Pet peeves about tools and tool buying.

[mmack66]

Pet peeves are stores that try to hastle you over a wrong price list. If you screw up and put the wrong price up or you put the tool under the wrong sign then that's YOUR FAULT NOT MINE! You should sell at least one tool/set at that list price then fix it when its brought to your attention.

Lol. So if some bozo puts a $3 tool in a $100 tool spot, it's $100?

How the hell are they going to know it was in the wrong spot, and you aren't just some idiot trying to screw them?

 

[C'man Guy]

Apologies for offending y'all in an opinion based thread lol.

 

[Kracin]

Probably because there are not that many real jobs left. I buy lots of tools, and other things, at yard and estate sales, some even at the swap meets. I often buy a big pile, keep what I want, and sell the rest to break even and get what I wanted for free, or make a little profit sometimes. Sometimes I get lucky and make a huge profit.

I don't think I could make a living at it, well, not a good one anyways, but it is a nice little addictive hobby that I can get things I want and sometimes make a little money on the side. Everyone who sells at the swap meet is there to make money I assume. They all bought the stuff for less. Hell, the company that sold it new made a healthy profit on it.

My only real pet peeve is people who try and hide problems with what their selling to defraud you. When I start closely checking something and they get mad and defensive, that's the give away, and I walk away. As far as price, it's either a price I'm willing to pay, or it's not. They can ask whatever they want. I can move on to the next deal, and the next deal, until I find a price I'm willing to pay.

theres a lot of real jobs left, just lazy people who don't want to work their way up to them.


and on that note, the people that go and scrounge sales to get tools for cheap only to resell them at high prices to make a quick buck are pretty lame to me also. same as the guy who goes to a store, buys a bunch of stuff on sale, then resells it for a few bucks more than what he bought it for hoping people don't know about the sale.

now that is some dumb activity.

This usually applies to an entire rack of tools with the wrong price tag. Not just one tool/ set but I should have clarified for those who don't understand my point.

i see no reason why a store should honor something like having a price tag in a wrong spot. is it a slight hassle? yes, and thats why most stores offer 10-20% off the item before getting it fixed because they don't know whether it was a store mistake, or another customer swapping tags to do the same thing.

you don't pay more for an item in a spot with a higher price, and you don't pay less for an item in a spot with a lower price. thats just common sense/common courtesy.

i'd hate to be on the buying end of your garage sale when somebody tossed a 10 dollar tool in your dollar bin and you accuse me of trying to get one over on you because i said i got it from the dollar bin.

 

[Danguitarman]

Probably because there are not that many real jobs left.

You're kidding, right? Boo effin hoo. People need to get their asses in gear and stop having this type of whiny attitude.

 

[jd_1138]

I don't like the dudes who use and abuse a HF piece of **** tool, and then drag it out into the dirt and take a crummy cell phone pic of it and then list it on CL for 2x retail price.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

Not worth getting worked up over. Just point, laugh, and move along.

 

[jd_1138]

I really hate people that go to yard sales and swap meets to buy tools to flip for profit.

Seems like a cheesy way to make money.

Why don't they get a real job?

They are sort of providing a service. They are going to the work of digging the stuff out and offering it up for sale and having to deal with a bunch of CL nutjobs and tire kickers. Odds of finding a tool you need are pretty slim by hitting the yard sales, so if they find it for you and sell it on ebay or CL, at least now you can buy the tool.

I guess you could say that if the flippers would leave the tools at the yard sales, then the people can find them more organically? But a lot of people don't drive around to a bunch of yard sales.

 

[logical]

I really hate people that go to yard sales and swap meets to buy tools to flip for profit.

Seems like a cheesy way to make money.

Why don't they get a real job?

Its a hobby and a way to make a little walkin around money for some. I feel no ill will toward them.... hate is much better used on other things. Not everyone has the skills to find stuff that is saleable at a profit or the ambition to resell it. Is a guy supposed to leave a deal alone just because he wants it to resell and not use? I think not. Are the guys on American Pickers bad people, how about Wayne Carini on Chasing Classic Cars, or real estate investors? I own several empty lots that I bought to resell and not build a house and live there.... am I hate worthy? Doesn't anyone who invests in the stock market do so because he thinks something is or will be worth more than the price being asked?

 

[rockinacummins]

I really hate people that go to yard sales and swap meets to buy tools to flip for profit.

Seems like a cheesy way to make money.

Why don't they get a real job?

No need for hate man...

Here's what I do: go into a pawn shop (or flea market or garage sale) and find a couple of wrenches or something that I want. Then I keep digging and find a couple more wrenches or pliers or a ratchet that is in good shape but that I don't necessarily care to have. So I take the handful to the seller and ask the price after I have formulated the most I would pay in my mind. Haggling ensues and if I buy the stuff, yay for me. Then I sell the extra wrenches or ratchet or whatever. By doing this, i sometimes make a decent profit, but even if I don't make a profit I at least offset the cost of the tools that I keep or pay for them all together.

 

[junktastic]

theres a lot of real jobs left, just lazy people who don't want to work their way up to them.


and on that note, the people that go and scrounge sales to get tools for cheap only to resell them at high prices to make a quick buck are pretty lame to me also. same as the guy who goes to a store, buys a bunch of stuff on sale, then resells it for a few bucks more than what he bought it for hoping people don't know about the sale.

Well, I started my business because the real jobs in my field did not pay what I know I'm worth. I work twice as hard, but make 3 times the money. Just because someone takes opportunity does not make them lazy. My goal is too get to the point where I can work less, make more, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I see a lot of the same people at these sales all the time, who I assume are full time dealers. It does not look easy to me hauling a ton of junk around to different venues until is sells. There is a few occupations I find more distastful than junk dealer, like payday loan sharking, or the **** who passes out parking tickets in front of my shop, but I'm not going to look down my nose at anyone who is at least doing something and not on the government freebee train.

 

[YupIllFixItLater]

Four goes into twelve three times so that means 12 point drives work on square heads too. Seeing as you didn't get those 8 point sockets.

Most 12 point sockets are double-hex while 8 point sockets are double-square. Triple-square and double-hex 12 points are not the same.

It'll work but the angles on the points are not the same.

 

[shockwave]

Biggest pet peeve for me would be auction snipers waiting until last second to bid

And I usually just pass on the over retail items unless they catch my eye

I look at eBay pawn shops craigslist and buy from the trucks mostly out of production stuff on eBay

 

[Boog]

Probably because there are not that many real jobs left. I buy lots of tools, and other things, at yard and estate sales, some even at the swap meets. I often buy a big pile, keep what I want, and sell the rest to break even and get what I wanted for free, or make a little profit sometimes. Sometimes I get lucky and make a huge profit.

I don't think I could make a living at it, well, not a good one anyways, but it is a nice little addictive hobby that I can get things I want and sometimes make a little money on the side. Everyone who sells at the swap meet is there to make money I assume. They all bought the stuff for less. Hell, the company that sold it new made a healthy profit on it.

+1 and I do have a pretty good job as well

 

[wafrederick]

Seeing a metric wrench and socket set missing an 18mm.This is one of the mostly commonly used metric sizes a lot.Includes 15mm sometimes too.The sets are worthless without these two.I go on a couple tools for sales groups on Facebook,there are some people that sell the new sets for they sold for retail.It is considered used after being purchased from the tool tuck right away 50% what they sold for retail.

 

[Flyordie]

My pet peeves are..
-I take care of my tools religiously. They never get thrown back in the tool box dirty. They get a wipe down on the outside and inside the socket well. (not like squeeky clean but one or 2 swipes with a shop towel inside the socket with my finger)

-I don't like other people using impacts on my chrome sockets. My brother does it on his Snap-On chrome sockets and his reply to me when I say that it damages them.. "So what, its got a warranty." Its people like him that I wish Snap-On would throw the book at.*

* The story behind that is- He asked me if I had a 27mm shallow socket, I said yes and gave it to him not knowing he was going to use a 1/2 pneumatic impact on it. I caught him just before he was going to do it. Please note- These are my USA made Craftsman chrome sockets. I do not feel like replacing it with a China made model. I will slowly phase them out into a secondary "backup" tool box as I replace them with the Industrial sockets which I know I will get a USA made replacement though.

- I hate my tools being stolen. Hence, my box is always locked. Ive had a few ratchets and sockets walk after I let friends and family borrow them. Never again. :-\

-Any tool I buy has to be USA made. VERY VERY limited exceptions.

 

[1950mercury]

My pet peeves are..
-I take care of my tools religiously. They never get thrown back in the tool box dirty. They get a wipe down on the outside and inside the socket well. (not like squeeky clean but one or 2 swipes with a shop towel inside the socket with my finger)

-I don't like other people using impacts on my chrome sockets. My brother does it on his Snap-On chrome sockets and his reply to me when I say that it damages them.. "So what, its got a warranty." Its people like him that I wish Snap-On would throw the book at.*

* The story behind that is- He asked me if I had a 27mm shallow socket, I said yes and gave it to him not knowing he was going to use a 1/2 pneumatic impact on it. I caught him just before he was going to do it. Please note- These are my USA made Craftsman chrome sockets. I do not feel like replacing it with a China made model. I will slowly phase them out into a secondary "backup" tool box as I replace them with the Industrial sockets which I know I will get a USA made replacement though.

- I hate my tools being stolen. Hence, my box is always locked. Ive had a few ratchets and sockets walk after I let friends and family borrow them. Never again. :-\

-Any tool I buy has to be USA made. VERY VERY limited exceptions.

Why did you give it to him if you knew he was going to use it on an impact? You sho uhh kd have just told him u dont habe one or told him to use a ratchet or bealer bar with it...

 

[Flyordie]

Why did you give it to him if you knew he was going to use it on an impact? You sho uhh kd have just told him u dont habe one or told him to use a ratchet or bealer bar with it...

I didn't know he was going to use the impact with it. He was using a long like 36" flex head 1/2" drive Snap-On ratchet prior to asking me for it.

 

[rick carpenter]

I really hate people that go to yard sales and swap meets to buy tools to flip for profit.

Seems like a cheesy way to make money.

Why don't they get a real job?

I only mind it when they get to the bargain before I do!

 

[fred d]

I worked at lowes for 7+ years
My biggest complaint was people who buy tools, use them then bring them back claiming defect or was told it would do the job but didn't work.

Also folks that buy things at Black Friday events and then hold on to them for a month or so. They then return them with out a receipt and get the full price in a gift card.
Example by the $89 shop vac for $29. End up making $60 on it, then they buy what the want with gift card
Do that enough and you could buy a bunch of things for cheap

 

[nicksnothereman]

I uh...am not a fan of fanboys that only buy one brand regardless of what it is. Different strokes for different folks though. I mean if you can afford to deck out completely in snap on or facom or gedore (is it that expensive in europe?) more power to you. Don't get me wrong I like the stuff but too much for me even if it comes down to using "junk" tools or old stock.

 

[stikman56]

Biggest pet peeve for me would be auction snipers waiting until last second to bid

And I usually just pass on the over retail items unless they catch my eye

I look at eBay pawn shops craigslist and buy from the trucks mostly out of production stuff on eBay

Then I have to ask, why don't you bid all the money you're willing to pay? I don't understand the frustration. If a sniper was willing to pay more, he was willing to pay more. If you were willing to pay more than you bid, wouldn't you have bid higher to begin with? I've heard people voice this before and I don't understand the logic. I always bid only once on any auction I want to win. Some I win, some I don't. No regrets ever, because I was never willing to pay more than the winning bidder paid.

 

[TheRobotCow]

-I take care of my tools religiously. They never get thrown back in the tool box dirty. They get a wipe down on the outside and inside the socket well. (not like squeeky clean but one or 2 swipes with a shop towel inside the socket with my finger)

I've spent a lot of money on tools, i also enjoy taking care of them. It's good to see i'm not the only one. I love using my tools and i also like to admire them. Doing some work then after saying to myself "Damn this is a good tool, I love using it". Just a simple satisfaction.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Then I have to ask, why don't you bid all the money you're willing to pay? I don't understand the frustration. If a sniper was willing to pay more, he was willing to pay more. If you were willing to pay more than you bid, wouldn't you have bid higher to begin with? I've heard people voice this before and I don't understand the logic. I always bid only once on any auction I want to win. Some I win, some I don't. No regrets ever, because I was never willing to pay more than the winning bidder paid.

I usually wait until the last second to bid on something because I don't want to be outbid by 1%. If you bid a few days out, you run the risk of somebody placing numerous bids to find your max bid. Also, if I wait until the last second to place my max bid I won't be tempted to increase it if I'm outbid.

I've never had good luck placing early bids. There is a socket set I'm watching right now that has 5 days left on it with multiple bidders. I'll wait until the end to throw my hat in the ring if the price hasn't been run up past what I'm willing to pay.

 

[47newcastle]

One of my pet peeves is when people use chrome sockets on impact guns.


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Whats even worse is when other people borrow a chrome socket from you and use it on an impact.

 

[Flyordie]

I've spent a lot of money on tools, i also enjoy taking care of them. It's good to see i'm not the only one. I love using my tools and i also like to admire them. Doing some work then after saying to myself "Damn this is a good tool, I love using it". Just a simple satisfaction.

I just don't like abusing them. Ill throw a pipe on my RP Craftsman Industrial 15" 1/2 drive breaker bar and my socket but thats only because thats the point of a breaker bar. To be the one to break the bolt free. I don't use impacts because it cracks the chrome and stars out the sockets drive end. 95% of my 1/2 drive set is all standard USA made sockets. (Extensions are a V series 6" and a K series Industrial 6")

I keep tools clean because putting dirty tools back into the box is dumb. The next time you have to use it and its dirty you collect dirt and **** on them and it makes it hard to get them on the bolts and nuts etc.. So yea..

I have all my tools in a 3-drawer box. Weighs in at a whopping 119lbs. (not joking, its heavy) Was going to get a new toolbox but I guess I should put my money elsewhere. lol. (just bought a new pistol)

Whats even worse is when other people borrow a chrome socket from you and use it on an impact.

Oh I sooooo agree....

 

[pilotman81]

Whats even worse is when other people borrow a chrome socket from you and use it on an impact.

+1

 

[OHMS LAW]

My pet peeve is buying a socket set or something from the truck and one is missing due to him using it for a warranty. If I'm paying for new complete I want a sealed plastic box.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Sorry of resurrecting the thread but I did some yardsaling today and I stumble apon a yard sale that I went to around 8 or 9 months ago and decided to walk away after they wanted too much. My curiosity got the best of me and checked it out again and I grabbed a few tools and they wanted even more then the wanted 9 months ago, really wondering what they are thinking. Pretty much everything that was there 9m ago is still there, they were trying to flip the stuff so at least I can laugh at them. Not really a peeve but it just annoying.

 

[jd_1138]

Sorry of resurrecting the thread but I did some yardsaling today and I stumble apon a yard sale that I went to around 8 or 9 months ago and decided to walk away after they wanted too much. My curiosity got the best of me and checked it out again and I grabbed a few tools and they wanted even more then the wanted 9 months ago, really wondering what they are thinking. Pretty much everything that was there 9m ago is still there, they were trying to flip the stuff so at least I can laugh at them. Not really a peeve but it just annoying.

Yeah you'd think they'd just want the stuff gone instead of farting around pulling it and back in the garage and constantly saying no to offers on it.

I went to a yard sale yesterday because the wife was interested in some lamps they had for sell (saw it on CL). The guy had a mint 80's era JCPenney small metal toolbox for $15. And in it were 4 or 5 large files (USA made). Should've bought it.

 

[zkling]

-When people think just because it is old that it is highly valuable.
-People that have no idea what the tool is or does yet want top dollar.
-Using brand names on worn out ****.
-Comparing to new price. I'm sorry was rust and stiffness of movement a factory option?
-When people bring up scrap value
-People assume that because I look young I don't know what I'm buying. (I'm looking mostly at you old arrogant guys).
-When someone calls me grass hopper, yet proceeds to give incorrect information.
-Arguing with an idiot, yada, yada, yada.
-"Works good", rarely does.
-"On ebay....."
-"My uncle/brother/father/baby daddy is a _____ (insert some tool involved profession) and said it is worth"
-In relation to power tools, machines and pneumatic tools:
Them: "Worked last time I used it"
Me: "But you can't prove it now?"
Them: "No"
-"That's an antique" 50's-80's vintage

I could go on.....

I really hate people that go to yard sales and swap meets to buy tools to flip for profit.

Seems like a cheesy way to make money.

Why don't they get a real job?

I think you just offended about half of this forum.

 

[MikeF2316]

-When people think just because it is old that it is highly valuable.
-People that have no idea what the tool is or does yet want top dollar.
-Using brand names on worn out ****.
-Comparing to new price. I'm sorry was rust and stiffness of movement a factory option?
-When people bring up scrap value
-People assume that because I look young I don't know what I'm buying. (I'm looking mostly at you old arrogant guys).
-When someone calls me grass hopper, yet proceeds to give incorrect information.
-Arguing with an idiot, yada, yada, yada.
-"Works good", rarely does.
-"On ebay....."
-"My uncle/brother/father/baby daddy is a _____ (insert some tool involved profession) and said it is worth"
-In relation to power tools, machines and pneumatic tools:
Them: "Worked last time I used it"
Me: "But you can't prove it now?"
Them: "No"
-"That's an antique" 50's-80's vintage

I could go on.....

My favourite is the "It doesn't work, but all it needs is xxxxxxx that you can get at any hardware store for $5."

 

[zkling]

My favourite is the "It doesn't work, but all it needs is xxxxxxx that you can get at any hardware store for $5."

That's a classic along with

"Very easy to fix, I just don't have the time right now"
Or the old stand by "My loss, your gain"

One that really gets under my skin
"You'll never find another one" or something along those lines. Typically referring to something not so common, but far from rare.

 

[hautpot]

Wow learned alot in this thread, Here's my contribution:

-Screwdrivers that are used as prybars or chisels.
-Imbeciles whom resell Harbor Freight stuff.
-Sticking brand name badges on discount tool boxes.
-Pretty much any form of tool abuse. I machined lots of tools before, I hate to see the tools I made being treated like ****.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

what is being sold x condition x new price x buyers opinion x sellers opinion =
$$????

It is gooney enough on my side of the fence, so I seldom attempt to straighten anything out on the other side.. If a seller has something for sale at a price I am satisfied with, I will buy it.. I may ask how much for several items combined, or an item that needs some repairs... I don't make any offers unless requested.. My money stays in my pocket till the deal is finalized.

I am not going to lowball someone or insult their lack of knowledge or "opinions"..... not what I go to sales for.. If they ask me questions about their item, well then ya, I will explain in common language what they are asking about... Not everyone that sells things were the users of this stuff. Some of them actually appreciate it when someone takes the time to explain things.. but then you have the bitter, snobby know it all ones who will try talk down to you... I save my breath on these... Would I really want a tool in my toolbox that some a-hole has owned or sold to me? No thanks; I like tools that smile back at me when I smile at them.. I wouldn't care to be reminded of some a-hole every time I walked by my toolbox.

 

[ElectroMechTech]

Yeah I've got some pet peeves.

I hate people who don't understand there is a difference in sentimental (emotional value) vs. monetary $$$$ value.

An example would go something like this.........

Seller--- This widget was in my dad's jacket when he landed on Omaha Beach.......so that automatically quadruples it's value.

Me---- If you're father was still living, I would be thanking him for his service. However everybody has a story and that's not what I'm buying. Now if you had a pipe, along with concrete proof that it belonged to Gen. McArthur, then I would be inclined to help you make this months mortgage payment.

 

[zkling]

I hate people who don't understand there is a difference in sentimental (emotional value) vs. monetary $$$$ value.

Another good one.

 

[Reese]

I really hate people that go to yard sales and swap meets to buy tools to flip for profit.

Seems like a cheesy way to make money.

Why don't they get a real job?

Do you hate me if I buy pawnshop tools to flip for a profit?

I have a real job and do this as a hobby and a means to upgrade the tools I use.

 

[ckblum]

I like things like this

http://m.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-TOOLS...ARD-HANDLE-Rare-Find-/391107701025?nav=SEARCH

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Yesterday I saw a ad on craigslist for a moving sale, this weekend was meh for tools so I decided to go to this sale. I show up there today and look through the hand tools for about ½ hour , was not much but I grabbed about ¼ of what was there. So I go and ask the guy how much he wants and he says $50. Then he tells me he wants to sell the whole lot for $50 and he does not want to sell me the stuff that I grabbed for less than $50 which was only a ¼ of the tools. Pissed cause the guy let me go through the **** for a 30 minutes and then says he wants to sell it only as a lot. Then I offered the guy $25 for the lot, which was more than fair since most of it was import junk with a few decent items in it. Guy is never going to find some on cl to buy $50 worth of junk with a few decent sockets and wrenches. Plus it was a 20 mile round trip for me so I am pretty pissed Sorry for the rambling or errors, I am irritated and my keyboard is messed up.

 

[Project_shadow]

Mine would be when snap on is the only place to buy tools to a person and try to get me to,
Never have a problem with my kobalt, craftsman, or harbor freight tools, I also hate when people break their tools doing what wasn't intended and are pissed/shocked it broke, what did they expect putting 400 pounds of force on a 3/8 inch ratchet with a 3' cheater tube


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