400th post - Tracking Tool Inventory?

[MN4x4]

This is my 400th post, so I thought I'd ask a question.

How does everyone track their tool inventory? I've read a few posts on here, but it doesn't seem like there is a clear-cut system or winner.

I have mine in an excel spreadsheet that I try to update every time I add an item. I am not as 'religious' about it as I should be, but it's pretty complete.

Has anyone found a better or bulletproof system for tracking their tools? Does anyone use an app for that?

 

[krdiesel03]

I just use excel.

 

[jimkaniki]

Why do you want a tool inventory?

 

[dagoat_1]

I dont think I have enough days left to even try to inventory my tools...

 

[koditten]

I just take a picture of every drawer in my toolbox. I have a 3.5 minute video of my shop. If the place burns down, all I have to do is create a list from my pics and video. Simple, fast and easly updated.

KO

 

[Pumpman1968]

Tool Inventory Tracking Sorry if I'm sounding like an assface, but, I think some of you guys need a vacation.

 

[graffix000]

Tool Inventory Tracking Sorry if I'm sounding like an assface, but, I think some of you guys need a vacation.

Not really. If you have a fire and a total loss, a tool inventory will make your life worlds easier with an insurance claim. it is actually a very smart thing to have if you have any real money in tools.

A real time inventory is a ***** to start, but once you have it is easy to add to going forward. Plus when you have too many tools to remember, it is a nice guide to see if you have it already. i recently moved and found all sorts of tools/misc things I forgot that I owned. Was like winning the lottery for some of the things I forgot I had.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

Spread sheet

500 dollar deductable on the homeowners so I have collective high value items insurance on mine. The plazma cutter is 1800 so that is covered but all the little sockets and wrenches were a no go until I added the collective high value.

 

[therealwormey]

yes it sounds a little asinine but i was trying to put together some kind of inventory just for the purpose of getting a halfass estimate of value for insurance reasons. my fathernlaw lost a lot in a house fire, not so much in tools but it got me to thinkin that my shop is more valuable than the house considering the tools and "toys" parked in there. we learned a lot about how insurance only covers up to so much on certain things like guns or antiques and other things unless youve had them appraised etc. I have a bud that lost a lot of tools in a fire and he didnt get squat as far as what it would cost to replace his tools.
I wanted a good inventory for just that purpose so i took tons of pics of my boxes and the contents.its still a work in progress that i dont know i'll ever get done but i dont think of it as wasting time but more like looking out for if i ever have to replace all my stuff. and i kinda wanted to know just how much money i've spent on tools. if i never finish before a fire at least i got lots of pics.

 

[Pumpman1968]

Yeah......I do see your point. Guess I REALLY was being an assface

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I pay 200 dollars a month for insurance I am getting every cent out of them when time comes so the spread sheet gets updated often.

I also have a packing list in my truck with 2,200 dollars worth of stuff listed, inventoried, dates when I inventoried last. When I buy new stuff even shop towles, fast orange, epoxy, anything on that list I keep the recipt in the binder with that 6 month inventory. If you can show you bought it they will cover it. 500 in **** reciepts goes a long way when they start saying your tools are only worth X dollars and you know they cost way more even when we score at garage sales and flea markets.

 

[gipraw]

I just take a picture of every drawer in my toolbox. I have a 3.5 minute video of my shop. If the place burns down, all I have to do is create a list from my pics and video. Simple, fast and easly updated.

KO

This is what I do at my shop and at my house.

 

[1Garageman]

I just take a picture of every drawer in my toolbox. I have a 3.5 minute video of my shop. If the place burns down, all I have to do is create a list from my pics and video. Simple, fast and easly updated.

KO

I really like this idea

 

[ratdoggy]

I guess I'll start an inventory list because i don't want my wife selling my tools for how much I told her I spent on them if I drop dead.

 

[cburnscrx]

Yeah......I do see your point. Guess I REALLY was being an assface

Get your tools stolen once...this becomes relevant in a hurry. Ask me how I know.

I now photograph my tools regularly, have pictures of the serial numbers on tools that have them, and keep the packaging of anything I purchased new and tossed them in an a Staples paper box. It only takes once!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I started a list once a long time ago. I never finished it or updated it. Every time this subject is brought up, I figure I'll do it as a winter project.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

I guess I'll start an inventory list because i don't want my wife selling my tools for how much I told her I spent on them if I drop dead.

You are probably one of the few guys on here who can admit what you spend and still stay married.

 

[Thumper68]

I have a excel spreadsheet, and pics. My ins guy insisted on it.

 

[MN4x4]

...so I have collective high value items insurance on mine.

My spreadsheet reached a new high last. I have never heard of this type of insurance, so I'm calling my State Farm agent right now to make sure I'm covered.

P.S. - I tried singing the jingle, but no one showed up! I think I'm glad...

 

[SteveCh]

Take photos and/or video and put those in a security box in a bank or credit union or somewhere else. Heat from a house fire is gonna wreck any media like that and do you no good. Just make sure all the tools are visible in the shots you take. Ten minutes, done. Every now and then, if you are adding tools, take an updated shot.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

USAA is really good insurance. 5 atvs, 3 motorcycles full coverage 250.00 deductable, 3 cars full coverage 250.00 deductable, golf cart, 3 trailers, John Deere 345 and the house 180,000 with the collective high value 200 a month. oh and 2,500 worth of insurance on my moms repacement wedding band so my dad can sleep at night 25 dollars a year.

 

[ratdoggy]

I guess I'll start an inventory list because i don't want my wife selling my tools for how much I told her I spent on them if I drop dead.

You are probably one of the few guys on here who can admit what you spend and still stay married.

Yeah you are right on that Mikey.......I tell her all the time don't have a garage sale have an auction. I'm the only guy who can actually sell his wife on the idea that he needed a 60 gallon compressor to blow out the defrost drain line on the refrigerator

 

[MN4x4]

You are probably one of the few guys on here who can admit what you spend and still stay married.

My wife is a keeper! She is well aware of the existence of my spreadsheet and the value of my tools. Of course, I buy her 'tools' from time to time - she has her own diesel truck, 2 Dyson vacuums, 2 sewing machines...

 

[koditten]

Dropbox app works good for pics and video.

 

[NUTTSGT]

My wife is a keeper! She is well aware of the existence of my spreadsheet and the value of my tools. Of course, I buy her 'tools' from time to time - she has her own diesel truck, 2 Dyson vacuums, 2 sewing machines...

2 Dysons ?


Note to self; Don't let wife see GJ.

 

[mattamd_xp]

I use this:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55227

Awesome setup that allows you to upload photos and receipts as well as put in any extra notes you see as needed.

 

[crewchief888]

i just recently ran across the last full inventory i did of my work tools.

complete with all the tool truck receipts dating back to '84