Giving away spare tools

[Blacknwhitepit]

My brother in law came to visit with his family a few weeks ago. After he saw my collection, he had self professed tool envy. He really does not have anything other than the basics.

The only toolbox he has is a little 3 drawer carry about. I got that for him when I was visiting them and bought it at a flea market for the tools within it. I seriously don't need another portable tool box. (Everytime I go to my special Pawn shop, they give me another used one to haul my stuff home (they don't even want them))

Anyway, since Christmas is around the corner and I may have a spare tool cab lying around I thought I would surprise him with a basic box of tools.

My question. Should I give him a spare set of Snap on wrenches (SOEX versions, both metric and SAE) or just my spare Craftsman?

I have to get the box together soon, because we are going back home to visit (I can store it a my MIL and FIL's house.

-BWP

 

[nissan_crawler]

My brother in law came to visit with his family a few weeks ago. After he saw my collection, he had self professed tool envy. He really does not have anything other than the basics.

The only toolbox he has is a little 3 drawer carry about. I got that for him when I was visiting them and bought it at a flea market for the tools within it. I seriously don't need another portable tool box. (Everytime I go to my special Pawn shop, they give me another used one to haul my stuff home (they don't even want them))

Anyway, since Christmas is around the corner and I may have a spare tool cab lying around I thought I would surprise him with a basic box of tools.

My question. Should I give him a spare set of Snap on wrenches (SOEX versions, both metric and SAE) or just my spare Craftsman?

I have to get the box together soon, because we are going back home to visit (I can store it a my MIL and FIL's house.

-BWP

I would do a spare set of Craftsman, myself. If he seems to appreciate them and use them, I would upgraded him later as another gift.

 

[Ray-CA]

Well, you obviously like this brother-in-law so I'd put together a set of the best of the spares that you have, if he's the kind of guy that would appreciate the gift. If he's just a household type of repair/tinkerer, you can put a different set together. either way, you're a good brother-in-law.

Ray

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

He is a really great guy. Got a great wife and kids.... They are very frugal and live within their means.... He would definitely appreciate the gift. I got my FIL a set of Craftsman sockets... It really helped when I went home to do some work on his car. Slightly OT, but when I used my FIL's drill which was given to him by his dad, it was so old it did not have a reverse.... That really made my day.... Made Christmas shopping easier that year...

Now if anyone can link me to that list of basic tools that someone needs, it would help me get his stuff together.

-BWP

 

[garfunkle24]

I just gave a friend of mine some NWS and Knipex pliers, some Snap-on screwdrivers and a set of PB Swiss hex keys. He has had some substance abuse issues (amongst other things) but is now pursuing a mechanical apprenticeship and this gift was meant to be a token of encouragement.

Anyhow, I'm sure your BIL will be very pleased with whatever you tools give to him and I think it's a very nice gesture.

I know for me it is particularly rewarding to give a gift that will see a lot of use. I like to think that years from now my friend will still be using those same tools and will be reminded of both our friendship and also of the path to where he will be, once certified.

As far as a list of "basic tools", perhaps looking at the contents of one of Snap-on or Mac's 'basic apprentice' sets would provide some reminders/inspiration.

 

[Hiball]

Do have any unmarried sisters?

 

[Fedwrench]

First off, there is no such thing as spare tools. They may be tools that don't get used much but, nothing is spare.
Since he doesn't have many tools, he may not be a big tool user. You can't beat the usefulness of Craftsman for the occasional user. Would he appreciate the Snap on? I'd still set him up with Craftsman but, that's just me.

 

[GDA]

Sounds like he will definitely appreciate the tools provided.

To answer your question... I'd start out with a package of Cman tools and see what his reaction is along with letting some time go by to hear how he puts them to use. If he gets in the diy game then I'd offer up some higher end tools.

 

[fatfillup]

Do have any unmarried sisters?

I was thinking the same thing but i already have a great wife (29+ years) and alot of tools so that would make me greedy.

I tend to agree with the school of thought to give him the cman and upgrade later if he uses them alot.

 

[knobbylon]

I'm doing the same thing for my son today. He's started doing some part time work for me and getting his own tool bag. I faced the same dilemma, he's getting my old SK and C-man sockets and I'm keeping the SO. However, this is stuff that when taken care of should last his lifetime. Also, He's getting MAC pliers/ side cutters and some SO screwdrivers. Not so bad.

 

[Rickster]

When my oldest moved out on his own I set him up with a Craftsman roll around tool box and full load of Crafsman sockets and wrenches. I figured that if he broke any they could be easily replaced at Sears. So far he broke one screwdriver and it was a Snap-on! I told him to keep it in the car and look for the Snap-on truck at any repair garages.

 

[chrislehr]

I don't even have ANY family or friends you appreciate tools other than the occassional "oh, I dont need to buy one cause lehr will have one"

However, my father is a fun story, when we were growing up, I always loved tools, but like most kids, I lacked understanding of value and caring for things. So I left a pair of snips in the rain. I lost approximately one third of all sockets I touched. I used the wrong tool for the job every other time.

So my dad is coming to TX for the first time this December, and I told him - you can steal any one tool from my garage, I owe you that... he said no - he never has much need for them anymore.

 

[Stick Figure]

However, my father is a fun story, when we were growing up, I always loved tools, but like most kids, I lacked understanding of value and caring for things. So I left a pair of snips in the rain. I lost approximately one third of all sockets I touched. I used the wrong tool for the job every other time.

Lol this is the same thing that makes x-mas, b-day, and fathers day so easy for me! its just a matter of replacing what i lost working on skateboards, bikes, and eventually cars.

and i vote for craftsman for the giveaway, just for the ease of replacement.

 

[dakota_522]

i would give a descent tool box and a craftsman set, he will love it and it sounds like he will takecare of them. and i would throw in some pilers,hammers,and pry bars oh and a good flashlight.