Dealing with people who do not appreciate tools

[theoldwizard1]

I started collecting tools when I was 15, over 40 years ago. I still have those sockets. I have built my collection (mostly Craftsman) over all of those years. I am not a "pro", so I only bought tools as I needed them (until I found this website ). The best gift I ever got was when my wife dragged me down to Sears and made me buy a rollaway cabinet and a matching top box after I retired.

My wife appreciates tools and knows how to use them. She has a nice little set in a vinyl pouch in her car. She also has the "basics" in a box in the laundry room cupboard. Boy, did she get pissed when I did not return some screwdrivers.

So to keep the tradition going, I bought my son a 3 drawer hand box and some sockets and wrenches and screwdrivers when he was about 16. He seemed pretty excited, but chose to leave his tool box in the bedroom and use my tools out in the garage. He owns his own house now so his tools do get used more. The other day when I needed a screwdriver there was only a couple in the box ! The rest were in various rooms around the house. He was upset when I bought him a Dewalt impact driver (we were going to be working on decking and fencing - of course now he likes it) to go along with the rest of his Dewalt portable power tools. Sigh. Maybe he knows he will get my collection when I kick the bucket ! (My Dad's got heavily picked over by neighbors when he was too old to use them.)

When my daughter got married, I bought her husband the basics. Sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. 3 years later, while at her house, she had to search hard to find a straight blade and a Philips screwdriver. I know he is not very handy, but can't you please keep all of the tools in one place. So I bought my daughter a tool box and told her to start rounding up tools from where she knows they were stashed. (I also showed her how to change a light fixture and a light switch. She was not willing to tackle the kitchen faucet.)

It's sad when your children don't have the tool "gene".

 

[gfast]

I feel your pain,got a whole garage stuffed full & 2 daughters who don't give at hoot.

 

[Danglerb]

Its a roll of the dice, my guess maybe one in ten or less have any more than basic interest in tools. You get to roll again with grandkids.

 

[2oolhound]

Can't blame the young folks really. There are a lot more glamorous and prestigious occupations and pastimes to pursue. How ever if the bottom falls out of society (it feels like it's coming apart at the seams now), we'll be ready "cause we can fix it ourself".

 

[Sancho]

I think it has a lot to do with being a product of your environment. My dad used to never replace anything, everything could be fixed with the right parts and the right tools. That mentality was passed down in a big way. Its too soon to tell if my own son will share our love but Im certainly hopeful. Even my wife with her throwaway society mentality is slowly coming around to the reality that it doesnt have to be that way.

Good on you for giving them the nudge in the right direction.

My only funny story was when I draged my idealarc home, my wife gave me hell for weeks "are you going to build a ship?" ... When the tractor deck broke about two weeks later she laughed about it and apoligized for questioning my need for a tool.

 

[blazer1]

I kinda relate, but from the other side.

My dad when I was growing up tried with me. He would try to teach me how repair the car. He used to have me with him and he would explain to me what he was doing and had me do some as well.

He had a nice set of tools, although he didn't teach me to appreciate them. I don't think he really cared about the tool of itself, he was more concerned about the USE of them.

I sure wish I paid attention more and had him teach me more about repairs. Now, I have to learn on my own and will be paying to take some basic auto repair courses at the local community college.

 

[canuckian]

damn....i really hope my little guy has a use for tools and an interest in fixing things for himself. I've already started building the set he's going to get when he sets out on his own. All I can do is hope to set that example and hope that he comes around to it. If not, I'll just have more tools for myself!!! aint no way he's getting them if i know they'll just get pushed aside and not taken care of.

my Dad, on the other hand can use tools effectively and is awesome at fixing or building whatever comes his way but appreciate tools? that's another story altogether. he uses screwdrivers for just about everything besides turning a screw, a nice knife is often a putty or caulking spreading tool, a ratchet is half the time used for a hammer, etc. I guess he only buys the "what's on sale" stuff because he figures he's going to destroy them anyways so why spend money on them. I don't know why or how I ended up with the OCD that I have for my tools cause it certainly wasn't from him!

 

[bmxr4life87]

My dad isn't much for working on things. He's no dummy but his tool collection has always been pretty basic. I had a bigger collection when I was 18. My kids are 3 and 1 so not sure if tools interest them yet but I know both my grandpas were fairly mechanically inclined. I feel that my collection is quite large especially considering that it s all paid for plus I am inheriting my grandpas stuff everyday and it will break my heart if kids show no interest in fixing things

 

[powertrip]

Can't blame the young folks really. There are a lot more glamorous and prestigious occupations and pastimes to pursue. How ever if the bottom falls out of society (it feels like it's coming apart at the seams now), we'll be ready "cause we can fix it ourself".

Amen brother. There is nothing more "glamorous" than being self sufficient and competent.

 

[Altec]

Upset about a DeWALT impact driver? What? That is like, one of my all time favorite tools... I want to get the 3/8 drive one...

Guess my Dad lucked out. Nothing was cooler to me as a small child then working with Dad on big loud tractors, or working on the race car. Memories like putting the push rods in a 350 that was on a stand while being eye level with the heads. Or being about 11, and wiring the dash in one of my Dads friends tubbed blazer.

I'll admit to abusing some tools... Which normally involved rust, but I can gladly say I grew out of that. From the stories I've heard though, it was a case of like Father, like son...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Dad never passed on his carpentry skills to me, but I have exceeded him in auto repair.

My son has learned some basic plumbing (setting a toilet, installing a sink drain and faucet). He is not too good at sweating copper (not enough practice), but almost everything in his house is PEX.

He really struggles with electricity. I saw him take 15 minutes to simply change a duplex outlet.

 

[930dreamer]

It's sad when people won't take the time to learn something new. I know the plumber makes more than me per hour. I've bought tools for the last 30 plus years, will anyone want them when I'm gone? I'll see if/when the Grand kids come.

 

[ndoran]

I have been buying tools since I was 12 years old starting ith woodwork and then automotive and everything in between. I have three daughters, one is an electronics technologist and has some appreciation of tools, the middle dughter wants to be a 310T Truck and Coach technician. She has bought herself a top box and chest and has the basic tools. She has completed the first two levels of the classroom training achieving all grade A and B grades but cannot find an employer to hire her as an apprentice. She did three years of this in high school including CoOp placements and won an award but no one will give her a break. It is a shame because she loves tools and using tools to fix things but what is the point when no one will hire you.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Back in the 70s and 80s, L.A. Unified school district had vocational classes like automotive and metal shop. The auto shop was hard to get into and was the most popular class in my high school. L.A.U.S.D. decided to eliminate all vocational courses so non of today's kids at least in L.A. County area have a clue on what tools are or how a car even works.

Back in the day, I had many people I worked with as a young kid restoring Model "A" trucks and cars as well as working on Drag Cars. Now days when I work on stuff in my driveway, I have neighborhood kids that ride by and have no interest on what I am doing. They will rely on a towing company when they get older and if they remember to do so, Somewhere in between 5000 to 100,000 miles they will go to Jiffy lube for an oil change. It is safe to say that most but not all of today's children are not very mechanically inclined and chose not to be...

 

[greasemonkey44]

there's always someone who comes along; one to take up the reins. Alot of my friends are just not mechanically inclined,and they try god help them. One wants to work as a carpenter; poor guy doesn't get any of it at all. Another wants to be a mechanic and cant do basic diagnosis; cant even do repair work due to injury now. The faux carpenter is the worst borrows your drill and leaves it out, borrows a tape and leaves it in the rain, leaves ladders out. The faux mechanic left a couple punches screwdrivers and wrenches outside the house, in the rain for a week.
There are tons of people out there who don't know anything about tools; makes you cherish the time you spend with people who do.

 

[930dreamer]

Interschola is a eBay site that sells old school property, I wonder if it's being replaced with new stuff? The HS I went to doesn't have any Vo-tec now, very sad.

 

[blazer1]

It's funny, growing up in Portland, Ore I went to a high school that was similar. Benson Tech. They had a full array of voc classes to specialize in the last 2 years of high school. All the student had to do was choose one. They would spend about 3 hours a day in there. Anywhere from auto repair to plastics. You name it, they had it. They even had a medical/dental program.

My dad tried to encourage me to take the auto class, but the dummy I am took foundry...something I haven't done since my last day of high school.

 

[BigAl62]

When my older brother got married and bought a house, I bought him a small tool box and some basic tools (hammer, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, etc.). After about a month my sister in law took me aside at a bbq at their house and told me to NEVER buy her husband ANY tools ever again! It seems he is totally tool impaired! As far as my tools, when I die, I have no idea who will want them, the closest is my wife's cousin, at least she would know what to do with them (like keep them from her brother who would pawn them as quick as he could).

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

It is safe to say that most but not all of today's children are not very mechanically inclined and chose not to be...

I've noticed a lot of people my age (26) and older tend to look down on guys who use tools and know how to fix their own cars. Something I've never understood - I have more knowledge than them, know how to fix something and don't have to rely on a shop to (hopefully) do it right...and yet they seem to think I'm not quite as smart as they are, because evidently being able to waste money for simple repairs and things like oil changes at a garage makes one superior. Never mind the fact that my hobby, spinning wrenches, is a lot more constructive than theirs...golf. Yeah, go whack a little ball in your spiffy shoes, I'll stay in my garage and play with dirty, oily, greasy stuff. I bet I know who's going to have more fun, too.

A lot of younger kids don't even seem to grasp the concept that they could learn mechanical skills. Most simply think that once something goes wrong, they take it to the shop, magical gnomes perform black magic, the mechanic comes out and tells them everything is good, takes their money, and off they go.

As far as tools, I appreciate them insofar as they allow me to accomplish a task. I'm not a collector, I'm not a brand snob, I just like having reliable tools for the jobs I need to do.

 

[LawnDart79]

I've noticed a lot of people my age (26) and older tend to look down on guys who use tools and know how to fix their own cars. Something I've never understood - I have more knowledge than them, know how to fix something and don't have to rely on a shop to (hopefully) do it right...and yet they seem to think I'm not quite as smart as they are, because evidently being able to waste money for simple repairs and things like oil changes at a garage makes one superior. Never mind the fact that my hobby, spinning wrenches, is a lot more constructive than theirs...golf. Yeah, go whack a little ball in your spiffy shoes, I'll stay in my garage and play with dirty, oily, greasy stuff. I bet I know who's going to have more fun, too.

A lot of younger kids don't even seem to grasp the concept that they could learn mechanical skills. Most simply think that once something goes wrong, they take it to the shop, magical gnomes perform black magic, the mechanic comes out and tells them everything is good, takes their money, and off they go.

As far as tools, I appreciate them insofar as they allow me to accomplish a task. I'm not a collector, I'm not a brand snob, I just like having reliable tools for the jobs I need to do.

YEP!!! I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[filtered]

My father knows how to do simple repairs on vehicles, he's always been more into woodworking though. He has taught me a lot about woodworking, i'm still no where near as skilled as him. He's also taught me plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and a bunch of other stuff. I am more interested in metal working and vehicle repair. I own far more mechanics tools than him, however he owns far more woodworking tools than I do. So we share our tools and help each other with projects.

My coworkers on the other hand won't even change their own oil. They think i'm nuts for showing up to work with dirt and grease under my finger nails. So don't get why I spend so much money on tools, or so much time fixing things myself. I explain to them, they spend $150 bucks at the shop to have something simple done, that requires $30 in parts. I do it myself and save $120 bucks. I can then use that money to spend on more tools rather than sticking it in someone else pocket. With more tools I can tackle more jobs and save more money.

So it's not me who is the crazy one for fixing everything myself, it's the people that would rather pay someone else to do it for them. I invest in tools, they pay for themselves many times over, and will always be worth something when I get too old to use them. It makes perfect sense to me, just not those around me.

I do appreciate my tools and so does my wallet.

 

[adcrawfo]

My wife keeps egging me that my son won't want to work in the garage with me. I hope that never happens. I'm already planning how I'm going to build his tool set for him. My step son, no desire what so ever to be in the garage.

I do hate when I can't fix something because it was made to be "throw away" and they don't have parts for it or the amount of money to get the parts is more than buying a new one to start out with.

 

[Ratchet.]

I've noticed a lot of people my age (26) and older tend to look down on guys who use tools and know how to fix their own cars. Something I've never understood - I have more knowledge than them, know how to fix something and don't have to rely on a shop to (hopefully) do it right...and yet they seem to think I'm not quite as smart as they are, because evidently being able to waste money for simple repairs and things like oil changes at a garage makes one superior. Never mind the fact that my hobby, spinning wrenches, is a lot more constructive than theirs...golf. Yeah, go whack a little ball in your spiffy shoes, I'll stay in my garage and play with dirty, oily, greasy stuff. I bet I know who's going to have more fun, too.

A lot of younger kids don't even seem to grasp the concept that they could learn mechanical skills. Most simply think that once something goes wrong, they take it to the shop, magical gnomes perform black magic, the mechanic comes out and tells them everything is good, takes their money, and off they go.

As far as tools, I appreciate them insofar as they allow me to accomplish a task. I'm not a collector, I'm not a brand snob, I just like having reliable tools for the jobs I need to do.

very much this, its sad sad that a lot of people think fixing stuff is stupid, or beneath them, but then im not the one who has to sit on his *** all day behind a desk... and when i get a puncture i can swap a wheel in 5 mins.. while they probably wait for the AAA or whatever (ok bad example but you get the jist)

my father was more a joiner/carpenter, though where i was more interested in cars, ok as a kid i didn't really pay much care and attention to my dads stuff (sorry dad...), but now a take exceptional care of my tools and others,

im not a 'tool polisher" by any means, not that that's a bad thing, but its so much nicer to work with well maintained, decent quality stuff than the cheap Chinese made **** that a lot people (non professionals mainly) seem to think is ok

 

[dolfans]

I wish i watched and learned from my Father. He worked on cars at a dealership and and then a service manager. Then became a truck driver after i was born. He did not have time to teach me and i was not interested. Thought he would be here if/when need him for repairs.I have done front brakes (no bleeding brakes thou),oil changes,spark plugs,belts,and trans mission gasket. I have his tools and i have 3 daughters so i dont know what will happen to the tools. I want all kinds of tools after being here

 

[YZ Rider]

I've noticed a lot of people my age (26) and older tend to look down on guys who use tools and know how to fix their own cars. Something I've never understood - I have more knowledge than them, know how to fix something and don't have to rely on a shop to (hopefully) do it right...and yet they seem to think I'm not quite as smart as they are, because evidently being able to waste money for simple repairs and things like oil changes at a garage makes one superior. Never mind the fact that my hobby, spinning wrenches, is a lot more constructive than theirs...golf. Yeah, go whack a little ball in your spiffy shoes, I'll stay in my garage and play with dirty, oily, greasy stuff. I bet I know who's going to have more fun, too.

A lot of younger kids don't even seem to grasp the concept that they could learn mechanical skills. Most simply think that once something goes wrong, they take it to the shop, magical gnomes perform black magic, the mechanic comes out and tells them everything is good, takes their money, and off they go.

As far as tools, I appreciate them insofar as they allow me to accomplish a task. I'm not a collector, I'm not a brand snob, I just like having reliable tools for the jobs I need to do.

A LOT of kids don't grasp that concept.... Kids my age, would rather sit on Facebook all day then be in a garage, probably never got their hands dirty in their life. IMHO its sad, really. I'm completely different, just starting high school and I'm a starting Tech. at a dealership, I love it. I've been fixing my own stuff for as long as I remember. When kids hear what I do, they just don't understand.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Im the youngest of 3 children. Older brother and sister. My brother wants to be handy and he has his moments but he just does not appreciate the ablility to do things himself.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

I like people who can't lift a wrench... It makes me and a few of my friends a lot of money!

 

[carbon]

You guys are lucky whose fathers helped them learn about fixing and building things. My dad was such an assh*le that I stayed away from him as much as possible.

As it turns out, he didn't know anything anyway. His solution for everything is/was "screws and 4x4 posts." I'm 41 now and had to figure it all out on my own.

I don't think you really can do anything with non-tool people to persuade them. You wouldn't have all the world as mechanics and carpenters and electricians etc...someone's gotta be doctors and cooks and bakers and makers of my clothes (I'd like to see the **** shoes I'd make!)!

 

[RangerDaleXp]

A LOT of kids don't grasp that concept.... Kids my age, would rather sit on Facebook all day then be in a garage, probably never got their hands dirty in their life. IMHO its sad, really. I'm completely different, just starting high school and I'm a starting Tech. at a dealership, I love it. I've been fixing my own stuff for as long as I remember. When kids hear what I do, they just don't understand.

This is what I am talking about. They are not tought and do not care unless a parrent shows them the path if they know how too. As for BrokewrenchLS1 comment, Do you think you know more then your father or anyone of his age

 

[RangerDaleXp]

You guys are lucky whose fathers helped them learn about fixing and building things. My dad was such an assh*le that I stayed away from him as much as possible.

As it turns out, he didn't know anything anyway. His solution for everything is/was "screws and 4x4 posts." I'm 41 now and had to figure it all out on my own.

I don't think you really can do anything with non-tool people to persuade them. You wouldn't have all the world as mechanics and carpenters and electricians etc...someone's gotta be doctors and cooks and bakers and makers of my clothes (I'd like to see the **** shoes I'd make!)!

I am not a dad as far as I know, but I would try to teach to him and learn from him as well

 

[sscustom]

im not married lol im 20 but talking bout appreciation of tool my boss's toolbox is a mess so when he gets a chance to use my co-workers box he jumps at it i always say did you get a new toolbox, anyway the other week he was doin some work on a pajero and he had a wobbly 1/2 swivel that he broke in pieces then arfter it was all done and his tools were everywere he made me clean everything so the guy wouldnt know he abused pretty much all of his tools ,just chucked them on the hoist and walked away

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I like people who can't lift a wrench... It makes me and a few of my friends a lot of money!

I would agree in a business stand point that people today remain mechanically stupid, but it is a shame, The school system today helps you and me along with more engines blow up because people today have no idea how to take care of them.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

im not married lol im 20 but talking bout appreciation of tool my boss's toolbox is a mess so when he gets a chance to use my co-workers box he jumps at it i always say did you get a new toolbox, anyway the other week he was doin some work on a pajero and he had a wobbly 1/2 swivel that he broke in pieces then arfter it was all done and his tools were everywere he made me clean everything so the guy wouldnt know he abused pretty much all of his tools ,just chucked them on the hoist and walked away

I would not consider him a good boss

 

[taterdog]

my parents know how to change tail light on a car.....does that count for anything? because thats about it. Ive always been very interested in working on cars but have never had anyone to show me how to work on anything. so when i finnaly got my first truck if anything broke i figured out how to fix it. interestingly enough this was just 3 years ago and i now know a great deal of information.

 

[clouseau]

Then again, it's not all bad that most people don't appreciate tools.

I'm just off to the boot sales where i guarantee i will find boxes of stuff for 50c a wrench. I can choose whether to buy a Facom pipe wrench or a literally broken no name POS for the same price!

 

[slob]

My uncle was a mechanic. His sons leave his Snap-on, SK, and Mac stuff all over the place. I've had to retrieve his swivel head Snap-on ratchet from the lake after my cousin dropped it while trying to fix a dock cleat. I think he figured it cost about $20 and he would just buy a new one.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

This is what I am talking about. They are not tought and do not care unless a parrent shows them the path if they know how too. As for BrokewrenchLS1 comment, Do you think you know more then your father or anyone of his age

I know more than my dad about mechanical stuff; when it comes to masonry or carpentry, I can bang together wall framing or lay a rough block course, but nothing even remotely close to what he can do.

But, as far as age, there are plenty of guys his age who know a lot more about mechanical stuff than I do; hell, there are plenty of guys younger than I am who know more about that. I've just had a lot more experience with the guys who think owning and using tools is for weak-brained menials, rather than those who own and enjoy using tools.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Yep...even though I myself am part of this 'kids' generation, i definitely feel that everyone else i know would just rather pay someone else to fix their problem than to learn and do it on their own - whether it be household stuff, car stuff, computers, you name it. I guess it kind of goes hand in hand with the 'throw away, buy another mentality'.

 

[BBQ&Love]

My 12 year old son is my only child and not only has he inherited my love of tools, he has inherited my OCD'ness about cleaning them and putting them away a certain way. Can't pawn off any **** on him either.

 

[littletoes]

Guys, it seems some of you are missing the boat. Your wondering what will happen to your tools when your gone.

Let me let you in on a little secret. Find Someone.

Who said it HAS to be family??? Find a kid, one that has an interest, maybe not instilled by you, maybe an interest they acquired on their own.

They are YOUR tools, and if your own kids are not interested, give them to someone who IS. Give them to somebody who will use them, and appreciate them.

Too many kids take it for granted, that because they are YOUR tools, they are almost equally THEIR tools.

I've got news for my kids if they treat my tools any way other than what "I" want......but who am I kidding, I've five kids, and so far, my oldest son really likes tools, and enjoys using them (15). My younger son is coming along (11), my middle daughter (8 yo), is showing an interest too.

They all LOVE to help, no matter what I'm doing, carpentry, auto mechanics, boat mechanics....go-kart, yard work, you name it.

My Resume is substantial, when it comes to using tools...Farm kids are lucky that way I guess.....