Buying tools because I want them, but DON'T NEED THEM !

[theoldwizard1]

... at least not today !

An injury (broke wrist last year; still not good), a birthday and full Social Security lead me to a better understanding of the old saying "You can't take it with you !"

So I have wanted a decent set of long pattern double box end metric wrenches. Kind of a back up to my set of "old school" (Forged in USA) Craftsman metric combination wrenches. Craftsman no longer sells double box (different size each end) wrenches and I like the older forgings better anyway. The prices people want for full sets on eBay are INSANE. Individuals aren't cheap, but I really don't need a "full" set and these are "two for one" in size.

Still missing the 16mm X 18mm

 

[theoldwizard1]

Literally MINUTES after taking this picture, my son was changing the oil (using a combination wrench) on his car and he said "Some gorilla (himself) really tightened this drain plug !" BAM !! 13mm x 15 mm to the rescue !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Astute Craftsman "collectors" will quickly realize these are not a "set". Just individuals. Some "-V-", some "=V=", some "VɅ". But, if you look closely, you will see that the 6mm X 8mm and the 17mm X 19mm have a slight offset !

 

[Samuel D]

Are you sure they made a 16 × 18 mm? Those sizes were not historically used much.

Useful looking spanners.

 

[Dave455]

For some years, I bought tools primarily on the basis of “need”!

Once I ditched such wacky ideas, and bought any tools I wanted, life got much more fun. Wish I’d done it sooner.

My “go to” wrenches, even now, are double box end. I seldom need open ends (and when I do there’s often a better tool). The double box ends are nicer to use I think, and as you correctly point out, you only need half as many.

You will find 16 and 18 cropping up more and more, as those sizes are replacing 17 and 19. BMW have used them for many years.

Those Craftsman wrenches are not particularly long - if you like them consider the extra long / high performance style. I maybe “need” these a couple of times a year (typically for holding belt tensioners) but they are super nice to have around!

Hope your wrist recovers - an awkward injury if you like doing practical things.

 

[dnschmidt]

Stahlwille in my book. This fascination with Craftsman has always amazed me. I felt that they made **** back in the day (I used Proto) and even bigger **** today.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Are you sure they made a 16 × 18 mm? Those sizes were not historically used much.

But I do notice that I do NOT have a 16mm combination !

Useful looking spanners.

I always thought the proper English/Australian term was "ring spanner"

 

[theoldwizard1]

Stahlwille in my book. This fascination with Craftsman has always amazed me.

"Back in the day", I bought Craftsman because they were the best, reasonably priced, easily available, DIY level tools around. Also got employee discount from Sears (mine or my wife's) !

Now, it is a "mild" fascination. I think every wrench in the SAE drawer is Craftsman (2 sets) and every wrench in the metric drawer is Craftsman, plus all of the adjustable wrenches are Craftsman !

 

[Retroman]

I buy tools I want as well and not need at the moment but end up needing them down the road. Looking at a Track saw now since I saw the thread on here and the Milwaukee 18V looks like it would do since I am on that platform.

 

[cherrybomb]

Those double box end wrenches,no matter your favorite brand are usually a bit longer to help breaking loose tight fasteners.I'm a Proto fan,but I totally agree with Don that Stahwille makes great wrenches.In my case I use Stahwille Corona model #23,a doublebox,a bit longer to break the fastener loose.I follow up with the model #13,a combo with a smooth open end.A length that Stahwille really got it right,for me anyway

 

[liliysdad]

I liked Craftsman raised panels, but I got over it. I do, however, have some Craftsman offset box end wrenches that I really like. I need to look and see what series they are, but they are have much smoother and rounder beams that the rest of raised panels I have had.

I have really come to like offset double box end wrenches. I will likely upgrade all of mine to Wrights as my quest to upgrade my box continues.

 

[nadogail]

I started with Craftsman because of both their price and availability. I have become fond of Wrights as I found them as used tools. Proto wrenches have become favorites.

 

[joel63]

But I do notice that I do NOT have a 16mm combination !

I always thought the proper English/Australian term was "ring spanner"

I have a 6 piece single -v- set in its original case which didn't include the 16mm 18mm.
Apparently the 16-18 was not included possibly in order to keep the price down.
Also maybe while it was not in wide use, Craftsman offered in open stock.

 

[bobg03]

But I do notice that I do NOT have a 16mm combination !

I have one Craftsman Combination wrench, it is a 16MM 6 point. I must have inherited it from my fathers collection, or owned something weird years ago that needed it...

 

[joel63]

I started with Craftsman because of both their price and availability. I have become fond of Wrights as I found them as used tools. Proto wrenches have become favorites.

I used to tell myself when I bought my Craftsman tools that they were just as good as Snap on. Heck, who knows.
They did the job and I was proud of them. Although I have since gone in a different direction, I can still appreciate other's fondness for Craftsman tools.

 

[matthew]

I heard somewhere that the anthropological definition of humans used to be “animals that use tools.” Then.someone realized something like crows dropping rocks counted, so the definition changed to “animals that use tools to make tools.” In any case, it’s okay to be a tool obsessed monkey - that’s the definition of a human ;-)

Someone often reminds me that the operative word in “good enough” is “good.” Craftsman wasn’t - and didn’t have to be - perfect. It was popular because it was good. And it was affordable because it was only as good as necessary. Or a bit better. Although that doesn’t justify the prices vintage goes for, but that’s what emotional attachment can add.

I‘ve become less worried about having matching sets. I still like completeness, but it’s a lot easier to not worry about whether adding a piece is a match or not. My combo wrenches didn’t look right when 11 out of 13 matched, but now that it is 25 or 30 between about 7 or 8 brands and styles, it actually seems perfectly consistent. In other words, if you want to add to your set, the key is to add 4, not 1 more (lol).

 

[tarmy]

The thread title IS the definition of GJ.

Anybody that has been here longer than an….oh, say an hour…knows that tools are there for our good feelings. Working with them is not the same as just showing them off and/or looking at full tool chest drawers…

 

[tak1313]

"Buying tools because I want them, but don't need them"

Ummm...that's like at LEAST half my stash...

 

[bonneyman]

I think the thread title is the password for becoming a member here!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought these back in about 2015, just because ... Brand new, never been used.

 

[Meursault74]

I can get a lot done with just an adjustable wrench, some tongue and groove pliers, and a multibit screwdriver. I don't enjoy struggling with the "almost right" tool though. Sometimes I get the right tool for the next time after using the not-so-right one as it was what I had at the time I needed to use it. The more I do, the more I see how the proper tools makes matters easier. Haven't regretted any purchases so far.

 

[threewood]

One of my most used wrenches is an old Craftsman double box wrench in 1/2" x 9/16". I work on old cars and it works everywhere!

 

[bwringer]

I really, really want a pair of those evil-looking Snap-On LN47 pliers. And then I look at the price and regain sanity. One day, I'll crack... but I've made it this far in life without them. I don't need 'em, but I want 'em...


A set of metric double box-ends is on my wish list. I do have a set of the flex head "Mountain" wrenches that's been ridiculously handy.

This Capri set was put together with some thought, and it's on my wish list...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HPVS2HS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It contains:
8/10
12/14
13/15
16/18
17/19
22/24

No useless 9 or 11 to pad the piece count, for one (and if these sizes pop up in your world, then Capri does make a different metric set that includes them). Since I work on Asian machines almost exclusively, I can stash the 13/15 and the 16/18 somewhere else and save a little space in my primary working box. If you work on 'merkin and Euro stuff, then keep them all handy, or get the other metric set that goes from 8-19mm with no skips.

 

[kbeefy]

I do that also.


I don't regularly use double ended box wrenches, and only own a few.
I do use double ended flex 'mountain' wrenches and double ended ratchet wrenches every day. They're my favorite wrenches.

 

[nadogail]

Yesterday I was at Harbor Freight and bought another 4 1/2 “ Grinder, they were selling them for $9.95. For $10, I will buy another spare.
I know that are not Harbor Freight’s top of the line but they earn their keep before they die.

 

[dchawk81]

I bought these back in about 2015, just because ... Brand new, never been used.

I bought a set of Armstrong USA 3/4 drive impact sockets brand new and sealed in their original plastic pouches. Also just because.

I've opened them and used them as needed though.

 

[don long]

I'm getting too old to use them but I love looking at them I'm always on the hunt for Blackhawk tools to fill the old tool boxes that I keep finding. This is my stash waiting on a couple of boxes to be restored



And I love displaying them here

 

[LWB]

I heard somewhere that the anthropological definition of humans used to be “animals that use tools.” Then.someone realized something like crows dropping rocks counted, so the definition changed to “animals that use tools to make tools.” In any case, it’s okay to be a tool obsessed monkey - that’s the definition of a human ;-)

Someone often reminds me that the operative word in “good enough” is “good.” Craftsman wasn’t - and didn’t have to be - perfect. It was popular because it was good. And it was affordable because it was only as good as necessary. Or a bit better. Although that doesn’t justify the prices vintage goes for, but that’s what emotional attachment can add.

I‘ve become less worried about having matching sets. I still like completeness, but it’s a lot easier to not worry about whether adding a piece is a match or not. My combo wrenches didn’t look right when 11 out of 13 matched, but now that it is 25 or 30 between about 7 or 8 brands and styles, it actually seems perfectly consistent. In other words, if you want to add to your set, the key is to add 4, not 1 more (lol).

This is so true. I was doing an alignment the other day and looked down. There must have been 10 different brands scattered all over the place. While i have some sets there's a lot of variation in the tool box. I like vintage stuff too. I buy and sell until I find out what I really want. The only way to find out is to use them. I don't see it ending anytime soon.

 

[zendriver]

I have purchased tools that I intended to use but never recall buying any “just because”

needed a large SAE socket to remove a steering wheel nut and considering buying a HarborFreight set.

Found a metric that fit perfect so I’m good.

 

[BarrelRoll]

I didn't NEED my snapon tool box, I wanted it




At work I find buying more tools I want creates a need/ niche my coworkers don't have the tools to do. 90% of my work is done with the junk in my tool bag or about a dozen other tools.

 

[Two Speed]

Guilty. The want usually does have an element of 'it would have been a easier/faster if I had this tool when I did this task last time'. And with that, I'm contemplating buying a belt/disc sander. Not something I need, but could have used had I had it, and might not use it for a long time between projects, but... Decisions. Decisions. =-)

 

[WAID]

I'm usually not under the illusion that I need any tool, especially past the basics, but I do typically tell myself that it will save money, do the job faster, etc. Now buying sets instead of individual pieces as needed, I'm as guilty as it gets there, though I'm starting to dial that back now.

 

[mkjobb]

Hobbyist here. But work in a factory with professional tools and my dad was a supply manager for a small truck building industry and I just can't stand low quality tools. Not because they can't get the job done, but because once used to proper tools it just feels "wrong".
Like a knife and fork, if they are made of plastic or really cheap steel - they still can help feeding you, you can drink your beer from a plastic cup, but it's not the same experience. Got a hammer drill free once, great, but every time I used it I got angry. Gave it away and bought a (rather cheap!) proper one.

Anyway, I must admit I can't stand Snap-on tools... to me they feel wrong somehow. I realise this is cursing in the church.
Yes, I understand they are of great quality, but I always prefered the "feel" of Bahco, Gedore, Wiha, and more (to me) local brands. Kind of ironic as Bahco was bought by Snap-on some years ago (and the stuff made in Asia "feels" wrong).
Unfortunately I have most tools I need, well, more probably, but, I ended up here (googling) as I have a Prosnip straight metal cutter/snip, made in the US, and I was thinking of adding another (offset). But Prosnip is now Irwin and made in China? Sigh. Well, I have old cutters, it's not like I need more really. I just...want them.

 

[MarcSeattle]

The excuse I use is that if I buy it now I'll likely still have it 20 years from now (well, except all the 10mm sockets will get together to make a run for it). I can't say that about much else I buy. Also, if I buy it now it will be less expensive than if I finally break down and buy it five years from now. I get to pay less now and I get to use it for five more years.

See? Easy justification. You're welcome.

 

[woody 73]

Oh hell, I just picked up an early 1920's Cornwell wrench this week, then another man keeps handing me proto ratchets for $5.00 each. Then he hands me another proto ratchet covered in rust that as far as I can tell was made just after WWII, in about 1948 for only $3.00 dollars: the rust turned him off go figure that one out?

Do I need them, like a hole in my head, I tell you guys it's a sickness sigh.

 

[driftpin]

I have a garage about 22 miles away stuffed with tools, compressors, and parts (motorcycles). At home, a 2-car also stuffed with much of the same. Sometimes, I need to work on something at home, and realize I need a specific hand tool at the other location, Many times I just go buy it, because it will cost me more than that to drive up/back. A curse of a 15-16 mpg truck. Maybe 20 mpg if I drive 55, but then you have tolls, and people are passing you on both sides. I have some HFT stuff, and so-far for the most part, they're doing OK. I bought a Vulcan Omnipro 220 multi-process welder, and while I don't know much about using it, I did get a pro welder to give me an intro, and he has encouraged me to 'go to Carnegie Hall... ."

His welding, my HFT equipment:

 

[bbbarracuda]

It’s not about needing a tool.
It’s a collectible. Someday, it will be worth a fortune.
At least that’s what I tell my wife.

 

[dchawk81]

I have purchased tools that I intended to use but never recall buying any “just because”

Same. I have tools I haven't used yet but there's a perceived need in the future.

I like to think I don't buy anything just to stare at it.

 

[CS454]

I've replaced mixed matched starter sets like my mostly worn out 1/2" SAE impacts with Tekton to 1-1/2", or ditching my shitbird Mac pliers set for Tsunoda. I replaced all my household screwdrivers with Fuller because the master kit went on warehouse for $22.

If you're Canadian, poll on how many mastercraft screwdriver sets you've bought for consumables? hahaha

 

[rharman]

Like @dchawk81, I'll buy something that I want but only if I have a need in mind. I had long wanted a track saw to make it easier to break down sheet goods. Bought one 3 years ago when there was a really good sale but still haven't used it. But.... I have an imminent project that it will be perfect for.

I have a router lift that was kind of the same thing. Great price so I jumped on it. Been sitting under my workbench for probably 5 years. Just need to get going on some things.