How do you think of duplicate tools

[ToolGlutton]

I always want to own a large variety of tools, but never strive to have duplicate tools.

I could not understand why some people on this board own a dozens of the same Snap on ratchets, a dozen of the same Snap on extension bars, a dozen of the same Snap on screwdrivers. I'm not pointing out your name here.

If I trust Snap on's quality that much, I wouldn't keep so many spare ones.

 

[dps]

That is a good question that I've wondered about as well. I can see having maybe two of several things for convenience, but after that it seems like a person would either want to have more different tools or more money to put into whatever you like to use your tools on.

 

[speed bump]

Because they can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also a lot of times it runs into a situation of I couldn't pass up the deal. I have 4 or 5 10" water pump pliers because I got them for the right price. I have 4 sets of Mini-hook picks because the last two I just couldn't pass up the deal I got on them. I have 6" of 1/4" extensions because I couldn't pass up the deal on them. I have 7 9/16" wrenches in my drawer because I couldn't pass up the deals on some of them.

 

[wrenchr]

If one women is fun then two must be better!!!

 

[Basskiller]

I'm collecting some duplicates of tools as I will give them to my son when he turns 18 (if mature enough ) I just think it will be cool one day when his old man presents him with a metal box full of quality tools.

 

[IDASHO]

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

While I do like this forum, many members are so ******* in collecting tools and making their garages pretty, they dont even have time to use any of it.

There, I said it.

 

[stevejh82]

Around where I live, longaberger baskets are collectables, along with old china. Some people view tools that way, collectible. If bought for the right price as Wrenchr said, too good to pass up. Some people look at it as an investment, buy it cheap, it's usually still worth that down the road.

 

[davestlouis]

I have over a dozen Duro and Indestro ratchets...do I need 'em? nope! I could probably get by just fine with a total of 3-4 ratchets, doesn't mean I want to though. Having a few duplicates can come in handy on certain jobs, beyond that it's the hoarder/collector mentality taking over.

 

[avc8130]

I own multiple rachets so I can use one on each side of a nut/bolt arrangement plus a spare in case one fails/disappears/etc.
ac

 

[Vulturej]

To each their own.

 

[back2class]

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

While I do like this forum, many members are so ******* in collecting tools and making their garages pretty, they dont even have time to use any of it.

There, I said it.

SO TRUE!

Dupes are good if you have let's say a workshop in your basement and out in the barn. Or when I had a contracting company and had several jobs going or just to make things move faster so you are never looking for a tool that may be just out of sight. Always had a few of everything lying on the jobsite to keep things moving fast.

I have considered keeping a set for my baby boy but ended up selling most of my spares to increase my collection. I can simply buy him good stuff when the right time comes.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I can be guilty of that. Not so much with A particular brand, but say with wrenches, I will duplicate sizes many times if I see a brand or version of a wrench that appeals to me and it is cheap I will buy it every time.

With ratchets, I do not want duplicates of the same ratchet, but there are so many different ones who's style appeals to me that I am very guilty of buying different versions just because I am drawn to the style of the ratchet.

Actually I try to avoid exact duplicates, regardless the brand, but even doing that I have no way of justifying why I have so many standard 1/2" ratchets beyond they were cheap enough and I wanted it.

For anyone frequenting this board, you should buy any tools that are cheap for use as trading stock here on the board, or something you could sell here for a profit. That is a great reason for exact duplicates. Look at guys like Rickster B&W, and Wrenchr. Their used tool purchases fund their habit for more tools.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I'm collecting some duplicates of tools as I will give them to my son when he turns 18 (if mature enough ) I just think it will be cool one day when his old man presents him with a metal box full of quality tools.

I am with you there.

 

[Merkava_4]

You can never have too much ammo for going to war.

 

[rsanter]

well I have lots of duplictes...sort of
I have tools in several locations. I have a full set here at the house. I have a little smaller set at the warehouse where my cars are kept, and I have a fairly full set at my dads house for when we work there (which is also near the warehouse but about an hour from where I live).
I did have one more set but I recently dismantled that set into the other boxes and sold a few of the tools that were mismatched and such because I wanted to use the box for something else.
each box has 2 of each combo wrench and 3 of the sizes that get used the most.
why? there are a couple of reasons. 1, because sometimes you need one on each side. one on the bolt and one on the nut. 2, sometimes you drop a wrench and it ends up under the exact center of the car. so I grab another and keep going. 3, sometimes my dad and I or a friend and I are doing wrenching on the same vehicle and we both need that wrench. 4, if you break a wrench you toss the broken one aside and grab another so you can keep going.
I have 2 of each socket in deep and standard but one set is 12 pt and one set is 6 pt.
I also have an additional smaller set on a rail that has the most common used sizes so that I can grab them and go.
why? same reason as the wrenches
on special tools I do not see a reason to have multiples in the same box unless its something you use alot. the only exception to this is the line wrenches. you need 2 of each size.
why? same reasons as above

bob

 

[paramudduck]

Different wrenches different lengths and angles. If one breaks have a spare.
If some one needs one on the other side toss one over.

I always try to figure out how any one can work only using one set of wrenches. I've had too many fail and have to wait for a replacement. In fact thats the reason I have so many different brands versions of a wrench. One broke Mr. Snappy no show so I had to buy another type some where else.

 

[GDA]

For some things its nice to have duplicates and allows you to get on with the work without having to switch or reach for another tool when working in a couple areas. It also makes some projects go faster when you are working with a friend and can work on both sides of the car at the same time.

I just have duplicates in 3/8 mm sockets and combo wrenches from 8 through 24 and have a couple 3/8 ratchets for this purpose.

^ rsanter has a good list of reasons too.

 

[Uncle Buck]

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

While I do like this forum, many members are so ******* in collecting tools and making their garages pretty, they dont even have time to use any of it.

There, I said it.

Thank you too, you did the dirty work for me there sport!

 

[Chris Adams]

I only have a few ‘duplicate’ tools. But I have 36 lbs of Ratchets… but they ain’t duplicates. Each one has its own use and best place to use it.
During a valve job we did on a Toyota pickup last week I noticed we were cleaning 7 3/8 ratchets and three 1/2 ratchets. Each one was used to good effect. You don’t want a Big Dawg 14 inch handle when you are removing a distributer. You may want a nice black handle Snap-On taking loose the manifold but under the dash to remove the computer you want a short many tooth thin ratchet. Then with two guys working on the truck at the same time we needed the same tools a lot. So 12 ratchets used in a long days work.
Started as a head gasket, evolved into a valve job and other work. His truck has way over half million miles on it and he’s starting to think it needs a second set of rings…


I do have a few ‘collector tools’ and old tools that have sentimental value so they sit in the back of a drawer, but mostly my tools are to be used.
Still, can you say it’s a duplicate when you have 11 10 mm sockets, but no two are the same? 6 point, 12 point, short mid long impact different drives, etc.?

Screwdrivers get duplicated but what should you do, throw away the duplicates from sets?
Extensions are never duplicates. Three or even four of any type come in very handy. One on each ratchet, a third to roll under the car, and a fourth to make up just the right amount you need on one of the others.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

I suppose that may be true, but I don't give a **** what someone's motivation is for collecting tools. It's none of my business.

The way things are going these days, tools are probably just as good a place as any to put your money.

 

[-B-]

In my work box I will have multiples of key tools and some will alternative tools hex wrenches area different story there are dozens of multiples of singles and sets.

My travel box will have just a few multiples just a jump tools , I try hard not to strip tools out of the work box for the traveler.

My home box and my inherited boxes well I am trying to thin the heard a bit I found over 2 dozen 1/2 combination wrenches from about 6 different companies. I am trying to keep it to 2-3 buy it is hard as some wrenches are just too goo to let go.

The box I have at my brothers has doubles of everything in it as working on a car from 1960 calls for that to be on hand.

I can safely say there are no doubles in my truck box.

 

[billymade]

I think that the saying; "you can never have too many tools" comes into play here (one way to look at it). Most of my dupes are because of cheap purchases at fleas or pawn shops; at times I felt a irrational feeling of guilt about this! However, I have noticed that when I am doing a engine swap, major engine work or tearing apart multiple components on a vehicle; having all the extras really helps! As noted by others.... multiple people working on the same car; requires multiple tools! Having all the options and multiple tools makes work easier and faster... in the long run! All feelings of guilt be gone! Enjoy your tools and have as many as you want!

 

[mkdive]

Duplicate? Hell I'm starting to think TRIPLICATE!!!

 

[crashbumper]

I am putting together a junkyard toolbag, a toolbox for my Toyota and VW.

I hate going through my box trying to think of what I should bring to the junkyard, only to get there and find something else I want, but don't have that tool.

So now I'm trying to build three smaller boxes, shouldn't have too many triplicates.

The Toyota will be easy though; a 10, 12, 14 and 17 socket/wrench and I could probably take 90% of the car apart!

 

[Danglerb]

My Porsche mechanic has minimum of 4 of each size combo wrench and as many as 6 in well used sizes, and I have seen times when more than half were out of his box spread around half a dozen projects with related carts.

I have maybe a dozen ratchets, and need a few more, but mine are mostly all different or different uses for same or similar ratchets.

Collecting is entirely different, and I don't intentionally do it. OTOH if I find a nice ratchet or whatever tool at a great price I am very likely going to buy it. Thats accumulating, not collecting.

 

[Rickster]

I'll use multiple ratchets on a project and I need to have extras available when I'm working on a project with someone else.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I use multiple ratchets with different sized sockets when doing a big project. I find it easier to grab a ratchet w/ a socket and extension, instead of having to keep changing different sized extensions and sockets with just one ratchet. If I do that, my sockets like to hide under other tools, especially 1/4 sockets. It works the best for me.

 

[jerk_chicken]

I don't understand the extent, but I do understand duplicity. I've always had two sets of ratchets and sockets, for instance, even being an occasional mechanic. Lack of public transit, or bikeable distances to tool shops was a problem, especially when the car I was rebuilding was my own. Things fail along the way, so I have at least doubles of everything. Also, without at least a second set, lots of things were very difficult, such as suspension bolts that needed another ratchet and socket on the other side due to being countersunk on both sides, for instance.

Now, I'm in Germany, where Hazet, Gedore, Stahlwille, and Wera toolsets (among others) are way cheaper than in the US, without even a comparison. They're still pricey, but pro-quality. In that sense, while I'm planning on not staying here, it would be a nice souvenir of the experience to bring back some nice tool sets, even with duplicity to my Armstrongs, CM Pros, and some assorted other truck brands thrown in there at random.

Also, different ratchet types help different situations, as do different types of wrenches, but those really aren't redundant.

Next, good deals come up and they are certainly something that helps from time to time.

So I'll be going back with my original set of tools, but I'll also have all three sizes of Zyklop in there, so my sockets will be duplicated, although with higher quality ones. I'll also be going back with all three usual sizes of Hazet sets, again, duplicating sockets, extenders, etc. Along with that will go some Hazet wrenches, bits, and other stuff.

If a good deal comes up on Facom (dirt cheap anyhow), I'll probably pick up a set as my everyday to go with the Armstrongs and CM stuff.

So the degree of duplicity is what I don't understand, but I think duplicity to some extent is perfectly fine because it can bail you out of something.

And of course, pros need a few of everything because downtime can cost money if they have to wait for a truck to come around or a warranty return by mail. Nothing shameful about techs having CM. It keeps them working.

And with ratchets, sometimes there are different applications where minute differences come into play, such as strength, head dimensions, fine tooth vs course tooth, angle, etc.

 

[Frank Elson]

A bit of everything said above really.
I have duplicate sets, in my travel bag and in my workshop.
Many a time two of the same are needed for one job.
Then... in the car boot sale when I see a really nice spanner or something, I sometimes don't always remember that I have another one... and this one is so cheap.

...and like my 3/6 sockets. I was three sockets short of a full set. Then I found a full rail on ebay and bought it for a song.

 

[dps]

Here are a couple of good answers:

Because they can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To each their own.

But I'm not sure what this one is saying:

It isnt convenience.

Some people just think they are special if they own a bunch of tools.

While I do like this forum, many members are so ******* in collecting tools and making their garages pretty, they dont even have time to use any of it.

There, I said it.

So even though several members here have stated that it IS convenience, whether it's working on several projects at once, or working simultaneously with a friend, they are just making this up?

I think everyone likes to feel they are special, don't you? I suppose some people might feel that they acquire "specialness" if they have a bunch of tools. Others might feel special because of what they drive or where they live or what they read or what they do for causes they believe in or how many shot glasses they can pyramid on the bar before falling off their stool. There's really quite a wide range of what people do to feel special, I guess.

But you're saying that having a bunch of tools isn't a legit reason to be special? Or to just to "think" you're special?

The next sentence is confusing because it seems to say or imply a few different things that don't make sense to me. First, are you saying that if you collect tools AND make your garage pretty that you won't have enough time left over to use your tools? I mean, does that say that it's okay to EITHER collect tools, OR make your garage pretty, but if you do BOTH you're out of time to use tools? And it seems to imply that USING tools is the only reason for having tools. That wouldn't make any more sense than telling a sports memorabilia collector that unless he plays with that signed football or wears that autographed jersey that he doesn't even have any time to use it. Or am I missing the point?

And how would you know if someone was out of time? I mean, we all have 24 hours a day, but how would you know how many of them any individual might be able to devote to using tools? I know for a fact that some members on this board make a living with their tools, so they might spend more time with them than others, even if they spend some of their time collecting or making their garages pretty. (I'm not even going to get into why you seem to have a problem with a pretty garage.) I also know some members are retired, so maybe they choose to use some of their time working with their tools. And others here have many other interests or commitments that reduce their tool usage time, but may make them appreciate it all the more.

Your last sentence, "There, I said it." appears to be something of a gauntlet, implying that you speak truths that others must agree with or risk being wrong in your eyes. So I am asking that you explain further so that I might see if I, or other members might not be doing it right.

 

[Delray]

My duplicates come from upgrading and trying something new. I also can not seem to turn down a great deal on quality tools. Then being a goofy pack rat I can't seem to part with the old stuff. I do have a shop set and a carry around set and they get plenty of use but way,way too many spares.

 

[goodfellow]

I have double/tripple/ and quadruple duplicates -- especially in combo wrenches and sockets.

I didn't intentionally set out to have that many, but over the past 30 years I have stumbled across closeout deals, super sales, as well as taking many tool sets in trade for services.

 

[Fedwrench]

Sometimes the duplicates are an improvement or a new design, take ratchets for example. You may start out with 30 tooth ratchets, but along comes 36, 45, 72, 80 and soon 88 teeth. Wrenches are another example. Think of all of the possible lengths, offsets, fixed and flex end, along with ratcheting and non ratcheting, and the wrenches multiply like rabbits.
Then there is the it's such a great deal logic. You may not need that box of a hundred 1/4 drive sockets for $10 but, just like a moth drawn to a flame, you can't pass a deal like that up.
Multiple sets can be real handy too. The main box set, the tool cart set, the road box set, the disposable junk yard set, the loan out set, the kids set, and the secret locked at all times never used set (also known as the Merkava set). Duplicates happen. The secret though is knowing when to say when and to thin out those 50 3/8 drive 6 inch extensions from time to time so, you can buy more of those great deals.

 

[dxdexter]

My tool set consists of conservatively 4 (maybe 5) sets of wrenches and sockets and two roller cabs and chests. Admittitly a small collection by some standards (only a mere 20 some ratchets ). I use all of the tools at some time or other and could care less if anyone else thinks it's excessive or not. It's what I enjoy and require for many tasks. I don't spend my money on drugs, smokes, booze or cheap women (but I might start) so it might as well be on tools.

Most tool purchases have been driven by need or opportunity to get a good deal (whether or not I needed the tool).

Anyone who has worked in the trade will realize the need for duplicate tools. They speed the job and generally make life easier. If the job requires frequent use to several different socets and extensions, then a setup on several different ratchets will really help. At least that is my experiance.

Folks that have dozens of ratchets are just simply collectors. There is nothing wrong with that. Some collect stamps, bottle caps, etc, but they enjoy tools, as do we all.

 

[RRmech]

I have duplicates for the following reasons.....................

In case something breaks or gets lost, I can finish a job, without having to run to a hardware store.
I generally make sure my duplicate tools, are of the same quality, as the tools I use daily.
Any OTHER duplicate tools I own, are strictly for pleasure and self-indulgence!!!

Steve

 

[walrus]

I don't see a need for multiple ratchets that are the same model. But I can see multiple ratchets of different lengths, offsets, handles, flex, etc. I see the same thing in wrenches, sometimes a certain wrench is the only thing that fits, or makes the job faster, easier. A combo wrench is nice but it might not work where the bolt is so you need a deep offset box end or whatever.

Not sure how one ever has enough screwdrivers though or cordless tools

 

[kythri]

I think my query into the dupes is more along the lines of a couple pictures recently that showed several 20" extensions - I think one of those drawers had 6 or 8 of them in there.

It's your money, do with it what you want - I don't think anyone is saying otherwise. It just piques my curiosity sometimes when I see something like that. The screwdriver thread was another great example - If there's only, what, 6 or 8 sizes of Phillips, seeing a couple of drawers containing nearly 100 of them again makes me curious. I understand different lengths, etc - I just don't understand the "I have 15 6" #1 Phillips Drivers, and 27 8" #0" stance.

 

[jerk_chicken]

I have duplicates for the following reasons.....................

In case something breaks or gets lost, I can finish a job, without having to run to a hardware store.
I generally make sure my duplicate tools, are of the same quality, as the tools I use daily.
Any OTHER duplicate tools I own, are strictly for pleasure and self-indulgence!!!

Steve

Yep, finishing the job only takes a couple of each, but hell, I've had bad luck where I broke on ratchet, and then the second just skipped or reversed too much to be useful. Then comes the third. If you break a third, then it might be how you're using your tools.

Anyhow, I'm duplicating to a limit. Different styles or different manufacturers, and there's a financial limit. Once I'm there, really, I'm not going to find much worth in buying too much more after getting stuff some people would kill for. I guess some aren't satisfied, though. After this, I'll probably get an 80 dual SO set, and then be done with it. The opportunity to get them cheaper while I'm here is too good to pass up.

 

[Uncle Buck]

The next sentence is confusing because it seems to say or imply a few different things that don't make sense to me. First, are you saying that if you collect tools AND make your garage pretty that you won't have enough time left over to use your tools? I mean, does that say that it's okay to EITHER collect tools, OR make your garage pretty, but if you do BOTH you're out of time to use tools? And it seems to imply that USING tools is the only reason for having tools. That wouldn't make any more sense than telling a sports memorabilia collector that unless he plays with that signed football or wears that autographed jersey that he doesn't even have any time to use it. Or am I missing the point?

And how would you know if someone was out of time? I mean, we all have 24 hours a day, but how would you know how many of them any individual might be able to devote to using tools? I know for a fact that some members on this board make a living with their tools, so they might spend more time with them than others, even if they spend some of their time collecting or making their garages pretty. (I'm not even going to get into why you seem to have a problem with a pretty garage.) I also know some members are retired, so maybe they choose to use some of their time working with their tools. And others here have many other interests or commitments that reduce their tool usage time, but may make them appreciate it all the more.

Your last sentence, "There, I said it." appears to be something of a gauntlet, implying that you speak truths that others must agree with or risk being wrong in your eyes. So I am asking that you explain further so that I might see if I, or other members might not be doing it right.

I tried to be polite in the screwdriver thread, but screw it. It is very simple for someone that uses tools as they were intended (i know, some view this stuff as jewelry or something like that) and does not try to turn their garage/shop into some kind of museum. Viewing pictures of what look like man jewelry boxes is just beyond belief. I am totally on board with what the guy was saying.

This guy was saying that having thousands of dollars in tools in sterile little garages/shops where the only thing you ever do is polish said man jewelry is just a sad statement. The guy was saying, get some kind of project to work on with your tools, but that message will always be lost on some guys.I realize that will be viewed as quite boorish by some. So be it.

I can tell you this, after seeing what you did to that jewelry box on wheels of yours there is no way you are ever going to get that guys message, or mine.
So there you have it in a nutshell.

You asked for an answer and you got it.

 

[jerk_chicken]

Hah, most of these collections look like Monk owns them.