Do you buy tools you don't use?

[ajchien]

Very guilty.

Most of the time, it's buying a set when you'll only use 1 of every 5 items in the set.
Other times, it's filling in a set ... When you never use that size.
Other times, the tool is just too good of a estate sale/flea market deal to pass up.

Sometimes I even try to use that 'never to be used' tool anyway, just to use it - when there was probably a better tool for the job.

 

[fivespdcat]

I love quality products, whether it's tools or well anything. I love machined metal, forged, welded everything! There is beauty in all of these things and I appreciate them, so yeah I buy tools I don't need just to stare at them and 'think' of what I could use them for. However, I like hand tools more than power tools. To me power tools don't really have much beauty to them, while hand tools just have that craftsmanship quality to them.

 

[csmitty]

No,I see Snap On does make a tool to remove wheelbearings on Dodge trucks http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21345&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

People on most auto forums say a socket with various lengths of extension bars and a piece of pipe do the same job as this tool.

is that actually a socket or does it fit over the backed off hub bolt so push the hub off with the bolt? I've read about others doing the same and then turning the wheel to help push the hub off. This is all for 3rd gens. Dads I was able to tap off working around when I did his. something stupid like 300k miles on them. Mine at 132k still seem ok. crossing fingers.

 

[crewchief888]

New tools that I don't need? maybe NOS at a yard sale, not in a store generally, unless it's for a planned project.

Used tools from garage estate and yard sales? Fairly often. Some because they are either antique or just cool, others that MIGHT be useful at the right time.

^^^^ what he said.

most of purchases are so i can have multiple tools/sets in different locations.

i hate having to go out to the garage when its 9million below zero for a pair of pliers or screwdriver

 

[bhclark]

dumb question....OF COURSE!

 

[bobemmerich]

i tend to lean on the fence on this one depends on the deal

Me too. Depends on the deal.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Yeah. Just look in my toolbox lol

 

[dodge610]

You bet ya half the tools i got I bought so in case the need would ever arise that I would need them. And yes I know that is a sick way to justify the purchase but im bettin half the other GJ members do the same thing.

 

[Easterlake]

I use to own 3 tape measures and could never find one of them. For about 6-8 months, everytime I saw one on sale, I would buy it. Now, my wife gets irritated because there seems to be a tape measure laying around in every room I you the house. I definitely don't need all of them.

 

[greasemonkey44]

some times i buy it and dont use it for quite some time
e torx, left hand drill bits, welders, plasma cutters, grinders
when you need something, you need it, id rather have it ahead of time to save my *** in the future

 

[Busted Bolts]

I look at the large wrenches 2" and up that I bought over the years, although I have to have them for the big stuff that comes in the door, there isn't anyone else but me in the shop so I can't be with out or borrow. I wish they were used more to make me feel better. They take up a whole drawer.

 

[bobcatdan]

I am one of those guys with a long term buy list, stuff I want, but is just to much to spend on something. But then I will buy four or five thing that I can use but do I really need them, no, and the cost of those would more then equal the thing I have wanted for five years. I am still trying to get over this blunter. I need to get bushing drivers, OTC makes a very nice set, $500 and I just can't pull the trigger, I have thought it over and that is lot of money. Not a month ago Snappy had a raffle promo deal and I bought a 10 piece long metric wrench that I have no reason what so ever to need for well over $400. I'm so damn stupid.

 

[Jim C.]

Sure!!!!! Of course!!!!!

 

[Welderguy24]

No,I see Snap On does make a tool to remove wheelbearings on Dodge trucks http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21345&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

People on most auto forums say a socket with various lengths of extension bars and a piece of pipe do the same job as this tool.

Lisle makes an Air Hammer tool that works like a champ on dodge hubs!!!!

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=511&division=1&category=2

 

[oldwino]

Lord knows I try to buy only what I need, but often end up buying sets that you only need one or two pieces of or what looks like a handy dandy universal solution to all mankind's problems with a simple universal tool that never leaves the drawer (either in use, or in disposal). Sometimes it's too hard to get rid of tool purchases that were a mistake so you just keep shoving them to a lower drawer.

 

[woody 73]

Guilty as charged...

 

[kythri]

Oh, most definitely.

Did it already this week, will probably do it a couple more times before the year is out.

 

[Greatbear]

Only time I knowingly buy tools without a clear need at the moment or in the near future is usually when I buy some cheap stuff to put together a travel tool kit or similar. This is where the mega bargains between the holidays come in handy. I will put together little kits out of cheap but reasonable tools (HF, Kobalt, etc) and stash them in all the vehicles.

 

[NY Old Guy]

Here's how it goes for me: I buy tools usually in sets, then usually I don't use them for a while. Then I use some of them later and think, that's good I have that tool. So the motto is be prepared. Besides, I like having fine tools, it just makes me feel good that I have them, just in case.

 

[K5blazer83]

I think we're all guilty of buying **** we don't need. But for me I try to buy tools that I know I will need in the future. For Instance: I'm saving for a house, a handyman special, so I'm probably going to buy a framing nailer here soon for renovation whatever house I buy.

I bought stuff like a Matco power steering pulley puller/installer kit. Have yet to use it. But there will come a day when I need it or one of my buddies needs it and then I can justify the purchase. My Snap-On Solus has paid for itself many times over again. That's one tool that has paid for itself.

 

[fflintstone]

Yes, I buy tools I may "need in the future” if I see an old quality USA made tool at a yard sale I don’t pass up. Even if I have 2 already.
I am building a stockpile of stuff so my son can have a good toolkit, and if someone suffers a loss like I did, I can donate tools like tools were donated to me.
A member on the other board sent me some huge CFL’s. I sent him some vintage ratchets as a thank you.

 

[BigAl62]

I've done it in the past, now I only buy what I really need or will use the hell out of. As for use a few times and never need again tools, I have a large box full! I'm talking about special use tools for specific vehicles. A sure way to never see those type vehicles again is to buy a special tool that will only work on that type vehicle - you'll use it a few times and then never see that type vehicle again!

 

[Shipfittin]

I only buy what I use, if I have no need for it I'm not going to buy it. Now granted I do have multiple sets of the same tools but I have them for different purposes. Like I have my rolling box in the garage with like a 300 pc Craftsman set in it. At the same time I have several small 3/8 and 1/4 sets for like in the truck, lending to a friend, etc.

But I never really just go out and buy a tools for no reason other then to just say I own them.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

I have a weakness for pliers. But I find myself druling over knipex stuff every time I pass by it at lowes or sears. maybe im just weird. but arent we all?

 

[gatewaysysop]

I'm guilty of this now and then. The distinction is between tools I will never use and tools I don't need right now, but will in all likelihood need one down the road (as in reasonably near future, not remote). Example would be something like stumbling on the US-made gear pullers a while back from Craftsman. Certainly didn't need them at the time, but they were priced well and American made. Fast forward about six months to a year and I needed one for something. Certainly glad I had it on hand.

The only thing I am guilty of hoarding, and I have exactly two of each in 3/8" and 1/2", is the old SK Wayne 'Frankenstein' ratchets. I'm a sucker for those. Strangely, however, I just passed recently on another one I saw. Sick, I know.

I mainly consider whether or not I'll ever need it. Stuff I'll never use I will pass up regardless of the price. If I might be able to use it and I have the room, it gets more careful consideration.

Some stuff I'd rather not have dupes but don't mind variety. Example would be ratchets and screwdrivers. Most people have quite a few, but more often than not it tends to be different brands or types, not multiples of the exact same ones. I'd pass most times on a ratchet I already have, even at a killer price.

 

[blue dog]

I bought a Nepros adjustable wrench, after receiving it and comparing it to the proto and crescent adjustable wrenches i have i built a glass box on a pedestal for it and display it in my foyer. Not really, but it is on a different level when it comes to beauty and tools. The chrome is second to none, the thumb screw is butter smooth and it is so comfortable in the hand, it really is a shame to use it. What a beautiful, well made tool.

 

[camarotoolman]

I buy used only, then if I don't use it I can resell for a profit.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I would say that I use all of my tools, the only one I have not used yet is my slim jim. Bought it for a dollar at the flea martket. Many tools dont get used often.. such as long SAE ball end hex sockets. But when you need em, you are glad to have em.

 

[ndoran]

I use to own 3 tape measures and could never find one of them. For about 6-8 months, everytime I saw one on sale, I would buy it. Now, my wife gets irritated because there seems to be a tape measure laying around in every room I you the house. I definitely don't need all of them.

How can you say that? of course you need them!

I have my wife trained to carry a tape measure in her handbag - she realises it comes in handy when we are in a store and we need to know if a certain item is the correct size.

I am still trying to work out how to convince her to carry a 1/4 inch drive socket set in her bag.

LOL

 

[Jvvmusme]

Guilty !!!

 

[HandyManny]

Every tool I own gets used at one time or another, some much more than others. Like others have also stated I try to avoid gimick type tools. I am guilty on rare occasion of buying tools I may run across but not need at the moment. I hate to pass on a good thing when I see it, but it's all a matter of how much cash I happen to have in my pocket at the moment. But the tool will find plenty of use down the road. They always do. In general though I've spent the last 60 years acquiring tool (most in the early days) and I reached that amount of all I really needed years ago.

 

[sberry]

Most people buy more than they use, me included. If I had to start over today I would be quite thrifty, tools have went up in quality and down in price. The cost has changed the equation dramatically over the last 30 yrs. In the case of hand tools,,,,,, this will get huge argument but is really obvious as daylight. Given a choice of hand tools today, assuming I got to buy them and they just don't fall from the sky would be a mix or even HF, hands down, those and dozens of one dollar flea market duplicates of the common sizes. You can buy a whole set of full polish wrenches for 15$ on sale, probably a set as good from Walmart too for 25 fricken dollars I could make a living with, I
I love mechanic named John here that done that thread, if you take cost per turned unit etc only a compulsive gambler would take the odds with the snap on, it makes the others look disposable in price even with 50% off, the quality difference is almost negligible.
Having said that a small set of 6 point flank drive Snappy end wrenches I bought 30 yrs ago has earned its keep. They really worked well, I have one I should send in, have replaced 2 due to cost and a 3rd I thought I lost that I didn't need, the replacements, not warranty were out of my pocket at higher cost than original set. I treat them a little different than 99% of the time look for an alternative which is ANY one of I paid about a dollar for. I agree that there are cases for upgrades but 5% maybe, ain't no way today I would invest in full sets of every imaginably type from the premium, even at that again, I replace a socket the other day,,, loss, this lifetime warranty is a great market deal, about the only deal a guy might be able to break even on was Craftsman if you were just ruthless.

 

[Octarine]

is that actually a socket or does it fit over the backed off hub bolt so push the hub off with the bolt? I've read about others doing the same and then turning the wheel to help push the hub off. This is all for 3rd gens. Dads I was able to tap off working around when I did his. something stupid like 300k miles on them. Mine at 132k still seem ok. crossing fingers.

It's got a hard plastic insert to protect the threads when you set against them. I sold tons of the ford ones but not too many mopar places near me, a few guys bought two! Works well but hard to justify unless you are at the stealership or own a fleet of them.

 

[oldtools]

I buy them eventhough I don't have an immediate need. I will need them sometime in the future. Most of my tools are used and I only buy them if they are inexpensive. My policy is buy now save later. The disadvantge of buying when you need it, you have to buy new at full price. An example is when I broke a bolt working on my engine. I have to buy an angle air drill to get into the tight space. I have no choice but to buy a brand new HF grinder for $40. It got the job done, but I could have gotten a used high quality industrian grinder (IR, Sioux, etc) for $10 to $15. I recently bought a used IR horizontal air drill (QS381D) for $10, IR heavy duty impact hammer/riveter (AVC13A1) for $16, and a ARO pistol aircraft air drill (7366 DSR) for $17. All three are in very good condition and work.

 

[sberry]

One of the guys here who sounded sincere as anyone said, we are a class 8 truck shop, boss went out and bought a whole fist full of Pitts burg tools, loaded them right up, not a handful of broken stuff, cost per function ratio very high or low depending on how you want to look at it. Was at an auction, well worn HF stuff brought what it would new and fair snappy couldn't get 30% of new compared to its original cost way back when.
If you want to entertain yourself or pissed away on lottery tickets then you have lost nothing with pricey hand tools, if a guy needed to work to make a buck its a waste these days in real numbers in most cases. Some items recover their cost nearly every use vs making the first payment plus interest.

 

[BUCKNERBUCK2]

A large majority of my high end tools, I rarely use. But when I do use them, I am very very glad I have them. I have some flex head ratchets and stubby wrenches that cost a small fortune (all snap on), but when I am under a car and think "oh I have the right tool for this" they are worth it.
I don't think I have any tools that I have never once used...

 

[sberry]

Tools are a cross between a set of insurance policy numbers, set of extended warranty numbers and demand charges. I will agree there are things worth specializing in, even if its psychological doesn't mean its not worth it.
But after making a decent share of my living with hand tools for a long time about 98% of the work in the world can be done from a Harbor Freight store. people may not like that fact or disagree with the exact number but it is pretty much irrelevant to the fact that the tool is adequate. And at a cost so low there is no reason not to have it in the event its needed. Quality needs could vary with duty cycle.

 

[Gregg33]

Most of the tools I have or buy I use at least rarely, but I do have a Makita Sawz-All I've never used. I also duplicate sets of combo wrenches, sockets and ratchets, and chiesels and punches that although I don't need that many sets I alternate between them, so most of them get used sometime.

 

[yasha32]

air drill, bought it and sounded like it'd be useful. Got it home and discovered it is terrible at everything except driving screws fast and deep and spinning attachable polishing \ sanding stuff.

 

[68-camaro]

Everybody has some kind of addiction, shinny tools and cars are mine, even though you don't use them they still look nice in your box,. My thinking is someday I will need it and their you go, it finally payed for itself. I should probally buy some more!