For me, it is seeing how hard it is for old timers to sell off their collection one small piece a time. Items sit on CL forever. The sellers have to renew their listings constantly. The prices are set reasonable if you care about COO or vintage. But buyers willing to pay that kind of price is hard to come by. What a sad experience. Unless my son starts to show some interests in mechanical kind of things, it is hopeless to 'complete' my tool collection.
What prevents you from buying additional tools?
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vavet
Well-known member
I'm on the cusp on being owned by my things instead of the other way around. While part of me wants to have all the tools, just in case I need them, I don't want to have so many that I forget where I've put them...or other things.
There's a balance with dollars, space, and capability to tackle whatever projects come up.
There's a balance with dollars, space, and capability to tackle whatever projects come up.
Leaving my wife and/or daughter a mess to deal with when I'm gone (I'm pushing 65). I probably have 2-3 times the mechanic tools now, then when I worked as a mechanic from '83 -'96 or so. Have at least the same for yard/garden tools and power tools (drill press, belt sander, etc, etc).
Metallitubby
Well-known member
For me, I know exactly what I need to get my normal tasks done. Anything beyond that is harder for me to store and maintain.
pennsylvaniaboy
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 28, 2014
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- 417
Money and space....
jsmeece
Well-known member
Finding the ones I am missing (since Armstrong is no longer in business) and space.
I'm near 70 yo. I have the tools I need for the projects I'm willing to take on. I made a living twisting tools and really have no desire to pick one up these days to do heavy work. I've bought a few tools lately as my grandson and I have gotten into RC and those small rigs take a different set of tools than I had.
As far as getting rid of tools I leave them to the kids. I have 3 kids that use tools and have shops of their own and they will be taking them. Even now some tools are migrating to their shops and then I just send the project to them.
lg
no neat sig line
As far as getting rid of tools I leave them to the kids. I have 3 kids that use tools and have shops of their own and they will be taking them. Even now some tools are migrating to their shops and then I just send the project to them.
lg
no neat sig line
BMoscato
Well-known member
Money
justintendo
Well-known member
Are you speaking of collecting tools or buying them to use? Collecting is one thing, but i buy tools to accomplish things, learn new abilities, or simply to do things myself. I had formerly bought them as a dealer technician. I dont have much need for tools that arent for getting things done
justintendo
Well-known member
Also, unless you are collecting them to hopefully gain value later down the road...who cares about resale value? Part of the appeal of quality tools are you never sell them..unless you like to think about tools more than using them?
mbunimog
Well-known member
For me it is a matter of what projects/repairs that I want to tackle and if I can buy tools and come out cheaper than hiring it out then I will do it. Or in some cases it is upgrading what I had to better and more efficient and easier to do. Case in point I probably could do without a Kubota excavator but the usefulness for me extends what I can do at 80 years old. Organizing the tools and supplies in the barn has helped greatly and now I can find stuff by having it organized by like items and located in the right area for the type of work I do.
engineer2
Well-known member
I've literally run out of space. I already play garage Tetris.
To get at one thing I have to move 4 other things, of which usually results in something rolling over my toe and knocking something else over.
To get at one thing I have to move 4 other things, of which usually results in something rolling over my toe and knocking something else over.
wreckdiver1321
Well-known member
Space, mostly. I don't have room to store all the stuff that would be nice to own if I ever need it. Some things get used all the time and I need to have on hand whenever I have a project. Other things almost never get used, and that's why God invented neighbors and rental companies.
Seriously, as a guy who works on his own vehicles all the time and spends a good amount of time doing DIY home stuff, there's certain things I need and certain things that are extremely situational. I need my wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, drill, impact driver, circular saw, etc. as I use these on a regular basis. I'd love to have a planer, a jointer, a bandsaw, a sandblaster, A/C charging equipment, and any number of other tools, but most of the time I just won't be using them, so it's a waste of money and storage space. I have neighbors who have plenty of specialty tools and a Home Depot, two rental companies, an O'Reilly, and an AutoZone within a 15 minute drive. Anything I don't have and need for a specific project, I can get. That situation isn't all that common, so buying those specialty tools doesn't make a lot of sense because I'd be spending more money than the cost of rental (or a six-pack of beer in the case of my neighbors/friends) to buy a tool that I will use once or twice.
The other side of that is the snowball effect. If I buy a tool for a specific project, I think of all the other projects I could do with that tool, all the other things I could fix, adjust, or build. That inevitably leads to doing more complex projects, which will use the tool I bought more, but will also require buying more tools and doing more projects. It's a vicious cycle, and my time is limited.
Seriously, as a guy who works on his own vehicles all the time and spends a good amount of time doing DIY home stuff, there's certain things I need and certain things that are extremely situational. I need my wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, drill, impact driver, circular saw, etc. as I use these on a regular basis. I'd love to have a planer, a jointer, a bandsaw, a sandblaster, A/C charging equipment, and any number of other tools, but most of the time I just won't be using them, so it's a waste of money and storage space. I have neighbors who have plenty of specialty tools and a Home Depot, two rental companies, an O'Reilly, and an AutoZone within a 15 minute drive. Anything I don't have and need for a specific project, I can get. That situation isn't all that common, so buying those specialty tools doesn't make a lot of sense because I'd be spending more money than the cost of rental (or a six-pack of beer in the case of my neighbors/friends) to buy a tool that I will use once or twice.
The other side of that is the snowball effect. If I buy a tool for a specific project, I think of all the other projects I could do with that tool, all the other things I could fix, adjust, or build. That inevitably leads to doing more complex projects, which will use the tool I bought more, but will also require buying more tools and doing more projects. It's a vicious cycle, and my time is limited.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I'm pretty much in the same boat. I don't want to be rolling in the grave when my top quality tools get sold for pennies on the dollar.
Metallitubby
Well-known member
I'm pretty much in the same boat. I don't want to be rolling in the grave when my top quality tools get sold for pennies on the dollar.
Suggestion. Roll into your grave. Be buried in your tool box!!!!
demarpaint
Well-known member
Good idea! Thanks.
putergod
Well-known member
The only thing that prevents me from buying any tool I see and desire is money - or lack thereof
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
The argument about large collections of old tools not selling is most likely due to them being worn out, outdated to improved versions, no longer relevant, or (at this point in time) being SAE when everyone is using metric.
alex71
Well-known member
Definitely space. I figure I have all the hand and power tools I need. I'd like more big stuff (belt sander, larger lathe, stuff like that) but there is just nowhere to put it.
mbunimog
Well-known member
I have the space in a big barn 80 ft by 40 ft on two levels and two mezzanines on the upper level. But when I was working I traveled a lot and only emergency repairs were done and tools and supplies were scattered all over. Many supplies and tools were purchased simply because I could not find it. After retirement I have been busy organizing and sorting. Amazing what I found
tez929rr
Well-known member
Nothing
mbunimog
Well-known member
And now the cordless tools are so much more convenient so I have gotten a lot of those to replace corded and pneumatic tools. Was amazed at the torque from the Milwaukee impact. Better than the 3/4 inch Ingersoll Rand I had used
Jeepster04
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
- Messages
- 3,100
Nothing really... Just dont want anymore. I was a big craftsman guy and loved finding good deals at sears... Now that sears is gone along with USA craftsman tools, I dont much care anymore. Plus I have what I need for the most part.
Ive thought about what will happen to my stuff once Im gone, but I dont really care at this point. I worry more about having the tools and my health not allowing me to use them. While laying under my vehicle the other day, I thought about having to pay someone to change the oil in my vehicle... Hopefully I die first.
Ive thought about what will happen to my stuff once Im gone, but I dont really care at this point. I worry more about having the tools and my health not allowing me to use them. While laying under my vehicle the other day, I thought about having to pay someone to change the oil in my vehicle... Hopefully I die first.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I don't buy much in the way of hand tools anymore, I have everything I need, probably in triplicate by now. My tool buying has become much more specific and focused on specialty tools or consumable tools.
Tools have become a means to an end, I really don't care to collect "just because" like I used to. It was much more fun to haunt pawn shops and flea markets to collect wrenches when you don't have any. But when you've got 3 "complete" sets, the zing wears off.
My business requires a large amount of tools, and I probably spend a few grand a month on tools, cutters, equipment, and things for machines. This is enough to satisfy and cravings I have to buy tools. I rarely hunt for deals or used stuff anymore, I just don't have time. I buy what I need, when I need it.
Just today I bought a new Milwaukee cordless vacuum for the service van, as well as a new cordless drill. Mostly for the batteries. I am looking to buy a new coolant thru partoff blade system for the lathe, and am seriously looking at a new cold saw. Right now my limits are space and money. Not affording it, more so justifying the resources. I have a cold saw, it works fine, but it is starting to show some serious wear and age. A new one is 8k, so it comes down to finding the payback on that saw so it makes sense for me to buy. One big sawing job will pay for it, I just need the old one to hold on for a bit longer. That 8k is much better liquid for things like cutters and materials right now than ******* in a saw. But as soon as we can justify the cash or a payment on a new one, I'll have it sitting on my floor.
I do enjoy collecting and using tools as a hobby, but it is much harder for me to buy something I already have 4 of just because it is a good deal.
Tools have become a means to an end, I really don't care to collect "just because" like I used to. It was much more fun to haunt pawn shops and flea markets to collect wrenches when you don't have any. But when you've got 3 "complete" sets, the zing wears off.
My business requires a large amount of tools, and I probably spend a few grand a month on tools, cutters, equipment, and things for machines. This is enough to satisfy and cravings I have to buy tools. I rarely hunt for deals or used stuff anymore, I just don't have time. I buy what I need, when I need it.
Just today I bought a new Milwaukee cordless vacuum for the service van, as well as a new cordless drill. Mostly for the batteries. I am looking to buy a new coolant thru partoff blade system for the lathe, and am seriously looking at a new cold saw. Right now my limits are space and money. Not affording it, more so justifying the resources. I have a cold saw, it works fine, but it is starting to show some serious wear and age. A new one is 8k, so it comes down to finding the payback on that saw so it makes sense for me to buy. One big sawing job will pay for it, I just need the old one to hold on for a bit longer. That 8k is much better liquid for things like cutters and materials right now than ******* in a saw. But as soon as we can justify the cash or a payment on a new one, I'll have it sitting on my floor.
I do enjoy collecting and using tools as a hobby, but it is much harder for me to buy something I already have 4 of just because it is a good deal.
crewchief888
Well-known member
I don't buy too many tools anymore. No NEED for them, not much space left, and really no time to do much of anything except work,(const eq field mechanic), and I shoot competition 4 or 5 times a month during the season
woody 73
Well-known member
I would say money or lack of it; is the first part of the equation.
For me tools are like drugs, chasing after them is the high for me. Coming down from that rush is very hard for me, so I end up watching you tube videos of others finding old tools, sigh once bitten by the bug I am hooked really bad. I have found in the last few months some great old finds, but I stopped posting in the vintage tool section because with so few feedback and not many readers my posts are gone in a day or two.
Makes me sad but I guess others like the show and tell type posts, and I much prefer the old History of the tool makers from a long time ago.
Wish I had a printing press in my basement...
For me tools are like drugs, chasing after them is the high for me. Coming down from that rush is very hard for me, so I end up watching you tube videos of others finding old tools, sigh once bitten by the bug I am hooked really bad. I have found in the last few months some great old finds, but I stopped posting in the vintage tool section because with so few feedback and not many readers my posts are gone in a day or two.
Makes me sad but I guess others like the show and tell type posts, and I much prefer the old History of the tool makers from a long time ago.
Wish I had a printing press in my basement...
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
Haven’t thought much about it honestly. But I’m not even 40 yet so I guess I’ll burn that bridge when I get there. I sort of treat tools and antiques etc as though I’m just their caretaker for now. Those things have outlived several people before they got to me, they’ll continue on without me as well. It’s just my job to provide a good place for them until it’s my time to move on.
It's a space issue and also a reality issue.
Would I like to have a welder, a tubing bender, a big metal fab table? Yes.
Do I have the time to learn these skills and build a racecar from scratch? No. Am I going to tackle such a project in my small garage? Also, no.
Would I like to have a welder, a tubing bender, a big metal fab table? Yes.
Do I have the time to learn these skills and build a racecar from scratch? No. Am I going to tackle such a project in my small garage? Also, no.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
Nothing gets in my way.
I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have
I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have
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Davegvg
Well-known member
A combination of need and want.
If I want a tool I seem to convince myself I need it.
If I need it I usually just buy it.
If I want a tool I seem to convince myself I need it.
If I need it I usually just buy it.
As someone else said earlier, I have all the tools I need to do the projects I'm willing to do. Have bought a bunch of plumbing tools the last few years - seeing plumbers charge $100 an hour (and up) showed me the need to be able to do more of that **** myself. I have spares for virtually every tool and spares for most of those. So I don't "need" anything.
As far as when I'm gone, I paid so little for most of my treasure finds that the wife will have no problem selling them and making a profit (or breaking even). Have no kids so I Iooked into donating to a technical school or some deserving kid of a friend. I suspect my Bonney collection would go for good money. But who knows? From the looks of it there won't be anybody who wants to work on things.
As far as when I'm gone, I paid so little for most of my treasure finds that the wife will have no problem selling them and making a profit (or breaking even). Have no kids so I Iooked into donating to a technical school or some deserving kid of a friend. I suspect my Bonney collection would go for good money. But who knows? From the looks of it there won't be anybody who wants to work on things.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Tool box organization, and space overall. I'm always buying tools, at absolute minimum 1 thing per week. But I need to justify the expense and space taken up by it. I have 2 boxes at work and two cabinets, plus my cart. When I can't fix things anymore I'll take it all home, sit it in my garage, and think about all the things those tools fixed. Honestly I could use some more space, but with my "area" taking up 25' of wall space, that is becoming an issue as well.
seber
Well-known member
Space.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I have enough tools now that I don't buy them unless I need them.
As far as value or worth, any tool I buy pays itself off or I wouldn't buy it.
I don't understand what 'completing a tool collection' means.
Is that like looking at the sears Christmas catalog and 'completing a toy collection'?
As far as value or worth, any tool I buy pays itself off or I wouldn't buy it.
I don't understand what 'completing a tool collection' means.
Is that like looking at the sears Christmas catalog and 'completing a toy collection'?