The Problem with Throwaway Tools (And How to Fix It)

Joshua Anders
Sep 1
2 min read

We live in a throwaway culture. Tools are no exception.

Walk into any DIY store and you’ll see racks of shiny squares, saws, and chisels that look the part. But too often, they’re built to be cheap, not built to last.

And when they fail? It’s cheaper to replace them than repair them.

That’s the problem with throwaway tools.

Why Throwaway Tools Cost More in the Long Run

They seem affordable up front. But here’s what happens:

A £15 square bends or loses accuracy.
You buy another. Then another.
Within a few years, you’ve spent more than you would have on a tool built for life.

Throwaway tools aren’t just frustrating. They’re expensive.

The Hidden Costs: Time and Trust

When a tool lets you down, it costs more than money.

Time — fixing mistakes from inaccurate cuts.
Trust — second-guessing whether your tool is even right.
Frustration — knowing you can’t rely on something that should be simple.

And if you’re working professionally, those mistakes cost your clients, too.

Why We Accept It

Throwaway tools exist because:

Mass production prioritises volume over quality.
Planned obsolescence keeps you buying.
Shiny marketing convinces us that “new” means “better.”

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

How to Fix It: Buy Once, Buy Right

The answer isn’t complicated: choose tools built for longevity. Tools made from quality materials, designed with care, and finished to stand up to real use.

That’s why I designed the 345 Tools Carpenter’s Square:

2mm stainless steel blade — corrosion-resistant and dead square.
Walnut hardwood scales — solid, warm, and durable.
Specialist ceramic coating — protects against wear without hiding the beauty.
Handmade in Cambridgeshire — small-batch, inspected, and built to last.

It’s not about owning more tools. It’s about owning the right tools.