Do We Really NEED All These Tools?

[Fretters]

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.

Half the time, that can be a good portion of what the tools/workshop helps people avoid. Tools are dependable. People rarely are.

 

[crewchief888]

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.

^^^ agreed


ive been wrenching and welding at const eq dealers for 30 years.

i "watch" what i buy, look for best pricing, and overall usefullness before i make a purchase for my "working" tools.

a lot of what i have in the garage (that has been purchsed in the past 7 or so years) were bought on sale/clearance, purchased with gift cards, or scrap money, or picked up cheap at flea mkts or garage sales.
i've been buying tools since '76 when i started my machinist apprenticeship, most of my "big spending" went on between '86-'97 when i bought the majority of my working tools and boxes.

i have few "needs" anymore...

 

[larry_g]

We as humans collect things. All sorts of reasons. Replace 'TOOLS' with most any item and you'll find those who can justify having many of some items we own none of. Boats, fishing poles, guns, plates, knives, flashlights, ties, shoes, watches, jewelry, houses, airplanes, just to name a few.

Me I own some tools that I don't even know what they are, but their cool. I have a shop full of tools that I do know they are and use them when needed. I also have tools that I have never used but have them if the need arises. Just the other day a friend needed a 1 5/8" hole in some steel plate. Made it happen with out a problem. So for me it is where I choose to spend my dollar. In the list above I don't have a collection of any. Own a couple of flashlights, the fanciest being a Maglight.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Ign]

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.

Ironic considering how many here talk about heavy influence from a mechanically inclined ---even mechanically independent--- parent & the argument (which I believe is entirely accurate) that today's youth can't fix, repair or maintain much of anything mechanical.

My wife is welding w me in the shop right now because she grew up in the garage w her dad restoring Falcons and maintaining daily-driver Subarus.

 

[reader2580]

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

A friend of mine is in his 60s and only married at about age 50. He has no kids and is a little bit worried about what happens when he dies. He is worried his wife won't know the value of his tools and will take a low ball offer to get rid of them. He has a pretty decent tool collection for a DIY guy including some Snap-On.

 

[TheRobotCow]

I'm only 23 and I've just started buying my own tools last year and for my trade I still need a number of tools and I also would like to get into woodworking/carpentry for around the house. I can definitely see why people buy tons of tools. I like doing things with my hands and learning new things. It's really fun. And there's a certain satisfaction when you get things done.


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[DoyleDee]

I grew up with my father and grandfather doing everything themselves. .. I fall in the same footsteps. I buy tools needed to complete the task at hand. Instead of paying someone else to do the work, I pay myself with tools and do the job myself. Those tools will pay for themselves and much more. I like to build and repair, so why not... I don't care who will sell my tools when I'm gone, I'll be gone. Buy what you want and need to make yourself happy.. wife buys shoes, I buy tools..but I use my tools.

 

[FMC1959]

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.

To each his own, but "$30/month" is not realistic in my world. $30 barely buys a take out pizza.

Half the time, that can be a good portion of what the tools/workshop helps people avoid. Tools are dependable. People rarely are.

True...in my shop with my dog and the radio, awesome. People, sometimes they surprise me, but usually they disapoint.

 

[bczygan]

I don't have the tool using background that a lot of you have.
Was always the office guy, drawing plans that you had to fix in the field.

So I got into doing things with my hands very late, and very recently.

It is exhilarating. You get to actually fix, improve and make things!

Only downside is I don't know what I'm doing many times, and have to learn what I can from you guys and the net in general. So my work isn't perfect the first time. And I get to see all the imperfections.

But I get to see all the improvements. I get to create things! That is so deeply satisfying. That alone is worth the price of admission.

I have plenty of projects in all areas, and most all the tools and materials to do them. Add some more knowledge and develop some skill, and I have some real fun available to occupy me.
Pretty lucky!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Touching on this subject as well.

I think it's hilarious when others see all my "materialistic" stuff, and say "Well, you can't take it with ya." Yea, no ****. That's why I have it now.

 

[bczygan]

Touching on this subject as well.

I think it's hilarious when others see all my "materialistic" stuff, and say "Well, you can't take it with ya." Yea, no ****. That's why I have it now.

If you COULD take it with you, that would be reason to have even more!

 

[Gmonkee]

To each his own, but "$30/month" is not realistic in my world. $30 barely buys a take out pizza.

I doubt it is realistic anywhere outside of my own situation. But to reduce the future clutter and keep me on track getting only what is really desired to fill sets these are my numbers. I don't often find much and have no hurry to spend a lot on ancient stuff I may never use. It mostly just makes me smile when I sort the relics from time to time.
Its a hobby, not a job. No need to rush into anything.

I see guys dropping hundreds a week on stuff they already have many dupes of. And that works for them. One its all clearance stuff from box stores and it doesn't appear to be for resale. Whatever, he wants to and he can. The more power to him.

 

[2oolhound]

In the late 80's I went from an outdoor industrial background with lots of tools and equipment to an indoor blue collar field overnight. I poured my heart and soul into my new business working 12/7 for 20-25 years and never having a spare moment to even think about tools, only to have it fall apart with the digital age.

Shortly after switching from a commercial lease to a small house I dragged a kitchen counter out to the tiny garage and bolted a vice on top. I can't describe the feeling of elation I got when I stepped back and looked at it. In reality it was a ************* really, think about it, a particle board kitchen counter assembly with a 6" vice on it? Even so it was one of those roll away the stone moments, a moment of clarity, a new beginning. In the 7 - 8 years since I've been collecting tools I now have more mechanic/metal work tools than I ever had, just no heavy machinery.

A couple weeks ago I was buying a few hand tools from a guy who was retiring. He was a motorcycle mechanic and worked out of a top chest with a few smaller boxes on another bench. As I was explaining to him why I was buying the few tools I thought to myself "if he were to come by my place and see my tool stash he'd despise me". On the way home I was thinking exactly these same thoughts "Do I Really NEED All These Tools?"

After grinding away all those years on a failed business I haven't enjoyed myself and felt so liberated as I have since I got my little shop set up. I don't have a wife to worry about or any relatives who would do anything other than flip my tools when I'm gone so I don't even think about that. I don't care what anyone else thinks I'm just grooving and enjoying these later years while I can. In the years I have left I'll never be a proficient welder or achieve journeyman machinist status but when I'm spending 3 days doing a mickey mouse project a pro shop would pump out in 3-4 Hrs, those are 3 days of bliss. Enjoy the ride and don't look back!

 

[Ign]

Although in truth, look at what the Amish can do, or at least old school before they were allowed power tools (I realize only some may use power tools and I am no expert on the Amish culture). And certainly there is a limit in what you can do absent power tools, eg unlikely to build a high speed bearing or hold .0005", and save for blacksmithing other metalworking is difficult to impossible.

We don't need our tools, we want them. I'm perfectly fine with that.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Well put 2oolhound.

 

[Exceller8]

Of course we do!!

There are many reasons that I have so many tools. First off, I love tools and it's just like any other hobby, I'm addicted. I like having most of the tools that I think I'll need and a few just to have in case that I need them. I would say that I actually use maybe 25% of all the tools that I own but that OK because I also believe in the retirement plan.

I turned 50 this year so I'll get to play with my tools for a few more years. When I get too old to use them anymore I'll sell them off and will have enjoyed the time that I got to use them

I don't spend money on too many other things so I don't see anything wrong with my tool addiction. Call me a tool polisher if you want, I'm having fun and that's all that really matters.

 

[-Brent-]

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.

Perfect answer.

Two points in support of the above-quoted comment. When new visitors see my shop the first thing the say, nearly always, is "Wow, you have a lot of tools." These are the same folks that think/say I "have a few extra hours in the day" because I am always accomplishing something.

So, really, when it comes down to it I don't have too many tools (although some are used more often then others) but I can get done whatever needs to be done.

Side comment... it's weird realizing you don't have a certain, simple tool when you come upon the consideration of using one only to realize you don't own it. This happened to me the other night. A hacksaw would have been a good tool for a simple cut. And, actually, the porta band took more time than if I just had a hack saw.

Haha, I'm not complaining but I thought it was odd that out of the thousand different tools I didn't have a hacksaw, which is probably the most basic, entry level tool.

 

[-Brent-]

2oolhound, I hardly consider 25 years in business a failure.

 

[Packard V8]

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.

That's like sayin' "We've got three kids; why would anyone want more ***?"

 

[2oolhound]

2oolhound, I hardly consider 25 years in business a failure.

Good observation Brent. Thanks to Mohawk too! I did keep myself on the bleeding edge of technology and was always well equipped and competitive but it certainly wasn't lucrative. It makes me appreciate the part time job I have now that I can scrape by on AND have a few days off a week. One of those days off is today, think I'll go out ot the shop and find something to bash, grind, wrench, curse and cuss on! . . . .

 

[404]

What is the purpose of living? I say it is to be satisfied and happy. Tools and the use of them make you happy. Probably better than a large collection of obscene garden gnomes.

 

[txdude87]

No but then again I don't need my hot rod mustang in the garage either, but I sure as siht aint getting rid of it anytime soon.

 

[autonaut]

Yes.

Theres a direct link between amount og german tools and happines in my life.
The more tools, the more happy.

 

[AA/FC]

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.

All the time!

I absolutely hate helping someone do a job with their tools.

 

[metalhead140]

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.

I grew up with my father and grandfather doing everything themselves. .. I fall in the same footsteps. I buy tools needed to complete the task at hand. Instead of paying someone else to do the work, I pay myself with tools and do the job myself. Those tools will pay for themselves and much more. I like to build and repair, so why not... I don't care who will sell my tools when I'm gone, I'll be gone. Buy what you want and need to make yourself happy.. wife buys shoes, I buy tools..but I use my tools.

This. Both of you summed up my approach perfectly.

 

[devoncoolman]

Short answer yes we do need all these tools.

 

[wrenchr]

Yup sure do. Part of the fun for me is the hunt too. Flea markets, scrounging for the cool old stuff that has been long forgotten about by it's last owner. I either keep it or sell it to fund other tool purchases I want.

 

[rdn2blazer]

One word. YES. I have had your same dream and I'm as close to having this dream come true more then ever. Then I almost died from cancer and brain tumors in 12'. I survived. Purchased a brand new cnc mill and had it delivered the day before my birthday on 13'. Then my woman and I broke up after 15+ years. Now I'm losing my home because I sure can't afford it on disability or one income. I just finished up my home machine shop fab shop just months ago. Now having to move. I found a HUGE shop of 1900 sq ft. My home garage and two shipping containers only totaled 630 sq ft.

I will be homeless but will stay in the shop for now in the office/bedroom/living room/kitchen. I have two bathrooms though. And a BBQ. I can fit a 34" square portable shower in either bathroom which I will do. My dream is not dead and neither am I. This is who I am. A machinist and fabricator. I love to build and will till the day I die. Whenever that may be. I'm still on disability and am forced to return to work for financial reasons. I will do whatever it takes to maintain my passion for machining and fabrication. My bussiness partner and I have our company name but I need to get by health back.

We were right there at starting out machine shop fab shop. One way or another..I WILL SUCCEED with my dream. I should be dead, and the reaper has been after me my entire life and hasn't gotten me yet. My first very near death experience was age 2 when a massive Eucalyptus tree branch snapped off and fell the the ground directly behind me. It was big enough to crush a car or damage a house. It fell across our yard. Fire Dept had to come and cut it up. Our front door was open and it was windy. I was a todler. I got through the screen and ran down our walkway to the sidewalk, went Left and was running down the sidewalk.

The tree SLAMMED!!! down probably within five feet of me. The ground shook like hell. I startled and kept running just a few feet. Stopped and turned and looked. It was a HUGE tree. Then my mom came out running toward me yelling my name and snatched me up. It is a vivid memory burned into my brain. I didn't know it would have killed me then but when I was old enough to realize, I knew it could have killed me easily. Have never forgotten it.

So in a word YES. I NEED these tools we have. Makes me happy.

 

[bczygan]

What is the purpose of living? I say it is to be satisfied and happy. Tools and the use of them make you happy. Probably better than a large collection of obscene garden gnomes.

I REALLY hope you aren't suggesting I get rid of my collection of obscene garden gnomes......

 

[nicksnothereman]

If you're buying all top shelf stuff probably not, if you buy cheaper stuff then it doesn't hurt. At least it hasn't hurt me at all. I need the options and redundancy even though I don't break tools. Okay, since I don't break tools probably don't really need the redundancy I have but sometimes I get stuff super cheap so it's okay.

For some reason I've been on a bit driver binge but I try to limit the damage...it might be because it's the only non-specialty hand tool I don't got a ton of (at least when I started doing it). Also, when doing a garbage disposal I got stuck messing around with the wiring after it was installed and using a stubby screwdriver or even a ratchet with bit socket can kind of ****. Bad justifications I know...

 

[beatcad]

great answers and reasons so far.
YES we NEED all these tools.
they make any job/task quicker and easier.
i've got tools i may only use once a year or every other year, but when i need it i need it, and i got it.
i assume your talking about small stuff like hand tools and pneumatic tools.
little stuff doesnt take up to much space so you can always cram more in your tool box
i think this counts....around 10 years ago i bought myself a new engine hoist for $200. ive pulled a bunch of motors for myself and a couple for friends and took it to work once to help a coworker. i think its paid for itself.
i havent needed it for awhile, but if i do i got it. sure i could rent one for about 50 bucks a day, but why?
maybe that is a bad example, but it is a "tool" even though it takes up lot of floorspace

do "we" need all these tools? yes.
do we need bigger garages? oh yeah!

 

[Cato]

I empathize with you. I don't want a lot of "things" to tie me down. I would rather have money in the bank than ******* in "stuff."

I like the ability to do all the things one man can do at home. I don't want an entire metal shop in my garage nor a carpentry center. But I do think you can do a lot with just a very basic set of tools.

I would suggest you learn how to sell things online to trim down your tool collection - if it bothers you that much.

 

[rdn2blazer]

I'll bet if you sell all your tools you will feel lost and horrible about it for a loooog time. I KNOW I would. Would I sell everything IF I HAD to? In a second. But as long as I can funtion I will be a serious garage shop guy. My now ex didn't understand either. I took my tools over my ex and am happy about it. I had a previous girlfried get jelous over my time in the shop. I stopped going out in the garage for 5 months. She cheated on me and left me. What a waste of 5 months. Don't let a woman dictate who you are if thats the case. Women come and go, tools will be with you till death. Accept me for who I am and what I like or hit the bricks.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Need....no, definitely not. Tools help.....but skill is more important.

Ive got a friend that bails me out when I get over my head - hes been working on cars since he was 10.

He marvels at how many tools I have.....he has 1 3/8 ratchet.....and I have 8.....I have specialty tools.....he makes do without.

 

[rdn2blazer]

It comes down to, To each his own. OP, if ya want to sell um, sell um. if ya want to keep um, keep um. Doesn't matter what anybody else thinks. Opinions are like.....well you know the rest.

 

[oldldh]

It's really like ectoplasmic ***...

If one wants to participate in ectoplasmic ***, one must have a partner...

If one has a widget or two...

One "Needs" a widget remover...

If one has a plethora of obscene garden gnomes...

One "Needs" an obscene garden gnome polisher...

The tools one accumulates, are your partners in life's little repairs...

Simple, really...

 

[Jere]

I don't buy any tool unless it can save me money doing whatever task myself, or could have been used on a task that I have already done. This way I have no guilt or regret, and I learn something new and get a new tool. It also really helps to buy used, or repurpose cheap/free stuff into tools.

 

[d-rive]

We like to name it tools but in fact, for everyone of us, is just the name give it to an adult toys.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[Quercus]

Depends on the person. I do love me some tools, but I live in a nice apartment in a big city, so there are definite space constraints; I'm limited to a bit less than I like. That said, I get satisfaction simply from well-built and aesthetically pleasing objects, and what's even better, the satisfaction of using the right tool for the job with my own hard-won skill. Being in the thick of a motorcycle repair or upgrade and being able to pull out just the right lift or fork seal driver is really satisfying.

I don't want to over-emphasize my collecting over my relationship, though--every time I buy a tool I consider that that's a trip to the shooting range or a nice dinner or a camping trip I could be having with my sweetheart. That counterpoint keeps it in control (well, that and my limited budget).

That said, there are some great resources in my area for using tools I don't have--there's a local metalwork studio where I learned knifemaking before Christmas, my buddies down at the docks who pick up my car with their crane when I need to get under it and replace something, the huge art studio across town with everything from plasma cutters to stonemasonry tools (and classes), and a rent-by-the-hour motorcycle DIY shop in the next town that rents tools, lifts and advice.