed it off. The day that drill smoked out, he drove straight to Home Depot and got a Milwaukee. Called me from the parking lot and said "don't tell my dad." @lee847 your Ryobi lasting 12 years is impressive, those things are tougher than people give them credit for.