Hey there, fellow craftspeople!
Today, I'd like to take a brief moment to reflect on the value and importance of quality tools - the tools of your trade. This is not meant to teach, since I believe that everyone reading this already knows the value of quality. The intent of this post is to simply remind you of 'Why'.
I think we all agree that truly excellent tools can fill in a lot of gaps where skill and expertise may be lacking. And while a great craftsman can use inferior tools with some element of success, they will spend more time, energy, and frustration to get there, not to mention the decrease on motivation after doing so.
Being a professional craftsman isn't just about having a trendy beard, sleeve tattoos, and sporting a leather apron; it's about having tools of the right quality and selection to set you apart and compliment your accumulated skill sets!
Let's start with this:
Precision is Key: I remember a few decades ago, when I started in woodworking, I heard people brag about their tools, and what they could do. I thought it was somewhat childish, until I upgraded my DeWalt chop saw for a Makita compound slide miter (que the hate comments from all those loyal DeWalt fans). At that moment, I realized that my game had changed, no longer struggling to bring tight joints together. Not just accuracy, but consistency
Form AND Function: A true craftsman's heart flutters when they lay eyes on a beautifully designed tool. Too many, however, are fooled by appearances alone, and spring for the hype. High-quality tools are more than just eye candy; they're designed to optimize performance and comfort as well. The real gems are those tools which outperform the rest, while also looking like world-class instruments. Working with highly functional, beautiful, ergonomic tools means more satisfaction of effort, looking better while doing so, and experiencing less fatigue in the process. What more could you want out of your work
Durability: For the relentless craftsman, only the finest tools stand the test of time. Cheap tools, on the other hand, crack under pressure faster than an apprentice under the instructor's gaze. With high-quality tools, you'll save time not messing with junk, plus the time shopping for replacements; and time is more than just money.
Efficiency: As with so many businesses, this is true of the trades: every second counts. A single tool can be the difference between a beautiful, profitable outcome and a subpar, loosing embarrassment. Your income, reputation, and future are depending on not only the quality, but also the timeliness of your work. Why skimp if so much is at stake? While I've had short-lived buyers remorse over expensive equipment, I've ultimately never regretted it, as the fine tools have held their value and returned so much value to me.
True Cost: If you've been around the trades for any length of time, you will have had the realization that time costs money. I would argue that it cost more than just money, but it at least that. This awareness may come from the brief lifespan of that cheap knock-off sandpaper, how it wore out and burned away the hook-and-loop from your new sander. It may have even damaged the workpiece, which would cost you an order of magnitude more than the cost of a good tool. Maybe you bought a set of pliers from the "Clearance" bin at your local Ace Hardware, only to discover that the material is soft and the jaws are so misaligned that you couldn't crack a peanut with them. That money could have bought you a pint at your favorite brewery!
Trust: A Priceless Commodity: Trust is the bond that holds our crumbling world together. When you invest in top-tier tools, you're building a relationship based on reliability and consistency. It almost becomes an extension of your very self. With each stroke, each cut, and each tap, you know your tools have your back. And with proper care, they'll continue to have your back for generations to come.
Yerg Tools was founded on the belief that excellence is not something one does, but something one is or has become. It's something that all of us can become. Remember, the mediocre are always at their best, while the best are always purging themselves of mediocrity.
To wrap up, the value of premium tools for a professional tradesman cannot be overstated. They elevate your craft from amateur hour to conversation starters; pieces worthy of showcasing and talking about.
*Bonus pro-tip: it might help to begin thinking of tool value in terms of how many beers it costs you to deal with and fix the problems they cause.