Do you use new tools immediately?

[nw2571]

Let's say you just got that shiny new tool home and start a project. Do you find yourself reaching for it first no matter what, or do you save it for a time that you absolutely need to use it?

An example... I got in on the GearWrench flex head set deals at Sears. Well today I was out tinkering under the garden tractor changing out the steering gear which had worn itself to a nub. I didn't need to grab the brand new 15 mm and 19 mm flex heads. In fact sockets probably would have been the appropriate tools, but I couldn't resist using the new tools knowing that they would probably get a little scuffed up on the floor. I enjoyed the job a lot more probably because I got to use what I just bought.

I'm the type that looks for excuses to use my new stuff right away! How about you?

 

[mayhemman]

usually i make a excuse to use em, but normally im buying a tool because i am in need of that particular tool so it gets used right away.

cept my new snap on racheting screwdriver, it makes a lot of tasks i do quicker so ive used it a handful of times so far anyway. i wish they made that with the hard handle still it just feels better in my hand then the new style.

 

[bobcatdan]

If I buy I new ratchet, I use only it for about a week before I go back to using my other ones. When I got a pilerwrench, I used it on everything just see what it would all work for, it still one of my used tools. Other stuff just sits and I wonder a week later why the F did I buy that.

 

[american lockpicker]

I usually like keeping them new looking for as long as possible.

 

[crewchief888]

if i have to buy a tool, it's needed right away.

there are tools, mostly used, that i've bought 'cuz it was a good deal, "i dont have one of those" or knew i'd a have a future use for them.

 

[Jim85IROC]

Usually if I buy something, it's because I need it for a project I'm on. The exception would be my newly acquired pile of tools. After I got my air compressor going, I went on a shopping spree and bought a pile of new air tools, but I've not yet had any projects that required their use. But, since I just got the air compressor going, it made sense to get some of the commonly used tools.

Other than that, I've also developed a sort of ratchet obsession lately, and bought a few new ratchets. First it was a 1/2" extendable HF ratchet, then it was the 1/4" Gearwrench flex head, and finally I topped it off with a Snap On FHBF80 ratchet. Sadly, all I've done that required its use so far was an oil change on the wife's Envoy, but since I'm about to embark on a dual engine swap in 2 cars at once (new motor in Camaro, Camaro motor into Trans Am), I'll be getting to use all of them good and plenty soon enough.

 

[mtkst19]

ratchets are hard to break the mold of using all the time. I have flex head snappy ratchets and they are my go to ratchet. i try buying other ratchets and force myself into using them--just dont happen.

 

[Marty256]

I've been collecting my tools for more than forty years so I'm at the point where I only purchase a new tool when I'm into a project that I don't have the right to for. So yes I use the new tool right a way more out of necessity than anything else!

 

[nw2571]

I'm guessing there are plenty of people on this forum that like to keep their tools shiny by not using them..... Vote truthfully people, your secret is safe in this poll.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Depends on the tool and my mood. Sometimes i'll buy something and find an excuse just to use it right away. Other times i want it to sit untouched a while before i find a need to use it. If it's a special tool and i don't have a use for it right away, i'll put it in the box and let it wait until i need it.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Chances are I bought the tool specifically for the project. It is used right away. I haven't acquired all the tools yet that I have choices.

 

[Grogan14]

You left one option out on the poll - "I actually use my tools".

 

[TimTaylor75]

if i have to buy a tool, it's needed right away.

Chances are I bought the tool specifically for the project. It is used right away.

+1

Typically my new tool purchases are required because I need them for a specific task and my current collection will not take care of the job.

 

[vga]

My 2 new 3/8 ratchets ( Williams and matco) arrived today. I have no idea why I have these things as I already have at least 5 almost new or new 3/8 ratchets ( Matco, SO,Craftsman professional) in the box. I will use them both when the next project pops up. Until then I will admire them I guess.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I buy usually for a need.

But I also hoard for often used tools so I have a single or many , many, many, many, back ups.

Don't ask-don't tell... LOL. Fail to plan, PLAN TO FAIL motto indeed.

 

[ridestreet]

i am having a really hard time debating about using my new snap on hard handle ratchets

 

[muibubbles]

depends. if i bought it because it was a smoking deal, it will most likely sit till i need it.. otherwise im anxious to put it to work...

on the other hand i just got those cool *** wera screwdrivers. they are fricken pretty. i refuse to use it on anything car related cuz i know it will get butchered. so i use them ONLY if it will be 100% clean lol..

 

[Seanbev24]

Most get used ASAP I don't care about keeping things shiny. The strange thing I've noticed is there are some tools I buy that collect dust for a while until I get accustomed to using them.

Example- I bought a mini 1/4" air ratchet a while back that sat in the drawer for a couple weeks untouched. I just went to my go-to tools while working. After I made myself use it a couple times, I'm not sure how I lived without it.

 

[hammergodthor]

It depends on how much I payed for it and how much I need it. I bought a $600 Mac wrench set (XL SAE) which I didn't really need and I've used it twice. I didn't pay $600, and I bought it because I thought they were super cool, but I haven't used it much because I'm afraid to hurt the shiny chrome.

Generally, If its not stupid expensive, I'll try to use them as much as possible.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I typically only buy a tool if I have a need for it, so it usually gets used immediately.

(Although the sickness that is GJ has caused me to buy some sockets just so that I could have full sets !)

 

[Drew_flux]

I've been finding excuses to use my new air ratchet for the last two days.

 

[dwm]

I tend to buy what I need, so it gets used in short order. Obviously there are exceptions... the smoking deals on things I know I'll need for a project I haven't started yet, and of course the pieces from a set that I don't really need (ratchets included with socket sets, for example). I never feel the need to keep a new tool pristine; I buy them to use them, not to collect them. I don't fall in love with a tool until it's either saved my **** or a lot of time versus the alternatives (typically specialty tools), or it's been through a whole lot of jobs and continues to work.

 

[metaleltr]

I picked up a socket set yesterday, but I did not use them on the strut/spark plug job that was waiting when I got home. I could have but I had to organize the set first.