Collecting Tools

[outlander800]

For you guys that collect tools, do you have a box specifically for the collectable tools or do you put them in with the everyday tools? I have some hard handle screwdrivers and ratchets and some other stuff that is in my main box and I was debating on buying a box to store the collectable tools.

 

[Lump]

It will depend on your preference. For many years I put all the tools together. But then I remodeled my shop, and added several more tool cabinets. And then I joined Garage Journal, and caught a severe case of tool-hoarder-collecting disease. So now I have separate tool boxes for many of my "collector" tools. But many of my collector tools are still very useful, and are put to use whenever I need them. So those specific units are kept with the rest of my tools.

Just do what you feel like in the beginning, and if you find yourself catching the fever, you will have to change your strategy...no matter what strategy it was in the beginning.

 

[ZRX61]

It depends, if they are to be used they go in with all the other tools, if they are some strange curio they go in my old Craftsman box which also houses my Whitworth stuff & 3/4in drive sockets etc

 

[I can fix anything]

Glass case.

 

[canuckian]

I don't "collect" tools but I do have certain new and NOS tools that I want to keep as minty as possible. I use these tools regularly but I'm extra careful when i do and clean them immediately after i use them. They are stored amongst other newer and what I consider top shelf tools in my main box. My cart houses my most regularly used tools. They're all in good condition and most are premium tools but they were either used when I got them or they're copies of newer stuff i have in the main box.

i don't think I could have a true tool collection that isn't used. Firstly I can't afford to have a pile of higher end tools that I don't use and simply look at and second, I couldn't resist trying them out at least once...or twice. You guys that have hard handled snap on screwdriver sets still sealed in the plastic have more willpower than I do!!

 

[outlander800]

Thats pretty much what I have, NOS hard handle ratchets, FLF80 stamped USA, 3 brand new FLF936 ratchets, 8 piece snap on orange hard handle screwdrivers unopened, all stuff I cant bring myself to use. I was thinking of buying a small craftsman top box and putting it all in there. Sometimes I think why do I even have this stuff if im never going to use it, but I open up that drawer and its badass. Ill get some pics up in the next few days for you guys.

 

[DaleK]

Wow I'm supposed to collect COLLECTIBLE tools?

Here I thought any tool that was useful was collectible.

 

[Gregg33]

Well it depernds on how much room you got in your tool box. If space is a concern, put collectible tools or other tools you don't use much in a smaller box, if not I'd keep everything together. I find small hand (portable) boxes are great. If you're like me you probably have a couple laying around with junk in them or maybe just sitting on a shelf empty. For example I had an metal old socket set box that was given to me. I gave it a coat of paint, lined the bottom with some left over draw liners I had. It was a perfect fit for all my Mossberg and other antique sockets, ratchets, bars etc. Now they are all happy and cozy.

 

[JeremyManning]

I have a separate small 2 drawer box for collecting, I keep it in the basement as my garage isn't heated, so as not to further increase how rusty some of my relics are.

 

[jwitt]

I have a Plomb box that I keep mainly my old Plomb and family (Firestone, old Proto etc.) in. It sits on an roll around that has most of my othe older stuff in. I have other boxes for my working tools though I do use my old stuff sometimes.

Jim

 

[str8axle55]

Still trying to figure out how to set up mine. I want to get an older road chest and set it up w/vintage stuff like my dad or uncles would`ve used at the track or for road svc in the 60`s. I will use this stuff to work on my older car project, kinda relaxing to me. The other tools will prob go into an assortment of carry boxes or C-man top boxes I have. I have my 1st C-man roll away in the garage w/the day to day stuff, plus some carry boxes.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I buy my tools to use and admire...Don't think I'll ever put any of mine in a showcase.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

My few real "collectible" items live in a little display cabinet in my hot rod corner in the living room.

 

[mrholeshot]

My tools have become just a pure befuddling mystification of dislocation and disorganization. I'm in the middle of trying to get things into at least some kind of organized kaos. I'll never buy tool I wouldn't use. Even if it's gold plated

 

[lowbucktruck]

I have a Plomb box that I keep mainly my old Plomb and family (Firestone, old Proto etc.) in. It sits on an roll around that has most of my othe older stuff in. I have other boxes for my working tools though I do use my old stuff sometimes.

Jim

That is a great pic and a nice collection of vintage tools. Makes me think of the old hardware store displays of yesteryear. Kind of like Bull's blackhawk tool boards (an alternative to displaying your vintage tool collection). I've been pondering how best to display my vintage tools; I'm thinking that the tool boards are probably the best option. Just need some wall space! I'd like to build my own reproduction of the old Proto tool displays, that would be cool. Although those vintage Crescent tool boards are really neat-looking too... I remember them from my trips long ago with Dad to the old Coast-to-Coast hardware store. I still have a set of Dad's vintage Crescent adjustable wrenches purchased from one of those displays. Even as a kid, I was entranced by the Crescent tool boards.

My old tool "collection" lives in my old Williams box (which I really should refurbish some day). My newer tools (mainly Craftsman and Proto) I keep in my newer Craftsman box.

 

[glenmore]

I have 4 toolboxes.

1) Snap-On roller for my automotive tools that I use, ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc.

2) Old Lista boxes for old tools I come across at garage sales. All are usable but I have so many dupes, that they pretty much sit until I figure out what to do with them.

3) Smaller Snap-On roller for household tools, screwdrivers, pliers, Makitas, saws, etc.

4) Small Hammerhead top box, for collectible tools, shiny tools that I can't bear to use, tools that may be sold in the future.