tez929rr
Well-known member
I totally do not need this Hazet set but it sits in my “save for later” cart at Amazon. One day in a moment of weakness I’ll pull the trigger.
Buying tools because I want them, but DON'T NEED THEM !
- Thread starter theoldwizard1
- Start date
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I 100% buy for pleasure sometimes. Luckily most everything I ever buy has value for work, and thus making money. The less used, more enjoyment based, purchases simply have a lower ROI, or one that takes longer to break even.
428PI
Well-known member
One of my earlier snap on wrenches was the 1/2 x 9/16 swivel socket end wrench. It's the size needed to get hoods off of an IH tractor at the time. Came in mighty handy for tightening bolts when adjusting alternators on Fords. Came in so handy the guy I was training at one time bought it just for that.
If I do a project and at the end of it determine if a different or better quality tool(s) would have resulted in time saved or a better end result, I will often buy/upgrade the tool for the "next time" even thought the project is complete. The "next time" may be a long time and possibly even never but at least I'm better prepared. (probably kind of silly not having a planned need but that's what I do).
bwringer
Well-known member
These days, I'm pretty tooled up, honestly. So I've been accumulating supplies more than actual tools.
If I need supplies for one specific thing, I'll often buy a whole set of related things.
For example, fasteners. I've long had the policy that if I need a fastener, I'll just buy a box from McMaster-Carr. So now I have a very nice, and incredibly time-saving, collection of metric hardware most often needed for metric motorcycles (I have a whole side rant on hardware stores that don't stock much metric, even though that's what pretty much every vehicle has used for decades). I also review my collection and fill in the corners and top up whenever I'm ordering other stuff.
Same for valve shims. Four sets of valve shims cover the vast majority of metric motorcycles. So instead of buying onesie-twosies, I bought complete sets when I needed them. This saves so much time and aggravation that each one more than paid for itself with the first valve check.
Recently, I needed 5mm coiled thread inserts. I bought a whole kit with the inserts, tooling, etc. for a range of metric sizes, then filled in extra kits for a few thread pitches that weren't in the kit. I've also had solid inserts for drain plugs and spark plugs for a while, but now these are all organized in one place.
Recently, I faced the horror and embarrassment of not having a motorcycle wheel bearing on hand that I needed (motorcycles use standard metric sealed roller bearings, like 6302-2RS, and you need to check them at every tire change). I organized the bearings I had on hand, worked out the bearing numbers needed to cover my fleet, plus a few common sizes that might be needed for other bikes I see, then ordered a large batch from Zoro to fill in all the gaps. They're all in a plastic organizer, which truly sparks joy.
If I need supplies for one specific thing, I'll often buy a whole set of related things.
For example, fasteners. I've long had the policy that if I need a fastener, I'll just buy a box from McMaster-Carr. So now I have a very nice, and incredibly time-saving, collection of metric hardware most often needed for metric motorcycles (I have a whole side rant on hardware stores that don't stock much metric, even though that's what pretty much every vehicle has used for decades). I also review my collection and fill in the corners and top up whenever I'm ordering other stuff.
Same for valve shims. Four sets of valve shims cover the vast majority of metric motorcycles. So instead of buying onesie-twosies, I bought complete sets when I needed them. This saves so much time and aggravation that each one more than paid for itself with the first valve check.
Recently, I needed 5mm coiled thread inserts. I bought a whole kit with the inserts, tooling, etc. for a range of metric sizes, then filled in extra kits for a few thread pitches that weren't in the kit. I've also had solid inserts for drain plugs and spark plugs for a while, but now these are all organized in one place.
Recently, I faced the horror and embarrassment of not having a motorcycle wheel bearing on hand that I needed (motorcycles use standard metric sealed roller bearings, like 6302-2RS, and you need to check them at every tire change). I organized the bearings I had on hand, worked out the bearing numbers needed to cover my fleet, plus a few common sizes that might be needed for other bikes I see, then ordered a large batch from Zoro to fill in all the gaps. They're all in a plastic organizer, which truly sparks joy.
jfk92
Well-known member
I have a garage about 22 miles away stuffed with tools, compressors, and parts (motorcycles). At home, a 2-car also stuffed with much of the same. Sometimes, I need to work on something at home, and realize I need a specific hand tool at the other location, Many times I just go buy it, because it will cost me more than that to drive up/back. A curse of a 15-16 mpg truck. Maybe 20 mpg if I drive 55, but then you have tolls, and people are passing you on both sides. I have some HFT stuff, and so-far for the most part, they're doing OK. I bought a Vulcan Omnipro 220 multi-process welder, and while I don't know much about using it, I did get a pro welder to give me an intro, and he has encouraged me to 'go to Carnegie Hall... ."
His welding, my HFT equipment:
I've heard the HF Vulcan welders are actually rather decent. From the looks of the weld it seems to be true. I also wish I could have a replicated tool inventory at home and where I keep mine (in a garage at work) - or just to have a garage closer to my home. I almost fell prey to a "want" vs "need" just yesterday putting a Stihl MS250 in the online basket - fortunately I closed the browser in time - then took my current chainsaw to a shop this morning and was successful in getting a new chain for it saving hundreds (for other tools I just "want"!)
LWB
Well-known member
Bought a 1/4" & 3/8" Snap-On ratchet and a few JIS sized sockets a while back. Do i need them? Nope. But they sure are nice to use! The ratchets are like a fine Swiss watch compared to anything I've owned. It makes working on my cars a better/more fun.
joel63
Well-known member
I would like to think that I don’t buy tools just because they save time. I am just an amateur hack and I have far more time than talent. But if that was true I would not have any battery powered stuff as they really save time but are otherwise unnecessary. So basically I am a hypocrite. It’s your life and your money. Do what you want.
Cc_windsurfer
Well-known member
Do you need them? Of course you need them.
Silly rabbit...
Silly rabbit...
Me too. Was either 25 or 35% off shelf price if buying for "shop use" (i worked in the auto center).
Manager didn't care if it stayed at work or went home.
My battery stuff is because I'm a lazy weakling.
When Sears was still going strong, bought a complete set of USA Craftsman SAE and metric open ends and double boxes out of the tool catalog. Did I need them? Absolutely not, just wanted them. They have come in handy, especially the extra length of the double boxes on stubborn fasteners. Also had a sentimental reason. Dad, (RIP), was old school. All he ever used was dog bones and double boxes.
Smart man. Open ends are for peasants.
MarkySparky
New member
LOL! Yep! One of my favorites is an old 1/2-9/16 double open-end wrench, longer and thinner than normal wrenches. Very handy!
I wonder if with that kit one can buy just the case? I probably have enough tools to stack it, and I'm sure the HAZET design case would be awesome. It would make a perfect small bit and socket case for the car.I totally do not need this Hazet set but it sits in my “save for later” cart at Amazon. One day in a moment of weakness I’ll pull the trigger.
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I stumbled across mine the other day ! Bought it in the 1970s !
2mJps
Well-known member
When there was a mail order sears place in town they would send out flyers with tools on sell i got alot of stuff that way. I worked as a mechanic for years then stopped we had a good shop at the farm were i had my tools. Then i moved farm was sold i had my tools in a trailer 25 miles away went to alot of garage sells and stuff if i needed a tool i often bought another. Now we have a shop at this farm were i live but i never unloaded my tool boxes i bought some more used ones and collected more tools. I work part time as a mechanic on trucks . Sometimes if its a easy job i fix it out on the lot so i have some tools in my pickup and i am always adding to them. There is 3 places here that buy lots of stuff and sell cheap they have tools about every brand but you can never tell what they will have. I dont need any more tools but if its cheap and i dont have one . This place were i have a shop to use is going to be sold in the near future then i will build a building and have all my stuff in one place it will be good then my tool buying will slow down.
Our Sears had a sale table that they put wrenches, sockets and other tools from, I guess, broken sets. Whenever we went to Sears, I would always pick up a few things off the table. Sears would sell tool sets on sale that were cheaper that would be missing a size or two to save money. Sometimes it would almost cost as much to buy the missing sizes as you paid for the set. I filled up a lot of sets off that table.
Oof - a razor's edge to dance on.
I try really hard not to buy anything I won't use. For hand tools, I've done a pretty good job (overall). For power tools, I have a Milwaukee Hackszall I really shouldn't have bought, and the right-angle die grinder is sorta in that boat too.
The want vs. need thing gets a little murky when it comes down to my path over time of upgrading. I replaced my old, kinda-crappy-but-completely functional Craftsman universal/swivel set with an Icon set recently (I was missing the 1/2" one too). Needed? Not really, but the new ones are damn nice.
Same for the Malco locking pliers. The vintage Peterson and the new Bremen are fine, but holy **** do the Eagle Grips feel amazing. Soft chrome finish, beefy as hell, perfectly shaped for the hand in a way the other two just aren't and a highly-satisfying "click" when they lock...
Lastly, my Tekton extension weren't hurting anything, but damn the Kokens are just...right...
I'm sure some of you think I'm the HF guy. In a way, I guess I am, mainly because I analyze the **** out of just about everything and try to play things straight. I'd argue the Bremen 7" locking pliers at 9 bucks are as good or better than anything that's as much as 50% more than they cost, and beyond better than I need. If I was buying a lot of locking pliers, I'd be pretty fine with a bunch of Bremen pairs.
However, I do appreciate craftsmanship. I'm positive there's not 400%+ more performance in my Eagle Grips than the Bremens, especially for what I'll be using any of them for. But damn they feel feel incredible. This kind of stuff is a gift to myself more than anything. Sometimes it backfires. I'm pretty indifferent between my Snap On and my Icon ratchets - the Icon stuff is damn good. In other words, while I'd cede the point to anyone who says Snap On makes among the best ratchets and wrenches in the world, I just don't see enough difference for me, and certainly not Malco vs. Bremen gap.
I try really hard not to buy anything I won't use. For hand tools, I've done a pretty good job (overall). For power tools, I have a Milwaukee Hackszall I really shouldn't have bought, and the right-angle die grinder is sorta in that boat too.
The want vs. need thing gets a little murky when it comes down to my path over time of upgrading. I replaced my old, kinda-crappy-but-completely functional Craftsman universal/swivel set with an Icon set recently (I was missing the 1/2" one too). Needed? Not really, but the new ones are damn nice.
Same for the Malco locking pliers. The vintage Peterson and the new Bremen are fine, but holy **** do the Eagle Grips feel amazing. Soft chrome finish, beefy as hell, perfectly shaped for the hand in a way the other two just aren't and a highly-satisfying "click" when they lock...
Lastly, my Tekton extension weren't hurting anything, but damn the Kokens are just...right...
I'm sure some of you think I'm the HF guy. In a way, I guess I am, mainly because I analyze the **** out of just about everything and try to play things straight. I'd argue the Bremen 7" locking pliers at 9 bucks are as good or better than anything that's as much as 50% more than they cost, and beyond better than I need. If I was buying a lot of locking pliers, I'd be pretty fine with a bunch of Bremen pairs.
However, I do appreciate craftsmanship. I'm positive there's not 400%+ more performance in my Eagle Grips than the Bremens, especially for what I'll be using any of them for. But damn they feel feel incredible. This kind of stuff is a gift to myself more than anything. Sometimes it backfires. I'm pretty indifferent between my Snap On and my Icon ratchets - the Icon stuff is damn good. In other words, while I'd cede the point to anyone who says Snap On makes among the best ratchets and wrenches in the world, I just don't see enough difference for me, and certainly not Malco vs. Bremen gap.
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demarpaint
Well-known member
I have a feeling when Snap On starts selling the F100 series ratchets one or two or them is going to find their way into my toolbox. I certainly won't need them either.
I can't say that selling a couple of my existing ones to get a single F100 hasn't crossed my mind...
demarpaint
Well-known member
I hear ya, I got rid of a few old tools that I had duplicates of so I certainly have room.
**** is in the eye of the beholder. I've always liked Craftsman stuff, especially now that it's not connected to sears.
Never had a Craftsman tool fail.
HannibalLecter
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2023
- Messages
- 402
Oh I saw that too and normally goes for much more. It bothers me that it hasn't a screwdriver handle thoughI totally do not need this Hazet set but it sits in my “save for later” cart at Amazon. One day in a moment of weakness I’ll pull the trigger.
Madjik Man
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,531
You can buy tools because they help you work on things. And you can buy tools because you're a fan of tools, collector.... they bring you joy to have, etc.
The vast majority of my hand tools are USA Craftsman bought in the 70's. Sears sale catalogs were wonderful then. And, the giant Los Angeles Sears store on Olympic & Soto was halfway between my job and home. Get paid on Saturday, cash my check at work, and stop at Sears on the way home. Great way to build a collection.
the Chevy Pope
New member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2023
- Messages
- 2
When i first got on the snap on truck in 2019 thread title is exactly what I said constantly about everything I got off the truck. Now forty thousand bucks worth later I'll admit I'm addicted. But still happy about it because I love the tools. Started my career with craftsman which did me well till sears went wonky and the tools themselves started going wide scale overseas. Then oddly duralast for about a year or two. But the more snap on i bought the more I only wanted to use snap on.....aside from Milwaukee drill bits and saw blades obviously lol
kerrynzl
Well-known member
But I do notice that I do NOT have a 16mm combination !
I always thought the proper English/Australian term was "ring spanner"
The proper English language term was "ring spanner"
To wrench something usually relates to a sudden movement ["I wrenched my shoulder out of place"]
tez929rr
Well-known member
Pulled the trigger yesterday. Maybe there is a Hazet screwdriver handle in my future as well.
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
One unicorn located !
Wamsutta
Well-known member
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
21mm x 23mm is my last unicorn !You got your wrenches in a missing man formation.
I don't want to add up what this cost me ! Oh well, you can't take it with you !! Hopefully my grandsons will appreciate these.
tez929rr
Well-known member
I still love old CM raised panel wrenches. My long double box ratcheting wrenches are Gear Wrench though. I bought them because I "wanted" them. After I got them I find I use them more than most things in my tool box. The chrome has faded on them over the years. Great wrenches.
I have bad habit of buying tools I either want (but don't need) or have a future expectation of needing (but rarely do). I also struggle with redundancy.
I don't consider myself a tool collector by any means. I bounce between getting paid to wrench in a shop environment and just being a DIY mechanic.
The point is I buy tools with the intention of actually using them, not displaying them, showing them off or just to have. Unfortunately however life often has other plans and too many tools go unused or are no longer needed.
I've also been battling minimalism and sentimental attachment to tools. Finding ways to mentally justify not selling them. Something I rarely experience, I own very few material objects other than tools.
I don't consider myself a tool collector by any means. I bounce between getting paid to wrench in a shop environment and just being a DIY mechanic.
The point is I buy tools with the intention of actually using them, not displaying them, showing them off or just to have. Unfortunately however life often has other plans and too many tools go unused or are no longer needed.
I've also been battling minimalism and sentimental attachment to tools. Finding ways to mentally justify not selling them. Something I rarely experience, I own very few material objects other than tools.
It's probably everything I'd ever need but feels like it's nothing I'd ever use.