After shopping for a new stainless steel kitchen sink; and wondering what the actual difference between an 18 gauge and 20 gauge sink would be (aside from the hundred bucks ) I split the difference and got a 19 gauge.. . The home depot guy "thumping" the display sinks did nothing for me. I figured I didn't want to be a cheap **s, and I also didn't want to pay extra for what I might not need so I got the middle o the road one, besides I won't be 'thumping' the sink anyway. Then I got to the drain kit aisle... geeez !
What could possibly be the difference between the 12 dollar drain kit and the 50 dollar one ? (times two for two sink holes) Anyone ?

What could possibly be the difference between the 12 dollar drain kit and the 50 dollar one ? (times two for two sink holes) Anyone ?
Without the links to the two drain kits we can't tell.

Can't find the ones I was looking at at Lowe's,

But here's the examples...



Moen 22036 3-1/2" drain assembly, Stainless Steel - PlumberSurplus.com (http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Moen-22036-3-1-2-drain-assembly-Stainless-Steel/37910/Cat/1141)

Just Sink Drain, J-35 - PlumberSurplus.com (http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Just-Sink-Drain-J-35/24668/Cat/1141)

Kohler K-8801-VS Duostrainer sink strainer with tailpiece, Stainless - PlumberSurplus.com (http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Kohler-K-8801-VS-Duostrainer-sink-strainer-with-tailpiece-Stainless/45503/Cat/1141)

They all perform the same function. About the only difference is the Brand name. We used the lower priced basket strainers on our new construction. Regards, tom

Some cases yes, some cases no. There is a lot of cheap junk out there, some of it with a fine name and a high price. Fram oil filters are a great example. The only things cheaper that aren't any better, are the private label ones they make.

The different grades of stainless offer a higher mix of stainless and deter rust longer. As for the strainers, a plastic strainer is cheap, avoid it. The high gloss heavy brass strainers are expensive because they look and feel expensive. The ones in between are whatever. I prefer the one that uses an 1 1/2" nut over the 3 1/2" nut because it is also stainless and easier to install and easier to exchange and is very durable.