Brands of garden tools?
- To: perennials@lorien.mallorn.com
- Subject: Brands of garden tools?
- From: "* P* L* <lindsey@mallorn.com>
- Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 20:23:52 -0500 (CDT)
An unpleasant experience that I had tonight made me start thinking
about what brand of garden tools I prefer.
---- BEGIN UNNECESSARY GRIPE ----
The "unpleasant experience" involved a turning fork that I had purchased
about 4 years back -- I use it to turn the soil in my existing beds and
when I make new ones. 2 years ago the fiberglass handle fell apart,
so Lowe's (the people for whom the tools are manufactured by Ames)
replaced it. This time the four metal prongs fell out, so I brought
it back. They told me that they couldn't replace it despite the lifetime
warranty because I had been "using the tool incorrectly." The manager
informed me that this $30 turning fork was only meant to be used in light,
pre-turned soil. After arguing some more I got a free replacement (mostly
because I still had my receipt), but he told me that it's the last time
and "I'm 'tagged' in the computer now for this product."
I don't *think* that I was using the turning fork wrong. Was I? I always
use them to break up hardened soil -- otherwise I don't see the point
in having one. I *even* wash and oil my tools when I'm done using them.
So after that long gripe session, down to business... :)
---- END UNNECESSARY GRIPE ----
I've started buying Craftsman tools because they have an unlimited
lifetime warranty on their products (note that it's not a limited warranty
like Lowe's). Unfortunately, they just don't seem to carry everything
that I want or need. There are no Craftsman hand shovels, pruning
shears, etc. that match the quality that I want. For hand shovels
I have some wonderful hand-forged ones that I bought for $12 apiece,
and they've never bent or anything. My Felco folding saw and hand
pruners have also never given me grief because of their superior
construction.
What other tools that you use that have a really good warranty
and / or are of exceptional quality? Do you tend to stick with
a certain brand for everything, or jump around depending on the
tool?
Chris
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