Yes, yes, I know, some folks will say buy Wright or Armstrong and get top quality US tools cheaper than tool truck prices. I agree. But at 50% off, why not get the socket sets/basic wrenches/bit drivers that everyone needs if they're doing any type of mechanical work?
This is slightly flawed logic and somewhat true. I will explain. Some items are a bargain at 50% off or even full price. BUT before determining that, you have to research to find if the tool is truly superior, or atleast cheaper than the competitor. Sometimes SO pricing is even better than the competition.
Buying it JUST because it is half off makes little sense for tools that you plan on keeping unless they are better/cheaper/both.
Example? Let's use wright standard length combo wrenches. I am making up numbers/points purely for this example. Let's say after doing your research, you find the wright has atleast as good (or better) finish, ergonomics, fitment, warranty, strength, and clearance (or any other metric you use to gauge "performance") Then checking SO discounted price vs your best price on wright for the same thing. What if the wright is cheaper? It would absolutely not make sense to purchase the SO "just because it is half off" if it is still more expensive and doesn't offer a marked performance advantage.
Now that example is purely fictional, but is just that. An example. Buying something just because it is discounted/"on sale" is actually a type of emotional weakness lol. Some stores take advantage of that by marking up the msrp and then offering it "on sale", to take advantage of those emotions. Tire kickers who try to bargain down used car price just for the "rush" fit into the same category.
Since the main hardline tool collection is such a hotly debated topic (which brand ratchet is "best", which wrench is "best", which socket is "best") I strongly recommend you do research and trials to form opinions first. Some of the earlier threads have "fastener contact point" tests or even torque tests to help you decide.
"Brand myopia" or "blind brand loyalty" is what companies strive to build, but no way to build a tool collection. I like some of their stuff, others I will pass on. My specific opinions are not so relevant to you on which part of their lineup I like and dislike. Just as a quick example, I like their striking prybars. I use them daily and they satisfy me well, compared to many lesser units. On the other hand, I dislike their standard impact sockets, and am not satisfied. They perform the fastener removal task, but could be much better, especially for the price. It is mostly aesthetic so I do not bother with exchanges or warranty, just slowly replace them with alternatives. They may be sold to someone else who will enjoy them more in the future.
