/r/BuyItForLife

Photograph via snooOG

For practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last.

Reminder: Please use the search function before making a request.

The Mission Statement: http://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/jtjuz/bi4l_mission_statement_rules_etc/

For practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last.


Rules

1 This is a subreddit emphasizing products that are Durable, Practical, Proven, and Made-to-Last.

Products that are well-made and durable (even if they won't last a lifetime) are accepted.

2a Requests are posts where you are looking for help/recommendations on a certain type of a product or Opinions on a certain item.

Requests Must be flaired with the request flair and if you are satisfied with the answers please mark the post as such.

2b be sure to first use the search bar and check the sidebar before making a request. To make it easier for the community to help, also include your budget (if any) and what country you are buying in.

3 Low-effort Posts will be removed.

4 No Home-made items

5 No new or unreleased products

6 please be descriptive with your posting, posts must include the products brand, years owned or date of purchase, circa the decade is acceptable on items older than 1990

7 No referral codes or affiliate links.

8 /r/BuyItForLife is not a place to advertise your business or sell your product. Want to advertise on Reddit? Start here. Want to contribute look here

If you see someone breaking the rules

  • Click the 'report' button.

  • Message the moderators.

  • /r/spam for egregious spammers.

The mods are somewhat flexible with the rules as long as the OP explains in the comments.

Filter Out certain post types

Reviews/Currently Sold

Vintage

Requests


The BIFL Sidebar Request Series.

Clothing

Clothing

Bags, Luggage and Backpacks

Kitchen

Tools

Containers

Electronics

Threads for Women

Other Items

Threads of interest


Some other good subreddits


Support Domestic


Cl

/r/BuyItForLife

2,093,548 Subscribers

0

Does anyone have a recommendation for screwdriver sets?

Mine are old and need replacing and I would rather spend money on a pair that will last.

3 Comments
2024/04/06
03:33 UTC

0

Which smart TV works best with iPhone.

Someone gave me a TV they bought off from an Amazon.

She is a PC person and I could not get anything to work with the iPhone properly.

I sent it back. Took a month trying to return a gift. Nightmare. I’ll buy myself next time.

Would anyone recommend a smart TV that works well with an Apple iPhone?

NOTE: Apple TV is a device that connects to a REGULAR TV.

20 Comments
2024/04/06
00:30 UTC

1

King size bed frame needed for new house.

Please tell me what king size bed frame to get that doesn't creak and is under $800. I'd prefer one with a nice headboard. Doesn't need to have storage. Links would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

2 Comments
2024/04/05
23:50 UTC

0

Cat Keeps Knocking Over My Small Humidifer - Solutions?

Is there any kind of solution or product I can use to cover the damn thing up so that he won't knock it over and dump the water all over the place? A cover or container or something that will still let it run? This thing has been a savior for my sleep and I can't use it if the little bastard won't stop screwing with it.

The one I have is just like this:

https://preview.redd.it/7qop8q6koqsc1.png?width=284&format=png&auto=webp&s=de5cda9a527bef7d14bb65b3ab32861a1df176c6

7 Comments
2024/04/05
22:41 UTC

0

Gas powered pressure washer

Looking for a recommendation for a gas powered pressure washer. I saw that Karacher was suggested in the mega thread but they only have one option for gas and I’m looking for something with more flow. Thank you in advance.

4 Comments
2024/04/05
22:03 UTC

9

Some basic freaking tank tops

Alright folks, I need some help. Ten years ago I bought those super basic stretchy U-collar women's tank tops in a bunch of different colors and they were wonderful. It might have been from a brand called "A New Day". I wear tanktops under absolutely everything, every day. They lasted me ten years with that kind of abuse.

I went and bought a new set and they're awful. The shape is the same, the colors only slightly different, but the static. I have a cat. Good lord guys, every single piece of dust and hair and everything ever gets stuck to these guys. I can't wear them.

Please help. I need a basic women's tank top in a fun color that won't try to take on a new identity as a lint roller.

11 Comments
2024/04/05
22:02 UTC

180

My 9 year old LG “dumb” TV died. Recommendations for a replacement appreciated.

I have not stayed up to date on TV tech so I’ll be showing my ignorance in this post. Expecting corrections… just please be gentle.

I don’t need all the bells and whistles. Quite happy with this TV being effectively just a monitor with no built-in apps, but I understand those are essentially nonexistent these days.

Been using a PS3 and Chromecast to provide Blu-Ray and Netflix/YouTube/Disney+ functionality.

Needs to have good built in sound. This LG has never needed a sound bar or supplemental speakers. The sound is perfectly fine for watching TV and movies. It’s been 9 years since I’ve been TV shopping, but I remember so many of them having very tinny sounding speakers- maybe that’s not an issue anymore.

Last I looked, some TV’s had ads built into the interface. I don’t know if that’s common now or not, but if at all possible, I do NOT want a TV that serves ads to me in its menus.

TV will still be used primarily for Netflix/D+/Blu Rays. Don’t need 4k unless it’s the economical choice, don’t need OLED, don’t need the best of the best quality - this LG has been perfectly adequate for us all this time. Anything even slightly better is enough.

Prefer a reputable brand with a higher reliability reputation, but also don’t want to spend a mortgage payment on a TV.

Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance!

115 Comments
2024/04/05
21:53 UTC

4

Is grip 6 as good as darn tough?

My feet sweat a lot and that triggers my eczema. I decided to order some cheap merino wool socks from Amazon to try it out. To my surprise merino wool really does keep my feet dry. The elastic sucks on the Amazon ones so I was going to order some socks from darn tough. Actually ended up going through grip 6 bc they're made in the usa and also offer lifetime warranty. Does anyone here own any grip 6 socks. I went all out and bought an 8 pack.

8 Comments
2024/04/05
21:30 UTC

0

Work boots for landscaping?

Wet winters, hot summers. What brands are good? I've tried red wings and was bitterly disappointed. Didn't last a year. Timberland also didn't last too long but I love their antifatique technology.

9 Comments
2024/04/05
21:23 UTC

5

Thorogood Boots Reviews?

Just curious on if anyone has them and enjoys quality?

5 Comments
2024/04/05
21:19 UTC

0

String light recommendations?

I know string lights will never be a true Bifl item, but I’ve gone through many brands, and all of them will have 90% of the bulbs burned out offer just a few months. I want to run them across my large backyard high up, and don’t want to be charging bulbs every few months. Have any of y’all had a good experience with any particular brand? Hopefully one that sells long runs.

Thanks in advance

4 Comments
2024/04/05
17:47 UTC

0

Affordable quality shaving razors

I'm looking to buy a safety razor for myself and my dad as he uses a lot of disposable razors and has a really rough beard so it's hard for him to shave. I checked other posts asking for the same thing but I'm hoping to find something in a better price range? The Henson safety razor looks incredible but for 90 Cad buying 2 is very expensive. Is there anything around 30-50 CAD that still maintains the quality even for rough beards? Or should I just invest in a Henson?

17 Comments
2024/04/05
17:19 UTC

4

easy clean bedroom humidifier?

Looking for a small bedside humidifier that doesn’t take complete disassembly to clean, the one I have works nice but I hate having to clean it because it’s big and I have to take it apart, still have no clue how to take the nozzle apart on it. is there anything that might have one or two easy access pieces to clean, smaller (and preferably not an eye sore).

only one i’ve seen is $200+, so preferably around $100

11 Comments
2024/04/05
17:08 UTC

0

Need help choosing an Osprey backpack!

I am hoping that you can help me to choose from several options I am considering from Osprey. I have been on the hunt for a replacement for my North Face Borealis for about a month now. I have considered many brands and narrowed the search down to Osprey because I like the aesthetic and the functionality.

The use case is primarily commuting with a laptop, with occasional travel. The Borealis was 28 liters, and when I traveled with it, it sometimes got too crammed full of stuff. Just a little bit more space would be super-helpful.

My criteria are pretty simple: it must be 30 liters or more, it must not have a clamshell opening on the main compartment, and compression straps, if it has them, cannot obstruct the opening of the backpack. For this reason, the popular Nebula and Tropos are out of the running.

The three packs I am considering are the Comet 30, the Proxima, and the Radial Bike Commute.

What I like about the Comet 30 is that it is pretty much designed for commuting. The strap on the front doubles as a handle, it has plenty of space, there is a seal on the laptop compartment so it is almost rain proof. And the waist-strap would help steady heavy loads. It has an Amazon rating of 4.9 out of 5.

What I like about the Proxima is that the compression straps don’t interfere with opening the zippers. The compression straps look super-useful for carrying an oversized thing, like a big jacket. But, it doesn’t have a waist strap. It has an Amazon rating of 4.5 out of 5.

What I like about the Radial is that it is expandable!! This is a huge feature for me, as it would make travel easier. The kickstand would facilitate loading. And the fact that it is suspended off my back means that it would work better for hot days. It has an Amazon rating of 4.7 out of 5.

If any of you have any experience with these backpacks, I would love to hear about it!

3 Comments
2024/04/05
17:07 UTC

107

Anyone else have this gas can?

Expensive, but absolutely spill-free unlike the other ones I’ve had.

64 Comments
2024/04/05
16:58 UTC

4

GoPro or alternatives?

Hi all! My band is looking to invest in some cameras for live music recordings. Are GoPros worth the premium, or is there another make out there thats just as good at a lesser price?

23 Comments
2024/04/05
16:55 UTC

0

Beach Chair (Europe)

Does anyone have recommendations for a good beach chair? I’ve owned the Costco ones for years, but we donated them when we moved to Spain. Now that the weather is picking up we need to find new ones. I was searching through past inquiries and see that most are from the US. I want to avoid importing from outside the EU.

0 Comments
2024/04/05
16:18 UTC

373

Thoughts on the products listed in this NYT article "23 Gifts That’ll Last Forever"

150 Comments
2024/04/05
15:50 UTC

0

BIFL natural looking plushies?

Newer plushies that I have purchased have ripped at the seams really quickly due to poor construction, looking for plushies that will stand up to the test of time without ripping under normal circumstances. I already really like jellycats, looking for some others. Prefer more natural looking designs, nothing with sequins or glittery fabrics or big eyes. Thank you!

3 Comments
2024/04/05
15:33 UTC

0

Chill Sak additional fill: Cotton fiber fill -vs- shredded memory foam?

I just bought a 7 foot Chill Sak and in the reviews I am reading that people are purchasing as much as 50 pounds of additional fill. I'm looking at cotton fiber fill (used in sofas and pillows) versus memory foam chunks (what the chair is made of). I'm hoping anyone here can educate me on the viability of using cotton fiber fill batting over the memory foam chunks?

I don't want to wake up sunk down to the floor when I fall asleep watching a movie, I want to remain in that cocoon-like suspention. I know the chair has to be flipped once a week, and what I am trying to achieve is a firmer or more full bag. Which of the two do you think would stuffing the beanbag chair with will make it stay firm longer?

2 Comments
2024/04/05
15:09 UTC

2

Help! I need some options

I'm currently walking 20k steps a day at my newly acquired factory job and I need advice for something for narrower feet and preferably a shoe as I'm wearing red wing wedge boots from my job as a mechanic and they are breaking down incredibly fast in just 2 weeks!

3 Comments
2024/04/05
15:06 UTC

1

Dr martens, combat boot style alternative in the Uk?

I have got a pair of modern German combat boots , but they’re a bit heavy for all day wear.

What combat style boots would you people recommend ?

I’ve heard good things about the Austrian combat boots as well as the Norwegian ones.

Any suggestions?

Trying to find some second hand / military surplus so budget is a wee bit tight.

Sorry for the probable common question but hopefully this is helpful for others too :D

11 Comments
2024/04/05
15:05 UTC

24

I’m looking for a BIFL Pocket/Swiss Army knife for my son’s 14th birthday.

My son is turning 14 and I want to get him a pocket knife that he can keep for life. We don’t hunt, it’s more for camping or general use. I’d prefer a Swiss army sort of knife with cool components. Also thinking of getting it engraved. Any suggestions? I’m in Canada in case that matters. Thanks!!!

Update! Holy crap!!! You are all awesome. Thank you so much for the input. I’ll let you know what I end up getting. One thing for sure, I’m buying myself a Leatherman at some point :-) don’t realize they were so cool.

63 Comments
2024/04/05
14:57 UTC

0

Bifl baby gear - tactical baby gear

Just got my order in for my baby carrier and diaper bag combo from tactical baby gear. Now you may say why get something that’s bifl when you’ll only use it for a year or two, but to those people, I say, if you plan on having more kids it will still be useful. And the “diaper bag” will be useful as a backpack that can be used on hikes or other outdoor activities for decades to come. And as far as baby products go, it’s certified by the hip dysplasia institute as being safe for babies hip development (the carrier) which is more than can be said for most of the ones sold on Amazon, Walmart, etc.

They are made of premium materials, come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, and are an organizers dream come true. Plus if you’re familiar with molle systems, they are very much expandable with carabiners. I highly recommend their products.

And as an added bonus, they have a pretty good sense of humor. Though their patch selection is sold out for most of the ones I would want, it’s nice to see a company that does this.

Ps: I’m not buying the level 3 body armor for the diaper bag (I don’t live in a war zone). I just like their products for their design and quality.

18 Comments
2024/04/05
13:49 UTC

4

BIFL radiator space heater?

I've been looking to buy a good quality radiator-style space heater without success.

I want the radiator instead of the forced air ones because they're quieter to use in the bedroom so the noise wouldn't disrupt my sleep.

Looking at the devices and their reviews on both Amazon and Walmart, I found big problems with all of them, including:

- Leaking oil (safety hazard)
- Burning power plugs (safety hazard)
- Making loud crackling sound when heating up (would wake me up)
- Easily tipped over or stuck wheels (safety hazard)

I was trying to find a high-quality and preferably not-made-in-China radiator but it seems impossible at this point. Looking for recommendations.

19 Comments
2024/04/05
12:42 UTC

62

BIFL pans: stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron… which is the most beginner friendly?

Hi folks, I started cooking regularly about 4 years ago and finally got stick of replacing non-stick pans every 3-6 months. I’ve done some research on this sub for BIFL pans, but must admit I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’m new to this world and have no experience with seasoning and maintaining pans, although I’m more than willing to learn and practice. So, in your opinion, out of the three types of material listed in the title, which is the most ex-nonstick-user-friendly? Happy to hear suggestions for specific brands and even other materials too! General advice on getting started is also more than welcome!

P.S.: I’m based in EU so would appreciate recommendations that are accessible for me.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Edit: some more information on my needs as people pointed out- -I have a gas stove. -I make lots of eggs, fried or scrambled, almost daily. -my budget is under €100, but something around the range of €70 would be ideal.

Thanks again for everyone who took time out of your day and gave me advice!!

158 Comments
2024/04/05
10:43 UTC

22

Hi, My wife is looking for good quality BIFL wheeled hand luggage sized case. I thought this might be a good place to ask. Any thoughts folks?

46 Comments
2024/04/05
09:51 UTC

18

Really dishwasher safe quality glassware availible in continental Europe

As in the title, I'm looking for drinking glass that wont get foggy with time. My experience with Ikea is hit or miss. Same with Nachtmann. Washing by hand or using less frequently is not an option, I'm too lazy for that :) what's your experience?

34 Comments
2024/04/05
09:38 UTC

5

Quality leather belt that isn't too thick?

I ordered a belt from Amish made belts a while ago, and it was obviously SUPER tough, but the thickness was just too much, and it hardly fit into the loops of most of my pants.

I eventually caved and bought a Walmart belt after trying to make the Amish made belt work, but now it's falling apart, and I want to get a nice one that'll last.

I don't do hard labor often or anything, just looking for a casual and wearable belt that goes with some jeans that won't fall apart.

What do you guys think? Thanks.

12 Comments
2024/04/05
09:06 UTC

73

If money wasn’t a problem, what kind of bed/bedding material/brand would you splurge on?

Finally in the market for:

  1. Mattress
  2. Bed frame
  3. Adjustable base
  4. Bedding

Like the title says, how would you spend money on sleep investment? What kind of technology would you invest in to make your sleep quality improve? What would be your go-to bedding/mattress brand(s)?

A little bout me - I sleep HOT. 🥵 I sleep on my side mostly or half side/half back. Never a stomach sleeper. I like medium to firm beds and often have joint pain and pressure in my thoughts and legs/knees and sometimes lower back. I know for sure I need an adjustable base.

Thanks!

134 Comments
2024/04/05
05:41 UTC

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