Brand name vs. No name

[davet426]

So I priced out about $300 bucks of Kobalt air tools for my new compressor.
1/4 impact
Orbital sander
3/8 ratchet
right angle die grinder
misc fittings and hose

On e-bay I see a no name air tool kit for $96 with shipping.
1/2 impact
3/8 ratchet
Air hammer
Air disc sander
2 in 1 die grinder and cut off tool
Also comes with accessories (more than I was purchasing)

I can purchase my orbital and straight line sanders and still be under $300

I don't have a problem spending the $300, but am I going to get that much more value out of an air tool? Keep in mind I will be a weekend warrior...

Just thought I'd see if anyone else has struggled with this and what was the outcome?

I promise guys these noob questions will pay off for you someday! I don't know how, but they will '>

Plus I gotta get to 500 posts somehow...

Thanks

[Ridewithme38]

ok brand name verse no name/Ebay
Brand name warrenty...reliable
Expensive/is it worth it for how much you'll use it?

NoName/Ebay Cheap=good for beginner incase you find out its not as fun as you though...
No warrenty no return policy probly..

I would go with the cheap Ebay setup if your only planning on using it for weekend jobs....if you ever decide to deversify and decide that the extra moneys worth the quality of doing the work yourself then i'd buy the Name brand

[BrianB]

I'd say that's pretty sound advice. A lot of people start out with the "cheaper" stuff and then upgrade later. That what I'm in the process of doing.

[loman4ec]

I bought a good compressor and cheep tools. I have used the heck out of them and they have lasted so far. Yep you don't get a warrenty but home many times can you replace it for the money you save. I agree buy cheep first unless you plan on using this stuff everyday. Do you have a Harbor Freight store nearby? If not look them up online they are really cheep and there quality is pretty good and they are really good about taking things back that are defective.

[MoonDawg]

Check your local pawn shops, you may find some good quality slightly used tools.

[rogerz]

The bad thing about cheap air tools is they tend to use more air volume than the better ones. And if you don't have a big compressor you have to wait on it to fill back up.
Check the cfm usage of the tools to see how efficient they will be!

rz

[sodaworks]

If buying cheap tools just consider them as "throw aways" because thats exactly what your gonna do eventually. If you plan on using them for a few years than get the good stuff. You might aklso want to consider buying a 8" Random Orbiter sander instead of a 6" Dual Action sander. A little more money but well spent. I rarely touch my 6" DA and air file.

Guess i'm going against the grain here, I tend to buy the top of the line for tools.  My way of thinking is that i'm in my 40's and the tools should come close to lasting the rest my life time.  Have many a tools that were my grandfather and fathers, and still work great.

[sodaworks]

Charlie,
 I agree when it comes to tools. Get the good stuff!!!

[davet426]

Well I took all into account. The best was to good for me (even mid range) price wise. I am starting from scratch never owned any of the stuff.

Loman4ec thanks! I googled Harbor Freight and there was one in Nashville, across the road from Grainger (thanks Eric - Global Compressor they cross ref'd the p# you gave me and BAM!! a 3 in 1 start kit!). I went to Harbor. How do you ever leave that place, I must of been there for two hours. I was able to outfit my garage for about a quarter of the price of brand name, which allowed me more air tools. I figure I can replace one by one as they sputter out with the good stuff. Thanks again that was a great store. I'll be back many many times...