blazemaster83
Well-known member
They better have a big truck and a forklift, I have a few tools north of 3 tons.
If you had all your tools stolen. ...
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Flivver250
Well-known member
A good lawyer.
shoggoth80
Well-known member
I better not find out who did it.
Without jinxing myself...If I had to start ALL over again, I think that I would still do it much the same. I'd probably look heavily at brands like Toptul, and possibly Koken. But, I also had plenty of other brands like Wera, and Gearwrench serve me well. I'd probably buy heavy on good Taiwanese sockets and wrenches (GW, Blue Point, Toptul, MAC precision torque), huck good money at Snap On and Cornwell for ratchets (because I like what I like, though Carlyle and MAC are damn good as well). I'd still go Wera on screwdrivers. I'd skip out on the middle guy, and get an Autel OBDII tool. Sunex of Grey on impacts. I'd probably just buy a whole set rather than piecemeal for the Armstrongs I have. I used to have to provide my own tools. That's changed. Now the tools that used to make me money, save me money instead...and serve tough DIY work instead.
I sold my rolly cart, as I didn't need it, but I would probably nab a Sunex cart or maybe a HF cart to house it all in again.
Without jinxing myself...If I had to start ALL over again, I think that I would still do it much the same. I'd probably look heavily at brands like Toptul, and possibly Koken. But, I also had plenty of other brands like Wera, and Gearwrench serve me well. I'd probably buy heavy on good Taiwanese sockets and wrenches (GW, Blue Point, Toptul, MAC precision torque), huck good money at Snap On and Cornwell for ratchets (because I like what I like, though Carlyle and MAC are damn good as well). I'd still go Wera on screwdrivers. I'd skip out on the middle guy, and get an Autel OBDII tool. Sunex of Grey on impacts. I'd probably just buy a whole set rather than piecemeal for the Armstrongs I have. I used to have to provide my own tools. That's changed. Now the tools that used to make me money, save me money instead...and serve tough DIY work instead.
I sold my rolly cart, as I didn't need it, but I would probably nab a Sunex cart or maybe a HF cart to house it all in again.
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
I would love to hear that story if you care to tell it.
I Got a description from the pawn shop the known person it had to be, then approached them. Gave the option of tools returned or cash plus dirtbag fee in 24 hours, or The sheriff would be visiting them. They played the no money plea with me, but it fell on deaf ears. The horse was one of the few assets the person had, so I figured that was very fitting. The tools were about $800 worth, and the horse was worth a chunk more. Get my valued items, I get yours plus.
Cairo94507
Well-known member
This thread reminded me I need to check with my insurance agent to see if my tools are covered. I have a 6' long box full of tools acquired over a lifetime. I even have some tools that my grandfather used. I think I will organize my box and take photos of each drawer. Aside from that I have a couple floor jacks, compressor, car dollies, and jack stands.
That said, if my tools were snatched, I would not be going with Craftsman again. They no longer make them the way they did when I bought them. So SnapOn would be a good start.
That said, if my tools were snatched, I would not be going with Craftsman again. They no longer make them the way they did when I bought them. So SnapOn would be a good start.
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
I've been trying to get my insurance figured out for my stuff too. I always keep pictures of new tool purchases and update pictures of all my drawers. That goes for all my boxes, shop, service truck and personal truck boxes. I make sure to keep pictures on my phone and 2 external hard drives for back up. It also helps I keep all my receipts for both in-store and online purchases.
INSP380
Well-known member
I'd call it a F'n blessing and play more golf......
Steve
Steve
Gidge
Well-known member
I'd be in the "Go Fishing" category as I'm just a hobbyist and do not use my tools to earn a living. The hardest part for me would be the loss of my grandfather's tools.
Although most of my money is wrapped up in machinist tools.sberry
Banned
Actually they are made the same as when you bought them and Snapon would be a good start is right.
Guys at my GF's dad's work are dealing with something like this right now in real life. All the mechanics work out of trailers because the yard owner doesn't want to pay tax on a building or something. They have a little row of trailers all connected together with their parts crib and hardware and all their tools. A fluorescent light ballast went bad and started a fire and burned all the trailers down. A total loss of all their tools, boxes and parts for 10 Intermodal crane mechanics.
I imagine they're going to have to call in reserve Tool Trucks when they start replacing stuff. Those dealers will have $ in their eyes for sure!
I imagine they're going to have to call in reserve Tool Trucks when they start replacing stuff. Those dealers will have $ in their eyes for sure!
SantaAna12
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,091
You guys grow medical marijuana Mr. Berry?
No way in hell Cman is the same.
Too much tryptophan?
No way in hell Cman is the same.
Too much tryptophan?
I have a rider on my renters coverage that coveres replacement cost for tools up to $70,000, and the tools can be at any location (used for work and such.) Think it's about $18/month and well worth it for the peace of mind.
When I added up the total value in the bag I use daily and it was around $2k, I knew how screwed I'd be if it grew legs.
Back on topic, if everything walked, there would be miller welders, fluke meters, gear wrench for most of the sockets, snap on for ratchets, extensions and selected hand tools, knipex for most pliers (with a mix of nws), and Wright for wrenches. Milwaukee for battery tools.
And boy would I be pissed. Tho to clean everything out would require cleaning out four diffrent locations, one being a secured federal site. More likely I'll be replacing a box of tools if someone steals my car more than anything.
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this is nice read too. including the comments section.
http://toolguyd.com/if-i-lost-all-my-tools-which-brands-would-i-pick-for-replacements/
http://toolguyd.com/if-i-lost-all-my-tools-which-brands-would-i-pick-for-replacements/
sberry
Banned
I have stuff from 70 to current. In 81 bought the biggest set Sears had and the wrenches, ratchets and sockets were **** then and are probably actually better now and certainly no worse.
ssdave
Banned
I have complete photos and inventory to document what I have. And insurance to cover it, so it would be mostly an exercise in negotiation with the insurance company.
I'd sit down with my insurance agent (and an attorney if need be) and sort out all the rules about replacement cost vs initial payment vs final payment, etc, and then plan out a strategy to get the replacement cost as my policy is written. Then, I'd replace all the mechanic user set with Snap-on, making sure that the items are reimbursable for replacement cost. My preference would be to replace my user set with a complete, matched set. If I had to, I'd replace in kind (my stuff is a mixture of Snap-on and Proto, I think I could convince them it's cheaper to purchase full sets of Snap-on than pay individual price for the Snap-on and the Proto mix.
I'd replace the extras and odd stuff with Snap-on, again to maximize the value/replacement cost payment that my policy is issued for while getting stuff that all matched. Then, I'd look to acquire used some of the obsolete stuff that I prefer to Snap-on, particularly my Indestro Super ratchets and a few favorite others.
My machinist stuff I'd replace with Starret, which is mostly what they are anyway. My woodworking tools I'd replace pretty much in kind; they are pretty much exactly what I want and need. I would buy all matched C clamps and pipe clamps and such, as I have a mix now. Same with hammers, I would buy a comprehensive set that more or less matches. I have full coverage and then some now, but they're mixed makers. My power stuff I would replace with mostly Milwaukee and Porter Cable, which are the primary ones now.
What I probably would not do, at least immediately, is replace my Proto nostalgia set of tools. I own them more for the fun I had in acquiring them, not because of their inherent value/desirability to me. I'd replace their value with either new Proto or Snap-on, to harvest the value of the insurance policy. Then, I'd probably start a new nostalgia collection of Indestro, Williams, or Proto Los Angeles. Just for the fun of acquiring it again.
I'd guess it'd take me 6 months to a year to buy all the replacement tools and settle the insurance claims. It would be a hard job to buy that many tools in 6 months and document it for the claims. It'd take me the rest of my life to acquire a nostalgia set to replace the old proto stuff I have now.
I'd sit down with my insurance agent (and an attorney if need be) and sort out all the rules about replacement cost vs initial payment vs final payment, etc, and then plan out a strategy to get the replacement cost as my policy is written. Then, I'd replace all the mechanic user set with Snap-on, making sure that the items are reimbursable for replacement cost. My preference would be to replace my user set with a complete, matched set. If I had to, I'd replace in kind (my stuff is a mixture of Snap-on and Proto, I think I could convince them it's cheaper to purchase full sets of Snap-on than pay individual price for the Snap-on and the Proto mix.
I'd replace the extras and odd stuff with Snap-on, again to maximize the value/replacement cost payment that my policy is issued for while getting stuff that all matched. Then, I'd look to acquire used some of the obsolete stuff that I prefer to Snap-on, particularly my Indestro Super ratchets and a few favorite others.
My machinist stuff I'd replace with Starret, which is mostly what they are anyway. My woodworking tools I'd replace pretty much in kind; they are pretty much exactly what I want and need. I would buy all matched C clamps and pipe clamps and such, as I have a mix now. Same with hammers, I would buy a comprehensive set that more or less matches. I have full coverage and then some now, but they're mixed makers. My power stuff I would replace with mostly Milwaukee and Porter Cable, which are the primary ones now.
What I probably would not do, at least immediately, is replace my Proto nostalgia set of tools. I own them more for the fun I had in acquiring them, not because of their inherent value/desirability to me. I'd replace their value with either new Proto or Snap-on, to harvest the value of the insurance policy. Then, I'd probably start a new nostalgia collection of Indestro, Williams, or Proto Los Angeles. Just for the fun of acquiring it again.
I'd guess it'd take me 6 months to a year to buy all the replacement tools and settle the insurance claims. It would be a hard job to buy that many tools in 6 months and document it for the claims. It'd take me the rest of my life to acquire a nostalgia set to replace the old proto stuff I have now.
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Laracar
Active member
I'd Snap On...
I think I would have another nervous breakdown. About 20 years ago, after a 15 year lull of avoiding do-it-yourself repairs, I started building my tool collection (still ongoing). I never gave it much of a thought about theft until I ran across threads like this, etc. Now, I am a prisoner in my own home. I'm afraid to talk about my tools on the phone and I never buy any tools from ebay sellers who live nearby, even if I really need the tool (they would have my address).
Btw, it seems this tool hunting thing takes on a life apart from the work they get used for. I've gotten so sick and tired of looking for the last remaining list of tools needed. I haven't taken any pictures or did an inventory, wouldn't be much fun, because of so many tools. But maybe that is the best solution.
When I first started thinking about the theft issue, I was only considering that someone would break into my tool cabinets. But I figured that could be a very noisy proposition. I was thinking in terms of how to secure it better but never had any foolproof ideas. However, that kinda all turned out to be moot. I realized that all a thief had to do was wheel the entire cabinet up some ramps into a van. But a mechanic told me that a tool cabinet filled with tools would not be so easy to move. However, with some helper thieves I'm not so sure, and certainly the smaller cabinets are thievable. So, the entire subject stresses me out as to what the best answer is.
It seems that theft is somewhat rampant these days. The local police often call and leave messages about high theft rates locally.
Btw, do you think thieves are selling tools just to get information on where they are going to, like local eBay sellers using the info to acquire addresses, or perhaps a craigs buyer insisting on meeting at your house ??? . . . I wonder if I have to worry about posting this reply, can someone get my ISP address that will tell them my home address ??? (another tool theft worry).
Btw, it seems this tool hunting thing takes on a life apart from the work they get used for. I've gotten so sick and tired of looking for the last remaining list of tools needed. I haven't taken any pictures or did an inventory, wouldn't be much fun, because of so many tools. But maybe that is the best solution.
When I first started thinking about the theft issue, I was only considering that someone would break into my tool cabinets. But I figured that could be a very noisy proposition. I was thinking in terms of how to secure it better but never had any foolproof ideas. However, that kinda all turned out to be moot. I realized that all a thief had to do was wheel the entire cabinet up some ramps into a van. But a mechanic told me that a tool cabinet filled with tools would not be so easy to move. However, with some helper thieves I'm not so sure, and certainly the smaller cabinets are thievable. So, the entire subject stresses me out as to what the best answer is.
It seems that theft is somewhat rampant these days. The local police often call and leave messages about high theft rates locally.
Btw, do you think thieves are selling tools just to get information on where they are going to, like local eBay sellers using the info to acquire addresses, or perhaps a craigs buyer insisting on meeting at your house ??? . . . I wonder if I have to worry about posting this reply, can someone get my ISP address that will tell them my home address ??? (another tool theft worry).
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yamaha0343
Well-known member
I think I would have another nervous breakdown. About 20 years ago, after a 15 year lull of avoiding do-it-yourself repairs, I started building my tool collection (still ongoing). I never gave it much of a thought about theft until I ran across threads like this, etc. Now, I am a prisoner in my own home. I'm afraid to talk about my tools on the phone and I never buy any tools from ebay sellers who live nearby, even if I really need the tool (they would have my address).
Btw, it seems this tool hunting thing takes on a life apart from the work they get used for. I've gotten so sick and tired of looking for the last remaining list of tools needed. I haven't taken any pictures or did an inventory, wouldn't be much fun, because of so many tools. But maybe that is the best solution.
When I first started thinking about the theft issue, I was only considering that someone would break into my tool cabinets. But I figured that could be a very noisy proposition. I was thinking in terms of how to secure it better but never had any foolproof ideas. However, that kinda all turned out to be moot. I realized that all a thief had to do was wheel the entire cabinet up some ramps into a van. But a mechanic told me that a tool cabinet filled with tools would not be so easy to move. However, with some helper thieves I'm not so sure, and certainly the smaller cabinets are thievable. So, the entire subject stresses me out as to what the best answer is.
It seems that theft is somewhat rampant these days. The local police often call and leave messages about high theft rates locally.
Btw, do you think thieves are selling tools just to get information on where they are going to, like local eBay sellers using the info to acquire addresses, or perhaps a craigs buyer insisting on meeting at your house ??? . . . I wonder if I have to worry about posting this reply, cvan someone get my ISP address that will tell them my home address ??? (another tool theft worry).
Ok buddy, need you to put down the mouse, step outside, and breathe.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Marijuana has tetrahydrocannabinol.....Tryptophan comes from turkeys.
Marijuana makes you hungry. Turkeys fill that hunger.
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
As my tool collection grows, I think about this more and more. Funny that I have felt that I have never owned anything of value... I always felt I had nothing worth stealing. Until I started collecting tools.
Heel2toe
Well-known member
Marijuana has tetrahydrocannabinol.....Tryptophan comes from turkeys.
Marijuana makes you hungry. Turkeys fill that hunger.
Hahahaha! Great response!
If my tools were stolen I would cry. If my car was stolen I would cry even longer...
Somebody would have to be pretty desperate to steal my tools. For one, they are inside locked cabinets inside a locked, alarm-armed building with no windows, surrounded by a 7' high fence with dogs, covered by 9 cameras remotely recorded. And frankly, I don't own much that would be worth the risk.
Why all the security then? Because I'm nuts, that's why
Why all the security then? Because I'm nuts, that's why
toolmiser
Well-known member
I would get fat (fatter) and lazy with nothing to do with my free time. I would have a lot more space to do????????
KamiCrit
Well-known member
Good thread about starting over from scratch: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205852
1950mercury
Well-known member
They would have to show up with a box truck to steal my tools with 2 Mac top and bottom boxes 2 side cabinets and 2 hf carts.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I don't make a living off my tools, so I probably wouldn't replace everything, if stolen. Most of what I do around the house, and for friends or family, is electrical work. I'd definitely replace all those tools: Klein, NWS, Ideal, Knipex. Everything else I'd just re-buy if needed. Maybe some plumbing tools since electrical and plumbing intersect in some regards (pipes, fittings).
I don't think they'd be able to steal too much. If I can hardly find my tools half the time, I don't know how they'd be able to!
I don't think they'd be able to steal too much. If I can hardly find my tools half the time, I don't know how they'd be able to!
racinfarmer
Well-known member
I'd see what insurance kicks out, then probably waste is on a nice big Lista box and a bunch of German, Proto, and Wright (wrenchs for sure) tools.
I don't even think I'd be too pissed about the tools in the long run. I'd be more pissed about having my boxes cover with years of stickers stolen.
I don't even think I'd be too pissed about the tools in the long run. I'd be more pissed about having my boxes cover with years of stickers stolen.
sberry
Banned
The clan is still the same junk it's been since the 80s.
rockinacummins
Well-known member
Honestly, if I lost it all I would be so discouraged I probably wouldn't replace it right away. I'd just hit a few pawn shops and pick up what I needed at the time.
I can't even imagine.
I can't even imagine.
Know Wosad
Banned
- Joined
- May 15, 2016
- Messages
- 811
I'd fly to Ohio and go to Wright with a few grand, then head to Denver for some Williams stuff.
Done. I can get most everything to get back on my feet mechanically. Metal working gear is a little tougher. All online I imagine.Welding supplies and industrial houses are "generally" the scum of the earth.I'd be all over eBay and Amazon to start.
Done. I can get most everything to get back on my feet mechanically. Metal working gear is a little tougher. All online I imagine.Welding supplies and industrial houses are "generally" the scum of the earth.I'd be all over eBay and Amazon to start.
I've done this, sort of, twice in my life.
The first time was in college and all of my tools were stolen from a storage unit. I was young and broke, and since I'm not a mechanic and only use tools for working on my own stuff, I replaced the tools as I needed them. I bought mostly Harbor Freight tools, but some Craftsman and Husky. They were all cheap tools, and sometimes they broke, or didn't work all that well. But I used those tools for decades.
The second time was just this last year, when my son moved away from home. He needed tools, so I gave away all of my tools to my son, and started over. This time I chose a decent mid-priced toolbox from Extreme Tools (strictlytoolboxes.com), and better quality tools. Most everything this time is from Matco, but with Ridgid pipe wrenches, and all Dewalt electrical tools. The only thing from Harbor Freight this time is my floor jack (Daytona).
The first time was in college and all of my tools were stolen from a storage unit. I was young and broke, and since I'm not a mechanic and only use tools for working on my own stuff, I replaced the tools as I needed them. I bought mostly Harbor Freight tools, but some Craftsman and Husky. They were all cheap tools, and sometimes they broke, or didn't work all that well. But I used those tools for decades.
The second time was just this last year, when my son moved away from home. He needed tools, so I gave away all of my tools to my son, and started over. This time I chose a decent mid-priced toolbox from Extreme Tools (strictlytoolboxes.com), and better quality tools. Most everything this time is from Matco, but with Ridgid pipe wrenches, and all Dewalt electrical tools. The only thing from Harbor Freight this time is my floor jack (Daytona).
bobcatdan
Well-known member
If I got a nice $100,000 insurance check for my tools, I'd honestly really downsize. Been doing this long enough were there is fluffy and stuff that's not really used. I'don't buy a bigger Kennedy maintenance pro and fill it mainly with SK and Wright along with a few SO. Rest of the money would go into shop equipment.
justanengineer
Well-known member
I sold 90%+ of my tools when I moved cross country 10 years ago and don't regret it a minute. I went from new truck brands to mostly vintage tools, it allowed me more money for machines/capability. I also get more enjoyment out of vintage items and they have better resale too. Win/win so that's what I'd do starting over again.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ok buddy, need you to put down the mouse, step outside, and breathe.
I'm not "your" buddy. I wasnt talking to you! . . . I was responding the Wee see 716 -- ROFL Your lack of empathy misses the seriousness of this issue. As one guy so eloquently put it, "I never thought I had anything worth stealing until I started collecting tools." Point well taken by me for that comment. I'm in the same boat. What boat are you in bud ??? . . . the 1% US Pig billionaire yacht that looks down their nose at others less fortunate.
All kinds of replies, lengthy, etc., even about extreme violence, but that was all ok with you. Please don't respond to any of my posts again. Theft of a lifetime of collecting is a serious issue!