I buy all of my tools, but since tree branches are so easy to replace and I am usually overrun with them I craft tools that use just the tree branches to count towards my achievement. The ones I craft I sell though because they are flimsy lol
I craft them since that achievement is ridiculous. And I don't like the way the pre-built ones like Outdoorsy and such from Nook's look. I like the classic, crafted versions & it's not like I don't have a massive hoard of sticks.
I crafted all of them at first, but now I tend to buy them. It's just faster that way, and I prefer the look of some of the ones you can buy. The star net is really cute for example!
I recently went wild on the achievements and grinded all the way through the tools crafting one. Now I can finally buy my tools without feeling bad about that!
I mean, the bought tools are just too nice. I use a fish fishing rod, a star net, colourful shovel, elephant watering can... I really wouldn't want to go back
I try to keep them alive by customising them before they break which resets the durability, but I actually keep some spares of the above ones in storage for when they accidentally break outside of shop hours... The only one I still craft is the slingshot.
I am a hoarder... therefore, I have tons of materials just sitting in my storage ( I'm glad we now have extra storage in this update ) so I tend to just craft them... I do buy sometimes when I'm lazy and don't want to go home to grab materials or the already-crafted items that I have prepared. Now that I think about it, perhaps I will just create a shed/tools area next to my home next time. XD
I usually craft the watering can since I usually use the golden variant as well as the slingshot since it doesn’t use much resources(or I want the golden one). I buy the nets and colourful fishing rods because I like them more. Elephant watering cans also get bought sometimes for use or decoration because well, elephant watering cans. They’re cute!