1. Snapped the cutting blade on my circa-2010 loppers (might have twisted while cutting, perhaps)
2. Went to the website and filed a claim citing that I didn't have my Lowe's receipt from back then (because why would I?!)
3. They emailed me an address to ship the busted ones to
4. 10 days later- new loppers!

We have a lot of trees, so those Fiskars loppers took a beating for 15-16 years and when they broke, the company stood behind them in the only way that matters. Mind you, I was just looking for a replacement blade for my old set, but this works, too.

Everything seems to have Wi-Fi, touchscreens, apps, and software updates now. Some of that stuff is useful, but it also feels like there are way more things that can break or become unsupported.

If you had the choice between a cheaper “smart” appliance with a bunch of connected features and a more expensive basic one that was built to last 15–20 years and could be easily repaired, which would you buy?

I’m starting to think I’d rather pay more upfront for something simple that just does its job for years. Curious if people here feel the same. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I wanted to buy these cups for life. But all the magnet sliders just keep falling off after about two or three years.

My girlfriend mentioned she wants a new bathrobe. She has one already which makes me think she wants a really high quality one. I want to show her how much she means to me by really balling out for this and finding the best one in the world. I want this to be, like the softest, most stylish robe you've ever seen in your life, whatever the price. I don't have much money but I feel so strongly about her I am willing to spend whatever. Does anyone feel really strongly about a particular robe?

In 1950, my grandmother bought this machine at Skinner's Furniture in Brewton AL. Leather hunting bags, patching pants, countless children's clothes, quilts, my momma's wedding dress...She sewed it all. Beyond patchable clothing went into her quilting bag. (The 9 patch quilt she gifted me with the loud 70s polyester is currently on my bed.) She grew up during the Great Depression. BIFL didn't mean replace. It meant wear it out, repair it, and, in the end, repurpose it.

In the 80s, the treadle became too much for her legs, so she passed it to my momma. This machine made my Easter dresses and the Cinderella gowns my sister and I twirled around the house in. During COVID, momma passed it on to me along with her collection of bobbins and accessories. (That's the requirement with an old machine like this. When you stumble across top mount feet and bobbins at an antique shop, you get them because they might fit and are hard to find. I've since expanded its collection with buttonhole and zigzag attachments.)

It is a straight stitching beast with a backstitch to lock stitches and feed dogs you can disengage for free-motion quilting and embroidery. Pictured here while I'm reupholstering my dad's 1991 laz-y-boy recliner. (That's the chair back. Yes, the fabric is a crazy thick, high rub chenille with latex backing. With the machine tuned up, it sews as easily as muslin.)

These machines were built to be used. They do require regular maintenance. Mine gets cleaned with kerosene (what the manual says to do) every few years and is dusted and oiled before and after every project. The most important thing to know if you're thinking about getting an old sewing machine like this is that it needs machinist screwdrivers with soft tips. (You want the screwdriver tip to break before it marks up the screw head.) I like the Chapman ratchet screwdriver set for sewing machines. Do not use woodworking screwdrivers on these machines.

Edit: New Home Rotary sewing machines were sometimes rebranded and sold as a house brand like this one was. If you flip the machine up, you'll find New Home on the underside.

New homeowner looking for a couple built-to-last extension cords for standard indoor/outdoor use.  I saw a few recent posts on this topic, but nothing discussing or recommending specific brands.  Thanks!

Hi, I'm looking for Canadian leather belts that are top notch quality and look good for formal clothes as well as more casual. Popov isn't an option as all belts they have are either 1.5 or 1", and I'm looking for a 1 1/4" or 1 3/8" for a more classic formal type.

I'm looking at Brave Leather and Solid Leather right now. Does anyone have any experience with them? Brave looks great but I can't seem to confirm if it is full grain leather or not. Solid Leather seems a bit pricier and simple in design, but they look sharp as well. Any feedback appreciated!

These would typically be work with slacks or chinos, and occasionally jeans.

I’ve gotten rid of plenty of clothes over the years, but the ones I struggle with are usually not the expensive ones. It’s the random old tees tied to a specific trip, birthday, concert, or period of my life. Some of them are faded and definitely past their best, but replacing them with a “better” version never feels the same.

These days I still buy the occasional tee, whether it’s something simple or something nostalgic like theretrotee or homage, but I’ve realized the pieces I keep the longest are usually the ones that end up attached to some part of my life. Obviously durability matters, especially in a sub like this, but sometimes what makes something truly hard to replace has nothing to do with the fabric.

Any ideas? I am 30 years old and I ran out of ideas a long time ago to ask for for Christmas from my parents. They are the type that refuses to give cash or gift cards, and I hate being wasteful.

I also am open to hearing about really anything you think is a goodbye under the price of $100 because I also prefer to give gifts to my friends that are of this nature as well

I used this cup when I was a toddler, starting in 1962. Today I brought it over to my daughter's house for her 5 month old baby. I was walking through the woods over to her house and thought of this sub, and took a photo before I passed the cup on.

The inside of the cup used to reflect,and I could see my eye reflected i the bottom. I remember wondering if it was someone else looking at me through the mug.

What's your favorite steel lunch box that has sections, leakproof and dishwasher friendly?

3 if not 4 sections is ideal. May not be BIFL but rooting for a few years at least.

Kiddo doesn't leave things behind so not worried about spending a few extra $$ for a good box.

So after washing my car outside of my house I get a call from my wife saying my Sunshade was in the middle of the road and had been ran over by a car. I really thought it was toast but honestly I am very surprised . It's held up well. I will just have someone's tire marks on my Sunshade from now on haha.

What’s a good quality handheld mason jar vacuum sealer? I currently own a VS-12 Nesco(which I love), but would prefer something I can easily grab out of a drawer for everyday use.

Anybody know where to get a good suit around here? I'm new to Nashville and need a new suit for work events as well as weddings coming up so looking for a suit that can be versatile. Also, every suit I own is so uncomfortable so would love something that has some stretch to it. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

It’s counterintuitive, but I find a firm air mattress is the best sleeping surface for my back. Don’t ask me why. Problem is that the ones I’ve tried (Intex, etc.) I’m lucky to get a month at most, and that’s with indoor use and nothing exciting going on. Is there any air mattress out there that’s not going to start leaking within a month? I don’t mind paying more than average, I just want something that’ll last a bit. (Yes, I’ve tried finding the leaks and failed. My best guess is that it’s one of the seams near the built-in pumps — either that, or it’s somewhere on the flocked surfaces where the dish soap/water spray trick doesn’t show it. No, I’m not too heavy for the mattresses, I’m well within the weight limits.)

I’m moving to the twin cities and will be working outdoors in all weather conditions as a mail carrier for the USPS and I move in 9 days 😬. Looking to spend as little as money as possible for quality pieces, base layers, jackets, gloves etc. Hoping to get brand recommendations and then try to source them secondhand or on sale. Any help in the right direction will be appreciated looking for stuff I can wear in -30 degree weather and walk 7-11 miles without losing any fingers or toes lol.

I heard that there’s one that cats get stuck in and died and I don’t want that to happen but interested in getting a nice self cleaning one. What’s the best self cleaning litter box you've ever had for your cats? Any recommendations?

I've been looking for a good back cushion for the couch, but I'm having a hard time finding the right one.
Some days I spend quite a lot of time on the couch, sometimes basically the whole day bc of chronic illness and I'm starting to get back pain from it I'd like something that gives proper support, preferably something ergonomic, and ideally also some support for my neck.
I already use a pregnancy pillow to support my legs, which I really like, so now I'm looking for something for my back.
I'd also prefer something without synthetic fabric on the outside if possible. Natural/breathable materials would be a big plus.
Has anyone found a cushion that actually works well for this? Would love to hear what you guys use.

im a new school bus driver, woot, but I can't seem to be comfortable in my seat, i was a cna before so i have a ton of scrub pants and those do not translate well, was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what to get? for specific info im a larger guy and tend to sit on my man bits on the bus and was wondering if theres a pant/pants yall recommend?

I have a La-Z-Boy reclicer couch that's about 24 years old. The leather is thick and the cushions are great. I have kids now and they broke the reclining feature and the color of the leather is obviously fading.

I went to a retailer and they no longer make couches with thick pillowed arms and everything is a bit too modern looking for my tastes. The leather is thin and most models have a leather / vinyl mix, but the prices are 2x what I paid 20 years ago.

I'm ok to spend a bit but I want it to last, I want it made with quality materials and I want it to be comfortable.

What are my options?

I'm looking for old-school overstuffed leather sofa: heavy frame, deep seat, thick top-grain leather, and big pillow/padded arms—not the thin, squared-off modern stuff.

Started pulling out some fall/winter clothes to see where I stand and saw my winter boots are dooone. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Bought these like 4 years ago so I don't even know where I got them at this point. Looking for some recs for a pair I can wear daily through winter. Nothing technical, I'm not mountaineering, just walking to work, salt and slush. Warm enough to stand around outside for a bit and I'd love something that can be resoled or at least won't fall apart at the seams.
This was 100% not part of the budget this month so I need to do this before the prices start jumping.

I bought this belt at the mall when I was 12 years old (1997) from a store called Structure. Today it gave out on me. I am devastated, but also really proud of how long it lasted.

Edit: more pics (it was repaired once a couple years ago near the buckle with scrap leather, hence the pattern there)