High V low quality
Fit:- a good spanner will have precision gap between the jaws, which,in turn, will have optimum thickness to move the fastener without bending / snapping / springing (opening up ) slipping or chewing-up the fastener, necessitating a new one.
Screwdrivers: Precision profile , hardness and finish, means more successful removals / replacements of fasteners and less slippages causing damage to ajacent components.
Grips/pliers.....properly hardened / machined and jointed last longer grip better serrations do not burr over, cutters stay effective ,jaws remain aligned when twisting.
The 3-year argument is specious. the Company still has the tools, they save the outlay again in yr. 4 again in yr.8 again,probably in yr. 12.
There will always be "shrinkage" aka thieving. there will also be genuine losses due to carelessness or forgetfulness.
Applies to cheap tools as well,which,in my experience, get abused to hasten their replacement as soon as any precision they may, initially, have had, wears off.
There will be less accidents due to slippage and breakage causing injuries
how much will be saved by not having staff off work, HSE enquiries, staff taking legal action for damages.
Treat engineering staff with contempt supplying 5h1tty tools, whilst you sit in your pneumatically-suspended, leather-covered,fully adjustable office-chair, poking the buttons on your top-of range photocopier and sipping your latte from the office machine...and ask yourself why the greasy oiks are such a bunch of obtuse,uncooperative 5h1t-stirrers.
OTOH, make the initial investment , let the staff know you chose to allow quality, because you respect them as quality staff and they deserve decent treatment.........morale UP....productivity UP peripheral costs DOWN....downtime DOWN.
YES, there's a real set of compelling reasons why Surgeons, Instrument-makers, Formula 1 race-mechanics, Nuclear engineers and the like, buy the best tools and equipment....and it's not for vanity.
If , Mr beancounter, you don't appreciate the damage that scrimping at this level can do, you're incompetent and need sacking!