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The discussion about tools is one I find fascinating because I've wrestled with that decision myself. I own a few dirt-cheap Chinese tools from Harbor Freight, more (most) of my tools are Sears Craftsman level, some at the Proto level, and a very few of the Snap-On tier (Mac or whatever your favorite priced-as-if-made-of-gold brand is).
It has a lot to do with the actual amount and type work I intend and the nature of the tool itself. I find myself unwilling to pay Snap-On prices for hand wrenches. I've never had an unmodified Craftsman wrench (or socket) fail. Their warranty is iron-clad and can be exercised at any Sears location. If I was a professional mechanic I might invest more in every tool I buy.
For example, a 6" electronic caliper I got from Harbor Freight for $15 does that task at home just as well as the $100 Mitutoyo caliper I use at work (and was proven just as accurate). Nope, doesn't feel as nice or as durable but it still works.
But as a contrast, a cheap Chicago Pneumatic 3/8" impact driver someone gifted to me doesn't loosen the same nuts that my expensive Ingersoll Rand spins right off. Worth every penny when I did a classic vehicle restoration.
Tools are an example having of an awful lot of grey area in the choice of quality and brand.
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