How do you think of duplicate tools

[stricht8]

Because we are tool obsessed. Otherwise we wouldn't be on this forum. Most of my friends think I'm crazy because I have my tools organized neatly in a tool chest. They don't understand. What about car collectors who have multiples of the same marque or even model?

I always want to own a large variety of tools, but never strive to have duplicate tools.

I could not understand why some people on this board own a dozens of the same Snap on ratchets, a dozen of the same Snap on extension bars, a dozen of the same Snap on screwdrivers. I'm not pointing out your name here.

If I trust Snap on's quality that much, I wouldn't keep so many spare ones.

 

[fatfillup]

This is what I call a chocolate or vanilla decision. To each his own. If you liike collecting tools for display and that's your hobby, that's great. That's no different then spending a small fortune on NASCSAR or football tickets.

As far as having dupes, trips, or quads in your work box, thats ok too. There have been some good reasoning for that listed in this thread.

I also can't pass up a good deal and have aquired many a tool that way. Good way to upgrade your tools a little at a time, and you end up with spares.

Last fall I started buying and selling Tools and boxes as a hobby and now have a desire to collect old tools. I really look forward to completing sets. Hopefully my sales will fund the process but if it doesn't, oh well its my money and as long as all my bills get paid and wifey doesn't object, who cares.

Lastly, I look at tools as an investment provided you can either sell them at a profit or make money using them. The bank isn't paying anything so I'm risking a little money that quality tools, bought right will produce an adequate return. Time will tell but a guy just walked in and bought 2 new cornwell ratchets and a set of blue point ratchet wrenches. It is a good day in finksburg.

 

[Tool Pants]

Because I'm senile.

I have been tool hunting at the flea market almost every Saturday for months. One thing I was looking for was a 3/8" drive 7/8" 6 point Craftsman socket. Spend many Saturdays sorting through boxes and boxes of sockets. That was hard to find.

Finally found one and bought it, but that fact did not enter the memory bank.

On another Saturday I bought another.

On another Saturday I bought another.

When I finally got around to organizing my socket sets I realized I had bought 3.

I also did this with a 9mm 1/2" drive Craftsman socket.

I now carry a list of what I need.

If anyone needs 7/8" and 9mm sockets then I'm your guy.

 

[mkdive]

I tried to be polite in the screwdriver thread, but screw it. It is very simple for someone that uses tools as they were intended (i know, some view this stuff as jewelry or something like that) and does not try to turn their garage/shop into some kind of museum. Viewing pictures of what look like man jewelry boxes is just beyond belief. I am totally on board with what the guy was saying.

This guy was saying that having thousands of dollars in tools in sterile little garages/shops where the only thing you ever do is polish said man jewelry is just a sad statement. The guy was saying, get some kind of project to work on with your tools, but that message will always be lost on some guys.I realize that will be viewed as quite boorish by some. So be it.

I can tell you this, after seeing what you did to that jewelry box on wheels of yours there is no way you are ever going to get that guys message, or mine.
So there you have it in a nutshell.

You asked for an answer and you got it.

This is the EXACT opposite of why I joined this forum. I use to frequent other forums & I had 10K+ response counts on some of the boards. I stopped spending times on those forums because most of the responses in the threads were members belittling each other & trash talking. (Im not saying the above was that). But it wasnt helpful.

I found this forum from a member here and started to browse some of the treads. One of the things I noticed was the LACK of the things I despised & see on other forums!?

I really like this forum because 98% of the time members are helping other members with their questions or interests. The other 2% of responses are some poking or good nature joking around. The above comment didn't seem to fit in either of those categories.

I can appreciate what DPS has done to his drawers. I personally wouldn't go that route on my box, it just wouldn't work for what I use my tools for & I would F it up quickly! But I can appreciated the time and effort it took to make it look that good. As DPS said those were his "collection" tools.

My garage is no means sterile. In fact most of the time I think its a mess. I would like it to be more clean & organized than it is. I work on my crawler & motorcycles, but I'm not using my tools everyday. I was taught by my dad many moons ago to take care of what you have and keep things organized. If that means a wrench got covered in dirt or grease, then wipe it clean before you put it back. I would also like better tools than I have. I don't have the level of tools or even a tenth of the amount that most members on here have, but then again I'm not a pro mechanic so I don't need them. I have mostly Cman, about 25% of my tools are SO. In fact my box and tools were scatterd more than they are now before I joined this forum. After seeing some of the boxes other members have on here and how organized some were.... made get back to the way pop taught me.

I guess what I am trying to say, what drew me to this forum was how friendly everyone on here is. I liked that a new person (like myself) could ask a question for some help, it might even be a noob or stupid question.
But the responses were generally helpful. There is roughly 32,000 members on this forum, from pro mechanics to weekend warriors. Of course they wont have the same tools, or use said tools as frequently as each other. But that's why this forum is great..... one side of the spectrum can get or share info from the other...no?

I will say this, "man jewlery" made me laugh, first time I have herd that one.

 

[HandyManny]

I have some duplicate tools. Mainly in combo wrenches both SAE and Metric. Have two 10" Channellock #430 tongue & groove pliers. Have two Ridgid pipe wrenches, one 10" the other 14". Have two 10" and two 12" adjustable wrenches. Also have a few duplicate screwdrivers, just because of acquisition, no real need. Often times you'll need two sets of a tool to work in conjunction with each other, especially with wrenches and pliers.

 

[Uncle Buck]

This is the EXACT opposite of why I joined this forum. I use to frequent other forums & I had 10K+ response counts on some of the boards. I stopped spending times on those forums because most of the responses in the threads were members belittling each other & trash talking. (Im not saying the above was that). But it wasnt helpful.

I found this forum from a member here and started to browse some of the treads. One of the things I noticed was the LACK of the things I despised & see on other forums!?

I really like this forum because 98% of the time members are helping other members with their questions or interests. The other 2% of responses are some poking or good nature joking around. The above comment didn't seem to fit in either of those categories.

I can appreciate what DPS has done to his drawers. I personally wouldn't go that route on my box, it just wouldn't work for what I use my tools for & I would F it up quickly! But I can appreciated the time and effort it took to make it look that good. As DPS said those were his "collection" tools.

My garage is no means sterile. In fact most of the time I think its a mess. I would like it to be more clean & organized than it is. I work on my crawler & motorcycles, but I'm not using my tools everyday. I was taught by my dad many moons ago to take care of what you have and keep things organized. If that means a wrench got covered in dirt or grease, then wipe it clean before you put it back. I would also like better tools than I have. I don't have the level of tools or even a tenth of the amount that most members on here have, but then again I'm not a pro mechanic so I don't need them. I have mostly Cman, about 25% of my tools are SO. In fact my box and tools were scatterd more than they are now before I joined this forum. After seeing some of the boxes other members have on here and how organized some were.... made get back to the way pop taught me.

I guess what I am trying to say, what drew me to this forum was how friendly everyone on here is. I liked that a new person (like myself) could ask a question for some help, it might even be a noob or stupid question.
But the responses were generally helpful. There is roughly 32,000 members on this forum, from pro mechanics to weekend warriors. Of course they wont have the same tools, or use said tools as frequently as each other. But that's why this forum is great..... one side of the spectrum can get or share info from the other...no?

I will say this, "man jewlery" made me laugh, first time I have herd that one.

Sorry, I had to cover the guys back he took a swipe at.

 

[rhandwor]

Some I got because somebody at the flea market said you can have all of them for a cheap price. This was less than i would have paid for what I wanted.
I have cheaper tools I take to the junk yard. I don't want to forget an expensive tool.

 

[T56 Impala]

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

While I do like this forum, many members are so ******* in collecting tools and making their garages pretty, they dont even have time to use any of it.

There, I said it.

I resemble that remark!

I do collect, both modern and vintage tools. I do strive to have "pretty" garage also. I'm sorry if it offends you. I lot of my time is also ******* in doing both of these activities.

The use of a garage can vary widely. I use mine for the purpose of collecting tools. I clean them, catalogue them, Identify them and display them. (Vintage ones that is) I'm even thinking of writing another book. This one will be about..... TOOLS! Where will it be written? Likely, IN THE GARAGE! Others use their garage for larger tasks. Metal work, woodwork, auto motive maintenance and restoration.

I do work on my cars in there. I do some woodworking in there. Not everyone has an old car in the midst of a full restoration. Not everyone is an avid wood/metal worker. Some actually like to enjoy their garage as a place to do what ever hobby they do.

Now, I do agree that some....no names....have way too many of the same tools. I have somewhere in the vicinity of 16 ratchets. 1/2 of those being vintage. Is that too many? Its hard to say. I have, many times when working on my cars, used 2 3/8 or 2 1/2 drives at the same time. Its good to have doubles. I actually don't call doubles like this doubles. Its more of a complete set. Many pros have doubles because they either need them OR they have one as a back up in case something goes wrong with the primary. Not having a back up is a quick way to loose money.

Vintage collectors are another story. I try not to double up on vintage tools. The only time I will double on say, something like 1/2" drive ratchets, is if the two are of a completely differing design and or have some historical significance. I don't collect simply to collect. Some others do just that. They have 5+ of the same exact tool. That is kind of a waist of money in my book but.... I do understand why they do what they do. Same goes for the guys and the modern tools. I understand why they have many of the same tool.

As for the "pretty" garage.... its much easier to keep one clean if it starts off clean and with good organization. I don't misplace bolts or tools because I can see them. (Very brightly painted garage) Everything has a place (or will soon I hope!) and everything gets put back into that place when I'm done with it. I can actually work in my tiny garage and park two cars in it when I'm done. Even with the tool collections!

I also like to have my garage as a conversation piece. As a matter of fact, I just got my dad in trouble with my mom over this very thing! It seems I do a better job painting my garage than he does painting their living room. (Sorry dad!) Having pride in my work area, no matter what work I choose to do, helps me have pride in the work performed. People who visit always ask, "So what have you done to the garage?" I think that is pretty neat that people recognize that its a special place for me. Even the folks in the subdivision, who thought I was totally nuts for painting my garage, now ask me how I did something and if I could help them build something in their garage.

 

[Basskiller]

We have to take what people on a forum say as it is. Big deal if somebody you dont even know disagrees with what you think. Does it affect your life if a guy collects tools, polishes tools, uses them and throws em in the draw covered in grease, etc.......
I have seen collections, boxes, garages, shops on here that I'm jealous of. Good for those who have them. I appreciate the pics as some give me ideas.
While I can see all "sides" to this discussion and play on all of them. I do have my side that I lean to, and that is that tools are to be used and the more to choose from the better. But who am I to try and persuade a guy that he should or shouldnt do something with his tools. If what people do with thier tools makes them happy, where is the harm?
People will type on a keyboard what they would not say while looking in your eyes. I see no need to take any comments personal as its just some dude that is pretty much irrelevant in my life.

Not aiming that at anybody in particular. Just saying its a forum and opinons will vary. let them be.

 

[Uncle Buck]

We have to take what people on a forum say as it is. Big deal if somebody you dont even know disagrees with what you think. Does it affect your life if a guy collects tools, polishes tools, uses them and throws em in the draw covered in grease, etc.......
I have seen collections, boxes, garages, shops on here that I'm jealous of. Good for those who have them. I appreciate the pics as some give me ideas.
While I can see all "sides" to this discussion and play on all of them. I do have my side that I lean to, and that is that tools are to be used and the more to choose from the better. But who am I to try and persuade a guy that he should or shouldnt do something with his tools. If what people do with thier tools makes them happy, where is the harm?
People will type on a keyboard what they would not say while looking in your eyes. I see no need to take any comments personal as its just some dude that is pretty much irrelevant in my life.

Not aiming that at anybody in particular. Just saying its a forum and opinons will vary. let them be.

You said it more tactfully than me. I ran off half cocked spouting off as usual at something that struck me wrong. Sometimes it is better to wait to respond.

 

[mkdive]

People will type on a keyboard what they would not say while looking in your eyes.

So true! Good thing that doesn't happen too much on here!

 

[mkdive]

Sorry, I had to cover the guys back he took a swipe at.

10-4, we are all "friends" here.

 

[krusty the clown]

i own duplicates because i have three sets of tools.............work, home, and truck. hell i may start a 4th set just for fun.

 

[Uncle Buck]

10-4, we are all "friends" here.

I don't know what gets into me sometimes.

(I need to round up Bolster, I am gettin a hankering for some fresh cooked Gopher of his with all that Gophery goodness he is forever yappin about!)

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Who is to say someone else has 'too many' tools?!

As long as the person didn't get them illegally, it's nobody else's business.

I'm sure there are many who would say I have too many toolboxes. And I could care less!

 

[v8garage]

Who is to say someone else has 'too many' tools?!

As long as the person didn't get them illegally, it's nobody else's business.

I'm sure there are many who would say I have too many toolboxes. And I could care less!

There is no such thing as too many tools! That would be like having too much fun, having too much money or a girl that is too pretty.

 

[dps]

I tried to be polite in the screwdriver thread, but screw it. It is very simple for someone that uses tools as they were intended (i know, some view this stuff as jewelry or something like that) and does not try to turn their garage/shop into some kind of museum. Viewing pictures of what look like man jewelry boxes is just beyond belief. I am totally on board with what the guy was saying.

This guy was saying that having thousands of dollars in tools in sterile little garages/shops where the only thing you ever do is polish said man jewelry is just a sad statement. The guy was saying, get some kind of project to work on with your tools, but that message will always be lost on some guys.I realize that will be viewed as quite boorish by some. So be it.

I can tell you this, after seeing what you did to that jewelry box on wheels of yours there is no way you are ever going to get that guys message, or mine.
So there you have it in a nutshell.

You asked for an answer and you got it.

I think you missed my point, which originally quoted a couple of other guys that basically said "to each their own". A few more replies since then have voiced similar sentiment.

So I was trying to agree with that viewpoint by asking the member from Idaho to explain what he meant, and why. Now if you felt I was trying to take a swipe at him by parsing his statements you would have things reversed. He took the swipe, not at me, or any other particular member that I know of, BUT at EVERY MEMBER who might not agree with him.

And that, of course, is what I have a problem with. Because from what I've read on this Board, there is a massive range here, and that's what's cool, I think. There are guys (and a few girls) here that have dozens of collectible cars in multi-storied garages and others trying to change the starter on their old heap out at the curb. Some people could probably care less about a car at all, using their tools on aircraft or motorcyles or maybe even something that doesn't burn gasoline at all like woodworking, gunsmithing, home restoration, bicycles.

Now I know there are guys here from different races. I'm pretty sure there are different religions and political viewpoints as well. Hell, there may even be different ****** preferences as well, for all I know. (Ryan, I'm trying to hit every keyword that will flag this post! ) But I do know that I appreciate reading and seeing ALL of the options, all of the opinions. But I don't appreciate anyone telling me or anyone else here that they must agree with you or anyone else lest they be labeled in some way inferior to you.

Because whatever you are, and I mean the plural you, not you individually, U.B., someone here is most likely better at it than you. So my objection to his post was how come it has to be his way or the highway?

Now as to the attack on me personally, I don't really mind too much if you consider my tool organization to be not to your tastes; of course it's not to everyone's. I don't mind if someone else works in a disorganized pit of filth if that's what makes 'em happy. But to state that "there is no way you are ever going to get that" does tick me off a little because it says that you think I'm dense or stupid, and that's not right. Ultimately I have to consider the source and let it go.

If it will make you feel any better about my priorities, preferences, or tool-worthiness, please know that my own garage/shop/studio is not pretty like parts of my boxes are. But it is a working shop that's produced a reasonably successful how-to series of DVD's and magazine articles. My tools helped me design and create a piece of equipment that is now manufactured by others and makes my mortgage payments. It lets me sit on my **** in the middle of the day if I want to. BUT, don't forget, there are guys here who could buy me 10 times over, or have a better looking wife or cleaner tools or...

 

[Uncle Buck]

I think you missed my point, which originally quoted a couple of other guys that basically said "to each their own". A few more replies since then have voiced similar sentiment.

So I was trying to agree with that viewpoint by asking the member from Idaho to explain what he meant, and why. Now if you felt I was trying to take a swipe at him by parsing his statements you would have things reversed. He took the swipe, not at me, or any other particular member that I know of, BUT at EVERY MEMBER who might not agree with him.

And that, of course, is what I have a problem with. Because from what I've read on this Board, there is a massive range here, and that's what's cool, I think. There are guys (and a few girls) here that have dozens of collectible cars in multi-storied garages and others trying to change the starter on their old heap out at the curb. Some people could probably care less about a car at all, using their tools on aircraft or motorcyles or maybe even something that doesn't burn gasoline at all like woodworking, gunsmithing, home restoration, bicycles.

Now I know there are guys here from different races. I'm pretty sure there are different religions and political viewpoints as well. Hell, there may even be different ****** preferences as well, for all I know. (Ryan, I'm trying to hit every keyword that will flag this post! ) But I do know that I appreciate reading and seeing ALL of the options, all of the opinions. But I don't appreciate anyone telling me or anyone else here that they must agree with you or anyone else lest they be labeled in some way inferior to you.

Because whatever you are, and I mean the plural you, not you individually, U.B., someone here is most likely better at it than you. So my objection to his post was how come it has to be his way or the highway?

Now as to the attack on me personally, I don't really mind too much if you consider my tool organization to be not to your tastes; of course it's not to everyone's. I don't mind if someone else works in a disorganized pit of filth if that's what makes 'em happy. But to state that "there is no way you are ever going to get that" does tick me off a little because it says that you think I'm dense or stupid, and that's not right. Ultimately I have to consider the source and let it go.

If it will make you feel any better about my priorities, preferences, or tool-worthiness, please know that my own garage/shop/studio is not pretty like parts of my boxes are. But it is a working shop that's produced a reasonably successful how-to series of DVD's and magazine articles. My tools helped me design and create a piece of equipment that is now manufactured by others and makes my mortgage payments. It lets me sit on my **** in the middle of the day if I want to. BUT, don't forget, there are guys here who could buy me 10 times over, or have a better looking wife or cleaner tools or...

Please do me a favor and just disregard my prior tactless post. For whatever reason I guess I was in an off mood. At any rate, there should be, and is room here for all manner of folk just as you and others have said. So what say you to an outright apology for the post on my part and we can go ahead and move forward.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I had guys I worked with , half if their box was model cars and other toys
some guys had 1 drawer reserved for cocaine
you just worry about yourself glutton

 

[dps]

we can go ahead and move forward.

Agreed!

 

[IDASHO]

DPS, at first I didnt even bother reading your extensive response, then I noticed you wanted a response to it. So I read it.... here is my response... to your response... getting repetitive yet??

So even though several members here have stated that it IS convenience, whether it's working on several projects at once, or working simultaneously with a friend, they are just making this up?

Having enough tools to get the job done is one thing. To have 15 of the same ratchet is a totally different deal.

I think everyone likes to feel they are special, don't you? I suppose some people might feel that they acquire "specialness" if they have a bunch of tools. Others might feel special because of what they drive or where they live or what they read or what they do for causes they believe in or how many shot glasses they can pyramid on the bar before falling off their stool. There's really quite a wide range of what people do to feel special, I guess.

I can understand being proud of what you have. But a garage to me is a place of business, as well as release. Get things done, and try to enjoy it while you can.

I do not see a garage as a place to hord crazy amounts of tools. If I find a need for a tool, then I buy one. But it has to have a use. A tool sitting in a drawer unused for more than a year to me is a waste.

As for the shot glass thing, that is a point of showing off, and expecting some sort of applause by your audience. That is where this part of the forum seems to have evolved into. Nothing more than a section to ooh-and-aah at peoples pretty tools.

It is interesting to see what threads get massive responses to. Legit tool discussions, or "show me your tool box" threads.

But you're saying that having a bunch of tools isn't a legit reason to be special? Or to just to "think" you're special?

A bunch of tools is great. But this thread is about duplicates. I think they are, within reason, a waste.

The next sentence is confusing because it seems to say or imply a few different things that don't make sense to me. First, are you saying that if you collect tools AND make your garage pretty that you won't have enough time left over to use your tools? I mean, does that say that it's okay to EITHER collect tools, OR make your garage pretty, but if you do BOTH you're out of time to use tools? And it seems to imply that USING tools is the only reason for having tools. That wouldn't make any more sense than telling a sports memorabilia collector that unless he plays with that signed football or wears that autographed jersey that he doesn't even have any time to use it. Or am I missing the point?

Lets put it this way....

Ever see a productive shop as clean as some of the garages on here? Not likely. Unless it is some fancy shop that thinks a clean shop improves their image. Which it might, and that might help their business, but it doesnt do anything for a home owner that wrenches.

And how would you know if someone was out of time? I mean, we all have 24 hours a day, but how would you know how many of them any individual might be able to devote to using tools? I know for a fact that some members on this board make a living with their tools, so they might spend more time with them than others, even if they spend some of their time collecting or making their garages pretty. (I'm not even going to get into why you seem to have a problem with a pretty garage.) I also know some members are retired, so maybe they choose to use some of their time working with their tools. And others here have many other interests or commitments that reduce their tool usage time, but may make them appreciate it all the more.

Many are retired, yes. The others, Ill assume have just about as much free time as I do. Working 40-60 hrs a week, maintaining the homestead, and maintaining multiple vehicles and yard equipment. Doesnt leave much time for anything. I work at least 4 nights a week until 10-11pm in my garage.
And it looks like it.

It would take me a week to clean up my shop to look as "pretty" as some that are shown on this site. Between active projects, and general cleaning duties, it would be a challenge.

Your last sentence, "There, I said it." appears to be something of a gauntlet, implying that you speak truths that others must agree with or risk being wrong in your eyes. So I am asking that you explain further so that I might see if I, or other members might not be doing it right.

I absolutely believe that there are other members that will agree with me. I also believe that they think they will be ridiculed if they speak out about it.

Truth be told.

 

[mkdive]

I had guys I worked with , half if their box was model cars and other toys
some guys had 1 drawer reserved for cocaine
you just worry about yourself glutton

YIKES!!!

 

[RRmech]

Our management was real **** about keeping our shop clean.
We'd get tour groups, from all over the world, inspecting our facilities.
We'd have to wash-n'-wax the floors before every visit.
Then the management would get all bent-out-of-shape, because we'd stand around, waiting for the floor to dry?

Steve

Steve

 

[autoace]

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

While I do like this forum, many members are so ******* in collecting tools and making their garages pretty, they dont even have time to use any of it.

There, I said it.

It's better than collecting "nik nak", but I agree with you! Good thing I over bought tools, in the previous years. I am selling many off to pay for home repairs that cannot wait. So bless the guys, that just have to have certain tools.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Our shop is kept clean all the time.

As for duplicates...there can be so many interpretations of that, I don't know where to start.

Duplicate sockets are sometimes needed. Personally, I don't consider two socket sets to be "duplicates". The same goes with wrenches. Sometimes you need two combo wrenches of the same size.

Are we considering "duplicates" to be identical wrenches, or the same size? For example, I have 14 different SAE wrench sets at work, all somewhat different, all get used.

Combination
combination gearwrench
open end
stubby
stubby gear wrench
box end
4-way angle wrenches
service wrenches
tappet wrenches
12 pt flarenut wrenches
combination ignition wrenches
4-way angle ignition wrenches
thin wrenches
"jackoff" wrench (specialty tool, I've hard them called T handle wrenches)


As for ratchets, it's nice to have two of the same sometimes. If I'm pulling a mower apart, and it's all either 10mm or 14mm, it's way easier to just have two ratchets sitting there, then swap sockets all the time.

Now, would I get more than two of the EXACT same wrench? Doubtful.

 

[Basskiller]

We'd have to wash-n'-wax the floors before every visit.
Then the management would get all bent-out-of-shape, because we'd stand around, waiting for the floor to dry?

Steve

Steve

Classic!

 

[paramudduck]

Good point Nissan, duplicates to me mean more then one of any kind. Or even ore then one of any size.

But the feeling I'm getting is they are referring to 15 exactly the same tools.

Same and type and length. Same brand and style.

Me thinks I'm confusing myself. I'm going to sit back and let this one work itself out.

 

[jerk_chicken]

I'm waiting for this to turn into a flamefest.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Good point Nissan, duplicates to me mean more then one of any kind. Or even ore then one of any size.

But the feeling I'm getting is they are referring to 15 exactly the same tools.

Same and type and length. Same brand and style.

Me thinks I'm confusing myself. I'm going to sit back and let this one work itself out.

Same here, hence my question. I could have roughly 11-12 duplicates in my work box, or none at all, depending on what they're referring to.

 

[IDASHO]

As stated by the original poster...

I could not understand why some people on this board own a dozens of the same Snap on ratchets, a dozen of the same Snap on extension bars, a dozen of the same Snap on screwdrivers. I'm not pointing out your name here.

We are talking about lots of duplicates.

I can easily understand a few of the same wrench, but not DOZENS.

Another good example is the screwdriver thread.

The way I see it, if you have a standard, long reach, and stubby #2 phillips screwdriver, that's all you really need for #2 phillips. There is no need whatsoever to have DOZENS of said screwdriver.

 

[krusty the clown]

NEED? i don't need half of the tools i own...........but i WANT them.

i don't think anyone else has the right to decide what i own

 

[wrenchr]

NEED? i don't need half of the tools i own...........but i WANT them.

i don't think anyone else has the right to decide what i own

Amen Brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can drink to that

 

[Chris Adams]

In a friendly way I would like to address a couple interesting points you make;
Duplicates are often in the eye of the beholder. Some guys have said I have too many wrenches, but I notice the same guys are grateful as hell when the angle/length/shape/thickness of one specific brand of wrench gets the job done perfectly.

Sure, 15 of one exact ratchet or even two of one exact wrench may be duplication, assuming you only work in one location, but two of almost the same tool is not duplication.



On seeing productive shops clean as any shop here;
I’ve seen a number of shops that are at least as clean as anything I’ve seen posted.
German Motor Car, now with a different name but the same owner, is cleaner than most kitchens, way cleaner than, say, a 5 star restaurant. Truly cleaner than many post op rooms I have awoken in…
German guy, who works on engines that cost lots. No dirt allowed.
Nice guy too, by the way, not the **** retentive type, but the kind of guy who strives for perfection.
My favorite alignment shop, I sometimes think they do white glove inspections. Best alignment shop on the Desert, bar none. The others don’t even argue the case. A little expensive but worth it. If you can get an appointment.
By the way, neither of these places are pretentious in the least. Hard working guys who want the best for their employees and customers.
On another thing;
Yup, some of us are retired and have time to keep them neat. Very neat. But that’s not why I keep mine ‘high and tight’ with LOTS of drawers and a place for everything;
It’s because I learned when running retail stores that the more organized you are, the less waste, less injuries, better speed and better production you get.
Also, if you are TIGHT on space, as I am, you are FORCED to be very organized. Clutter is not an option when you have park two trucks in a 440 square foot garage with as many tools as I have.

In defense of neatness;
Over the years I was managing retail auto parts stores I found some managers were absolute neatness freaks, some were neat and careful, some were rather casual and some were slobs. I never had a good manager that let his store degrade into a pit. The guys with everything in its place, everything put away after use, all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted made me more money, and had happier employees. The slobs came and went, even the causal guys soon found themselves with shrink (theft, employee and customer) safety violations and employee problems. The ‘over neat’ guys got a lot of flack, but they usually promoted up, opened their own business, or made money till they retired.

 

[Chris Adams]

As stated by the original poster...



We are talking about lots of duplicates.

I can easily understand a few of the same wrench, but not DOZENS.

Another good example is the screwdriver thread.

The way I see it, if you have a standard, long reach, and stubby #2 phillips screwdriver, that's all you really need for #2 phillips. There is no need whatsoever to have DOZENS of said screwdriver.

Dozens, No. I have need of just in #2 Phillips, Stubby, really short, even shorter (Yup, under a dash or inside electronics one inch long is too long sometimes) medium stubby (about a 2 inch blade, very handy) regular, got about five of those, all have different handle characteristics, blade shapes even sizes, but all are sold as #2, long, extra long, ludicrously long, (use the heck out of that one) so that's about 13 but I could easily toss two of the regular ones out, but dang, it's handy to always have one, never have to look for one, or walk across the shop or out to the annex or the job in the driveway just because I need a #2 Phillips.

You know, I suspect you are in perfect health, or darn close to it. For me, having one on the floor, one in the tray and one on the bench against the wall means I don't have to reach for the cane, lever myself up and walk across the room for another tool.

Of course, I have two bad knees.
I recommend everyone avoid Huey's, motorcycles and 7.62x39 rounds, not necessarily in that order…

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

As stated by the original poster...

We are talking about lots of duplicates.

I can easily understand a few of the same wrench, but not DOZENS.

Another good example is the screwdriver thread.

The way I see it, if you have a standard, long reach, and stubby #2 phillips screwdriver, that's all you really need for #2 phillips. There is no need whatsoever to have DOZENS of said screwdriver.

"The way YOU see it"....nuff said. We know your opinion on this subject...so no need to keep reiterating it.

NEED? i don't need half of the tools i own...........but i WANT them.

i don't think anyone else has the right to decide what i own

Amen, brother Krusty!

 

[The Muffin Man]

I don't think anyone else has the right to decide what i own

I was thinking the same thing .

 

[dxdexter]

NEED? i don't need half of the tools i own...........but i WANT them.

I don't think anyone else has the right to decide what I own

Apparently some think you should only own what they think you should own, based on their own personal requirements.

I hate to say it, but this whole thread comes across as pure cynicism or jealousy on the part of some posters. As a side note: what the heck happened to the OP. He started this post and hasn't chimed in since? Leaving IDASHO to take up his query.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Here I come.

I did not start the post out of jealousy. Instead, I just feel curious. For myself, I do not own duplicate tools, because:

1) I do not need duplicate tools. I'm a weekend warrior only.
2) I do not have space to store them.

My goal of collecting tools is to have the smallest toolbox with the best versatility. My tool box is only for the best tools that enable me to do the most variable things.

Apparently some think you should only own what they think you should own, based on their own personal requirements.

I hate to say it, but this whole thread comes across as pure cynicism or jealousy on the part of some posters. As a side note: what the heck happened to the OP. He started this post and hasn't chimed in since? Leaving IDASHO to take up his query.

 

[dxdexter]

Here I come.

I did not start the post out of jealousy. Instead, I just feel curious. For myself, I do not own duplicate tools, because:

1

Perhaps not , but it sure has taken on that tone.

 

[IDASHO]

Certainly not out of jealousy I think it is a much more realistic viewpoint.

I own what I need to own. I cannot think of one tool, besides some very job specific sockets, that goes unused for more than a few months. I see that as a realistic approach. Id never want to buy a tool that doesnt provide a return on my investment.

I can understand that many collect tools for just that purpose.... to collect them. For others, like myself, a tool is a tool. And a tool is to be used for progress. Be it building a trailer queen hot-rod that will hardly ever see the sky, or a much needed emergency repair on the farm tractor.