[techweenie]

Sadly, it is better for most large retailers to get the cheapest stuff (China), promote it at aggressive prices and replace it for the few users who break during the first year it than it is to buy and stock good quality and have the tools last. Sears is an exception, but it has brought in cheaper tools --as noted.

The worst part is that the big retailers are pushing out the smaller stores where quality might be a greater focus.

Now for the good news: the Internet makes it possible for a small number of specialty retailers to carry the very best stuff and sell it all over the world.