Do We Really NEED All These Tools?

[bczygan]

I've reached a tipping point.

The desire was to have a metal working shop. Actually it was to have a shop to work in metal and wood and plastic, all three.

And not having much money, it has been a long slog, acquiring one thing at a time, looking for deals and scraping up money.

There are a certain number of capital tools needed for a basic metal or wood shop. You all know the basic list. And you can't really do very much until you have them all. And you need the tooling for each one, and the hand tools and smaller accessory tools and then the materials to make things from.

Once all is said and done, you have spent a small fortune, no matter how good the deals.

So I am at that point where I have most of the major tools. But I wonder if I need any of them.

Your typical homeowner has a hammer, screwdriver and a pair of pliers. He gets along OK......

What would cause a person to need anything more?

For me, that isn't enough. I want to be able to do things.

Is that desire reason enough to assemble a complete shop?

I don't have any particular item I want or need to make. It is just the general ability to do anything and everything, that drives me. My wife doesn't understand. And I'm beginning to thing it doesn't make sense either.

With all the woodworking stuff I have, I've made her a rolling pin, and myself a few tool racks. It doesn't make economic sense.

But how could I live without the ability to frame a shed or install a concrete slab? I want to be able to do a brake job and fix minor automotive problems. And weld a broken tool or buff something to a shine.

In the past, I didn't have any tools, and couldn't do anything.

Now that I have some tools, I find myself doing minor repairs around the house. I just hung a door on the bedroom, that was sitting for the last 20 years. I had a plane to fit it and enjoyed doing it.

And I can't even imagine getting someone else to do it.

So am I stuck on this tool gathering trajectory?

Is there no way out?

Should I just relax and go with the flow?

Bill

And I know this is the wrong forum on which to ask this question.

 

[RivennHewn]

Just start living by the one rule that matters: Produce something every day.

Or at least make progress.

Then all your toys get used, and are worth having around.

 

[d.mcfarland]

We need to survive. Anything else is a luxury. So define your personal "survive".

 

[FMC1959]

Simple rule, need to feed the sickness. More tools = more happiness.

My GF says I have an insatiable appetite for tools and ***.

 

[Askme42]

I don't care that I've got by just fine without them for years. Didn't stop me from buying my first pliers wrench yeaterday b

 

[n8n]

I've reached a tipping point.

The desire was to have a metal working shop. Actually it was to have a shop to work in metal and wood and plastic, all three.

And not having much money, it has been a long slog, acquiring one thing at a time, looking for deals and scraping up money.

There are a certain number of capital tools needed for a basic metal or wood shop. You all know the basic list. And you can't really do very much until you have them all. And you need the tooling for each one, and the hand tools and smaller accessory tools and then the materials to make things from.

Once all is said and done, you have spent a small fortune, no matter how good the deals.

So I am at that point where I have most of the major tools. But I wonder if I need any of them.

Your typical homeowner has a hammer, screwdriver and a pair of pliers. He gets along OK......

What would cause a person to need anything more?

For me, that isn't enough. I want to be able to do things.

Is that desire reason enough to assemble a complete shop?

I don't have any particular item I want or need to make. It is just the general ability to do anything and everything, that drives me. My wife doesn't understand. And I'm beginning to thing it doesn't make sense either.

With all the woodworking stuff I have, I've made her a rolling pin, and myself a few tool racks. It doesn't make economic sense.

But how could I live without the ability to frame a shed or install a concrete slab? I want to be able to do a brake job and fix minor automotive problems. And weld a broken tool or buff something to a shine.

In the past, I didn't have any tools, and couldn't do anything.

Now that I have some tools, I find myself doing minor repairs around the house. I just hung a door on the bedroom, that was sitting for the last 20 years. I had a plane to fit it and enjoyed doing it.

And I can't even imagine getting someone else to do it.

So am I stuck on this tool gathering trajectory?

Is there no way out?

Should I just relax and go with the flow?

Bill

And I know this is the wrong forum on which to ask this question.

I totally agree that it doesn't necessarily make economic sense if you have to buy everything from scratch. However keep in mind that quality tools may well outlive you. I come from a Family of Tools - my parents, grandparents, etc. never called a repair guy to fix anything unless it required a backhoe, front end loader, etc. something that was way out of the realm of economic payback. As a result I inherited both that mindset and a good start on my toolbox, as well as some basic skills so I can use aforementioned tools.

It may be seen as a useless skill since fixing anything really just requires a phone and a credit card, but a) I know that things are done right because I did it myself and b) when I'm done with my tools I plan to pass them on to a younger person who hopefully will do the same.

 

[Ign]

I agree with the ability to do anything & everything. I don't have kids either, tools are my hobby as well as my living.

But you still have to draw the line somewhere. For me, it's metalworking and manual machining that I ENJOY. I hate carpentry, so I have little to nothing there. I've never even once considered a table saw or a track saw or biscuit jointer thingy.

Even within your selected genre you gotta draw the line. Blacksmithing fascinates me but I have no room or time for a forge. I might even like a plasma table but have gotten by perfectly fine without it. I'd love to do restorations of equipment but quality painting doesn't interest me.

But NO WAY I'd survive with just basic homeowner tools. Bare minimum I'd have to have 220V welder, 4 grinders, bandsaw.......and quite honestly, my BP w DRO -- if nothing else it's an extremely convenient and accurate drill press.

 

[signcrafter]

For me, that isn't enough. I want to be able to do things.

Is that desire reason enough to assemble a complete shop?


With all the woodworking stuff I have, I've made her a rolling pin, and myself a few tool racks. It doesn't make economic sense.

Yes that is enough. IF you do the things you are able to do with your tools. If you buy a whole wood shop just to make a rolling pin that is silly. Now if you use your woodworking tools enough over a certain period then that is reason enough.

I'm just like you. I like to be able to do whatever may come up that I need to do. Welding, woodworking, automotive repair, home repair. I've very self reliant and rarely call in others to do a job for me. I've collected more tools then the average guy over the years, mainly because of the wide variety of projects I do. Say I need to pour a slab, I need all the concrete tools so I go buy them. In my mind I'm saving money over hiring someone to do it and I have the tools to do more concrete work in the future. It makes sense in my head.

I have a bunch of woodworking tools also, table saw, 6" jointer, 15" industrial planer, routers, etc. I use them often and it makes sense for me to have them. I also have a nice miller welder that I bought used, new would be in the few thousands of dollar range. It gets used but not that often but enough to justify it. It's nice to be able to weld something up when needed. Just the other day I used it to weld a nut on a stuck bolt on a caliper to get it off. Worked great and was nice to have available to use. And probably saved a few hundred dollars doing the brake job myself.

I just bought a 1000 dollar scan tool to work on cars. It will eventually pay for itself but is a pretty big investment for someone that just works on my own stuff and family's stuff. But that one time that I don't have to go to a dealer to have a repair done that I couldn't do without a real scan tool will probably pay for half the tool. I've even thought about buying a tire rim clamp and balancer. Would be an expensive investment and not really sure I would be able to justify it unless I could buy my own tires a lot cheaper. So for now those are on hold, plus I have run out of room. I bought a concrete mixer to do some fence posts. It has paid for itself many times over now in the two years that I've had it. I have lots of specialty tools that only get used every once in a while. But when you need them you have to have them. And the way I look at it is if it is going to cost ***.** dollars to have someone else fix my stuff then I have ***.** dollars to spend on tools to fix my **** and sill come out ahead because next time I have the tools to do the job. Even job specific tools I have found I will eventually use again down the road.

It all comes down to how much you will use the tools you have. Just to have the ability isn't enough to justify having a tool. To have the ability and actually use it does justify having the tools. Start using your tools. Make some cutting boards. Make whatever. Why is a rolling pin and some tool holders the only thing you have made with your woodworking tools? Just don't have anything else to make? Then it's time to sell them. But if you are going to use them then they are justified to have around.

 

[LXCam]

There is no escape. Also you can't do metal and wood in the same shop, so now you need another shop too, so quit posting and get busy.

 

[whitetrash1]

My wife asked me the other day why I had so many tools I don't use. I said if you can go out there and find a tool I haven't used I'll buy you a new pair of shoes. The only exception being my grandfathers stuff I'm still sorting through and the 36mm socket I just bought for oil changes.


She's still out there looking....and failing.

 

[Monte]

maybe build some toys out of wood for your kids or so....

 

[FMC1959]

Do We Really NEED All These Tools?"....if it makes you happy, then yes.

My responses are simplistic, but that is what it comes down to. I know many on this forum that enjoy having & using their horde of tools. Some tools rarely get used or maybe have yet to be used, but they put a smile on your face when you see them in YOUR shop. Just like knife collectors (or any collector) that never use some of their knives but get a joy from having them.

When you no longer get this feeling, the sickness is "cured" and you can move on to your next "hobby" in life.

Bottom line is having the right tool for any job is a great feeling.

 

[wornoutoldman]

How many times have helped someone out with a project or repair using their tools while muttering under your breath "if only I had my tools" the job would have been done hours ago.

Short answer? Yes you need all of them and more. Keep buying tools Bill!

 

[Bran Diezel]

I don't care that I've got by just fine without them for years. Didn't stop me from buying my first pliers wrench yeaterday b

Who are you people and why are you spying on me? I have my own garage and a virtually unlimited supply of tools at work where I have 5 Snap on boxes full of everything. As if I didn't need anymore I have a big snap on box at home overflowing, 4 toolboxes crammed full of tools for roadside kits, 2 big boxes of tools just for hobbies, and more!

I swear I can't stop buying tools, I am buying another snap on box for the house, bought like $70 from Sears yesterday including the Knipex plier wrench I have been eye balling for 3 years now, I have one more snap on KRSC46 that will be in next week for the garage (it will make #3, royal blue, black and now lime green), and I have an online shopping cart with a bunch of koken extensions and the like on my other browser window!


HELP!

 

[txvwnut]

My wife asks the same question.
Do you really need all of these tools? And pretty much in the same breath throws a dictionary size of todo's that actually requires the use of most of them.
She will catch me looking at online tool vendor or something at one of the box stores and says "you don't need it you've got plenty of tools".
I reply with yeah but I don't have one like that. It's the same reply I give with guitars or Volkswagens.

 

[n8n]

Also, it seems every job I do I need more tools.

e.g. i was just relating this to another member last night. We both have the SK Torx "master set" and the very first time I went to use it in anger was on the front brakes on a SAAB 9-5 (I think? might have been a 9-3) you guessed it, had to call up NAPA and have them order me a large E-torx socket from their warehouse to complete the job.

It never ends, but having a good collection to start with means that for each job hopefully you won't have to buy TOO many tools in a hurry...

 

[RedneckWelder]

I take pride in being able to accomplish any job that needs to be done. I enjoy learning how to do stuff, too, but most of all I enjoy being able to point to something and say "I fixed that" or "I built that"

It is something I learned from my father who taught me a strong work ethic and being willing to take on the challenge of being able to do anything, from automotive work to concrete to building a house to metalworking.

 

[bczygan]

OK...You guys helped me tip in the right direction.

More tools that I will use, is not a bad direction to go.

I will try to refrain from collecting tools just because they are cool. And will avoid too many duplicates. That becomes "collecting".

And furthermore, I will make it a mission to organize and care for them better, so they are readily available for use.

And I will endeavor to use them all, whenever possible.

Bill

 

[Toolfool]

Great topic. My dilemma is "Do I STILL need all these tools?" After my surgery this year, I started thinking about what would happen if I died suddenly. My wife would be stuck trying to get rid of a LOT of tools, machines, equipment, and vehicles. She'd have no clue what they're worth. We never had kids to leave things to. All our family is back East. She deserves to have the cash for the real values and would probably end up having a yard sale and only getting pennies on the dollar. I started to feel guilty about having spent so much money on my stuff when we could have taken vacations, or had an actual retirement account.

 

[Parrothead]

I don't know, I've kind of caught myself thinking the same thing at times...do I really NEED all these tools? For a long time I survived on a 5 drawer top box and a couple of storage tubs for my power tools. I managed just fine. Now, I have 4x the stuff, but don't necessarily accomplish any more than I did. Where's the line? I don't have kids and nobody in my family will want my tools, so they're just going to be sold for pennies on the dollar. Makes me wonder...

 

[BK13]

My wife asked me the other day why I had so many tools I don't use. I said if you can go out there and find a tool I haven't used I'll buy you a new pair of shoes. The only exception being my grandfathers stuff I'm still sorting through and the 36mm socket I just bought for oil changes.


She's still out there looking....and failing.

Heck, since I have a bit of a thing for my GF's shoes as well as a fairly serious - well, maybe not around here, but among normal people - tool addiction, I'd be tempted to buy a new tool just so I could get her some new CFM stilettos... LOL

 

[rockinacummins]

The dilemma is need vs. want. Do I need 50 adjustable wrenches? No, but I like collecting them. In my opinion, tools are an investment. It's better than cash in a can or money in the bank. I can use them to make money or I can sell them if I absolutely have to. But regardless, I enjoy collecting them and using them.

So I say if you need it then get it. If you want it and you have the means to get it, then get it. Enjoy it and put it to good use. More money can be made and you can't take it with you when you go. Besides, if you didn't INVEST in tools, you would most likely spend it on something else...

 

[toolman9w]

Need no. Want yes. I just had a discussion with my wife this morning, I said honey I have an issue I do not have big enough tool box. She says I think you knew that when you got it.
Economically it makes no sense. But it all looks good in the drawer waiting to be used.

 

[toolman9w]

Also I love the "damn forgot about that tool" feeling.

 

[bczygan]

And as I get older, it's a race to get the tools I need, while I still have the ability to use them.

 

[BK13]

Also I love the "damn forgot about that tool" feeling.

Yeah, that's a great feeling!

 

[OutsideMachinist]

If it is disposable income and doesn't put you in a bad way financially I don't see any problem with it. You could do far worse buying useless materialistic things that can't serve any purpose other than feeding your ego. If you are eating alpo meatloaf you might want to reconsider.

As far as long term, I never consider resale value when buying any tools. If you don't wanna end up with a bunch of scumbags offering your wife a fraction of the value of your tools then make a plan. Give it away to a worthy family member. Donate it to your local high school or community college, etc.

 

[Gmonkee]

I stopped buying modern tools and sold off 80% of the unused and duplicates. The best are still with me. A work kit and a small home use kit.
My wife and all her sisters got kits made up for each of them out of my excess stocks too. Each according to individual uses and skill level. Borrowing tools has stopped entirely the last years.

Among the antiques and the now micromanaged collection I have more than enough back up plan tools for any emergency. New additions to the collections have to fill a very specific void. Dupes and similar stuff stays at the markets.
I used to blow $30 or more a month on oddball tools and now the spending is reduced to $10 average a month. I can still do everything I have to easily.

 

[bonneyman]

And as I get older, it's a race to get the tools I need, while I still have the ability to use them.

Dang ain't that the truth!

 

[bodyguy16]

I take pride in being able to accomplish any job that needs to be done. I enjoy learning how to do stuff, too, but most of all I enjoy being able to point to something and say "I fixed that" or "I built that"

It is something I learned from my father who taught me a strong work ethic and being willing to take on the challenge of being able to do anything, from automotive work to concrete to building a house to metalworking.

Exactly what i was thinking, Couldn't of said it better myself!!

Great topic. My dilemma is "Do I STILL need all these tools?" After my surgery this year, I started thinking about what would happen if I died suddenly. My wife would be stuck trying to get rid of a LOT of tools, machines, equipment, and vehicles. She'd have no clue what they're worth. We never had kids to leave things to. All our family is back East. She deserves to have the cash for the real values and would probably end up having a yard sale and only getting pennies on the dollar. I started to feel guilty about having spent so much money on my stuff when we could have taken vacations, or had an actual retirement account.

A quick suggestion would be while you are recovering maybe you could make a list of certain or practically every tool/machine and put down numbers as to what it cost/vs what to sell it for.... i personnally would hate to think of selling off my tools but at least if your wife can make some good money for the hassle if god forbid anything would happen to you.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I've drawn the line at owning only mechanic's tools as that's my main interest. My hand tool collection is rather complete, but there are still some odds and ends that I will pick up as needed. Eventually when I have a larger shop I will get more metal working tools, but that's a ways down the road.

I own only one cordless tool (a small power screwdriver) which I use for maintaining my rental equipment and I also use it to prep my brass for reloading. As nice as cordless tools are now, I don't use them enough to justify the cost and the batteries end up going bad long before the tool even gets dirty. I use my pneumatic tools on a regular basis though.

I think the only wood tool I own is a handsaw that came from my grandfather. I use it once a year to trim the bottom of the Christmas tree. If the need arises, I call a friend and use his wood stuff, just as he does when he needs mechanic's tools.

I know there are a lot of collectors on the board, but that's not my thing. For example, I would rather have one set of quality screwdrivers than 10 sets of mediocre screwdrivers in different colors. I get no enjoyment out of having 3 of the same type of ratchet; instead I would rather have 3 different ratchets (flex, stubby, long handle, etc.).

 

[metaldad]

yep. i attempt to do everything myself. do i have enough............. never! still buying odds and ends, and interesting stuff on ebay. my wife gets the 'pained' tone in her voice when another USPS box shows up.
multitudes of stuff.......... sawzalls. i have somewhere arounds 8 or 9. acquired a couple when i didnt have one on the truck, and buying one right now at that time,would wind up saving me time and munney.
guy i knew was going to toss 3. i couldn't let that happen. spent less than $100 at ere parts, got 3 working.
same story with grinders, band saws, jig saws, whatever.
hand tools, same thing.
i might have too much, so what! who's it going to bother.
i learned alot from my dad. he could build anything, using junk and improvised tools.
wish my kids would have the mechanical common sense.
they are going to have one hell of atask, redistributing my cache, when i give up this life.

 

[Buster21]

I to am in the same boat as everyone else. I just replaced the timing belt and water pump on our V6 Camry, it took me the entire day but I had all of the tools I needed to complete the job. If I would have taken it to the dealer it would have cost around $1200.00, I figure why not put that money into tools and do the job myself, like someone else said at least I know it will be done right. I to grew up in a house where my Dad did everything himself, plumbing, electrical, automotive , construction, you name it he did it. The only things I cant do myself is tire work, mounting, balancing and alignments and muffler work, these are the only two thing I have ever needed to pay someone else to do. All that being said my Dad completed all of the above tasks with a small simple set of tools, sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and a hammer, I now have four large tool boxes that are all full. But I still feel good and take pride in them every time I walk by.

 

[Thumper68]

I always figure that the tools and equipment I buy serve a purpose either now or in the near future, I have most of the wood working tools I will ever need, well covered for mech hand tools and air tools, now adding to my stock of metal working tools.

For me I like to be able to tackle any project.

At least I don't have to worry about what is going to happen to my stuff when I'm gone, the kids all like to work in the shop so they will be used.

 

[Mooky]

The quote "collect memories, not things" comes to mind. Seeing all the obsessive posts about the latest color Snap On handle makes you wonder how much effort is put into these people's families. While they putter around in the shop/garage, the kids are growing up and missing out on an infinite variety of experiences.

I fell into this, restoring a long stream of cars as a younger man. Once my son came along, that stopped. While I feel the urge to get back into it as he grows ( most of the tools are still there) there are so many more interesting things to do. These new memories and experiences are vastly more rewarding.

 

[3/8 Gripley]

Did someone leave the browser unattended and their good lady posted this question as a joke???

YES, we need tools, just like ladies need all those shoes, purses and underwear!
The right ones at the right time.....



We may not use them all at once, but it's better to be looking at it than looking for it!

 

[FullRaceMerc]

Do We Really NEED All These Tools?

Ok, I'm new around here, but the simple answer to a new guy looks like it should be simply "Yes".


You do whatever you do. If tools make it so you can do that, then they are needed. They help you do more of what you do.

If you buy tools to do things that you don't do, then they aren't really needed & are bought for some out of place reason. You don't need those tools. Someone else probably does, & finding them a home where they're needed is good.

Then there are the other tools. Family heirlooms, unusual old tools, etc. There are other reasons for those, be it decorative or sentimental. I remember my Grandpa whenever I use his tools. Those will stay & be passed on.

Here's one I am currently debating. I learned to use a sliderule as part of car rally speed adjustments. I don't need one. I never use one. But I have a cool old circular slide rule. It is in a leather case with a tiny instruction booklet. It has been in my old desk for probably 35 years. It has no sentimental value. It is not displayed. But it is cool looking, takes up no space that is needed for something else, and I am probably going to keep it again. But I really don't know why.

I am getting rid of that old desk. It is a kind of cool old typewriter desk, with the fold up top so a typewriter can drop in above your knees. It is too small at the knees for me. Spending more time on the computer has made me admit it isn't right. It is uncomfortable. It hinders what I do. It is the wrong tool. I broke down and bought a bigger old desk off of craigslist. Not as cool, but it helps me do what I do. It is the right tool.

So, I think the focus should be more on the task than the tool. It usually has to do with whether or not the tool helps to do what I do. If it doesn't, I don't buy it. Most of the time.

 

[DonPowers]

I consider my tools as part of my retirement plan.

As long as I have my health, I can use them for projects around the house and avoid having to pay someone to do the work.

If so inclined, can use them to make money.

If you buy good tools and take care of them, they will always have some value.

 

[Fretters]

Do We Really NEED All These Tools?"....if it makes you happy, then yes.

My responses are simplistic, but that is what it comes down to. I know many on this forum that enjoy having & using their horde of tools. Some tools rarely get used or maybe have yet to be used, but they put a smile on your face when you see them in YOUR shop. Just like knife collectors (or any collector) that never use some of their knives but get a joy from having them.

When you no longer get this feeling, the sickness is "cured" and you can move on to your next "hobby" in life.

Bottom line is having the right tool for any job is a great feeling.

Pretty much sums my thoughts up perfectly too. Need bears no correlation to want. Need is of necessity, hence one'll usually sort a need. Want, however, has no driving force other than simple desire,and if I desire something and can afford it, I'll damn well get it personally.

Besides, a tool or machine is something which repays you tenfold for any effort you either put into it, (as in restoration), or put into using it. The job gets done as and how you want it, and you can do that as many times over as you wish.

Even if you just collect and look at them and never use them, if that gives you pleasure, then that still makes their collecting just as worthwhile. Only time I've ever wondered if I actually need such and such a tool is when I physically need to make space due to having no space remaining.

Anyone who feels the need to justify what they like doing, (provided it's legal and morally correct, obviously ), should be questioning why they are attempting to justify what they're doing, not attempting to justify what they're doing.

Personally, (overlooking my enchantment with old tools built in the times when quality meant everything, and when form was just as important), I know exactly why I'm enamoured with them, and why I'd choose the workshop and tools over most other things in life. I wouldn't dream of attempting to justify my collection to anyone else though. Whether they see the relevance or point is none of my concern.

 

[Kev442]

I guess I do it backwards. When I identify the need for a tool, I then try to justify the payback of buying it. I don't say I need a woodworking shop and then go out and buy one of everything that I think a woodworking shop should have in it.
So at this point I only have 1/4 of a woodworking shop as I haven't done a project that called for more tools yet. I may never need another woodworking tool.