Saw a store-brand screwdriver at Dollar Tree for $1.25 last week after buying a name-brand one for $8 just 4 days earlier

Used to always grab the pricey tools from hardware stores until my neighbor told me he built half his shed with dollar store tools, so I grabbed that screwdriver and it's held up through 3 cabinets already, has anyone else had good luck with dollar store hardware or am I gonna regret this?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade88524d ago

Honestly, the real test isn't just how it holds up for one project but how it handles over time. Those dollar store tools are often made with cheaper metal and plastic, so they might strip or snap after enough use. Ngl, I've had a few last years and some break first twist, it really depends what you're doing with it. Tbh for light stuff like hanging shelves or assembling furniture they're totally fine, but if you're gonna be cranking on rusted bolts or heavy framing you'll want the $8 one. Basically you just gotta match the tool to the job and you'll be alright.

fisher.mason24d ago

That's spot on about the matching the tool to the job thing. I keep a cheap multibit screwdriver from the hardware aisle in my kitchen drawer (the one with the spinner handle) and it's been fine for tightening cabinet hinges and random kid toy repairs for like three years now. But last month I tried using a similar cheap one on a stripped-out deck screw and the bit literally twisted into a corkscrew shape before the screw gave. So yeah, if you're fighting rust or torque, you're basically gambling every twist with the dollar store stuff.