Re: (ET) tools discussion - HF /others - review websites ?

[JBR <reinharj frontiernet net>]

I have quality tools, and I have some HF tools. I also have a few I 
purchased 
from Homier (traveling tool shows). 
As others mentioned, there are both good  (or at least usable for a while) 
and 
bad.

It is wise to compare those cheap digital voltmeters to a known GOOD meter 
every once in a while (meaning measure a any battery, or resistor, or 
power 
outlet with both meters and compare the readings. You could still use the 
cheap meter to compare between different batteries - even if a little off 
- 
BUT, you would not want to use one that was wrong to adjust charge 
voltage, 
etc.
LCD's (Liquid Crystal Display) don't function well in very cold weather - 
use 
an LED (Light Emitting Diode) based meter instead.  This applies to 
quality 
brand meters as well.

Chinese Motors are often not so great (depends on factory).

My HF 10" compound sliding miter box motor is OK, but the detents for 
returning angle to 0 degrees are wrong, so if I don't use a square to 
reset 
it, I get 87 or 93 degree cuts - a REAL PITA !

Anyone know of a review type website for tools that includes HF tools ? 
 
I have searched for a few specific tools - such as small lathe, Mini-Mill 
(actually bought from Homier and made it into CNC Mill), 4*6" metal 
cutting 
bandsaw and others - and many of these are also sold by Grizzly, Enco, 
etc.  

Some of them get reasonable reviews - and lots of owner/user tips on how 
to 
mod/upgrade/make usable.  I bought the Mini-Mill from Homier AFTER reading 
about the identical model being sold by Grizzly and others for $100 more. 

I would like to compare some different brands - socket set for example - 
clamp 
a bolt into a vise, put socket and breaker bar on it, and measure how much 
force until the socket breaks - compare Craftsman, Harbor Freight, Lowe's 
brand, Home Depot Brand, Stanley (now sold at Walmart), etc.  

As far as 'Good' brands - even those guys occasionally make a lemon:  I 
bought 
the GENUINE Milwaukee Super Sawzall - and used it lightly a couple times 
over 
a couple year period - suddenly broke one day - after a total of 1 hour 
use 
since purchased.  
Took it apart - out of warranty - and found broken gear teeth !
Took it to local authorized repair center, and bought new rotor with gear, 
and 
mating gear for $70 !!  I was upset - after seeing that new gear teeth had 
been redesigned to be MUCH heftier - fewer teeth, but much stronger.  
Counter guy said they replaced LOTS them for free the first year - so IF I 
had 
really used/abused it the first year, they would have fixed it !!

Generally, I trust the 'Quality' names ...  (But now my local HF store 
guarantees their Pittsburgh brand hand tools - no questions - same as 
Sears . 
so that distinction is getting a little fuzzier)