odo wrote:Need to consider these days that companies may be using cheaper materials and/or labour to maximise profits, and also hide inflation in raw materials (item built with cheaper materials but still sold for the same price).
So recommendations of things built to last may come from people who've had them for years (when the build quality was better), or haven't had them long enough to know if they'll last a long time.
It's true, there seems to be a trend for companies to start off with a great product to get brand recognition as a tough tradesmans tool, then produce a much cheaper range for the DIY market.
I remember Kamasa socket sets from years ago, excellent quality, now they're different. Makita and Hitachi seem to be staying on the high ground, but I've seen budget De Walt tools recently.