Hold on, I see it the other way. Salvage looks good until you get stuck with crazy insurance costs and long waits between jobs. I know guys who went that route and spent more time fixing old gear for spec jobs than actually working. Construction might have more crews but it's steady, and you can plan your life around it.

Always good when the tool comes through" is where I kind of disagree. If I already doubted it, that first impression usually means it's unreliable. Sure it might work this time, but I'll never really trust it for the next job, you know? That doubt just sticks with you.

True, but plants also die from neglect, not just overwatering.