What Tool Purchases Do You Regret The Most?

[winlinmac]

Or in other words, which has been Your Worst Tool Purchase thus far?
Big difference between Which versus What

Also curious to know, what was the end-result? Junk-drawer or sold or given away to others?

 

[Dan_s_young]

Ingersoll rand hammerhead, broke within 2 months of use. (Then like an idiot didn't get it repaired fast enough under warranty) Concept of the tool was good, but no longevity. Now it sits in my garage partially disassembled, but the parts are $$$ and I assume it'll just break again.

 

[77thor]

Coil spring compressor.

Never used it, it was much easier to just lower the control arm VERY slowly to remove the spring.

 

[bcradio]

Ingersoll rand hammerhead, broke within 2 months of use. (Then like an idiot didn't get it repaired fast enough under warranty) Concept of the tool was good, but no longevity. Now it sits in my garage partially disassembled, but the parts are $$$ and I assume it'll just break again.

It won't. The early ones had a problem and would break (likely what happened to yours), but the new ones are better as they fixed the issue.

My biggest regret tool purchase... the Craftsman US master 3/8" and 1/2" impact set. I later got the Sunex master sets which are much more comprehensive, less expensive, and thinner.

 

[Dan_s_young]

It won't. The early ones had a problem and would break (likely what happened to yours), but the new ones are better as they fixed the issue.

Sorry to thread hijack, but just the head has to be replaced with an updated part?

 

[VoodooCLD]

Definitely the ones where i spent a good chunk of money on a tool ($150+) for a specialty tool and only used it once. Especially when i could have just paid $150 to have someone else do the job and not worry about it. Hindsight is always 20/20.

 

[48548]

Death Sticks.... Also really cheap tools that didn't even last for one or two uses.

 

[Twomato]

Not knowing about ball bearing drawer slides when I started buying my Craftsman boxes. i can definitely feel the difference once you load the tray with tool weight.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Snap On 3/8 ratchet. I have to keep reminding myself to use it instead of my ancient Craftsman. Not a bad ratchet, just isn't really any better than the Craftsman I've had for decades. Can't really say I regret buying it since it was cheap and it never hurts to have another ratchet or 7.

 

[bcradio]

Sorry to thread hijack, but just the head has to be replaced with an updated part?

Sorry, I don't know the details of what they had to fix to solve the issue. I just remember reading it sometime back as I was leery of all the complaints people were having. After I saw that they fixed the issue, I bought one myself and it has been trouble free for me.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

When I first started out buying tools for myself I wasted hundreds of dollars on name brands second hand that were old technology. I have since sold a large majority of it off, but looking back I could of just been more patient and got newer tools that performed better for the work I do.

 

[48548]

When I first started out buying tools for myself I wasted hundreds of dollars on name brands second hand that were old technology. I have since sold a large majority of it off, but looking back I could of just been more patient and got newer tools that performed better for the work I do.

Proto comes to my mind.... I agree old snapon ratchets ****. the 936 even **** in my opinion.

 

[HCNDM]

Not thinking about a cordless ecosystem. I have four different brands. Choices made when I had less cash and needed a tool so bought the best for the job to my budget.

I should have saved and gone with the Bosch or Makita 18 v line.

I would still be able to get batteries and expand tooling.
I don't have the cash to replace working cordless tools this year. Not much to replace unbroken stuff anyway but as soon as I have 700 euros to burn I will get a set within one Eco system and flog the rest.

Cordless drill driver and or a combination of sawSall jigsaw and circular saw. As much as budget will allow.

I will stick to either Makita or Bosch (blue) because they are readily available and decent quality.

I would consider Milwaukee m18 as they are starting to show up here but support and availability would have to improve.


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[ScottsGT]

Harbor Freight 3/4" Torque Wrench. It works fine, I just bought it to verify I had some suspension bolts tight enough to satisfy the aftermarket manufacturer when I told them I cranked down on it with my IR 1/2" Impact gun. I needed 175 ft lbs and I had exceeded it easily. They were insistent my bolts were still loose.
$75 torque wrench I'll never use again.

 

[Strouty]

Robogrip anyone?

 

[LXCam]

My anodizing line. I dropped almost 3G setting it up only to realize I'd need to spend about 5000 man hours coating parts for it to pay for its self. I recently gave everything away except for my power supply and water purification set up to a cop buddy. I bet by now he's ready to arrest me. Lol

 

[KM223]

Robogrip anyone?

This. Never had them but my father does and they are a real turd!!

 

[lightning02]

My toolbox- should bought bigger.

Finishing my usa cman wrench set- should have waited and could bought something better and cheaper.

250pc usa cman socket get with case- they where all fucked up in someway and could bought same for cheaper and better.

Not buying all snap on ratchets from the start.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Snap On 3/8 ratchet. I have to keep reminding myself to use it instead of my ancient Craftsman. Not a bad ratchet, just isn't really any better than the Craftsman I've had for decades. Can't really say I regret buying it since it was cheap and it never hurts to have another ratchet or 7.

We'll forget this ever happened. The Koolaid is outside- please take a glass for the road


Only kidding- I recently thought a PIN nailer was a good idea for some woodworking trim. Those things barely hold themselves together. I seemed to have over rated the capabilities in my head because of there is any tension- they aren't holding- at all. Luckily my 16ga nailer didn't split the wood so I used it sparingly and held my breath each shot that it didn't split.

 

[Finky198]

Sorry to thread hijack, but just the head has to be replaced with an updated part?

dan if you pm me. I can walk you through the Rebuild process. Its likely that the Locking collar in the head backed out and need re-torqued. It was fairly simple ive done it a couple times...

they had quite a design flaw that they overlooked but it can be repaired

 

[PelicanPines]

Robogrip anyone?

Hey... I use mine all the time.


My regret was my serp belt tool... used it once... not an engine guy... then again... I got it with reward points... still it takes up space and will probably never be used. Should sell it but I'm not that kinda guy. More likely to donate it to a friend in need.

 

[CoogarXR]

I impulse-bought a Craftsman scroll saw at a yard sale about 6 years ago. It was only $25, but the thing just sits in my way, and I have never even plugged it in. The tool-hoarder in me says "but what if I need it someday?" every time I think about selling it.

 

[firworks]

Small purchase: Hansen Socket Trays

They were kinda expensive and they take up a lot of room and I just... don't really like them. Small sockets don't fit on their pegs, they all store upside down. It's just pretty meh.

Large purchase: Bosch 12" Glide Miter Saw. At least for now. I'm going to give it one more big effort to get it cutting square this woodworking season. For now though I've got a 700$ 12" saw that doesn't cut square and a 30+ year old 25$ Delta 10" Miter Saw that cuts perfectly square and true.

 

[OCJohn]

Every GearWrench reversible combo end wrench I own. Especially 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 17mm. It's a testament to my disfunction* they're still in the drawer.

Welder art would be too good for them.

*I pride myself for immediately disposing of nonfunctioning ball point, sharpie and dry-erase pens. Same with dull x-acto and utility knife blades or sandpaper. The sooner they're out of my life – and never to get picked up again – the happier I am. What is it about malfunctioning ratchet tools that seduces me to keep them? Is there a 12-step group for that?

 

[JBradley500]

"Not buying all snap on ratchets from the start."

I agree. I don't think they need to be Snap-On in everyone's case but I do think cheap ratchets are just a gateway to better ratchets, and buying the cheap ones end up being regretful.

 

[ItsNemo]

A cordless engraver that doesn't do anything at all.

A strut spreader tool for getting the lower strut out of the knuckle, doesn't work whatsoever and has so many finicky fittings on it.

A few cheap things that I've replaced with better stuff kicking around that I really should just get rid of, but like having spares.

I don't regret a lot of my specialty tools though, I have several $100-200 tools I've only used once and could have done the "cheap" way but the tool made the job easy and I'll have it for life. Sure a blind hole bearing puller is only used once in a blue moon, but it made the clutch job easier and I'm sure I'll do another clutch someday.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Proto comes to my mind.... I agree old snapon ratchets ****. the 936 even **** in my opinion.

You read my mind. I really enjoy the quality of Proto and the price.

 

[MarkWilliams60]

Proto comes to my mind.... I agree old snapon ratchets ****. the 936 even **** in my opinion.

Funny you mention this. I just bought three ratchets this morning from an older gent.
Williams S53 or 54 16 inch with a blue hard handle which seems to be original as far as my searches here came up with. Maybe rare .
Snap-On SL715 as new. Real cherry item.
The last and most used is a True test or true ? Japan 15". That thing is loose as a goose and seems about 60 clicks. I also see why he used it the most. It's feather light on backdrag and quite heavy in the hand. Feels like you could jump on the handle and looks like he did. the switch looks like a old Blackhawk kid of humped up in the middle.
I'll take the camera back to the shop when i get done stuffin my neck.
That S/O feels like about 20 tooth and the Williams is a fine thread but pretty stiff. Maybe because of lack of use ?I'll try the atf trick when I get back sine I have a TH to replace. It's heavy to.i think it's heavier than my gearwrench and old Proto pear.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Milwaukee V18 LI batteries... average life ~ 50 charge cycles, and the prorate on the warranty still cost more than you could just buy a new batt online.

 

[rsanter]

One of those cool heat soldering guns. What a piece of ****.
I bought like three at the same time on sale so I could keep one and give the others to my dad and brother.
All three were ****

Bob

 

[Crazyjake8493]

We'll forget this ever happened. The Koolaid is outside- please take a glass for the road


Only kidding- I recently thought a PIN nailer was a good idea for some woodworking trim. Those things barely hold themselves together. I seemed to have over rated the capabilities in my head because of there is any tension- they aren't holding- at all. Luckily my 16ga nailer didn't split the wood so I used it sparingly and held my breath each shot that it didn't split.

Pin nailers are really meant for small delicate trim pieces. For small trim, I use glue and then just a few pins to hold it in place while the glue dries. Small enough holes that they don't need filling. If you want holding power from just nails, you definitely need 18ga or 16ga nails with a head on them.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I impulse-bought a Craftsman scroll saw at a yard sale about 6 years ago. It was only $25, but the thing just sits in my way, and I have never even plugged it in. The tool-hoarder in me says "but what if I need it someday?" every time I think about selling it.

They come in handy if you need to make tight cuts, like scrolling some letters or house numbers or something like that. I don't do too much delicate work, so eventually I gave up on buying one and decided I'll use my dad's if/when I really need it.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Well, I have a Power Probe 3 that's been safely in its case for 3 years never used. Don't know if I regret it but obviously a waste of money. I do 99% electrical and everybody raved about them but by the time I'm halfway through a job I remember I have it lol. Bought a PP4 for my brother and he wears that thing out. Guess I'm old school.


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[firworks]

Well, I have a Power Probe 3 that's been safely in its case for 3 years never used. Don't know if I regret it but obviously a waste of money. I do 99% electrical and everybody raved about them but by the time I'm halfway through a job I remember I have it lol. Bought a PP4 for my brother and he wears that thing out. Guess I'm old school.


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Does that mean you are looking to get rid of it for a very reasonable price?

 

[lightning02]

Well, I have a Power Probe 3 that's been safely in its case for 3 years never used. Don't know if I regret it but obviously a waste of money. I do 99% electrical and everybody raved about them but by the time I'm halfway through a job I remember I have it lol. Bought a PP4 for my brother and he wears that thing out. Guess I'm old school.


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i always wanted one but never bought one bc i dont think id use it.

not that i havent made that mistake with other things but i try hard not to lol

 

[Lassen Forge]

Specialized power bit to take off the security screws on a security screen door. Expensive, and every time I use one I buy 5 because they're use once or twice and break. I went to paint the 3 at the old house before we sold it; after fighting the first one (and replacing the bit 5 times for 6 screws) I painted the other 2 in place.

 

[hangfirew8]

Everything I ever bought that said Black & Decker on it.

A jigsaw that held the blade crooked and tilted. A little laser level off by almost 10 degrees. A hammer drill that you have to lean on the reverser switch to keep it running. Blades and bits that are butter soft or brittle and break.

Literally everything I've gotten from them for two decades has been junk.




-HF

 

[dnschmidt]

None. I like tools. Don't even care much what they do. AND I LIKE MY ROBOGRIP PLIERS. I used these more than any other.

 

[crewchief888]

the only thing that comes to mind is a plasma cutter i bought from a co worker.

it took up valuable space in my small garage, and i found myself reaching for an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel most of the time..

on the bright side i sold it for a huge profit

come to think of it, it's really the only tool i've ever sold.

i did sell a couple of toolboxes a few years ago, and still regret that decision.

 

[finn]

Robogrip pliers. I was behind Bob Villa in the Toronto airport and it was all I could do to keep from choking him.

Black and Decker cordless drill and saw set. I now avoid Home Depot.

Miller 175 mig welder. Only thing I ever bought from a pawn shop. A new 180 would have been cheaper by the time I got that pos working right.

Craigslist IR 5 hp air compressor. Should have saved my money and bought the new Quincy or Champion that I wanted.