Buy It For Life: 10 Products That Will Last a Lifetime

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron skillets are classic products that last for life, since they’re nearly impossible to ruin. Even if you come across one that’s a century old and all rusted-up, chances are it’ll clean up just fine. But, cast iron does require a little care to stay rust-free and stovetop ready. Simply hand wash it, dry it over low heat on the stove, and then wipe it with a thin layer of cooking oil.

Step Ladders

A good step ladder should survive a lifetime of home projects. Whether you choose fiberglass, or aluminum, most pros agree that you can’t go wrong with Werner or Louisville brands. For maximum longevity and safety, choose one with a rating of at least 300 pounds. Also, store fiberglass models horizontally to prevent warping at the bottom, says Branden Wells of Truecraft Construction Wells. “Storage damage causes more ladders to be thrown away than what occurs in a job,” he says.

Estwing Hammers

For more than a century, Estwing has been making hammers that are so dependable they often stay in the same family for generations. “The entire head and handle are made from a single block of metal, with no junction to break, no wood handles to splinter and no core of fiberglass to wear,” says Wells. To maintain them, simply dry them at the end of the day, plus periodically wipe off surface rust with lightweight sandpaper, then lightly oil.

Shop Vacuums

Once you realize the glories of shop vacs, which are great for cleaning up everything from furnace filters to water leaks, you’ll want yours to last forever. And it probably will. “They tend to last a long time,” says Kelly Russum of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning. “If they break, it’s usually just from neglect, like running it with a clogged filter or sucking up stuff it wasn’t meant to handle.” RIDGID and DeWalt brands are particularly hailed for their reliability, but Russum is also a fan of Vacmaster.

Lifetime-Warranty Hand Tools

Quality hand tools, like wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers, don’t often break. But many manufacturers, including DeWalt and Stanley, offer lifetime warranties which guarantees you’ll never have to buy a tool twice. “Lifetime-warranty hand tools last longer due to precision forging, and their heat treatment prevents stripping and breakage,” says Orlando Penner of South Country Sheds. To keep them in good shape, clean them once in a while and lightly oil any moving parts.

Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrows

Cheap wheelbarrows die young, but heavy-duty models can haul for decades. “Ones with a steel tray and solid rubber tire can last for years without cracking or going flat,” says Rich Lauer of Premiere Building Solutions. “They hold their shape and resist corrosion far better than plastic wheelbarrows.”

For easy pulling, Gorilla Carts also makes a wagon-style wheelbarrow with a steel frame, poly tub and quick-dump feature. To keep any wheelbarrow in good shape, regularly rinse off debris and store it out of harsh weather.

Multitools

Swiss Army knives are definitely products that last for life, unless you tend to lose them (like I do). Likewise, many of my friends swear by their Leatherman multitools. One of that brand’s best-sellers, the Wave+, was recently redesigned based on long-term customer feedback. Which brand to choose depends entirely on your specific tool needs. Just remember, with either, it’s important to keep it clean and oil it once in a while.

Kitchen Knives

The key to choosing a chef’s knife that will last a lifetime is finding a balance between price and quality. Knives with a full tang (where the blade’s metal extends all the way through the grip) are the most durable. Stainless blades aren’t quite as sharp as carbon steel, but they are easier to care for. Whichever option you choose, only hand-wash and sharpen regularly to keep the edge in good shape. A few reputable brands include Wusthof, Victorinox, Global and Henckle’s moderate to higher-end lines.

Wooden Cutting Boards

With proper care, a quality wood cutting board can last generations. Among the strongest are those made of end-grain maple or walnut, and there are a lot of great brands, including John Boos and Boardsmith. Many chefs also recommend Epicurean’s surface for meat. Just never soak any of them in water or put them in the dishwasher. Instead, wash with soap, dry thoroughly and store vertically to avoid warping and splitting. Apply food-safe mineral oil and board cream as needed.

Wool Rugs

Quality rugs, like hand-crafted Persians and those made from Tibetan wool, can last hundreds of years under the right care — though in the family living room, most won’t make it quite that far. Unfortunately, they are also too spendy for a lot of us. “At an accessible price point, jute rugs are also resilient, sustainable and age more gracefully than many synthetic rugs,” says Andrew Haltom of Rugs.com. With any rug, the keys to a long lifespan are regular vacuuming, the occasional professional cleaning and taking off your shoes before walking on it.

FAQ

Are products less durable today than they were 50 years ago?

It depends on the product, but the general trend has been toward cheaper materials and more disposability. For example, “A lot of mass-market tools are less durable because they’re built to hit lower prices and attract customers,” says Russum. But, “If you buy from solid brands that use durable materials like metal, rather than cheap plastic, they can even be better now thanks to improved materials.”

How do you know whether a pricier long-lasting product is worth it over a cheaper disposable one?

It depends on how much you’re going to use it and whether the cost per use of a high-quality product is lower than replacing it a few times. Of course, replacing products less frequently also has many environmental benefits.

“Key attributes that I look for are replaceable parts instead of sealed or disposable ones, warranty credibility and solid metals, hardwoods or reinforced composites,” says Penner.

About the Experts

• Branden Wells is CEO and founder of Truecraft Construction in Garden Grove, California.
• Kelly Russum is owner at KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Palm Springs, California.
• Orlando Penner is a building manufacturing expert and owner of South Country Sheds in Arcadia, Florida.
• Lisa Bosio is head of consumer products at John Boos & Co., which sells cutting boards, butcher blocks and kitchen tools.
• Kevin Vander Hyde is vice president of Vander Hyde Services, a home services and renovation business in Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.vanderhyde.com/
• Rich Lauer is owner of Premiere Building Solutions, based in Virginia, which specializes in designing and constructing outdoor structures, including pergolas, pavilions and sheds.
• Andrew Haltom is director of customer success at the online retail outlet Rugs.com.

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