To Repair Or Not To Repair?

Written by Chris Rodenius | November 18, 2008

Just a question I have, and some thoughts on the subject.

Do you repair your broken tools, or do you replace them? Probably for every one of us there is a point at which we find a tool takes too much effort to repair, and decide to replace it. Maybe it has nothing to do with effort at all, but price, or even a combination of the two. But with more and more tools being made in China, or Mexico, you can't help but notice that the quality of tools has been suffering. Maybe now more then ever is the best time to repair that older tool that just seems better.

I am in this same predicament myself. I have a Porter-Cable Saw Boss that I just love to use, but it has a bent base. I tried to straighten it myself, but was unsuccessful at completely fixing the problem; though it is better then it was before. A new base for the saw costs around $40, and it is not a bad price, but what happens if the base gets bent again? Considering I didn't bend the base in the first place, there is no telling how long a new base would last.

What I really want is an upgraded version of the Saw Boss from Porter-Cable with a Magnesium base. It's the only way I can see to fix the problem.

Ahh to dream. :)

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It makes sense to, from a financial perspective. If it is cheaper to repair than replace that is what I do. On the increasing rare occasion, I'll take the opportunity to upgrade to a better tool. If you have found a tool you really like, buy spares now, before they become unavailable.(I'm still looking to replace an original B & D Sawcat) I find that if there is a tool I really like, it is worth it to get a back up or two. Some times the right tool make the job go that much more smoothly.
I'm still hoping some manufacturer will step up and make a durable tools set (with the tools features that I need) rather than trying to make the cheapest set people will still buy. Oh well. at least Festool, Hilti, and Mafell don't look to be going away soon. Now if We could just get them doing bigger lith ion....

Roger Sandoz , Friday, 21 November 2008 7:44 AM

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China  Mexico  Porter Cable  circular saw  repair  saw boss