Non-Pro's, tool use questions

[AJHD]

First, this question is directed towards those who DO NOT use their tools as part of their job, a skilled profession or trade in exchange for a paycheck/earn a living.

I am especially interested in feedback from those who no longer work such a job or in a trade for whatever reason.

Second, even as professionals, it's obvious not every tool can or will be used. This is more of tool use in-general, rather it be 2 tools or 20.

Having said all that, how often do you actually use your tools and what is your primary use for them?....... for example; automotive or equipment, electrical, plumbing, woodworking, lawn care, farming, household repairs, etc.

 

[esben57]

First, this question is directed towards those who DO NOT use their tools as part of their job, a skilled profession or trade in exchange for a paycheck/earn a living.

I am especially interested in feedback from those who no longer work such a job or in a trade for whatever reason.

Second, even as professionals, it's obvious not every tool can or will be used. This is more of tool use in-general, rather it be 2 tools or 20.

Having said all that, how often do you actually use your tools and what is your primary use for them?....... for example; automotive or equipment, electrical, plumbing, woodworking, lawn care, farming, household repairs, etc.

Ex Steel industry maintenance.

All of the above.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

All of the above. Weekly, at least.

 

[Callelle]

I've only been using my tools professionally for the past 2 years, and I'm 35. Before that, I used them just about every weekend if I had stuff on the Jeep or other vehicles between my family and I to work on. Hopefully that still counts for what you're looking for.

 

[OccupantRJ]

All of the above other than farming, and I use my tools every day in some capacity, even if for only 10 minutes a day. Being 72 and retired from millwright, industrial maintenance, repair machinist and product development, all tool related, my motto is work on SOMETHING even if it is only a few minutes a day. I was out in my shop at 5 am on Christmas morning getting an hour in on a small engine repair before Santa Claus even finished his deliveries.

 

[Kent_B]

I was a mechanic about 40 years back. We were mechanics back then, not technicians. For some reason I resisted the urge to weld the drawers shut on my tool box and build a little alter in front of it. I was that disgusted with the dealership culture.

Today I use my tools on my own stuff probably weekly. It truly does save us money and my wife can document it in her spreadsheets. I buy new tools as needed but not just because I saw something shiny on GJ.

I don't work on any vehicle where my name isn't on the title. Saves me from having to deal with the "evasince" problem

 

[RickP330]

Good morning,
I am 56 years old. I graduated with BSME in '91 where I commenced working on automotive projects. All of my friends and mentors were mechanics. If you don't count selling any of the cars I built / worked on - or the occasional moonlighting project "Professional" I have never worked professionally with my tools.
As an engineer I work very closely with mechanics and technicians. I have tremendous respect for these guys. I learned very early on to wear a shirt and tie to work, not just to look the part, but it put the shop guys at ease. I'm not out here to pick up your tools and do your job, but I want to see what the hell is going on with the project I worked on. I sensed immediately they respected that - and I them.
But it's in my blood. I have restored more cars then I care to admit. I raced a street stock car at Riverhead Raceway from '98 to 2001. I built rather large RC aircraft and competed with them (150 CC boxers two strokes)
Recently I am studying for my Masters. I have done very little with the garage while doing that. I have two classes left. I am anticipating after I graduate to pick up a automotive project to come full circle. I know exactly what I want to do - if I don't get immediately involved in a professional endeavor that sidetracks it again.
Some of the tools I collected over the years:

Snap on tool box (well stocked)
Quincy 80 gallon compressor
Home made blasting box
Miller Mig and Spot welding....

Hope that helps - what are you working on?
RP

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Most of my home tool use is just super-basic homeowner stuff. Replacing a hinge. Removing a drain pipe. Etc. This is pretty rare, a few times a year. I have an old worn out box around the size of a HF 44, and an old snap on with a bad paint job I should sell. Most of it was acquired when I lived in an apartment and had a set of carry tools, which has been expanded on to homeowner stuff.


I have basic tools at home and will take on something like a flooring install with help from a more knowledgeable friend. I take the lead in the car/mechanic stuff, he leads for anything house related. Works great and we both feel like we get more than we put in. As far as cars and equipment I may work on the odd gas power tool, mostly it's car stuff. The most I've done at home is something like struts, and alternator, timing belt, etc.


I don't do side work, and frankly I'm so awful at anything wood/home owner related I'd prefer to never work on anything on the house ever again. It's just a chore I'm not any good at. Unless it's engine driven or mechanical in nature I'm just general labor at best.

 

[esben57]

I was out in my shop at 5 am on Christmas morning getting an hour in on a small engine repair before Santa Claus even finished his deliveries.

I made his round shorter.

There is an M there covered by twigs.

 

[Odd-job]

My tool usage tends to shift around depending on household priorities. A lot less automotive now that we are driving mostly a hybrid minivan for errands vs two diva higher mileage German vehicles for commutes. Also less use of small gas engines around the yard has cut down on a lot of stuff in the 90% tool cart. Seems like yard maintenance (a lot of Milwaukee M18), bicycles, and tools for misc household stuff are priorities these days on a weekly basis.

 

[Ohmthis]

I am a professional, but this is about when I’m off of the clock. I use my tools (mechanical, home, plumbing, HVAC, etc) almost daily. I will say that it’s my happy place. I’m a worker bee by nature, I’m happiest moving and using my hands. At nearly 50, I do honestly worry what will happen with me mentally when I can’t do it anymore.

 

[gtae07]

I've never used my tools for pay or profit, only for personal use (or helping friends/family).

Most of my tool use right now is building an airplane (which I'm very nearly finished with after 12 years). Then I will be maintaining it. Due to work and family commitments this averages once a week but preferably I'd do it more often.

Sometimes I work on the cars, golf cart, or bicycles as needed. I do home improvement stuff as needed or desired, though most of that is on hold trying to finish the airplane then I'll be rolling right into trying to prep the house to sell as we plan to move this summer.

 

[cannuck]

I am 50 years since working on the bench as a dealer mechanic, but stints of shop work, manufacturing, restoration race stuff and equipment support until 18 months ago. My shop set up to be able to fix anything that will fit through the door and design/build anything that will fit out. So: even though I seldom get paid for anything shop is in use at least 5 days a week. It now is dedicated to fixing equipment from farm and developing a new product to return to manufacturing.

 

[RTM]

Never a tool using professional, except for a year in high school working on a used car lot with dad. We had a poor set of tools then, had to change a motor mount on some big old V8 with open end wrenches. After that, I was the fix it guy for all my friends cars, who were all tool illiterate. Post college, engineering jobs where I was not supposed to be using tools, but carried a few small items for project startup & testing.

The tools at home are now a reasonably full set of SAE and metric sockets, lots of hand tool woodworking, a few power tools for woodworking, lots of home and yard care tools, and some that are multi purpose like Sawzalls, drills etc., and some soldering tools. I can fix most things around the house, but larger problems get turned over to professionals, as I don’t have the time or energy to complete them expeditiously.

Most of my detailed projects are bringing older tools back to life, especially woodworking ones, but I’m not above fixing an older MKE drill when I can. All for giggles or personal use, occasionally gifting to a friend. I’m not fast enough to make a profit, much less minimum wage, but it keeps the brain moving. Retirement is on the horizon, so more woodworking is the plan.

 

[woody 73]

I am a lot like RTM, but I am first and foremost a tool collector and I go ape **** learning about the tool History. I got the tool bug from a very young age, and it has been with me for most of my life. My Father only had a few hand tools, and I wanted everything tool related, if only he could see my hand tools, I am sure he would be very pleased.

I love fixing things if they are not too complicated, (fixing a transmission) would be out of my comfort zone. I I still go bat **** crazy when I find tools at garage type sales and even more batty when it is a tool, I have never seen before.

The one tool that has eluded me all these many years is a welder, oh how I wish I could have welded up so many things, but alas I am not getting any younger and money is getting much tighter these days.

I don't know if I answered the op's question or not, but I love all tools.

 

[Kasal]

I try to fix everything I can around the house, electrical, plumbing, masonry, I also do maintenance on the family cars, my father's and my brother's. I try to help friends and family as much as possible. I really love working with tools. But I never pursued it professionally. I thought no one else had a thing for tools but then I discovered G.J. you guys are so wonderful.

 

[Jtels85]

I am 40 and always tinkering with something whether it be home repairs, automotive, lawn equipment or building whatever cheap furniture my wife buy's on Amazon.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Some days, more than others. Some days, not at all. However, I do almost everything DIY and I believe everything I have bought has paid for itself by not having other do the work for me.

 

[MovingAlong]

First, this question is directed towards those who DO NOT use their tools as part of their job, a skilled profession or trade in exchange for a paycheck/earn a living.

I am especially interested in feedback from those who no longer work such a job or in a trade for whatever reason.

Second, even as professionals, it's obvious not every tool can or will be used. This is more of tool use in-general, rather it be 2 tools or 20.

Having said all that, how often do you actually use your tools and what is your primary use for them?....... for example; automotive or equipment, electrical, plumbing, woodworking, lawn care, farming, household repairs, etc.

I use them when I need them, where I need them. We're not all the same...

What is it you're trying to discover?

 

[f121]

I’m using some tools most weeks, it’s not the day job so I’ll go through a period of using one set of tools a lot, then not touch them for a couple of months. Just depends what’s on the todo list.

My auto tools get a lot of heavy use for a week or two when something comes in, then they’ll gather dust unless my roomie needs something. Then I’ll have to do a bunch of framing or drywall so that happens, right now it’s woodwork, depends what needs doing.

 

[Snapped-off]

Maybe weekly, depends what I'm doing around the house/shop. I'm not upset about it if I go longer without using anything though.

DIY everything is the only excuse I need to buy stuff.

 

[JradM]

I used to use tools for money. I have at various times done residential renovation and automotive tech work. I don't do either anymore.

I use my tools multiple times a week, but not daily. I'm currently restoring a 1976 Ford Courier pickup, so it's likely 60% mechanical, 30% sheetmetal and bodywork and the remaining 10% is a mix of toolmaking and home maintenance stuff right now.

Sometimes those proportions shift. E.g. if I don't have a major project on the go, I usually start messing around with various toolmaking activities. E.g. knifemaking, custom inserts for my toolboxes, attachments for my presses, a stand for my portable bandsaw, etc. My projects tend to be more about making something - and the something I make usually ends up being tool-related.

If I stand back and consider that, it's probably a little silly - using my tools to make other tools or ways to store tools. I do actually use the tools for other things too - but often spend just as much time making tools to accomplish something I otherwise can't.

 

[AJHD]

I use them when I need them, where I need them. We're not all the same...

What is it you're trying to discover?

Just curious as to the frequency of use for those who are not relying on the daily use of their tools to earn a living and provide.

Beyond that, it gets personal and complicated. Let's just say I'm conflicted about still buying tools when I'm possibly not using them for long periods of time and can't use my job to justify them (to myself).

 

[GX460DIYguy]

At home, not much at all. I try to keep just the basics and only the sizes I know I’ll need to do work on the vehicles we own and basic tools for around the house stuff. Out at the ranch it’s more often depending on the season. We’ve got mowers, tractors, hay equipment, trucks, and trailers along with all the fencing to take care of. This weekend or next we’re changing out fluids and filters in all 9 of the tractors and some of the vehicles. I do get a little pay from working out there, but it’s not even what a lube tech makes in a day.

 

[Odd-job]

Beyond that, it gets personal and complicated

+ a wide range of lifestyles even on GJ. Guessing this ranges from apartment dwellers to members that live in a barndonium on a farm. There has to be at least one member renovating a factory to live in a tool hoarding/collecting nirvana.

me = suburban dad on a 1/2 acre with kids that like to break $hit, and very jealous of those with lots of heavy duty equipment.

 

[MovingAlong]

Let's just say I'm conflicted about still buying tools when I'm possibly not using them for long periods of time and can't use my job to justify them (to myself).

Two paths:

1) The tool earns you money, so it doesn't matter what it costs.
2) You have enough disposable income to buy what you "want" rather than what you "need".

If neither of those apply, now you're looking at borrowing or renting. Don't forget that Advance (and other autoparts stores) have a free loan program for specialty tools as well. Borrowed a vacuum pump from them once to replace an AC compressor in a truck. They pulled one off the shelf for me, had to unwrap the plastic off the box. Borrow ball joint tools too.

My funds are not unlimited and I can't have everything. But I no longer try to justify any of my purchases. If I really want it, that's enough reason.

Some of my tools I've owned for decades and have never used even once. Just makes me happy to own them...

 

[KnurledNut]

I earn a living using a wide variety of tools and skills daily.
Setting that aside, I have done a tremendous amount of unpaid volunteer work for over 20 years that involves the same.
Add to that personal projects and helping family and friends and the frequency adds up to quite often.

 

[jar944]

How often? Somewhere between weekly/monthly and not yet.

As for what on, whatever is broken, needs upgraded or I feel like.

 

[Jgaz]

I use my tools daily for over 40 years to make a living. Been retired for almost 10 years.
Still use some of my tools daily. Others not so much as I close in on 70 years old.
As someone above said, I’m worried about myself when I can’t be in the shop every day.

Fairly serious, if not real skilled woodworker.
Car repair for myself, my son, and a select few friends.
Almost anything and everything around the house.
Various volunteer projects at a county conservation area. (We just pulled and repaired a solar powered well pump).
Replaced a water heater for a friend that’s on a very tight, fixed income.
Etc.etc.

My point is, depending on your age, you really don’t know what you will be doing or involved in down the road. Tools are something that once they are paid for cost you little to keep.
I hung on to all my tools for the last ten years not knowing what Id be doing in retirement.
For me, it’s time to let go of some things especially duplicates. YMMV

 

[mikey03]

Beyond that, it gets personal and complicated. Let's just say I'm conflicted about still buying tools when I'm possibly not using them for long periods of time and can't use my job to justify them (to myself).

I use tools a few times a week at least but honestly most of it is small stuff that could be done with $50 Chinese plastic molded case. then a few times a month I’m doing something more serious like a few hours of car work or changing a toilet or installing a door or a faucet.

honestly I buy tools at a quality level i dont really need but because I like them. I could prob get away with owning $500 of HF tools total but I got a few thousand dollars worth of nicer stuff because I like having nice tools and it’s more fun to use. It’s honestly a hobby sometimes.

where it gets honestly dicey is I pretty much hit the spot where I got the tools I need and now I’m looking for that dopamine hit of the next thing to buy. Even though it’s stuff I might only maybe need someday like looking at pass through sockets today.

Then I saw a post from @2ndGearRubber saying he only uses his once a year and he’s wrenching every day so for me I’m thinking i might never run into something that needs that and if I do I could slum it with an open end wrench or a ratcheting wrench and use my fingers to keep it from sliding through.

I think we all got the “new tool bug” and we keep wanting more stuff just to have something new.

 

[AJHD]

+ a wide range of lifestyles even on GJ. Guessing this ranges from apartment dwellers to members that live in a barndonium on a farm. There has to be at least one member renovating a factory to live in a tool hoarding/collecting nirvana.

Very true. Available space and of course available money both play their role.

When I was working in a shop and/or living in a house with a garage, I certainly had less concern over how many tools I own, buy and how often (or not) I might use them simply because I had the space. In fact, I was inclined to buy more in these cases.

Living in apartment and no longer using tools to earn my living changes that. Although in my case I'm divorced so I don't have to worry about having a toolbox in my living room, for example. I don't have to share my space.

As for money, I buy what I can afford or what I am comfortable with in terms of tool related debt (and can afford whatever costs are associated).

I too dream of having property, my own shop and my own heavy equipment. That's not my reality, but I know it is for some of us here.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I grew up on a farm and we fixed almost everything and most of the neighbors brought their unfixable stuff for my Dad to fix, and that background led me to fix as much as I could my whole life. When we had 6 cars on the road I wrenched every week on our vehicles or the kids' vehicles. Now I maintain the skid loader, front deck mower, motorcycle, and cut cedar trees and build new pasture fence. I don't wrench as much as i used to but I still do quite a bit.

 

[Wrench97]

I'll leave mechanic related tools out, I have a lot of wood working tools I rarely use any more, unfortunately I use my plumbers tools at home a lot more then I wish to.....wife currently wants the main bath room redone again so I may get more use out of the wood working tools yet....and the plumbing stuff I'm currently trying to decide if I want Pex or pro-press for the redo, 28 years ago I sweated in copper and it's starting to get pin holes so I may go to Pex.

 

[bonneyman]

Since retiring from HVAC there is a small amount of tools and specialty equipment that doesn't see any use - unless I have to work on my own home A/C. So I'd say that 75-80% of the tools I used on the job (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) still get used regularly.

A fair number of HVAC tools I bought have non-professional uses. The oxy/acetylene rig still gets used. Flare wrenches are great under the sink and other plumbing issues. And some of the schrader core removal tools fit bicycle and car tires.

 

[Oldsmobile]

Interesting question. I use my tools probably weekly on average. I fix and maintain our older cars (not the '22 Toyota) and fix some stuff around the house. I do some bicycle maintenance, electrical, soldering, PC building, a little crude woodworking, and the like. I don't know how to do drywall and it looks like that'd be something worth paying someone to do right the first time.

Honestly, I've slowed down both use and acquisition of tools, and I could probably get rid of some of it with impunity. But I like having the available tool and multiple options, so that's reason enough to keep what I have.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I started buying automotive tools in the mid 70's, when I was working as a apprentice mechanic. I later switched to construction. I have three vehicles, two motorcycles, wife's car, kid's cars... I still use both my automotive tools and my carpentry/construction tools often.

 

[dchawk81]

First, this question is directed towards those who DO NOT use their tools as part of their job, a skilled profession or trade in exchange for a paycheck/earn a living.

I am especially interested in feedback from those who no longer work such a job or in a trade for whatever reason.

Second, even as professionals, it's obvious not every tool can or will be used. This is more of tool use in-general, rather it be 2 tools or 20.

Having said all that, how often do you actually use your tools and what is your primary use for them?....... for example; automotive or equipment, electrical, plumbing, woodworking, lawn care, farming, household repairs, etc.

I only polish and admire my tools. Since the very beginning.

 

[BrandonV]

The tools I use professionally are of much lower quality than what I own. Most of the equipment we purchase at work comes from Grainger, and the Westward brand is lacking in quality. At work, the priority is low cost, along with warranty and service. Even then they get the job done just fine. I know professionals using Harbor Freight & Ryobi who do absolute amazing work. At this point with the exception of a few things, buying good tools (COO & quality) is mostly just a personal preference more than anything.

 

[Skellyii]

When I was young, I worked as an auto mechanic, then as an apprentice diesel mechanic, then as an apprentice plant electrician while I was in college. Then I became an IT Consultant, so I still had tools that I used for auto and home maintenance, but wasn't using them for profit.

Well, kind of...I bought distressed houses as a sideline, and turned them into rental properties that I maintained.

I retired a year and a half ago, sold all but one of my rental properties, and now spend my time working on cars and trucks for family and friends. Mix that in with home upgrades and repairs. I probably spend 4 or 5 days a week using tools, but that makes me happy, and keeps me young.

Since retiring, I have bought more tools, but mostly upgrades and stuff that saves me time and effort.

My current house project is hanging a VERY large TV, and installing a fireplace in the basement. I just noticed the other day, that at least 50% of the tools I was using were tools that I had purchased at estate sales within the last couple of years at great prices.

 

[fishwatcher]

Very interesting thread.

I have a job where I am at a desk or in an office meeting room 95% of the time. I use tools in the following manner:
1. Fix household things. Nothing complex or electrical. Tonight I screwed a watch bracelet back together. And looked into fixing a broken wheel on luggage from a trip we just took. It’s riveted together.. so I don’t think I can fix it.

2. Maintain or upgrade my bikes. I’ve got a few and rode a few thousand miles a year. I’ve also repaired and restored bikes for a few friends.

3. Clean up and or restore old tools, that I buy on FBMP. This has included: vintage vises, a couple of bench grinders, hammers, a Kennedy machinist toolbox, some old screwdrivers, a chisel and c-clamps.

4. Built a few shop shelves, simple tables, bench and cabinet tops and finished them with paint or poly.

GJ members havs been super helpful as I learn / rathole on my next tool or project. I often wonder what you all do with your tools, as professionals or non-professionals, which is why this thread is interesting to me.