True, I purchased a set of the Nokian tires last winter and they are not cheap.
I love the DIY scene but last winter I rode in some pretty awful conditions, very far from my vehicle or a safe, warm place. I would not want to chance my health on jerry rigged studded tires. If you're just looking for something cheap to get around town or back and forth from school, work, the store, etc., then these are probably an excellent budget setup.