Well, better judgement

[metaldad]

Kicked in.
Read the thread about Menard's un announced, un marked down tool clearance.
Went special early........... to get some shelving clamps ( what I told her).
The price scanner didnt work (no surprise), got an olde guy to punch in the numbers.
Alas, the wrench set i had presented wasnt marked down omg.
In returning them to the pegboard,,,,,,,,,,, I came across to the sobering idea, that I really do NOT need any more screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches.
I know, turn in my man card, but, I absolutely do not need anymore of anything that was drastically marked down. I wasnt going to acquire anything, with the intent (heh heh), of ebaying.
I came to the realization that I need to limit all my future purchases to adding to the collection, of select USA made no longer in production items.
Whew. thought id never admit it.
(is this the first step?)

 

[Buster21]

Your not alone, I was just recently in line with some clearance items, as I looked at them I told myself "what am I doing, I don't need these" I got out of line and returned them to the shelve. I have a real hard time passing up something that is 80% off. Anyway just wanted to let you know you weren't alone.

 

[Thumper68]

Same here I went in Menards yesterday morning just to check the price on 3/4 inch black pipe for a future project and to "pick" up a few of the deals on gear wrench stuff, ended up not getting any, walked out with my pride and wallet intact.

 

[bobcatdan]

What is really bad is when you walk on to a tool truck and realize there is nothing on there you don't already own.

 

[Gmonkee]

Step 3 is selling off the lessor stuff to reduce dupilcation and bulk. I've been there over a year now and many things that had been reserves or 2nd line are now simply gone.

The finer points of my collection and the best of the modern user tools are quite intact and in use. I've reduced the sheer weight to less than 1/3 of peak and not reduced capability.

Purchases are limited to just a few well defined catagories of things that are my passion. Mainly the few and far between antiques that might show up at the local markets.

 

[Buster21]

What is really bad is when you walk on to a tool truck and realize there is nothing on there you don't already own.

Then you start buying backups for your backups and then spares for those.

 

[cptn_zippy]

Yes, I am reaching "tool saturation". Not a whole lot left to buy really, and what does upgrading accomplish, especially when you're not a pro? I'd like to upgrade my 1/4 sockets, currently have Craftsman...just can't justify the purchase. Nothing wrong with them...

 

[byoungblood]

I still occasionally buy clearance stuff when it is going into the tool set I'm building up for my now 3 year old son. I want him to have a good basic set of US made tools before everything that is even remotely affordable is all made in Asia. Otherwise I have put down several things in the last few months because outside of it being a great deal, I can't really see why I need it and I'd rather have the money to spend on other things.

 

[Jacobson]

Good move, MetalDad!
I think you made the right move today.

Just because something is cheap, it doesn't mean it's worth buying. What if I sold you a $500 pair of high heels for $50? Waste of $50, right? Same might go for tools you already have ..

I think it's smart to think about why you buy so many tools. Maybe this is a form of hoarding or addiction.

Maybe a addiction checklist can help to see if you have a problem?
1. You have many unopened or tagged items in your closet
2. You often purchase things you don’t need or didn’t plan to buy
3. An argument or frustration sparks an urge to shop
4. You experience a rush of excitement when you buy
5. Purchases are followed by feelings of remorse
6. You try to conceal your shopping habits
7. You feel anxious on the days you don’t shop

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/shopping-spree-addiction
http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Compulsive-Shopping

 

[Jacobson]

Other things to consider if you're saturated, yet still buying tools...

Maybe you need to focus your energies on something new to collect? Or a new hobby.

Or maybe find smarter ways to direct your excess income?
Do you invest for retirement or kids college?
If not, money might be better allocated there.
PM me if you want to start reading some basics.

 

[bobbycos]

i am at "saturation" already

when i did the rear brakes on my wife's Hyundai I took too many tools and used one wrench to remove one bolt, another to remove another bolt and so on


I will admit I am becoming a tool hoarder

better than drinking/smoking/or even worse

at least i spend my money on something tangible that i will have years from now

 

[Art From De Leon]

What is really bad is when you walk on to a tool truck and realize there is nothing on there you don't already own.

I know that feeling. I want to buy a Snap-on "Tech-Angle" torque wrench in 1/2" drive, even though I have absolutely NO 'need' for it. I have never needed to use the TQFR250 torque wrench that I carry in my pickup.

The ONLY reason I can think of to get one is to have one to go with my 1/4" and 3/8" drive Tech Angles that I already have.

It truely is an addiction.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Then you start buying backups for your backups and then spares for those.

It took me a long time to realize that Snap-on could make 1/2", 9/16", and 3/4" wrenches faster than I could buy them.

 

[Cab037]

I put back my first lot of clearance items last week. It was earth shattering... I'm currently fighting the urge to go back to the store and buy the same items I put back.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I'm thinking Secret Santa shops Menards in September.

 

[TTA579]

Step 3 is selling off the lessor stuff to reduce dupilcation and bulk. I've been there over a year now and many things that had been reserves or 2nd line are now simply gone.

The finer points of my collection and the best of the modern user tools are quite intact and in use. I've reduced the sheer weight to less than 1/3 of peak and not reduced capability.

Purchases are limited to just a few well defined catagories of things that are my passion. Mainly the few and far between antiques that might show up at the local markets.

I have a "loaner" bucket of duplicates.

 

[purplezr2]

I'm slowly getting to this point with mechanics tools. About the only thing I buy are consumables and tools for doing home improvement projects. I do have a list of mechanics tools I would like to pick up but they never go on sale.

 

[SASORacing]

I want to create a tool minimalist thread. Just to see how many are out there. It would sort if be the opposite of a tool hoarder. I myself am lean towards minimalism.

 

[TTA579]

I want to create a tool minimalist thread. Just to see how many are out there. It would sort if be the opposite of a tool hoarder. I myself am lean towards minimalism.

I'm on board with that.

 

[Cab037]

I'm on board with that.

I think you'll end up with a buch of posts from guys that do everything with a multitool...

 

[theoldwizard1]

What is really bad is when you walk on to a tool truck and realize there is nothing on there you don't already own.

Being a DIYer, Craftsman is my brand (most of my stuff is made in the US and is over 20 years old). Aside from their gimmick stuff, I am in the same situation.

A couple of years ago, I set up a second tool box, something small that I can just grab. I bought all new Craftsman wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers etc. mostly from eBay.

I have 2 of all of the basics. 3 if you count my wife's set !


I have not been in a Sears Tool Department for a couple of years until the other week when I bought a 1/4" drive, 1/4" 6 point socket for the one my son-in-law lost from his set. (Grrr !!)

 

[TTA579]

I think you'll end up with a buch of posts from guys that do everything with a multitool...

I'd be interested in seeing how complicated something could be manufactured with one multitool.

But I was thinking more along the lines of people posting without seeing multiple sets of snap-on screwdrivers.

 

[SASORacing]

I'd be interested in seeing how complicated something could be manufactured with one multitool.

But I was thinking more along the lines of people posting without seeing multiple sets of snap-on screwdrivers.

Yeah this. Or a refined 3/8ths drive system, one ratcheting wrench set, metric only, and a lot of high quality tools that all fit in a fairly portable box or cart... It could save money and possibly time?

 

[xtremek]

To all of you who have more than enough tools, I'm available for adoption.

 

[bcradio]

I don't even know what Menards is, but I was looking at the pictures in that thread and thinking to myself that I need none of that. I am pretty well saturated with hand tools myself and have been polishing up my power tool collection. Soon that will be saturated and all I'll need are specialty tools which will likely be bought only as needed.

Buying specialty tools BEFORE I need them will be the urge I will need to fight.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

 

[Super Sport]

I've been debating on going to the Menards the next town over to see if they have any of the deals. But like you, I really don't need any of them. I already picked up several Masterforce sockets sets that I have no need for, but since they were only $7 I couldn't pass them by. I justify it by saying that I'll give them as gifts or something, but truth is I already have half a dozen USA Craftsman sets already set aside for that.

Every month I get $10 in points from that tool of the month at Sears. I really have to think about what to buy now, because I own nearly the entire tool department.

Yes, I have a problem.

 

[eborcim]

I did the same thing...picked up the 90 odd piece Allen socket set for $35 and put it back down. Had there not been so many 1/4 hex drive pieces in there it would have been a different story.

 

[metaldad]

imma so not buying any high heels.

 

[-Brent-]

I echo the sentiment of it being a good move. I actually like that I don't need much, anymore. If I find a screaming deal I sometimes buy it to pass on as a gift or for a buddy in need.

Now, if I could only find a screaming deal on a mag drill. My wants/needs seem to be getting expensive these days.

 

[BK13]

I was grabbing some USA RP combos, and thought to myself, "why am I getting these? You really want to get the Wright combos!" I put them back.

 

[metaldad]

i still have 2-3 unopened sets of rp's from back when sears clearanced those.
i know some of youse guys may have more, but - for instance: my screwdriver collection.
I an industrial HVAC mechanic. I have a wide selection in the work truck, work pouch,and the job site.(never shall the 3 co mingle). How many? I dunno. Between the 3 places, 50 or so.
Also have 30-40 in the carage box, and additional ones in my 3 personal trucks.
my main in the crypt.

more main crypt go to's.

the wall, of some collectables, and others.

the overflow, where I absolutely have no drawer or wall space.

i did want to get a few sets of the masterforce screwdriver sets for omg cheep, but, whats the sense?

 

[Jacobson]

Metaldad, STEP. AWAY. from. the. toolbox.

 

[SMKS]

Read the thread about Menard's un announced, un marked down tool clearance.

In returning them to the pegboard,,,,,,,,,,, I came across to the sobering idea, that I really do NOT need any more screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches.
I know, turn in my man card, but, I absolutely do not need anymore of anything that was drastically marked down.

I'm the one who made the Menard's thread. The deals were marked at my local store, that's how I found them. There are some stores that apparently hadn't updated the signage yet.

But I get your point. I actually only bought three things:
-Ratcheting screwdriver set. I don't have a ratcheting screwdriver.
-Metric crow's feet. I also don't have any of these. I skipped the SAE set, because I almost never use SAE tools.
-Metric double box ratcheting wrench set. These were a shockingly good deal at only $11. But I already have ratcheting wrenches, so buying these may have been a mistake. Maybe I'll give them to someone as a gift or something.

I passed on everything else because it's all stuff I already have.

 

[tadwolfe]

Finally the self help group I have been looking for. It is an addiction when I find myself driving from store to store just to buy tools I do not need. Keep posting, I need a cure. Subscribed

 

[tadwolfe]

I want to create a tool minimalist thread. Just to see how many are out there. It would sort if be the opposite of a tool hoarder. I myself am lean towards minimalism.

Let us know...I need a place to start

 

[Fretters]

Just because something is cheap, it doesn't mean it's worth buying. What if I sold you a $500 pair of high heels for $50? Waste of $50, right?

Not necessarily. For all we know, he may call himself Metalmum by night.

 

[honcho]

Oh Boy, the GJ Tool forum as both disease & therapy? I have the disease bad. I'm always looking for worthy homes for my duplicates when I upgrade. I would be better if I were more organized, that's for sure and having duplicates means I can usually find one of them when needed.

However, there's nothing like a bargain. It's the American way. 70% of the U.S. economy depends on retail shopping so don't think of it as an addicition, think of your purchases as your contribution to improving the American economy (though your help may bankrupt you).

 

[pauls_workshop]

My wife is a therapist, so I feel pretty "well qualified" to talk on this subject here!

I don't have much spare money to buy tools, but since on GJ, I have learned about some better quality tools or function tools than I had, and have picked up a few useful things over the last couple years, generally on clearance or super sale prices. I'm a homeowner type and also enjoy messing with small engines but not a mechanic.

So what do I do? Well, if I need a tool for a project, then I can justify getting it, as that saves vs. hiring someone else to do the project. If I really want an "upgrade" for a tool that I might already have something to make do with, then I will let myself do that when it is a good deal but then part with the older tool afterwards. So I let myself upgrade when it makes sense. But I also set limits. If I have more than 2 of something that will work, I will not allow any more. I have two places I do work, so 2 is ok for me but not 3. I like to go garage sailing and find my "upgrades" there for not much money, generally older US made tools for much cheaper than new China coo ones. Also, if the tool box is full, then no more tools get bought till space is made inside it by parting with some things there! This is my way of controlling myself. It works for me. I have most of the tools I need to do projects, allow modest upgrades, but also control the hobby and collection. I also like to give away older tools to my nephews or friends that still have good life in them to help out others. I have as much fun giving away something as acquiring it in the first place! It works for me. - Paul

 

[Jacobson]

Making space before buying anything is good advice