People who buy tools they will never use

[zendriver]

There should be one about people who give zero f...s.

usually, when somebody has to say, “I don’t care “ that means they care

Otherwise, they just wouldn’t care

 

[jd_1138]

My employer has discontinued their house brand tools. That forced me to grab a few odd tools at a great price.
But if you don't use something, the money is ******* for nothing.

I look at it this way -- it's better to have it and not need it than something breaks and you don't have the tool.

As people who can service and repair a lot of what we own, it's still way cheaper to have more tools than you need than to hire outside people. A friend needed new steps in front of his house. 3 steps. The existing one was rotten and dangerous. I took him to get some pre-made risers/treads. We replaced the steps in like 2 hours (and that was going painfully slow because I am not a pro carpenter and beer was involved).

He remarked "wow I wish I had all these expensive tools you have so I can do other things around here". I replied "this is only like $150 worth of tools". A used Craftsman Sawmill circular saw I paid $10 for in a yard sale. And a $120 Makita drill kit (impact driver and a regular drill). And misc tools like carpenter's pencil, level, tape measure, speed square.

Tools are actually dirt cheap if one actually uses them to save money. Even if you don't necessarily use all of them.

 

[Terra Nova]

If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.

I thought the one about Gen X was pretty accurate. Very much mirrored my brother and I’s life growing up.

 

[Jakeweldsalittle]

We had a rule of thumb when I worked in the tool and die shop. If you have to borrow something more than a few times in a relatively short period, you probably need it.

That's how I look at it. My dad has most stuff if I don't, but I hate borrowing from people. And I rarely let anyone borrow from me. If I borrow something of his more than once, I'll usually just pick it up for myself if I can see myself using it again. I know HF catches some **** from people, but for guys like me it's great. Maybe not the best quality on everything, but I'm not putting food on the table with my tools either.

 

[cody1325]

Eh. I saw my Dad use mostly everything, less a set of brand new "Robogrip" pliers from Sears I found tucked away in the back of his box after he passed. I found a few unused chemicals that had long since expired and maybe a few new (or newish) tin snips and punches, but everything else was used.

For me, the stuff at work is all heavily used. I have new SO light and a set of long patterns that have never exited the box, but that's about it. At home, that's a different story, with maybe 30% not used, but I'm not working daily at home.

My future plans include building a large out building on land I already own. I'm young enough to open my own shop, but old enough to know I probably won't.

Honestly, I'd swear RoboGrips are almost the poster child of tools that people buy and then never use. I only use mine as a hand vise as backup--Cobras and especially Pliers Wrenches are better made and do the job much better. Before me, they likely went 20 years unused by my folks; and I've hardly used them also. No offense, but they're just not that great. Yet, I know of some people who swear by them.

Also, doesn't Knipex make a Self-Adjusting Cobra variant?

 

[Steel_Rain]

I'd swear RoboGrips are almost the poster child of tools that people buy and then never use.

No offense, but they're just not that great.

That Bob Vila is full of **** man!

 

[PCustoms]

OK, which one of you is doing this?

I think it's @southalabama

People who buy tools they will never use

OK, which one of you is doing this?

www.garagejournal.com

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

We had a rule of thumb when I worked in the tool and die shop. If you have to borrow something more than a few times in a relatively short period, you probably need it.

25 years ago I worked in my uncle's shop and he had this rule where he would let you borrow anything once, the second time you now owned it and he would deduct it from your check.

He was a good guy. He also convinced me I had a NAPA account for tools when I was 14 but when I graduated high school he locked my box up in his office and told me to go to college because I didn't work there anymore. I quickly learned my accounts were actually his account and I had never paid for anything. I miss that guy.

 

[Beerhippie]

Honestly, I'd swear RoboGrips are almost the poster child of tools that people buy and then never use.

Probably the tool I most often see at yard/garage sales still in original packaging. I think these were usually purchased as gifts by people who don't use tools.

 

[Jakeweldsalittle]

Honestly, I'd swear RoboGrips are almost the poster child of tools that people buy and then never use. I only use mine as a hand vise as backup--Cobras and especially Pliers Wrenches are better made and do the job much better. Before me, they likely went 20 years unused by my folks; and I've hardly used them also. No offense, but they're just not that great. Yet, I know of some people who swear by them.

Also, doesn't Knipex make a Self-Adjusting Cobra variant?

They definitely kinda ****, but I have one I got from somebody years ago (probably a grandfather that hated them), and honestly I use them more than I'd probably like to admit ha. Always for simple things that don't require much torque, but I do catch myself grabbing them out of my box every once in a while for a quick fix.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I chuckle about how much hate they get here every time I use my RoboGrips. It's certainly not every day, but more than a few times a year.

Using them is the GJ version of driving a PT Cruiser--Serviceable, but it somehow pisses people off they even exist.

 

[Beerhippie]

Using them is the GJ version of driving a PT Cruiser

Very good analogy, as they both appear to be something they aren't. PT Cruiser looks like a hot-rod, but someone put a lawnmower engine in it. Robogrips look like good tools, but....

 

[mikey03]

It's not about needing it, it's futureproofing yourself for when you do need it.

I tell myself the same lie every time I buy new tools man.

 

[mikey03]

"Better to buy a tool and not need it, than need a tool and not have it"

Better to have money and not spend it than need money and not have it.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Someone resurrect this thread, quick!

Craftsman Robo Grip Pliers - The Ideal Junk Drawer Tool

My late father-in-law was not handy. Despite that, he sometimes bought tools, in the belief that if he had them, he'd somehow know how to use them. That was not true, though. Whatever tools he had went unused all of his life. When he died, nobody else wanted tools, so I packed them up in a box...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[lardy1]

The ghost of Garcky. Sigh.

 

[shoggoth80]

As someone who has a PT Cruiser in his fleet, I can confirm that it's not a gutsy vehicle

I buy tools. Either stuff I've needed, or stuff I think I'm going to need. Occasionally it's a convenience item that'll make doing a job easier. I'm not getting younger. Lol. If I haven't used it, I just haven't gotten around to the intended job it was bought for.

Tools either make me money, save me money, or save me time/hassle. If it doesn't fall into one of those categories, it's hard to justify its existence. There's some older stuff I've found for cheap that also happens to be a neat piece of industrial history... But it still gets used

 

[four.cycle]

Not sure what the issue is here.
At least when you're buying tools, you have something to show for your money.

College educations, on the other hand.....

 

[GN4WHLN]

usually, when somebody has to say, “I don’t care “ that means they care

Otherwise, they just wouldn’t care

Sounds fake, but M'kay...

 

[Meursault74]

Well I fixed a lamp a few weeks ago. The twist switch broke. I bypassed that switch and wired in a wall switch on the power cord. I used a wall switch because that's what I had. I think they were watching. And I think they know...................

 

[four.cycle]

There should be one about people who give zero f...s.

 

[neophyte]

OK, which one of you is doing this?

What “*sshole” wrote this?
A man standing in a hardware store at 9:30 at night?
I suppose technically, my local Home Depots are usually open till 10:00PM, but this seems a bit late yo be shopping for tools, unless you’re in the store grabbing tools at the last minute to get an emergency repair done, and HD or Lowes, or other major chains are about the only hardware stores that would be open this late.

Also, “Rosewood Handled Japanese Pull Saw”.
I think it has been decades since I actually saw anything that might have actually used “Rosewood” for the handle, at a Home Depot, and that was a putty knife, that had a laminated handle, that was allegedly rosewood.
These putty knives has since been discontinued as far as I can tell, and that has been for decades, probably for longer than it has been possible to buy a US made Milwaukee Sawzall at Home Depot.

As for “Japanese Pullsaws” go, the video doesn’t mention “what type”.
Most professional Japanese carpenters have way more than 4 “pullsaws” justifiably, and I presume most serious hobbyists, who already own 4 blockplanes, would also own 4 or way more “Japanese Pullsaws”.
Further, Japanese saws rarely have “Rosewood” handles, and certainly not the saws sold at Home Depot, or any big box hardware store.
(Traditional wood handles Japanese Saws have wood handles made from Magnolia wood. )
A store like Home Depot isn’t even that likely to carry wood handled Japanese Saws, with plastic or rubber handled versions being way more likely if carried.
Woodcraft does carry wood handled Japanese saws, but even Japan Woodworker, (before Woodcraft bought them out), likely never had rosewood handled Japanese saws, even back before the Woodcraft purchase, when they carried much more expensive ceremonial tools.
(The ones I’ve seen in books have had Ray Skin covered handles, and I have never seen these for sale).
There are US and English made “push saws” that may have Rosewood handles, but this is a high end thing, possibly carried at Woodcraft, but not an “open till 10:00PM” hardware store.
(I suppose a class at a Woodcraft store could leave one open till 10:00PM for sales).

I presume this video is AI generated content.

 

[zendriver]

I have purchased a fair number of items that I planned on using, but have not used yet.

Maybe I will maybe I won’t. I don’t set up nights worrying about it.

 

[zendriver]

That might be the worst thing about AI

In the past - to **** in our attention, play with our emotions or brainwashed us with propaganda - usually took a fair amount of production work

Now probably just take a couple of minutes

We are even more doomed

 

[Renegade1LI]

Buying tools is like gambling, only spend what you can afford to lose.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have all kinds of tools that I not only haven't used, I hope I never have to use them. A 16 pound sledgehammer and 48" pipe wrench are at the top of the list. And I've never bought something for "just in case" but I have fallen for it being too good of a deal to pass up; and some things, like the aforementioned sledge hammer and pipe wrench, were given to me.

 

[mikey03]

Buying tools is like gambling, only spend what you can afford to lose.

Buying tools is better than gambling. Both addictions leave you with an empty wallet but one of them also leaves you with a garage full of tools your grandkids can eventually throw away.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Probably the tool I most often see at yard/garage sales still in original packaging. I think these were usually purchased as gifts by people who don't use tools.

I agree most of those gimmick tools and anything advertised by Bob Villa for Sears were aimed at people who don't know tools purchasing tools as gifts.

 

[Sumboodie]

It's just a square with sad face.

 

[jayemm]

As someone who has a PT Cruiser in his fleet, I can confirm that it's not a gutsy vehicle

I buy tools. Either stuff I've needed, or stuff I think I'm going to need. Occasionally it's a convenience item that'll make doing a job easier. I'm not getting younger. Lol. If I haven't used it, I just haven't gotten around to the intended job it was bought for.

Tools either make me money, save me money, or save me time/hassle. If it doesn't fall into one of those categories, it's hard to justify its existence. There's some older stuff I've found for cheap that also happens to be a neat piece of industrial history... But it still gets used

You bring up a point about not getting younger and making the job easier. I have a bad lower back and just had double hernia surgery a few months ago. So I ain't lifting no heavy wheel assembly if I can help it. Saw a video on this little goody and got a good deal on ebay. Haven't had an occasion to try it yet but looks pretty foolproof.

Amazon.com: WHLZYEVA Portable tire Lifting Tool & Tire Jack Tool - Retractable Handle Tire Mounting Aid with Rollers - Effortless Car, Truck, SUV Tire Changing Tool - Up to 120 lbs Wheel Install & Removal : Automotive

Buy WHLZYEVA Portable tire Lifting Tool & Tire Jack Tool - Retractable Handle Tire Mounting Aid with Rollers - Effortless Car, Truck, SUV Tire Changing Tool - Up to 120 lbs Wheel Install & Removal: Tire Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[esben57]

Nothing to see here. Move along.

 

[zendriver]

Better to have money and not spend it than need money and not have it.

People aren’t going broke from buying tools. They are going broke from paying a Garage $800 for a brake job.

Besides, it’s Harbor freight Amazon, and so forth for the win

If you could buy a torque wrench for $15 dollars versus $230 dollars why not have a couple of differentsizes?

 

[PCustoms]

People aren’t going broke from buying tools. They are going broke from paying a Garage $800 for a brake job.

I am going broke buying duplicates of tools

I keep buying duplicates of tools because I misplace tools all the time. I have at least three hammers, but I can only find one. I have two wrecking bars and cannot find either. I misplaced my set of Wera Joker SAE ratcheting wrenches. My portable tool box tipped over and scattered tools...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[logical]

Some people need to mind their own business but at least in my experience its usually because the person is complaining about not having any money all the time. If someone is spending but they aren't going hungry and never complain its nobodies business. But if someone is entering their credit card details with Snap-on while at the same time calling the Dave Ramsey helpline, different story.

It's still not my business.

 

[zendriver]

I am going broke buying duplicates of tools

I keep buying duplicates of tools because I misplace tools all the time. I have at least three hammers, but I can only find one. I have two wrecking bars and cannot find either. I misplaced my set of Wera Joker SAE ratcheting wrenches. My portable tool box tipped over and scattered tools...

www.garagejournal.com

Good catch. I forgot for a minute, where I was at.

Not really in my wheelhouse anyway, since I’ll spend 20 minutes looking for that lost (but valuable) Pittsburgh pro socket

Spending $75 to replace a temporarily misplaced $75 wrench? Gives me the Willie’s just thinking about it.

I’d deserve to be broke.

 

[Jakeweldsalittle]

Buying tools is like gambling, only spend what you can afford to lose.

Also applies to marriage

 

[Mr. Tool]

I found these two videos interesting and just wanted to share them here at the forum.

The first video about purchasing tools in general probably describes me best as well as a lot of other individuals on this forum as well.

The second video is a project that I love seeing and hearing about….Restoration Projects!…on just about anything from a house being restored to vehicles, motorcycles, watches, furniture, etc.....because I've don't a few restoration projects myself.

Enjoy the videos and have a good day!

 

[PCustoms]

I found these two videos interesting and just wanted to share them here at the forum.

The first video about purchasing tools in general probably describes me best as well as a lot of other individuals on this forum as well.

The second video are projects that I love seeing and hearing about….Restoration Projects!…on just about anything from a house being restored to vehicles, watches, furniture, etc.

Enjoy the videos and have a good day!

Did you even read the OP?

That first video is what started this thread...

 

[NUTTSGT]

Did you even read the OP?

That first video is what started this thread...

I merged threads.

 

[PCustoms]

I merged threads.

Oh...

Did you catch the 3rd one?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/we-are-being-psychoanalyzed.557112/