DIYers, how often do you use the correct tool?

[joseywales]

I hammered in two small ceiling mollies with the **** end of my Ryobi drill.

I have enough tools that when my nephew contractor does work, his employees get confused as to whose tool is whose. One time, they returned a 22" work fan that I didn't even notice was missing. They had the same type and took both by accident. It's not uncommon for them, or HVAC guys to borrow tools from me. I really do have the correct tool for just about any job I care to tackle, but most times I'm squeezing a task in between shuttling the kids somewhere, etc., so i just grab what I can reach an get'r done. Sometimes I question why i even buy certain tools, as the tool between the ears always seems to find a way to get the job done.

Just curious, so I posted the poll.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I think most of us tend to work on a wide variety of projects. That often requires a much wider variety of tools than your typical person will own. The previous owner of my house worked on older (30's-60's) cars and his tools could easily fit in about 12 feet of cabinets. Between projects on the house, garage, and cars mine easily take up twice that.

Now whether I have the correct tool in hand or just say screw it, that is another issue entirely. For that I would say I *almost* always use the correct one.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I HAVE to use the right tool. Because if I use just anything to do the job when I am out buying tools I can't justify buying the new tool since I COULD just use what I already have. And I HAVE to have a new tool. that's the rule.

Besides, using right tool is just easier, even if I do have to get up and go across the shop to get it. and making things easier is why we all started buying tools in the first place right?

 

[Tallpilot]

I HAVE to use the right tool. Because if I use just anything to do the job when I am out buying tools I can't justify buying the new tool since I COULD just use what I already have. And I HAVE to have a new tool. that's the rule.

Besides, using right tool is just easier, even if I do have to get up and go across the shop to get it. and making things easier is why we all started buying tools in the first place right?

 

[fordkid88]

If i have to buy uncommon material for a job i use the right tool. Pex tubing for example. I bought the crimper for air lines in the shop

 

[Parrothead]

...I have enough tools that when my nephew contractor does work, his employees get confused as to whose tool is whose...

I hired a contractor to put in two new door at the house because I thought I was too busy. I was around after all when he was scheduled. He didn’t have to unload his trailer, I was around and helped...so he cut the bill in half.

 

[Parrothead]

I use the right tool for the job 99% of the time. However I can improvise in a pinch.

Example: I was helping a homeowner who was putting in a garage door opener and they needed the wall button mounted. No drill bits at their house (first time homeowners/new house). “Drill” the hole with a screw, use the screwdriver to make the hole big enough for the drywall anchor, and used the back end of the screwdriver to pound it in the wall. You’d never know even if checking the job in the middle I did the whole thing with a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

The right tool is great, and they make jobs easier and contribute to a professional result. The ability to improvise is invaluable

 

[Handyandy23]

I HAVE to use the right tool. Because if I use just anything to do the job when I am out buying tools I can't justify buying the new tool since I COULD just use what I already have. And I HAVE to have a new tool. that's the rule.

Besides, using right tool is just easier, even if I do have to get up and go across the shop to get it. and making things easier is why we all started buying tools in the first place right?

Totally agree with this - hard to justify buying all of these specialty tools if I don't use them when it comes time to needing them. Plus I get joy out of using the tools as much as I do from doing the work. So when I realize I have the right tool for the job, and it's never been used, and all I have to do is climb down off a ladder and go get it, I'm happy to do it.

Plus as someone else pointed out, the reason we use the right tool is because it makes a nicer, cleaner job in the end. I have used a screwdriver as a drill bit and hammer before, but you definitely have to take a lot more care (and a little bit of luck) not to mangle something.

I'll also add that organization is the key for me in not being lazy about using the right tools. If things are so cluttered or difficult to access that I find myself not wanting to use the tool, then it's time to re-organize and make things easier to grab and go.

 

[jacric2005]

Totally agree with this - hard to justify buying all of these specialty tools if I don't use them when it comes time to needing them. Plus I get joy out of using the tools as much as I do from doing the work. So when I realize I have the right tool for the job, and it's never been used, and all I have to do is climb down off a ladder and go get it, I'm happy to do it.

Plus as someone else pointed out, the reason we use the right tool is because it makes a nicer, cleaner job in the end. I have used a screwdriver as a drill bit and hammer before, but you definitely have to take a lot more care (and a little bit of luck) not to mangle something.

I'll also add that organization is the key for me in not being lazy about using the right tools. If things are so cluttered or difficult to access that I find myself not wanting to use the tool, then it's time to re-organize and make things easier to grab and go.

Nothing like "everything has a place and everything in its place". So nice to immediately put your hands on the tool you need. Help keep me from getting frustrated and then smashing a hammer into the project.

 

[LOW1]

I am not sure that there are very many absolutely "correct" tools for the job. What is "correct" will always be to some extent a matter of opinion. And "correct" may change over time when something better invariably comes along. For example, I doubt if a hand brace is still considered the "correct" way to dill a hole in wood but there was a time when it was.

I try to use "correct enough" tools. If it does not damage what I am working on and gets the job done with reasonable time and effort it's "correct enough" for me. But if I was in a trade and needed to get things done faster in order to make a living many of the tools I have would not be "correct enough."

As my father would say, "it's good enough for who it's for."

 

[larry_g]

Sometimes the Cresenthammer is the correct tool. When your broke down in the field or woods then the tools you have are the correct tools. Other times the Mastercard is the correct tool to get the job done. Hire a professional.

I also don't care if you think I'm using the incorrect tool. I'm getting the job done and keeping downtime to a minimum.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mdnelson86]

I almost always use the “correct” tool for the job with 2 exceptions. I carry a vice grip and a good sized pocket knife on my belt when working around the farm. Those 2 tools end up doing a lot more than what they’re really designed for. But that’s usually just quick little projects without the toolbox nearby. When I’m actually working on something, Ive been known to use random tools for a quick tap or 2 as a hammer, but it makes me cringe every time. I’ve collected a ton of specialty tools to do certain jobs properly and usually if I don’t have it and can wait a day or two, I’ll buy it. Gets to be expensive sometimes, but what can I say....I’m a tool addict.

 

[Moosefire]

Seeing as I can hardly find a screwdriver in my garage, let alone a specialty tool, I use what I can when I need to do work. I do prefer to use proper tools but since I just moved recently and dont have anything organized I'm stuck using what I can find

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

While a lot of the time I have the "correct tool" for the trades I play in, it's the first tool that might work that comes to hand. I've noticed even at work, I often worked like that. A 8" adjustable instead of the 9/16" deep offset. I do that most often working with wood. I guess that is where tradesman's skills show.

Having said that, I believe " it's the tradesman not the tools" is pretty close to BS.

 

[HaroRider]

I dont even own a hammer. Everything is a hammer.

 

[dwasifar]

I mostly do. I've poked anchor holes in drywall with a screwdriver in the past, or used a slotted screwdriver for a general pry bar and scraper. My tongue & groove plier handles show the scars from the time I tried to use them as a twist handle for leverage on a tub drain wrench. (It did not work.) And sometimes I use a nailset to tap a starter hole when drilling into wood, so that the bit won't walk. But mostly I use the proper tool for the job, and I get better results than when I fudge it.

Recently I found out I've been using the wrong tool for oil drain plugs. I've been using a socket with ratchet or breaker bar, but apparently a combination wrench is the proper tool. So I will adjust my practices.

 

[ItsNemo]

Always correct tool...using the wrong tool tends to take longer anyway because it doesn't work as well or breaks/mangles something.

 

[joseywales]

I think most of "my" issue is that I travel three floors. Working in the garage is easier, you just walk across the floor. I moved to a Milwaukee backpack (cheap on CL), to try a system of loading it with general purpose tools, for house work. So far, that's worked out well. I also have an electrical/cable install backpack, nice VTEC pack that on CL as well.

Organization will no doubt help, and has helped, me find the correct tool for each job. I was making a lot of progress in my garage, then left for vaca. I'm eager to finish it. Hung five more LED shop lights and set up my low end drill presses. My daughter and I made a PVC flute for her Science class and I was bit embarrassed that my shop wasn't more organized. She used the drill press, rasp, hacksaw, etc. and did a nice job. He classmates accused her of having her dad do it, because the project called for the use of materials and tools that were already in the house. Little do they knew we could have made a 5 piece band, and I've already cleared out a lot of stuff. Her teacher gave her an A+.

 

[Balakay]

At home, I always try to use the right tool assuming I have it. At work, my crescent and 440s serve the purpose of most tools known to man at some point or another.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Depends on how tall is the ladder I'm standing on.

 

[Mgdoug3]

99% of the time I use the right tool, make the right tool or go borrow/get the right tool. The 1% is if there's hay on the ground and rain in the forecast.

 

[f121]

Definitely most of the time, but there's been plenty of times my ratchet has been used as a hammer to tap a socket or bit onto a rusted fastner.

Its worse when I'm working in the house and I'm tired, those stairs get old!

 

[dwasifar]

Depends on how tall is the ladder I'm standing on.

This right here.

 

[woody 73]

Funny in that my Father had so few tools yet he beat it into my head everyday to use the right tool for the right job... He was right of course wish I cold tell him that, but he has passed so many years ago; Miss you everyday.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think the results are going to be skewed as this is a tool/garage fanatic forum.

 

[sberry]

At home, I always try to use the right tool assuming I have it. At work, my crescent and 440s serve the purpose of most tools known to man at some point or another.

If an adjustable or a 440 doesn't work I get the right tool.

 

[Robinson1]

At home, I always try to use the right tool assuming I have it. At work, my crescent and 440s serve the purpose of most tools known to man at some point or another.

If the Crescent or 440s wont fix it just back the whole damn service truck up against the doors. Its going to be a long night boys!

 

[boblikestools]

Once I break the incorrect tool, that’s when I figure it’s time to change up my strategy [emoji1]. Everything’s a pry bar until it’s not.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Jack84]

At home, I always try to use the right tool assuming I have it. At work, my crescent and 440s serve the purpose of most tools known to man at some point or another.

What's a 440?

 

[Balakay]

What's a 440?

It's the model number of Channellock 12" pliers. Just how we refer to them at work. 440s or 420s.

 

[dwasifar]

Sometimes there are things for which there is no specific "correct" tool.

For example, what is the "correct" tool for pulling a finishing nail through the back of a piece of trim that you've removed from the wall? That's something you need to do to every piece of trim you reuse, but I don't know that there's a specific tool for that job. You can't use a claw hammer or demo bar because you're not pulling the nail from the head end.

I just use whatever pliers are on hand. Channellocks are preferred because you can roll the round head backward for leverage, but if, say, lineman pliers are closer to hand, I'll use those and just twist them sideways.

 

[mrspeed]

Sometimes there are things for which there is no specific "correct" tool.

For example, what is the "correct" tool for pulling a finishing nail through the back of a piece of trim that you've removed from the wall? That's something you need to do to every piece of trim you reuse, but I don't know that there's a specific tool for that job. You can't use a claw hammer or demo bar because you're not pulling the nail from the head end.

I just use whatever pliers are on hand. Channellocks are preferred because you can roll the round head backward for leverage, but if, say, lineman pliers are closer to hand, I'll use those and just twist them sideways.

I'd probably use nail pullers like these.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[dwasifar]

I'd probably use nail pullers like these.

I knew it was a risk to take a stand on whether a tool was available.

I did not know those even existed.

 

[mrspeed]

I knew it was a risk to take a stand on whether a tool was available.



I did not know those even existed.

I commend your risk taking. I couldn't resist though. I actually do have these and they make nail pulling a breeze.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[Gurp]

Everything is a hammer as long as its not electronic.

 

[mrspeed]

Everything is a hammer as long as its not electronic.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[JR 42]

Sometimes there are things for which there is no specific "correct" tool.

For example, what is the "correct" tool for pulling a finishing nail through the back of a piece of trim that you've removed from the wall? That's something you need to do to every piece of trim you reuse, but I don't know that there's a specific tool for that job. You can't use a claw hammer or demo bar because you're not pulling the nail from the head end.

I just use whatever pliers are on hand. Channellocks are preferred because you can roll the round head backward for leverage, but if, say, lineman pliers are closer to hand, I'll use those and just twist them sideways.

I carried 10" Channellock end nips in a back pocket for 6 or 7 years and pulled thousands of nails with them... looks like they've discontinued the 10" concretors nips, but still offer a few 8" patterns. There's a little bit of a learning curve, especially with skinny finish nails and brads shot with a trim nailer, but it's not too difficult.

We had a set of nips similar to that Crescent dealie, but I thought it was clunky and poorly balanced and preferred the ordinary nips.

You can pull hand- driven nails with a claw hammer or prybar if the inner edges are sharp enough, but it's clumsy and dents the wood all over.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Sometimes there are things for which there is no specific "correct" tool.

For example, what is the "correct" tool for pulling a finishing nail through the back of a piece of trim that you've removed from the wall? That's something you need to do to every piece of trim you reuse, but I don't know that there's a specific tool for that job. You can't use a claw hammer or demo bar because you're not pulling the nail from the head end.

I just use whatever pliers are on hand. Channellocks are preferred because you can roll the round head backward for leverage, but if, say, lineman pliers are closer to hand, I'll use those and just twist them sideways.

A beekeeper's hive tool is perfect for doing that. One of these:

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/9-quot-...7UwdUQ0pNYIr8nLcgx5LJSPPXWNykmCcaAoE-EALw_wcB

They are cheap, and made from spring steel, so they pry really, really well. The hooked end can be pounded in and then exerts tremendous force.

 

[Wamsutta]

I always use the correct tool and the correct brand too.

 

[BajaScout]

I always use the correct tool and the correct brand too.

Same here. There a certain rules you always follow.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app