Tried rasps from a cheaper brand for the first time and got a smoother finish than my usual $45 ones

Picked up a $12 rasp from a smaller company at a swap meet last month thinking I'd just use it for rough work, but it cut cleaner and lasted longer on a full set of shoes, has anyone else had a budget tool surprise them like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

cole_murphy3d ago

Changed my mind about this too honestly. I used to think you had to spend big on rasps or they'd just tear up the work. Picked up a cheap one on a whim and it cut smoother than my mid range one that cost triple the price. Made me wonder how much of the expensive stuff is just branding.

shanec613d ago

Nah man, you got lucky, most cheap rasps are straight garbage.

erickelly3d ago

Quality budget tools can hit way above their weight class if the steel is decent. I've had good luck with off brand rasps that just needed a quick pass on a sharpening stone to match the expensive ones. Key is checking the tooth pattern close before buying, some cheap ones grind instead of cut.