Ryobi, SKIL, and Black & Decker are the brands I won’t buy anymore. I consider all of these brands just a hair over HF in quality, but the price doesn’t justify a premium over HF tools. Most consider Craftsman in the same category but I’ve had lots of great luck with the brand in the past 10 years.
I finally learned my lesson after many years of buying the lowest priced tool and being disappointed when I was replacing it. Now I try to buy the best quality took I can afford, especially for the larger, more expensive tools. I do most of my shopping for big tools on Craigslist and have been happy with the Ridgid and Jet finds I have brought home. For cheapie tools, I’ll still buy HF but expect them to fail and consider them disposable. If they last any time at all, I consider it a bonus.
-- If it ain't broke, take it apart and find out why
