My Grandfathers Tools

[bte0816]

I sat down a few hours ago to make this post and it turned into something completely different. It became a reflection on the relationship between my grandfather and myself. I posted it in General Discussion but felt that this post should be made seperate, however I will link to the other in each post and hope you will take the time to read them both as the other shows that someones tools can be so much more to them than just a way to make a living, repair things around the house, or a hobby.

Here is the link to the other thread http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148358

My Grandfather passed away back in January and our family recently decided that I should have many of his tools.

I first got the tool chest empty, not knowing or caring if I would get any of the other tools. I was happy because of the bond it represented to me of my Grandfather.

Today my dad showed up and told me that everyone had decided that I should have the hand tools which were previously in the tool chest. I haven't had the time to go through them all but as I was quickly going through a few of the boxes I did snap a few pictures.

The screwdrivers

Assorted wrenches and other stuff

That's all the time I had to really get into tonight because of working on finals and writing the reflection in the other thread but I promise to update this thread as I go through the contents of the boxes. There are a few I already know will show up with the question what is it?

 

[JDS968]

Was kind of expecting a whole lot of tools from another era...but historical curiosity aside, that's great to get to own, and more importantly actually use something that reminds you of your grandfather. Can't wait to see the rest!

 

[bte0816]

I still have a lot to go through. There are some older tools I will try to specifically single out and do better pictures of things like that as I go through everything. I picked the easy box and a half first.

 

[softailgarage]

Very nice...now make him proud.

 

[BajaBound]

Very cool! Now get a can of wd 40 and a rag and get them all cleaned up and organized and use the hell out of them! Congrats!

 

[fortson]

its obvious he meant a lot to you. your quite fortunate to have received his box and tools. i would give anything to have just one wrench that belonged to my father or his father, unfortunatley it didnt work out for me. i know you will do right by him by keeping them in good shape and passing them down to your son or daughter. ive been a mechanic all my life and have accumulated a LOT of tools that i continue to use and hold on to until im no longer able. i can only hope my four grandchildren appreciate them as much as you do yours.

 

[robarosa]

Nice collection you have from your Grandfather. I'm sure you'll think of old times everytime you use them. I have some from both sides of my family. Thanks for sharing.

 

[NUTTSGT]

That's great that you got his box along with the tools that were inside. Your grandfather would be happy that you got them and proud that you are posting it up here.

It's time for a few heart felt thank you letters to the family members that made the decision for you to have the box.

 

[geologist]

I got a hammer when my Dad passed away - his wife kept / sold the rest and we do not speak at all. It's a billion dollar hammer (or a kidney for my daughter) for anyone trying to buy it.

When my great grandpa died, I got a pair of lineman pliers he his dad before him had along with an old hand plane, I oiled them up, wrapped them in paper, and put them in a tool box - which I can't currently find. GRRR. I know it's here, its just buried in the garage.

Nice collection. I'm sure your grandpa would be glad to see you putting them to use.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Very nice. My grandpa means a great deal to me, and I try to spend as much time with him as I can. When my grandma died, he moved to a smaller apartment, and gave me several boxes of tools he no longer needed. I will cherish them forever.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

Nice tools! dog looks ecstatic to be in the first pic, lol

 

[ffemtdisp]

One of my grandfathers had few personal items, lived an austere life. My other grandfather was a farmer. After my aunts and uncles, and being the youngest grandson, I was pretty low in the pecking order. Also being 16 years old when he passed, I wasn't paying much attention I guess....I do have some old pliers, a pair of barbed wire cutters, and a few other items.

I should make it clear, I hold nothing against my relatives. They are good folks.

Glad to hear of your bond with your Grandfather. And to all you youngsters reading, Think about what the OP said, spend some time with your Grandparents while you can.

You won't believe me, but time passes quickly....

 

[woody 73]

Wow am I feeling old I have that exact same box in my garage...

 

[Paul240480]

Excellent! I have an Elora socket set which was my Grandads, I recently busted the ratchet (subject of another thread). I know how much it means to have some tools like that. Enjoy them