This will go down on my permanent record...

Think this is quite true. Have been to some of the major big box retailers with blue or orange signs. Studied the offerings and then visited the local HF store. I can’t seem to see much difference between them, except price.

 

There are also different grades of HF tools.

 

That's an argument I've made as well, buy two of anything you need from HF, if you break one you've got a spare and can replace it at your convenience at any HF store. If you manage to break any of the tool truck brands you'll be waiting until the truck finds it's way back to you for warranty repair or replace. Even buying two, you're still typically paying less than half what the tool trucks get for one.

Having said that, I haven't tried HF's cordless tools. Personally I like Milwaukee for that stuff.

 

Dig back and find @Judge post where he was spreading stone for parking and had bought a nice little tracked machine . He liked it and cost was reasonable.

 

Pawnshop are your friend in things like this, especially if you might have some item you would like to "unload" Barter is fun.

 

Go to @Judge post # 198677, 198678, and 198680 for guidance.

 

Our local pawn shop tries to sell stuff at a higher price than when new. He calls his stuff vintage. Most of the tools are probably stolen.