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Cheap Wilko or BnM tools or spend more?

M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
in Tools and techniques
I am always tempted to spend less on what looks like useful gardening tools from Wilko or BnM but these don't always last long, although some tend do but you cannot always tell if they will. Especially the pruners are the bane of my life!  :D

Those of you who indeed splash out more on tools, are they actually worth spending so much on or do you find yourself buying often to replace poorly performing tools?
I wish I could garden all year round!

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I probably go for mid-range, I can't justify the highest prices as I'm not that good at caring for them. But I avoid anything that looks too flimsy


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I buy things like trowels and those little L-shaped weeding knives because sooner or later they end up spending a season in the compost bin :o. Also string, clips and suchlike, and lightweight gloves on the rare occasion that they turn up in my size. I once got some long loppers from Aldi that actually seem to be doing very well for the price.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236
    Mid range for me too, Wolf Garten for brushes and window cleaning for the greenhouse and Darlac for pruners.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    The most expensive is not always best but a good brand will normally offer a guarantee for important tools like secateurs, assuring some level of quality.  I look for strength of construction for spades, rakes and forks and prefer stainless steel as the tools are rust resistant and light to use.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I buy stainless steel sturdy looking tools and Felco secateurs. I prefer to spend a bit more for quality.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    My loppers are from Wilko - bought in 2007 and still working. They were meant to be a temporary thing but with regular maintenance they are holding out. Maybe less cheap ones might have a smoother mechanism?
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,394
    I’ve always found wilko tools (Particularly secateurs) to be very good quality for the price.

    B&M not so much. The trowels and forks I got from there for the allotment bent far too easily!
    East Yorkshire
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    Mr. Vine Eye said:...B&M not so much. The trowels and forks I got from there for the allotment bent far too easily!
    Ditto. Bought garden fork and one dig to turn old lawn out and the far left blade is bent out of shape  :/
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I had a bad experience with Felco secateurs. I'm back to my trusty cheapos. They work just fine. I have a few pairs so it doesn't matter if I lose them temporarily.
    I buy good quality stainless steel trowels, weeders etc but I'm not swayed by the label. I buy them in shops so that I can see how they feel.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ColinAColinA Posts: 392
    Buy the best you can afford and most of all clean and look after them
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