Work on stuff almost every day (cars, etc) and use many HF tools. Have only had a ratchet wrench fail (gas tank strap bolts, should not have been using a ratchet wrench, my fault). and a Few actual Ratchets, they get gummed up and have issues, normally some cleaner (carb works great) then re lub um and they work again. Of course as so many say, a $5 air tool is probably not going to last very long (and the 3/8th air ratchets are weak as heck). Its as most things are.. you can buy a $80,000 car or a $30,000 both will most likely (with care) go 200,000.. but the guy who buys the $80,000 car will turn his nose up at that $30,000 car.. You got the money to spend, spend it. I love the aluminum jacks they sell for $60 on sale.. awesome.