My Stanley was a gift when I assumed battalion command in the spring of '91.  It served with me the rest of my career in the military, banged around duck and fishing boats out of at least six states, and kept me awake on deer stands and on long drives all across this country.  From a utility perspective, it is still brand new.  
And it really does know.
				
			And it really does know.

  I could never pinpoint the cause of failure  of those that  failed. Seemed like a  roulette spin on which brands lasted longest or did the best job. One thing I do that seems to work fairly well is to temper them by filling with very hot water and putting cap on at least  half hour  before use. Other  that,  seems like you pays you money and you takes you chances with any of them...