I am going broke buying duplicates of tools

[jblnut]

You need multiple complete sets of tools in each location you’ll be working with somewhere to store and organize them.

OR

You need to find a way to transport the tools you think you will need from one central location to the work site and be able to return them once the project is complete and have a way to store and organize them.

I do a combination of this. I have a very basic set of tools in each tractor, a more rounded out set travels with me from machine to machine as needed and the bulk of it is in tool boxes ORGANIZED in the big shop. I have a couple completely empty metal carry toolboxes that I’ll toss stuff into when I need to go outside in the yard to fix stuff if my portable box is elsewhere. I do the job and sometimes need to go back to the shop which is frustrating but fine because I could use the exercise. I do the job and here is the important part, I put the **** away after cleaning it up.

You don’t have too few tools, you have too few disciplines. Get a carry container (a 5gal pail works very well actually) and bring it all back when you’re done. OR. Get more tools and find places to keep them.

The USA vs elsewhere thing is something I personally don’t worry about with tools. The stuff that travels is the cheapest China **** you can find because it may get planted, donated, destroyed or part of the machine I’m working on. The stuff in the shop boxes is a little nicer but even that stuff is mostly older Craftsman mixed with off brandy stuff. They’re tools, not showpieces around here. They get used, lost, destroyed and donated so I try not to spend too much or get too attached to them.

 

[fourjeepin]

I believe in having a dedicated set of tools per work area. That doesn’t mean dups of everything, but does for the commonly used things. And its a good excuse to upgrade, not that most if us here need an excuse.

 

[mikey03]

I have at least 4 caulking guns. Every time I need one, they are nowhere to be found. I finally got a cardboard box and wrote "caulking guns" on the outside of it. I'm not 100% sure where I put that box though.

buy four more caulking guns and this time put them in four separate boxes

 

[Aaron_W]

If multiple sets isn't practical for you, then at the least you could set up a dedicated tool staging spot in each work location. A 5 gallon bucket, plastic tote, shelf tool bag etc. That way you at least know where to start looking.

That does require training yourself to put the tools in that spot when done, but that is easier than taking them all back to where they live when you are done for the day.


Much the same way we work at the fire department when working at an emergency scene. We will often set up a tarp as a tool staging area. The tools are laid out so we can see what we have, and they are supposed to go back to the tarp when you are done with the tool. That keeps the work area clear, makes unused tools available to the others working the scene and helps avoid losing tools by letting them get left in a ditch, under a car etc.

No reason a similar idea couldn't be used in a homeshop.

 

[richfinn]

Sort out your most used tools into one easy to carry mobile core tool kit, then whatever project you are working on always start with that kit and then add in the extra tools and then organize the extra occasionally used tools and leave them at that specific location.

Eventually you will hone your core mobile kit down to cover 75% of tasks and always have the occasional used tools in the correct location.

I like to organize my core kit in a Veto Pro-Pac (for working out of a van), and I also have a tool cart that collapses down for storage/security for stuff back at base.

I came fairly late to the tool organization game (didn't want to spend the cash), but now I know where everything is ,the mental fog has lifted, I'm programmed to put stuff away correctly at the end of each task, I work faster and more efficiently

 

[Jeffrey D]

buy four more caulking guns and this time put them in four separate boxes

You just might be onto something here

 

[f121]

Oh man OP I hear you big time, I own at least 10,000 tape measures, you heard that right, lol, I put one down in my garage and turn for just a few minutes and bam,bam, it's gone, like a flash in the light. So out I go and buy another one, finish the job lay it down and bam, it's vanished into the black hole of Calcutta, just like that.

I buy tape measures in 5 packs now.

 

[johninct]

I keep buying duplicates of tools because I misplace tools all the time. I have at least three hammers, but I can only find one. I have two wrecking bars and cannot find either. I misplaced my set of Wera Joker SAE ratcheting wrenches. My portable tool box tipped over and scattered tools everywhere. I lost a number of 1/4" drive SAE sockets when the tool box tipped over. The only good news is the only cordless tool I have misplaced to date is an M12 PVC cutter. My father gave it back to me and no idea where I put it. (I thought it was still in my vehicle, but not there when the vehicle was cleaned out.)

I need to spend another $300 on a set of 1/4" USA made SAE sockets and a replacement set of Wera Joker SAE ratcheting wrenches.

I do work in my walkout basement, in my passenger car garage, and in my big RV garage so my tools don't have a designated place to live. Tools will get left in one of those three places and then get buried in junk so I can't find them.

You need to be better putting stuff away, plain and simple. Maybe keep a list of every tool you use and account for them at the end of every job.

 

[mike93lx]

Talking about going broke and "needing" to buy more expensive versions of tools you already own doesn't compute

 

[Cruzan80]

The only way I can figure out how to get the bolt back in is with a ratcheting wrench which I cannot find my SAE ratcheting wrenches. Even a 1/4" ratchet with socket doesn't fit. It is pretty much impossible to get two fingers in there to start the bolt. I got the bolt out with a combination wrench, but I can't get the bolt started with a combination wrench to put the bolt back in. There is very little room to switch a combination wrench.

I refuse to buy tools from third world countries unless I absolutely have to. My preference is for USA made, but that is harder and hard to find for everything.

Maybe buy one or two specific sizes to finish this job? Not the entire set?

 

[AEAdam]

I have this exact same problem.

"Just put it away" is not a helpful response. Life happens and that's just not always possible/practical. For me personally, I often work until I'm so tired, stiff, frustrated, sore, hot, cold, I just can't carry on. So I walk out and don't return for a week, then I've forgotten where i was working and where I left my.....

I ABSOLUTELY have multiples in strategic places. Not full tool sets, but duplicates and that makes sense to me. Its just faster and cheaper than wandering around for 30 minutes looking for...Its kind of a first word problem that can be casued by (in my case) too many projects, too much property, etc

Things that are working for me:
1) Having dedicated storage for....Like a wrench rack in a drawer vs a set of wrenches in a tool bag. That way I can see what I'm missing.
2) Building funcitonal dedicated kits of tools. I have now pretty specific kits of electrical tools, electronic tools, plumbing tools, carpentry, automotive, misc mechanical (SAE stuff mostly). Some or most kits are portable and liht enough for me to take to the job (not automotive).

 

[cgrutt]

Not sure if this is a real thread or not seems trollish tbh but in the event its real suggest investing in a few pack out style boxes (whatever brand or flavor suits you) or canvas tool bags to keep your tools organized and mobile to bring to whatever project you happen to be working on at the moment. Get the frustration for having to walk back and forth to grab tools but can't wrap my head around the losing part. What do they grow legs and walk away after you're gone? Are they being stolen? How is it possible to lose them so frequently? Anyway my $0.02 feel like this isn't a serious question and frankly a waste of time even responding.

 

[duneslider]

Back when I was a full time contractor I had all my work tools in the truck but then it was annoying doing home projects so I bought duplicates of everything to have at home too. Then I stopped the full time contracting thing and was storing two of everything in my garage and just didn't have the space so I sold a bunch of stuff. Since then, I have basically rebought everything so I can have multiples of everything again.

So, it appears you have two problems. First you don't have enough stuff and need to buy more tools. Second, you need to figure out a better plan for not losing stuff.

I was getting really good at the second part until my kids got older, now I have three boys who are touching stuff and its a disaster. At least now I have someone to blame for everything. My kids lost one of my 5ah makita batteries this week, I was fuming, then I remembered I left it in the camper last week, damn kids!

 

[wolfinator]

As a guy with (apparently) a much tighter tool budget than all you nuts, the idea of losing Wright-grade wrenches or Milwaukee power tools *around my property* absolutely blows my mind.

You need to find out what type of organization works for you for most of your tools. If you're a person who likes to micro-organize everything into tiny racks or shadow-box foam put into big sets of drawers, then that's fine. That notion really dominates these boards. But not everyone can/will do that. Do you need to visually see everything spatially laid out? In general, do you like to see things you own, and grab them as desired? Maybe you need a big pegboard where you can see everything. Outline everything so it's clear when something is missing.

Or does clutter stress you out? Then don't do pegboards. Do you like things out of sight, but don't have the patience for micro-organization? You need some kind of system with drawers or boxes that are clearly categorized where you can toss things.

I think this is a key step people miss - whatever scheme you come up with, it has to match your organizational personality.

Here's some general things that have helped me, take it FWIW:

1. Every tool needs a place to live. When I buy a tool, part of the acquisition process is deciding where it lives. (Sometimes a new tool will displace an old tool, but that old tool needs to also have a new home/purpose.)
2. I have several tool sets based around specific jobs, each with a dedicated box. Plumbing, electrical, general home maintenance, etc. If you have specific types of tasks with specific tool groups, you could consider this.
3. I have a "Staging" 5 gal bucket with a bucket boss. After years of getting frustrated with going back and forth to my garage for tools for projects, I found this scheme works OK for me. The bucket is large and flexible enough that I can put most anything in it for a job. I can keep a set of tools I basically always need I (screwdrivers, pliers, work light) in the bucket permanently. Before a job, I can fill up the bucket with all the tools I think I will need for the job. I take it to my job, and then work out of it. If I need to go back and get something, I take it to the bucket. As I go along, things need to go BACK IN THE BUCKET, and when I'm done the whole thing can be carried back and everything goes back to it's permanent home.

I have also had a brief period of time where I had two residences for complicated life reasons. I did get a Packout-type rolling modular tool box. This might be worth considering for your situation. You can put all your key tools in the modular system, each with a home, and roll it to your work spot. Some modular systems are weatherproof with gasket seals, which can protect tools, since it sounds like you have unheated spaces. Also, there are some USA-made modular tool systems if that's important to you.

Good luck.

 

[Renegade1LI]

You need a mobile solution. like dewalt tough system or milwaukee packout. I have over 100 dewalt tough boxes & cases, you can keep thm in a central location & take them from there. I use the dewalt hand truck & load up what tool boxes I need with the apprioate tools & supplies. You buy or make storage racks to keep them organized or just stack them up, the rack system works better as you can remove & replace individual boxes, my van is also set for this. The dewalt boxes are also good at keeping the tools dry & moisture free, I've been using them for 5 years & no rusting problems.

 

[Burt Shaver]

Nothing beats having a cargo trailer set up for tools.

 

[mike93lx]

Nothing beats having a cargo trailer set up for tools.

Knowing where your **** is an keeping things even half organized definitely beats more space to throw more ****

I bet most people with well organized trailers have decently organized shops

 

[Burt Shaver]

Knowing where your **** is an keeping things even half organized definitely beats more space to throw more ****

I bet most people with well organized trailers have decently organized shops

Not sure I grasp your point , are you saying tool trailers are bad? Or good ? The IP was saying he didn’t have room for his tools, also complained of the 75 foot walk to get them and put them away.
In my opinion a tool trailers is a must for any contractor, I have a couple friends that are also contractors but load their truck with the tools they need. That would drive me crazy, I like to just hook up to my trailer and know all my tools are there.

 

[Higgins]

There is nothing we can do to help you.
What you need is called discipline. Some guys have it naturally. Others, like me, didn't have it and needed to learn it. Getting my *** kicked in boot camp helped me learn it.
.Organize your tools and put them away each and every time after using them. It really is that simple.

However, should you end up moving several times, you will find the tools end up going into storage. do that several times and you would be suprised what you end up in the end!

 

[mike93lx]

Not sure I grasp your point , are you saying tool trailers are bad? Or good ? The IP was saying he didn’t have room for his tools, also complained of the 75 foot walk to get them and put them away.
In my opinion a tool trailers is a must for any contractor, I have a couple friends that are also contractors but load their truck with the tools they need. That would drive me crazy, I like to just hook up to my trailer and know all my tools are there.

A tool trailer is bad if you are so disorganized that a cart can tip over and you lose a bunch of sockets. It would just be another disorganized mess

 

[Burt Shaver]

A tool trailer is bad if you are so disorganized that a cart can tip over and you lose a bunch of sockets. It would just be another disorganized mess

I guess there’s no hope for the OP

 

[mike93lx]

I guess there’s no hope for the OP

Not until he decides to fix the problem instead of buying new tools to "replace" lost ones. IMO

Organizing is between free and cash flow positive.... Something I imagine the OP would want

 

[rharman]

There is nothing we can do to help you.
What you need is called discipline. Some guys have it naturally. Others, like me, didn't have it and needed to learn it. Getting my *** kicked in boot camp helped me learn it.
.Organize your tools and put them away each and every time after using them. It really is that simple.

One of the first lessons my great grandfather taught me was to put tools away after using them. I was probably about 8

Someone here once posted: "Don't put it down, put it away!"

I'm constantly striving to follow that maxim.

 

[reader2580]

I spent a bunch of time last fall looking at all of the available Packout style storage systems intending to be able to to move the boxes around with a two wheeler. I ultimately decided Packout would be the best option. I decided to wait for the BMSM event, but I spent the money on a really, really good deal on a parts coach bus for the coach bus I have now instead. Ultimately, I plan to go with Packout, but probably not this year.

I have an unused bedroom right by the basement exterior door. I am going to repurpose that for my tool room. As finances allow I will get racks for my batteries, cordless tools, and battery chargers.

My plans for the next few weeks
First, I am going to move all of the leftover building materials in my passenger garage out onto the driveway. I will cover them up and try to get rid of them. If not, my neighbor will burn it in his fire pit. I bought about 10% too much siding for my RV garage.

Second, I will install the lighting in the RV garage. I have everything required to install the lights. It is finally warm enough to do the work.

Third, I am going to move RV outside and use the RV garage to put most everything from my passenger garage and my basement in the RV garage for sorting. I hope to get rid of more stuff after I got rid of five yards of junk last year. All tools will be placed on a long bench in the RV garage.

Fourth, I am going to get all the little projects done I have bought stuff for, but the project never got done.

 

[reader2580]

Someone here once posted: "Don't put it down, put it away!"

I'm constantly striving to follow that maxim.

As I stated previously, I don't have a place for my tools. It is hard to put things in their proper place when you never established a proper place.

I am going to convert the unused basement bedroom that is near the basement exterior door as my tool room. It just has flat carpeting like an office and I will place runners over the carpet.

 

[madison069]

Your situation sound like a wheeled cart/tote is your best option. I got home tools in one pack set and then I do my best to bring mechanical stuff to the garage. Just going to take dedicated to keep up with it.

 

[AA/FC]

I keep buying duplicates of tools because I misplace tools all the time.

I am the same way.... However, I don't see this as a problem, I see it as a feature because it allows me to buy more tools without feeling guilty about it. lol. Eventually I will find the misplaced tools and I will put them with the replacement tools.... Now I don't have to worry about misplacing one of these again on the next project because I have already purchased a second one. (or third, or fourth, etc) My only real problem is tape measures.... I probably have 20 - 25 decent USA made tape measures and I can only put my hands on one or maybe two at this moment. lol. Well, one of them finally broke the other day so now I am considering buying 2 - 4 more new tape measures instead of looking for the misplaced ones. They will eventually reappear but having a few more new tapes now will be nice.

 

[mike93lx]

As I stated previously, I don't have a place for my tools. It is hard to put things in their proper place when you never established a proper place.

I am going to convert the unused basement bedroom that is near the basement exterior door as my tool room. It just has flat carpeting like an office and I will place runners over the carpet.

You have more stuff than you can afford to have, both in space and value. Instead of trying to create more space to fill with more tools, downsizing them will likely help on multiple fronts. I know that everything has a use and is important, but it's not doing you any good to be in the position you are in now

 

[Twisted Sid]

So instead of making space in one of the locations where you would actually use the tools, you are making space in a 4th location where they aren't easily accessible from the 3?

How is this going to help them get put away and organized instead of just left or lost where you were using them last, when that too far to transport them now?

 

[Bert_]

You can do a lot of work with a basic set of tools in a hinge top portable toolbox.

I have a cantilever box that I like because it has more trays to keep stuff separate. I can bring it to the project.

 

[dcg9381]

 

[Renegade1LI]

Whether you go with dewalt or milwaukee keep in mind only dewalt can be individually racked. I like that i can pull out one box without removing the one above it, very convenient. Also you can buy or make the racks,add additional hand trucks, it's a very modular system plus it always looks clean and neat. What's also nice is the support brackets will fold flat out of the way.

 

[f121]

Yall not have wheel barrows in America?

 

[JradM]

You need to organize. While I can make suggestions, it's kind of a personal thing. If you find something that makes sense to you and you can WORK out of, then keeping track of your tools is less of a problem.

E.g. I have a tool bag I use for most things. It's not big and hefty, it's like an 11" electrician's tote, but it has 90% of what I need for almost any project. I could tell you what's in it, but whether that has ANY meaning for you seems unlikely. I can do light automotive, electrical, household maintenance, etc. Most of the time I don't need anything other than what it already contains. If I do, I'm doing a specific and more-involved project.

Then I like to modularize for specific projects:

• My soldering gear and supplies are all in one case.
• My automotive diagnostic gear is in another.
• My sockets are on ernst trays by drive size - if I need sockets, I grab the tray and the appropriate drive tools, then put the tray back when I'm done.

You say your tools have no place to live - but they must go somewhere right? Why can't they live there always. Maybe you need a Packout tower.

 

[finn]

Back when I was a full time contractor I had all my work tools in the truck but then it was annoying doing home projects so I bought duplicates of everything to have at home too. Then I stopped the full time contracting thing and was storing two of everything in my garage and just didn't have the space so I sold a bunch of stuff. Since then, I have basically rebought everything so I can have multiples of everything again.

So, it appears you have two problems. First you don't have enough stuff and need to buy more tools. Second, you need to figure out a better plan for not losing stuff.

I was getting really good at the second part until my kids got older, now I have three boys who are touching stuff and its a disaster. At least now I have someone to blame for everything. My kids lost one of my 5ah makita batteries this week, I was fuming, then I remembered I left it in the camper last week, damn kids!

When my boys were in their early teens, I would carefully go over the lawn before the first mowing in the spring to pick up the tools they left outside in the fall or early winter when working on their bikes, etc. After the first dusting of snow they were lost until spring.

I wasn’t too happy at the time, but now, upon reflection in my old age, I sort of miss those days.

 

[finn]

I spent a bunch of time last fall looking at all of the available Packout style storage systems intending to be able to to move the boxes around with a two wheeler. I ultimately decided Packout would be the best option. I decided to wait for the BMSM event, but I spent the money on a really, really good deal on a parts coach bus for the coach bus I have now instead. Ultimately, I plan to go with Packout, but probably not this year.

I have an unused bedroom right by the basement exterior door. I am going to repurpose that for my tool room. As finances allow I will get racks for my batteries, cordless tools, and battery chargers.

My plans for the next few weeks
First, I am going to move all of the leftover building materials in my passenger garage out onto the driveway. I will cover them up and try to get rid of them. If not, my neighbor will burn it in his fire pit. I bought about 10% too much siding for my RV garage.

Second, I will install the lighting in the RV garage. I have everything required to install the lights. It is finally warm enough to do the work.

Third, I am going to move RV outside and use the RV garage to put most everything from my passenger garage and my basement in the RV garage for sorting. I hope to get rid of more stuff after I got rid of five yards of junk last year. All tools will be placed on a long bench in the RV garage.

Fourth, I am going to get all the little projects done I have bought stuff for, but the project never got done.

I think, based on your posts, that the hoarder syndrome is at the crux of your problems.

You spoke previously about tools getting buried when you put them down, yet you have a new RV shop, but no room for tools, and you apparently walked away from the project before even installing lights, outlets, and workbench. Your garage is unusable because you overbought building supplies, didn’t return the surplus, and didn’t finish the cleanup (probably because you didn’t finish the project.)

Now you bought the parts bus, which will further distract you from the task at hand.

Sounds entirely like a focus issue, and by buying unneeded tools and losing tools without acknowledging the real issue, you’re going to have a problem making progress.

 

[lovetap]

I can empathize about losing tools, well not losing but misplacing temporarily, it is deep in my being. It took me a concerted effort to organize my tools (with big help from a 3d printer) and make sure they went back where they belong. After awhile it became a habit and the mental fog lifted.

I had to buy an expensive drawered packout box to take with me when I'm out of the shop to keep myself in the same state of mind when working elsewhere.

 

[crashmtb]

What in the ADHD even is this thread?

 

[PelicanPines]

How many labelled drawers in you main toolbox?, secondary toolbox?, thirdly toolbox?

I have a total of 72 drawers. I felt your pain... Got electro-shock... Got a nice Brady label printer... I'm cured.

Would you like me to contact my shock girl for you... Setup an appointment or two?

 

[ChevyEFI]

I keep buying duplicates of tools because I misplace tools all the time. I have at least three hammers, but I can only find one. I have two wrecking bars and cannot find either. I misplaced my set of Wera Joker SAE ratcheting wrenches. My portable tool box tipped over and scattered tools everywhere. I lost a number of 1/4" drive SAE sockets when the tool box tipped over. The only good news is the only cordless tool I have misplaced to date is an M12 PVC cutter. My father gave it back to me and no idea where I put it. (I thought it was still in my vehicle, but not there when the vehicle was cleaned out.)

I need to spend another $300 on a set of 1/4" USA made SAE sockets and a replacement set of Wera Joker SAE ratcheting wrenches.

I do work in my walkout basement, in my passenger car garage, and in my big RV garage so my tools don't have a designated place to live. Tools will get left in one of those three places and then get buried in junk so I can't find them.

Try streamlining.
Oil changes and chassis lube and wheel rotation stuff in the PCG. That's just two pans, two stands, a jack, and some tools.

BRVG gets the bigger tools for the bigger jobs it probably handles. Organize a cart that can go to the WOB with the friendly 1/2 dr. and ? stuff.

WOB gets all plumbing, carpentry, and crossover stuff that is one size fits all.

I know how it feels. I added asian bikes to the garage and thought I'd have an easy carry canvas bag / roll. Not yet, but I will get it sorted.