Best sources: thrift shops, estate sales, garage sales, public take-it-or-leave-it sites, and the metal recycling bin at the local eco-station.
If you take the time to learn what "quality" really is, and learn how to maintain tools and do minor repair, you will always have a vast array of quality tools at your disposal. My 2c.
I am amazed that the iron bar aka the giant nail, aka the spud bar aka a crow bar, has not been mentioned.
But I also suggest going to industrial areas around the manufacturing and building sheds, I find people at these places who direct me to the people in the know and where I can buy these things locally.
they usually have a maintenance man whom probably has years of experience and a lot of local knowledge.
its a lot like going to a farmers market to meet people who know people who grow comfrey ect.
Spero Meliora
All of the following truths are shameless lies. But what about this tiny ad:
the permaculture bootcamp in winter (plus half-assed holidays)