How often do you buy new toys.. err tools?

[justinmc]

Just curious... are you a weekly, monthly or "as you need it" tool buyer? I'm usually a "as I need it" guy but I also tend to once a month or so hit up the local Snap-On, Matco, etc guys and pick up a few toys that I need or don't need. Or I'll drop in the local tool supply place (they carry SK, Kinpex, Etc, etc) and see what they have.

This week from the snapon guy I picked up a new boot for my impact gun, replacement for a lost pocket screwdriver and some air tool oil I was out of. Nothing exciting.. but its always exciting getting little toys!

 

[astroracer]

If I see something I like or could use I'll buy it. Within reason of course.
Tools are tools and I don't need them to feel good about myself or my life.



NOT!!!

Mark

 

[Der Bugmeister]

I usually buy them as needed...but making regular purchases of generally handy tools sounds like a pretty good plan, and one I should adopt.

 

[...dave]

i alternate, depending on how much money i have at the time! When i've got money in the bank, i try to buy some "know-i'm-gonna-need-it-sooner-or-later" stuff every month or so, or whenever i see something good on sale at Sears... but mostly it's on the "shoot, i'm gonna need that if i don't want to walk to work on Monday" plan.

...dave

 

[eschoendorff]

i alternate, depending on how much money i have at the time! When i've got money in the bank, i try to buy some "know-i'm-gonna-need-it-sooner-or-later" stuff every month or so, or whenever i see something good on sale at Sears... but mostly it's on the "shoot, i'm gonna need that if i don't want to walk to work on Monday" plan.

...dave

Hey... that's me! I like to stock up on things that I know I am going to eventually need. Or I'll buy things when they're on sale so that I'm not stuck when I really need them.

 

[rockwithjason]

I buy one tool everytime I go to the hardware store. I also buy what I need as i need it. I keep a close eye on the sale and coupon ads also.

 

[pl_silverado]

I try to get something at least once a month, more like every 2 weeks. As a matter of fact, i just got back from home depot. My old klein linemans pliers are ready to be retired, so i bought myself a new pair.

Next purchase at home depot is going to be a few rigid pipe wrenchs, the made in china ones gotta go.

Oh, and i have to call snappy on monday, i havnt been on that truck in over a month.

 

[l_bilyk]

I think I buy a new tool every week on average. Even if it's something small.

 

[Jay H 237]

Most things I've purchased as I've needed them but I also will buy stuff when there's a sale and occasionally giving in to the impulse purchase.

 

[Elroy]

If Elroy is into a job and I need something it gets purchased. However he trys to anticipate what is going to be needed so as to avoid the last minute scramble. In Elroys opinion it is best to shop the tools you want to purchase. For example not too long ago I was at http://www.bargainsupplywholesale.com/ and saw some real nice brass hammers in the clearance bin. The made in China stuff was on top and there two Cook made in USA 16 oz. near the bottom of the bin. They were offered at $2.00 so I took both of the good ones. At check out I asked if there was a "special" on the clearance items? Yep , the nice old lady said these are two for one! So Elroy purchased not one but two brass hammers that retail for close to $30 each for a buck a piece.

The lesson is to always be on the look out for good deals. I have used this method for close to 40 years now and can assure you its the cheapest way to assemble a nice selection. Elroy also stops by the pawn shops regular. About three weeks ago I purchased a nearly new Norton arkansas slip stone for 25 cents. Couldn't wait to get home and discover what it lists for. Yep I got a deal! $36.95 so you do the math, BETTER than a penny on the dollar.

 

[Jared]

I usually buy tools when i need them but if i find a good deal at pawn shop or garage or somethings on esale i will buy it.

 

[Rickster]

Brand-new, not very often, just when needed. Maybe once a month. Used but new to me, I hit a few garage and estate sales every Thursday-Friday at lunch and then on Saturday mornings. Will usually bring home something on 2 out of those 3 days every week.