First, buy something that is not made in China. Their stuff looks good,
works badly. You probably already knew that. The exception is if you
find a name brand tool, they may have instituted the necessary controls
to provide a good product even from China. Then it will have a
guarantee to back it up. I like to touch and feel a tool first hand
before buying. Sometimes I can administer my own testing right on the
spot. If the tool breaks off in my hand, I don't feel particularly
guilty about it either.