I think I have an addiction problem

[Chrislols]

I'm making this thread because my wife says I have an addiction problem

I just keep buying more and more tools that I don't need but I just keep browsing this forum and finding such great deals that I have too.

I'm mostly a DIY'er, but the knowledge and addiction strings from my father whos a retired automotive mechanic of 30+ years, so you could see where it comes from.

If I can fix it, I will, (although theres not much to fix since my car is a 2010 fusion

she has such a big problem with me buying tools, but the deals are too good to pass up, I recently picked up SAE / Metric hansen trays and filled the 1/4"s and 3/8"s almost up, but the 1/2" sat empty.

until I came across a deal for $7.99 10-32mm long impact 1/2" sockets (with a few missing inbetween) from Pittsburg Pro, and the entire SAE set for the same price! (mind you I have a Mac 1/2" impact wrench"

but now that I have that, I want more and more and more, I want a shallow set of chromes and impacts, and a 3/8" impact to go with my 3/8" snappy air ratchet, and i want stubby 1/4"s for home use, and a swivel 3/8" ratchet and a new vice grip set, and by than the list will be just as long with more and more stuff. and before that, was a workbench, and 3/8" deeps, and nutdrivers, and torx sockets, and drivers

MIND YOU, we have 0 financial issues, (although money isn't unlimited), though we're still young and want to save for our future and she's going on the cruise she wants us to go on next year, but her argument now is if I get to go cruise tool stores for deals sometimes daily that I should save some to take her on a second vacation to my parents house in Greece sounds fair

What do you think guys? Do I have a problem? or am I just a man who enjoys his tools?

 

[Danglerb]

What sort of tool deals do you suppose they have in Greece?

 

[greybeard]

It's called Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). The internet makes it 10 times worse.

 

[Chrislols]

What sort of tool deals do you suppose they have in Greece?

you should of saw her face when she read that

 

[cdncowboy]

I have the same affliction. There is no hope.

 

[Nick_Escalante]

If your not a pro, like me, I consider it just a hobby. But yes, it could be classified as a buying addiction. Hell, after I'm long and gone, there will probably be a few sockets that I have that were never used. Somebody in my family will get them all. Make sure it is in my will.

 

[pcpro15]

I have the same affliction. There is no hope.

Add me to the list. It all started after I joined the site. Once I got a sip of the SO kool-aid... I can't stop.

 

[cdncowboy]

It's all a matter of being prepared and self-sufficient. It's not about using each and every tool, it's about having it there if and when you need it. Bonus points for being organized and know where things are and being able to find them quickly and easily. Complete OCD.

 

[cdncowboy]

Add me to the list. It all started after I joined the site. Once I got a sip of the SO kool-aid... I can't stop.

This site is the Devil!!!

 

[dodge610]

I am in the same addiction program with you guys. I am a self trained muscle car restorer and a small business owner that stems from my restoration hobby. But i like what i do and you only go around once so what the heck no regrets.

 

[Borrego]

At this point in life, tools to me now are like condoms in high school - may not get used, but it's nice to know they are there to cover your ***, just in case.......Better to have them than not to have them......
I've sold more here than bought, but if I am feeding the addiction of others, I am an enabler.....

 

[bgott]

Tell her that if she keeps complaining you'll have to trade that Pittsburg Pro sockets in for Snap-on. That'll quiet her down. Or she'll leave, one or the other!

 

[bad_idea]

my wife gave me similar grief in the past, mostly when we were dating. then i started using my tools to maintain the vehicles, build her things around the house, weld artsy type **** and the like. she also sees how much i enjoy relaxing out in the garage tinkering with something. she doesn't get too upset now, as long as it isn't costing us financial hardship.

i suggest u make a point to use your tools to benefit her some how. build her something or save the two of you money by using the tools. maybe even hustle up some side work to justify the tools. a good woman will accept your hobby as long as it isn't a genuine addiction.

if you are buying the tools for the sake of collecting them, maybe you need to re-evaluate what you are doing.

 

[ChrisF250]

this is the way Ive reasoned it:

You buy a 25ft tape measure and you may never use every 16th that is marked on that tape, but you know if you ever need it it will be there

Stupid logic, possibly, but it works for me

 

[speed bump]

Nah, your tools are still cheap. I scare people when I start describing the tools I looking for now that I have a place to put them and I don't think I have a problem.

 

[Chloe]

I call it collecting, not addiction


but if it's really too much then maybe some people called it addiction

 

[devildog101]

My name is Ed and im a toolaholic.

 

[machine_punk]

I'm in a similar boat (no pun intended...we like going on cruises too). We are pretty stable financially and I finally have money to spend on tools. Most of mine is used on CL or eB, but I routinely make tool purchases.

I just give myself a weekly budget for tools and materials for my projects, AFTER I take care of all the other needs. Occasionally, I spend that tool budget on the kids or the wife, just to share in the bounty. In the end, I get to buy pretty much any tool I want and don't get any grief for it. Vacations and cruises are fun too and time spent with your family is always well spent. Create a budget for your next cruise or trip and start putting money back regularly. I'll bet you get a lot less of a hassle about the tool purchases...

Kev

 

[csmitty]

Add me to the list. It all started after I joined the site. Once I got a sip of the SO kool-aid... I can't stop.

Saaaaaaame here. Still can't believe what i've acquired in a few months. Damn you GJ



nah i'm just kiddin

 

[Jeff]

I have the same issues with my wife.

Geez, do I still miss her.

 

[jamesemery728]

I don't see any problem.............

 

[cdncowboy]

We'll be meeting every Thursday night for the GJ 12 step program.

 

[dc5itr329]

Honestly I think a great deal is hard to pass up in general. It's better to buy it cheap when you don't need it then pay alot for it when you do. Show your wife much maintenance/repair cost are for things like cars, home repair, and appliances.

 

[Lump]

Count me in among the "happily-addicted" crowd!

 

[Tim_in_NC]

Tell her if you truly had an addiction problem, then you would have more than 1 mistress ...

 

[RKSpeed]

Get a jar, everytime you spend money on tools, put the same amount in that jar. Itll make you think first if you REALLY need that tool or if its just nice to have. She gets the trip to Greece, you still get to buy tools.


By the way, probably 90% of the guys on this site have over 10K in tools, and thats probably a low number, so you can tell her youre not that bad

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Addiction is great