Are YOU obsessive compulsive?

[zer0cell]

You know, sometimes I think I may have a mild to moderate case of OCD. I am curious as to how other members of this forum who often view the tool section regard themselves on this issue. Personally I find myself often tempted to buy a few extras of things I don't particularly need at the moment and also spend too much time thinking about future purchases. I do also really try to keep my tools very clean, neat and organized... and maybe a few other such things. I wouldn't say it is out of control but I do have a bit of the OCD type personality. I'm just being honest with myself here...

What about you guys?


Examples of being OCD, relating to tools as for instance, are:

- Buying tools/items that you don't clearly have strong plans or definite intentions to use in the foreseeable future.

- Cleaning/buffing your tools with obsession to try to keep them looking new even if it takes an extra hour every time you use them to do this.

- Collecting, with little regard to spending and no real purpose except obsession and strong interest.

- Buying many sets of the same item in various brands even though you did not even wear out the first set, or have no need for more than one or two sets of the same item.

- Being hooked on this forum

- Playing with your tools more than you actually use them for something productive.

- Daydreaming about tools.

- Spending hours in the tool section at the store just reading the backs of tool boxes and seeing how they feel in your hand.

- Spending more money/credit on tools that is good for you or more than a rational person on a budget would do... simply, overspending... in some cases by far.


... and the list goes on. So how bad are you really? Let us know.

 

[TireTracks]

I do this. if i'm going to spend money, I'm going to look at everything in the store to see what the best deal of the day is and if it's something I need.

"Spending hours in the tool section at the store just reading the backs of tool boxes and seeing how they feel in your hand."

Also I like building things, tools last lifetimes if your smart and Can make you some money, So why not obsess over them a bit.

I'm not a tool polisher. I might whipe off some grease and gunk after useing a wrench or socket, but im not going to wash it.

 

[D9H 90V]

I am so bad, For example if I need one line wrench and I know I will only need that one and never need any other one I will get the whole set just cause I cant have just one line wrench in the drawer, you know?

working on heavy equipment/diesel's it can get really expensive, most of the time I just gotta say no

 

[american lockpicker]

- Buying tools/items that you don't clearly have strong plans or definite intentions to use in the foreseeable future.

Yes.

- Cleaning/buffing your tools with obsession to try to keep them looking new even if it takes an extra hour every time you use them to do this.

I usually just buy a new one...

- Collecting, with little regard to spending and no real purpose except obsession and strong interest.

Of course.

- Buying many sets of the same item in various brands even though you did not even wear out the first set, or have no need for more than one or two sets of the same item.

Not yet...

- Being hooked on this forum

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially the Old World thread.

- Playing with your tools more than you actually use them for something productive.

Yep.

- Daydreaming about tools.

No.

- Spending hours in the tool section at the store just reading the backs of tool boxes and seeing how they feel in your hand.

Oh yes. Also is it bad quite a few tool store owners know me on a first name basis and know I only buy US or EU made tools...

- Spending more money/credit on tools that is good for you or more than a rational person on a budget would do... simply, overspending... in some cases by far.

I don't overspend on tools but I do on guns...

 

[catfish]

mostly with COO , and thats not just with tools lol

 

[american lockpicker]

mostly with COO , and thats not just with tools lol

Me too.

 

[griff99]

I have always said I have a problem, the first step is admitting it. Why is it though there's help for people with drug addiction, NA, help for people with alcohol, AA, but there isn't any help for those of us who have a tool buying addition. TBA (Tool Buyers Anonymous).

 

[Danglerb]

Its good to have something you enjoy, that you can afford, and doesn't end up with you in jail.

 

[kc-steve]

Thanks Zer0, the poll is interesting and has the expected results, but I really hate psych labels more than my unusual temporary desire to collect tools. Back in the 1950's, psychology was as "hip" as being a computer geek is these days.

Steve

 

[z28snksknr]

Here's something I find myself doing- I have recently started upgrading my Craftsman / HF tools with premium tools brands - Wera, Wright, SO, etc., but when I'm actually goingto work on something, I grab the cheapo tool instead so i don't mess up my new tools. I even keep the two segregated in two different toolboxes.

I also get somewhat of an anxiety attack when my buddy grabs one of my Wera screwdrivers (not the Chiseldrivers) and misuses it as a prying tool, chisel, or some other godforsaken purpose. Even when i know it won't harm the screwdriver (say, using it to pry some plastic interior piece loose).

Also, enpty spots in my socket drawers make me cringe and also give me anxiety.

 

[catfish]

Me too.

All my posts written on my Made in USA keyboard

 

[zer0cell]

Also I like building things, tools last lifetimes if your smart and Can make you some money, So why not obsess over them a bit.

I agree.

I am so bad, For example if I need one line wrench and I know I will only need that one and never need any other one I will get the whole set just cause I cant have just one line wrench in the drawer, you know?

Oh that is a tough one for me too... certain things are meant to be in a set and its hard to resist not having the whole set for something like that...

I don't overspend on tools but I do on guns...

Now that is the type of collection that can really get your wallet in trouble Are you also into German made guns?

mostly with COO , and thats not just with tools lol

Haha well come on, who the heck wants to 'collect' chinese tools? Except maybe for the guy here with the massive HF tool collection - no offence buddy.

I have always said I have a problem, the first step is admitting it. Why is it though there's help for people with drug addiction, NA, help for people with alcohol, AA, but there isn't any help for those of us who have a tool buying addition. TBA (Tool Buyers Anonymous).

Lets not forget those who have been obsessed with computers or **** at one point or another... you can definitely find some of those in the freeones forum.
... guilty.

Its good to have something you enjoy, that you can afford, and doesn't end up with you in jail.

Yeah, its probably a healthier addiction than most. Being 'obsessed' with a girl can be the most dangerous of all... I've seen this first hand.

Thanks Zer0, the poll is interesting and has the expected results, but I really hate psych labels more than my unusual temporary desire to collect tools. Back in the 1950's, psychology was as "hip" as being a computer geek is these days.

Steve

Have you noticed how many people end up wanting to be psychology majors in high school and college? There are surely going to be more hot girls in there vs computer science but nevertheless most of those psyc majors end up working at CVS or something when they get out

Here's something I find myself doing- I have recently started upgrading my Craftsman / HF tools with premium tools brands - Wera, Wright, SO, etc., but when I'm actually goingto work on something, I grab the cheapo tool instead so i don't mess up my new tools. I even keep the two segregated in two different toolboxes.

I also get somewhat of an anxiety attack when my buddy grabs one of my Wera screwdrivers (not the Chiseldrivers) and misuses it as a prying tool, chisel, or some other godforsaken purpose. Even when i know it won't harm the screwdriver (say, using it to pry some plastic interior piece loose).

Also, enpty spots in my socket drawers make me cringe and also give me anxiety.

I have to sometimes stop myself too when I am about to pick up a piece of **** screwdriver from the store... I have to remind myself... "I paid good money for those screwdrivers I bought from Germany, Switzerland, outerspace etc. so that they would hold up to some serious use... WTF do I want to be screwed by this crappy dollar store chines piece of junk."



I think part of it just has to do with a person's personality and not just the fact that it is tools, one may find themselves obsessing about other things too like being a perfectionist when working on something, especially something you enjoy working on. Overall its not necessarily a bad thing.

Heck, even if you were to 'collect' tools the funny thing is the tools when kept in good shape often hold their value better than the vast majority of baseball cards and comic books etc. At least the tools can be used for something more than kindling for a bond fire when you are tired of them sitting around and if kept in their original unopened packages like the 40 year old virgin did with his dolls and action figures, you should probably get back about what you paid for them. So while the tool itself may not be a good 'investment' so to speak, at least you should be able to unload them if need be. If course if it is something you use regularly, a quality tool I believe is a good investment even if you obviously can't get retail for it anymore if you wanted to sell it.

These are all good points, and if you need to be a little "OCD" about it sometimes, who cares, its worth it right?

 

[canuckian]

oh good lord yes I'm OCD about my tools (and my vehicles but that's another topic for another forum)......here's a few examples

-I have 3 sets of tools...the nice new higher end stuff (that gets used but I'm VERY careful with them)resides in the main box, the used/pieced together stuff (still mostly top shelf tools) that I use regularly is in my cart and the cheaper stuff that I'm not afraid to beat on or slip a cheater bar on or loan to friends/neighbors is on or in my workbenches or in hand boxes.
-My box and my cart are meticulously organized and every time I use a tool from either, it's wiped off if necessary and placed exactly where it came from at the end of the project. I wish I could say the same about the rest of my stuff!!
-When I need a tool for a specific job, i buy the tool and whatever set it's in. Maybe it's because I know I'll use the rest of the set at some point or maybe it's because I just want the set, i dunno but it gets expenive.
-I like things to match. My box and cart are electric orange and most of the tools in them are orange when possible.
-Can't say as i've dreamed about tools but I have daydreamed about them and found it hard to sleep wondering if a bid i placed on ebay on a tool before going to bed will hold.
-this forum is usually open all day at my work computer (i'm at work right now!)
-I give my tool boxes a full detail a couple times per year and fix any little scratches/dings with touch up paint.
-I have my Snap On truck dealer in my contacts/speed dial list on my Blackberry

i'm sure there's more examples but that's enough to know that i have a problem

I probably wouldn't have time to develop all these tendancies if I were a working flat rate tech. These guys don't have the time between jobs to make sure everything is shiny and put back in their place. I use/buy my tools for the pure enjoyment/stress relief and have the time to obsess about them!!!

 

[woody 73]

Lordy I just flunked this test...

 

[Mustangmike]

My name is Mike, and I'm a toolaholic....

12 Step program as follows ;
1) stay away from tool trucks
2) stay out of big box stores
3) stay away from this site
4) go back to surfing for asian ****
5) re-introduce myself to wife
6) stay out of garage,unless it is to put trash in container
7) admit to having several tool hiding places
8) take "i have a tool that will fix that" out of vocabulary
9) cant think of anything
10) remove Snap-On, and MAC dealer's from speed dial
11) learn name of kid who lives here
12) start hanging out at Harbour Freight

 

[lametec]

I buy tools if they're a good deal.. Doesn't matter if I need 'em or not. I figure better to have and not need...

One thing that I'm a bit OCD about is matching sets. I see people on here brag about buying a cheap Snap-On screw driver at the pawn shop and stuff.. Personally, unless it was a complete set and dirt cheap, I'd pass. I can't stand the though of having and bunch of different makes and models of screw drivers in my drawer!

 

[impulse922]

if you need only one socket, it means you need the whole set

 

[VegasBruce]

I'm not OCD, its not in alphabetical order.

 

[Griff93]

It's bad enough I've started making some of my own tools....

 

[american lockpicker]

Now that is the type of collection that can really get your wallet in trouble Are you also into German made guns?

I've had a few before.

Also I have these on my wish list.

 

[Aberdale]

Sometimes I am. Sometimes I'm not.

 

[Steen27]

Muscle cars, Astronomy, Tools, Home Theater, my wife and kids... yup I am OCD on all of them...

Guilty as charged!

 

[cf2004]

My name is Mike, and I'm a toolaholic....

12 Step program as follows ;
4) go back to surfing for asian ****
12) start hanging out at Harbour Freight

arn't step 4 and 12 the same

 

[SpeedwayRyan]

Not really. I pretty much buy what I need, when I need it, and use the heck out of it. That said, I do obsess a little (occasionally) over socket and wrench organization, cleaning up the tools, lining things up in the toolbox, etc. -- but, much like tidying up around the house, I have to be in the right mood.

Tools for me are basically a means to get a job done, albeit a job that I enjoy. As a side benefit, I like the way they look and feel...and once in awhile I'll buy something I don't need right away, but only if I know that it will definitely come in handy in the future -- I'm not a collector, so it needs to be useful to me for me to buy it. I like having shiny new tools, but I'm not worried about scratching them up...they're meant to be used.

While I certainly ENJOY having an ever-growing collection of tools, I wouldn't get any enjoyment out of having a bunch of tools in my box that wouldn't ever get used. First, I use them...second, I enjoy them...and rarely do I obsess over them.

I found a great vintage Proto tool cabinet in my buddy's basement recently. It belongs to his landlord, and I'm trying to buy it off him. While I appreciate what it is, I'd clean it up and use it. I don't have a need for it if it's not full of tools.

Cars, on the other hand...

 

[NY Old Guy]

I can't explain why I'm obsessive about tools but I definitely am. Maybe because I have fond memories of fixing our cars with my dad, or fixing something gives satisfaction like solving a puzzle. But I have to admit I like just playing with and admiring some nice shiny new tools, or even old vintage tools or tool boxes. It's a boy thing as my wife would say.

 

[zer0cell]

@american lockpicker
Sweet. Did you sell them all off?



I just thought of one more example for the whole OCD thing...

- You are thinking about tools when having 'alone time' with the wife... she's thinking "oh that feels good" and you are thinking "**** where did that socket roll off to"

 

[american lockpicker]

@american lockpicker
Sweet. Did you sell them all off?

Sold the HK and Gecado(to buy more guns lol) and traded the Walther for a Viet Cong Steyr, ex Sniper Mosin Nagant and around 200 rounds of 7.5 French(real French made surplus ammo on strippers.)

 

[Stuey]

I don't buff my tools or daydream about them, but I spend more time than I should in researching and buying tools. I have a hard time making purchasing decisions.

I think I win the title for most OCD about tools!!

 

[Even 11]

Examples of being OCD, relating to tools as for instance, are:

- Buying tools/items that you don't clearly have strong plans or definite intentions to use in the foreseeable future.
Yep.

- Cleaning/buffing your tools with obsession to try to keep them looking new even if it takes an extra hour every time you use them to do this.
I'm not a real polisher, but I'll wipe grease or rain or snow off before i put it away. I think I like most of my tools to look more used than anything.

- Collecting, with little regard to spending and no real purpose except obsession and strong interest.
Hit the nail on the head here.

- Buying many sets of the same item in various brands even though you did not even wear out the first set, or have no need for more than one or two sets of the same item.
Check.

- Being hooked on this forum
Aren't we all?

- Playing with your tools more than you actually use them for something productive.
Gotta say no on this one, but I have been known to take a 1/4" ratchet or a neat socket into work to show it off.

- Daydreaming about tools.
No, don't really know how I would. Maybe about car projects that I could use tools on though.

- Spending hours in the tool section at the store just reading the backs of tool boxes and seeing how they feel in your hand.
Rarely at new stores but frequently at pawn shops. I try to hit one or two per week to look for new arrivals. I am known by name at several and have even been offerred a job at one.

- Spending more money/credit on tools that is good for you or more than a rational person on a budget would do... simply, overspending... in some cases by far.
Probably more true than any other one on here. I see the neat old ones and realize I need to own them.

... and the list goes on. So how bad are you really? Let us know.

Hi, My name is Dane and I am a tool addict.....

 

[Packard V8]

I am controlled and organized, with only the tools I need.

You sometimes have poor impulse control, may spend too much on too many tools, take too much time cleaning your tools and shop.

He is a total nutjob who is obsessive about buying, hoarding, collecting and compulsive about polishing tools.

jack vines

 

[Uncle Ben]

I voted the "no biggie" one, but I guess I would have voted "a little OCD" if that was an option

I think about tools constantly. Flip through catalogs or sale ads almost every day. Obsess about what I will spend my (very limited) money on for my next tool store trip, which is always planned out so I know exactly what I'm there to buy. I don't like to buy tools that I don't think I'll need, but I do buy tools that I think I'll need but don't have any immediate plans to use them, so that I'll already have them when I do need them.

Okay, the more I talk about this the more I realize I should have voted "I admit it, I'm OCD", though I'm not obsessive about cleanliness of my tools. I do love when they are new and clean, and it bugs me when they get dirty, but I'm a little too lazy to keep them clean all the time I guess.

 

[glenmore]

Before GJ:

 

[glenmore]

After GJ:

 

[NJHandyGuy]

I don't think i am but i beleive it runs in stages.

First i bought what i needed

then one day a repair happened and i had somethign else i needed but enjoyed using so looked for another project which required more tools

which then lead to another project

and so on lol

i am not ocd i USE my tools i am not a name dropper everything has to be this brand or that brand **** i buy what i need ands what works

i am however heavily opinionated on what i like and don't like and have tried bought and sold stuff just to try it

i have a useable collection with doub;e tripples quads of some stuff and a propensity to need those back ups

tool polisher hell no tool user absolutley

 

[Chadro]

- Cleaning/buffing your tools with obsession to try to keep them looking new even if it takes an extra hour every time you use them to do this.

HAHA, most definitely not. This screwdriver has looked liked this since about a day after I got it. Will probably stay looking like that.. My camera ***** BTW.

 

[Gary S]

- Buying tools/items that you don't clearly have strong plans or definite intentions to use in the foreseeable future.

- Cleaning/buffing your tools with obsession to try to keep them looking new even if it takes an extra hour every time you use them to do this.

- Collecting, with little regard to spending and no real purpose except obsession and strong interest.

- Buying many sets of the same item in various brands even though you did not even wear out the first set, or have no need for more than one or two sets of the same item.

- Being hooked on this forum

- Playing with your tools more than you actually use them for something productive.

- Daydreaming about tools.

- Spending hours in the tool section at the store just reading the backs of tool boxes and seeing how they feel in your hand.

- Spending more money/credit on tools that is good for you or more than a rational person on a budget would do... simply, overspending... in some cases by far.

.

Going down your list.

1. I buy a tool when I need it and no sooner.

2. I've never cleaned my 40 year old tools. If you use them enough, the dirt and grease wears off during use.

3. I'm not a tool collector. They are in my tool box to do work.

4. I buy one of each size. If I need one wrench for each hand, I'll buy a second one.

5. Hooked on the forum.........probably yes, but not to show off my tools.

6. I'm too busy getting work done to ever have time to play with tools.

7. My daydreams are NOT about tools. There are much better things to daydream about.

8. The only time I get to a tool rack is when I need a tool to get a job done at home, and then I'm in and out as fast as possible. Shopping is a dirty job that I avoid.

9. I haven't bought a tool yet in 40 years on credit, and never will. If I don't have the money in my pocket, I don't need it.

 

[american lockpicker]

I haven't bought a tool yet in 40 years on credit, and never will. If I don't have the money in my pocket, I don't need it.

I agree.

 

[nato]

Me too, me too! I wipe down all of my tools at the end of the work day, that "look" like they may have been used. I wipe down my triple bay Matco 5S at the end of every week and HATE, HATE, HATE the fact that my orangee Matco Top Torque 2 screwdriver's get dirty so bad that when I go to clean them, I end up wiping away the 'Matco" name print on the handle
I also HATE, HATE, HATE dirty, greasey, non-new looking Snap-On comfort grip ratchet handles!!!!!!!!

WHY CAN'T EVERYTHING REMAIN IN LIKE NEW CONDITION EVEN IF YOU USE IT!!!!!!!! ...lol...
sorry...

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Last year I started to do a spreadsheet inventory..Im not done but I am around 2842 pieces (actual tool numbers, not actual pieces, that number would be greater), thats mostly "special tools" (transmission, axle, engine), not standard hand tools, like ratchets, sockets, and wrenches. I still have a couple thousand pounds of tools that are not inventoried, as I am in the middle of a "move". I have yet to do my tool box or my roll around tool box. And I'm nowhere done buying. Somebody is going to have a hum-dinger of a tool auction when my "lease" expires...

 

[zer0cell]

Me too, me too! I wipe down all of my tools at the end of the work day, that "look" like they may have been used. I wipe down my triple bay Matco 5S at the end of every week and HATE, HATE, HATE the fact that my orangee Matco Top Torque 2 screwdriver's get dirty so bad that when I go to clean them, I end up wiping away the 'Matco" name print on the handle
I also HATE, HATE, HATE dirty, greasey, non-new looking Snap-On comfort grip ratchet handles!!!!!!!!

WHY CAN'T EVERYTHING REMAIN IN LIKE NEW CONDITION EVEN IF YOU USE IT!!!!!!!! ...lol...
sorry...

I think it would be fair to assume you voted for option number 4 correct?