The boots theory is an economic theory that people in poverty have to buy cheap and subpar products that need to be replaced repeatedly, proving more expensive in the long run than more expensive items.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory

  • doingthestuff@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    There are a lot of well-off people in the off-roading community who swear by Harbor Freight’s Badlands winches. Certainly a bunch of YouTubers, and I might say that’s all because of paid promotion but they and others also swear they’ve been running them for years and years. But I do understand what you’re saying.

    • A7thStone@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      That’s the thing with harbor freight stuff. It might be great at a lower price, and last forever, or it might be the worst piece of garbage imaginable but you aren’t out too much money to find out.

    • TexasDrunk@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      I’ve broken harbor freight tools on my motorcycle. I took them to get replaced for free because of the lifetime warranty on some of their stuff. However, most of it has worked great for years. I’ve abused the hell out of some of it both in and out of the garage.

      I wouldn’t use the wood router I got from them to make a pocket in a particularly soft piece of cardboard, but the great majority of their other tools have been fantastic for me.