Multiple Spares?

[Gangly]

A post in another thread got me thinking about something that I hadn't really thought of, and that's having multiple versions or spares of the same tool. I have tools that I started with 25+ years ago when I first began turning wrenches on my own vehicles, combined with newer versions of the same tools. A couple years ago I started upgrading tool sets with the specific intent of handing over a complete tool set (my older tools) to my son whenever he graduates college and starts a life of his own. Fortunately, I had so many spares already that I didnt have to purchase too many more tools to have a complete newer set. However, I noticed I spend more time using my older tools than my newer tool sets out of comfort (mental) and habit, and I wonder if I will be able to hand over my original tools to him or if I will wind up giving him most of my newer tools so that I can stay in my comfort zone with my older tools that are nice and "broken in".

So for those of you who have multiple spares or versions of the same tool, do you find yourself sticking with older versions to preserve the newer version? Do you use the newer versions to preserve the older version? Do you continue to use the older version out of comfort and habit?

What's your reason for using the old over the new, or the new over the old?

 

[Kasal]

The same thing really happens to me. I have a ton of good tools that I gradually acquired, for fear that the lower-quality ones would break and prevent me from finishing the job. The first thing I always reach for is my KS tools case. It's quite handy and very useful for vehicle maintenance.

 

[Gangly]

The same thing really happens to me. I have a ton of good tools that I gradually acquired, for fear that the lower-quality ones would break and prevent me from finishing the job. The first thing I always reach for is my KS tools case. It's quite handy and very useful for vehicle maintenance.

Nice looking set, and almost everything is original!

 

[pbon]

I just spent a couple of days sorting out my spare hand tools. Have 3-4 sets of sockets and wrenches. Throwing away the junkiest if I cannot make a complete set. Keeping any individual quality ones. Will redistribute to 3 other properties and give away the last set(s). Keeping some doubles or even triples of commonly used tools at the primary property since that is where I mostly work.

 

[dscheidt]

Depends on the tool. Some things have completely replaced the original , usually because the new one is markedly better or easier to use, or the original is just worn out. Knipex cobras have replaced traditional tongue and groove pliers in the sizes I use most often, because they're nicer and easier to use. Most corded tools have been replaced by their cordless equivalent, because dealing with a cord is a pain.

For lots of things, it's more of a supplement. I have a bunch of linesman's pliers, so I have them where I use them. the one I like best is in an electrical tool kit, another lives in a set of framer's toolbags, others are in the garage, or the main pliers drawer. Which gets used depends on which is handiest. For stuff like wrenches, sockets, ratchets, I mostly use the 'good' ones, but they're none of them quite the same, so sometimes I'll go for a different one based on fit, or just my mood.

 

[mikey03]

If you don’t have 5 spares of the same tool then what do you do when the first 4 spares break?

 

[J.A.F.E.]

The same thing really happens to me. I have a ton of good tools that I gradually acquired, for fear that the lower-quality ones would break and prevent me from finishing the job. The first thing I always reach for is my KS tools case. It's quite handy and very useful for vehicle maintenance.

That is very nice and looks quite handy pretty complete.

Some things need backup like 10mm, 13mm, 1/2 sockets and wrenches. Not sure I need 15 needle nose pliers though.

I tend to work a little differently than most so I'll dedicate a ratchet and socket to each size fastener if possible that way I don't have to keep changing. So I might have two or three of the same size socket on say a flex ratchet, a stubby and one on a long extension.

 

[Skellyii]

When I semi-retired and started spending more time in the garage, I hauled out all my tools from every nook and cranny in my then undersized garage. I basically organized everything in my toolbox, i.e one of everything with a few minor exceptions, and sorted and bagged the spares by type 1/4" metric, 1/2" SAE, etc, and put them in a box. As I lose or misplace something (10mm), I grab one of the spares out of the box of bags.

Anything broken got trashed, anything I didn't like got donated.

Now retired with more time, space and more tools and toolboxes, I use some of the old stuff, but also the new stuff as well.

Some of the old stuff I still like, but some of it feels antiquated, and gets donated.

For me, it's mostly a feel thing.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I once took some crappy triplicates and put them in an old ammo box. I kept them in my truck when I went dirt biking or camping. If anyone asked to borrow a tool, I told them if they could find what they need in that box, it's theirs for the keeping.

 

[four.cycle]

So for those of you who have multiple spares or versions of the same tool, do you find yourself sticking with older versions to preserve the newer version? Do you use the newer versions to preserve the older version? Do you continue to use the older version out of comfort and habit?

What's your reason for using the old over the new, or the new over the old?

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. Yes.
4. Good question, because I'm still beating on old grubby Indestro pliers, and I have boxes full of brand new Wilde and ProAmerica. This thread is making me feel less intelligent.

 

[AJHD]

The same thing really happens to me. I have a ton of good tools that I gradually acquired, for fear that the lower-quality ones would break and prevent me from finishing the job. The first thing I always reach for is my KS tools case. It's quite handy and very useful for vehicle maintenance.

I actually really like that kit. It looks like it's actually designed to be used by automotive mechanics/used for working on vehicles. As opposed to a marketing gimmick.

 

[fourjeepin]

Having attached and detached garages gives me the excuse to have two sets. Oh, plus the tools in the old Jeep and a set in the daily driver. Then my nephew graduated from college and wanted a set of tools giving me an excuse to upgrade a couple of more things…. i don’t think it is never going to end.

 

[Gangly]

Having attached and detached garages gives me the excuse to have two sets. Oh, plus the tools in the old Jeep and a set in the daily driver. Then my nephew graduated from college and wanted a set of tools giving me an excuse to upgrade a couple of more things…. i don’t think it is never going to end.

I find myself too easily convinced to purchase/upgrade more as well. Next thing I know, I'm looking for a new tool box to fit the new tools, then I'm looking to fill half full drawers, and the cycle continues.

 

[nadogail]

I find myself too easily convinced to purchase/upgrade more as well. Next thing I know, I'm looking for a new tool box to fit the new tools, then I'm looking to fill half full drawers, and the cycle continues.

Welcome to "the club", I probably could give a deserving person a pretty good "Starter Set" of usable decent quality tools from various manufacturers.

 

[Chipm]

Not exactly on topic, but the comfort of the old stuff is relevant. I sold the Campbell Hausfeld impact wrench that I learned to work on cars with in a garage sale because I don't use air tools any more. I regretted it and bought another one just like it off eBay.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

It is tool dependent in a lot of ways. Generally, I tend to go towards my newer ratchets when working on the car (finer arc, tighter spots), but I use my older ratchets where the arc's don't matter for a lot of basic house stuff (more comfortable). My "newer" sockets (now decades old), are six point, where my older sockets (some go back to the 1920's), are twelve point. Six point tends to work better for me.
My first set of wrenches were made in India and I thought they would be powerkraft, as I bought them from Montgomery Wards, when it was around. They were more comfortable then the standard Craftsman wrenches that a lot of others bought. When Sears sold the SK made Craftsman pro's. I upgraded to them and gave the others to someone who lost almost everything in a fire (arson, attempted murder). I also have bought Wrightgrip for those times when I had used the flank drive plus of a friends, and found out how knife like those snap on felt to me. Wrights feel more natural and easier on the hands. My Craftsman normal wrenches I kept, all are six point that came in six point sets, and used for times I need something really tight, rather then 12 point. If they had offered those in the pro line, I wouldn't have them.

Comfort, is the big deal. When I started getting my Craftsman stuff, I started with their standard ratchets, then found the RHFT ratchets. But comfort, I preferred, older versions of those ratchets, like the EASCO, where it was RHFT, with an SK knurled grip. They also served better, being finer teeth then the standard ratchet. I bought one of the Craftsman paint brush handle, quick release for my standard length ratchet, and some snap on, for specialty ratchets.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have tools that I started with 25+ years ago when I first began turning wrenches on my own vehicles, ...

First tool set (1/4" and 3/8" SAE socket set) is over 55 years old. STILL THE MOST FREQUENTLY USED TOOL IN THE BOX !

A couple years ago I started upgrading tool sets with the specific intent of handing over a complete tool set (my older tools) to my son ...

I have outfitted both my son and (now divorced) daughter with basic tools (most are used Craftsman when Sears was till in business and people did not think they were "collectable") so if I am at their house I (and they) have something to work with when I am there !

... I wonder if I will be able to hand over my original tools to him ...

Son said "Dad, don't buy me any more tools ! I am going to inherit it what you have when your gone !!!"

I have the Milwaukee M12 collection. He has the Milwaukee M18 collection.

So for those of you who have multiple spares or versions of the same tool, do you find yourself sticking with older versions to preserve the newer version?

No "true" spares. I do have added a second set of SAE combination wrenches (6 point instead of the standard 12 point). I also now have a set of Metric long pattern, double box end wrenches and some Metric flex ratcheting combination wrenches.

30 years ago, I could never imagine buying those extra wrenches ! I have used the long pattern double box end wrenches but not the flex ratcheting combination wrenches.

 

[bonneyman]

If you don’t have 5 spares of the same tool then what do you do when the first 4 spares break?

Time to go to Harbor Freight!

 

[willf650]

I’m actually packing 3 different bags with the same tools for work. The weight of the bag being concern for me as I have to carry it so the big bag with the most tools will be only used when required.

Use is not a concern to save tools. I use the ones I like best.

When I worked in the field a lot I carried 2 sets of tools with me. One set in my bag and a spare of 80% of what was in the bag as a spare in the truck for when something wound up lost. I carried the tool I liked best in my bag and the ones I didn’t like as much were my “spares”.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

A post in another thread got me thinking about something that I hadn't really thought of, and that's having multiple versions or spares of the same tool. I have tools that I started with 25+ years ago when I first began turning wrenches on my own vehicles, combined with newer versions of the same tools. A couple years ago I started upgrading tool sets with the specific intent of handing over a complete tool set (my older tools) to my son whenever he graduates college and starts a life of his own. Fortunately, I had so many spares already that I didnt have to purchase too many more tools to have a complete newer set. However, I noticed I spend more time using my older tools than my newer tool sets out of comfort (mental) and habit, and I wonder if I will be able to hand over my original tools to him or if I will wind up giving him most of my newer tools so that I can stay in my comfort zone with my older tools that are nice and "broken in".

So for those of you who have multiple spares or versions of the same tool, do you find yourself sticking with older versions to preserve the newer version? Do you use the newer versions to preserve the older version? Do you continue to use the older version out of comfort and habit?

What's your reason for using the old over the new, or the new over the old?

Extra spares are always a good idea. When I was still working I had tools in my service truck and shop and at home plus out in the barn. Many overlapping tools. Especially when working out of the truck in the field if you break or lose something it’s usually a long trip back to the shop