Demonstrating Control

[TheMadMech]

How do you guys reign in tool purchases? When I started my current job I was buying TONS of tools. I finally decided to make a spreadsheet to list out and research tools I need/want and only when it's on the list will I pick it up. Thoughts?

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[The Cobbler]

people using common sense don't belong on here !

 

[davethorik]

I was laid off last week, that's how I reign in my tool purchases lol

 

[purplezr2]

Once you have most of the common stuff, than you get to the point you are at. Most of my purchases now are specialty tools for specific jobs.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I have a list on my phone of needed sockets and wrenches to complete sets I have, but other then that is is sorta

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think knowing that tools either make or save money allows you to buy them. Knowing the stuff you shouldn't buy because of a particular reason is the self control aspect.

 

[crewchief888]

when i left my last job, (jan, 98) i paid off both the tool trucks i owed money to.

moved 1200 miles, and started a new job.

i found out that the previous 15 years of tool buying i was pretty much had what i needed.

i dont think i've had a balance of more than $300 on a tool truck since then.

if i do need/want something, it's paid for in cash.

most of my hand tool buying comes from flea mkts & pawn shops, i buy new power tools, and consumables from a big box store.

my service truck is full of my "working" tools, i have a garage full of tools, and the basement has it's fair share of woodworking type tools.

i dont shop on the internet, nor do i have a credit card.
i seldom carry any cash on me, unless i'm planning on making a purchase.
not having cash in hand or a credit card makes it easy to not "impulse buy".

i talk myself out of a lot of purchases, by telling myself i dont really need it... and i usually dont

 

[OCD]

people using common sense don't belong on here !

I sold my common sense to buy more tools!!

 

[crewchief888]

I sold my common sense to buy more tools!!

 

[BK13]

I was laid off last week, that's how I reign in my tool purchases lol

Sorry to hear that, man.

Once I get my taxes paid off, I think KoKen and Hazet might be getting a fair bit of money from me....

 

[TheMadMech]

I was laid off last week, that's how I reign in my tool purchases lol

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you can find work soon.

I was fired in the beginning of October and was fortunate, I found new work in 2-3 weeks. I didn't start that fast, that took a little over a month, but there are lots of jobs for people in maintenance type work.

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[MrJason]

How do you guys reign in tool purchases? When I started my current job I was buying TONS of tools. I finally decided to make a spreadsheet to list out and research tools I need/want and only when it's on the list will I pick it up. Thoughts?

This is my clever signature.

Abt 10 months ago, I was buying nearly $400/mo in new tools, just from recommendations found here. Then, all of a sudden, I stopped. Seriously, today I realized that I'd not been on here and, boom... here I am.

Looking back, I just hit a point where I got what I needed. Now, I use more control, based upon 'like' or 'desire' I bookmark a tool, for purchase later.

I made a rule, to never buy on the same day I discover a new tool. Thats helped. Also, I allocate 5% monthly to new tools. If I let it grow, I have more buying capacity.

I was laid off last week, that's how I reign in my tool purchases lol

Sorry to hear that Dave.

I think knowing that tools either make or save money allows you to buy them. Knowing the stuff you shouldn't buy because of a particular reason is the self control aspect.

I agree here. I only buy what I know I could use. I need a Return on Investment. No more frivolous tool purchases.

I sold my common sense to buy more tools!!

I bought it from you, I think. Hahaha..

 

[Greg85mcss]

Have kids. But seriously I try to buy something I've borrowed twice & keep in mind things that I think would make my job easier then prioritize.


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[d.mcfarland]

I think this thread eliminates the people who collect as a hobby. Tools for use and tools for collecting are 2 entirely different purchases because their intention is different. Some people use the tools they collect but we have to eliminate that from this type of discussion.

 

[Tinner]

When you find yourself selling your blood for food or gas money, it's time to dial back the tool purchases a bit.

 

[drink]

How do you guys reign in tool purchases? When I started my current job I was buying TONS of tools. I finally decided to make a spreadsheet to list out and research tools I need/want and only when it's on the list will I pick it up. Thoughts?

This is my clever signature.

Currently I have a pretty good set of tools. However, no matter how hard I have tried to be prepared it seems like I need a tool every now and then. A few days ago I went and bought a few long Torx screwdrivers and got them at a pretty good price. I ended up in a situation where a Torx screw was in a really hard-to-reach place and these long shaft drivers did the job. Yep, while I was there I found some other tools and bought them to go in a set I was putting together to keep as a personal collector's set. What can I say?

 

[APEowner]

The same way I control car purchases and the number of race weekends I do each year. Budget. If it's not in the budget I don't spend it.

 

[diernosaj]

Easy. The same way I control everything else that I want to buy. I just don't have the money for it.

 

[speed bump]

I used to buy a ton of wrenches then I realized it spent my tool funds on tools I already owned and had multiple of already. Then I focused on expanding my capabilities as much as possible. Now I just buy the odd tool when I need it for a job or consumables such as saw blades, drill bits, and driver bits.

This year I want to buy an air compressor and a drill press so I am selling a bunch of collected parts and equipment that I haven't used in a long time to bank roll the capabilities I want in those tools. Helps me clear clutter and avoid the I can get away with a cheap one thoughts.

 

[T_Roze]

I have a wife. That works pretty well


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[chipss36]

that's easy, as soon as I see a few dyno sheets on say a new wiz bang cam, flow numbers on a new port/valve job, stuff like that, all tool purchases stop....for awhile anyway.

 

[TK-421]

I try super hard to not impulse buy. I will usually spend months researching a tool before I buy it, unless it seems like all the options are pretty much the same, then I pick the one that's green, or the one that looks the best if green isn't an option.

The months of research and lack of a desire to impulse buy and then regret it later is the best way I've found to not overspend or buy stupid things I don't need.

That, and my car taking up so much money is how I'm currently not dropping several hundred dollars on Milwaukee M12 Fuel stuff right now.