Repurposing sentimental tools

[jives]

I have a number of tools from my dad and grandfather, most are past the days of usefulness, but some are very sentimental. Perhaps most is my dad's old tool belt. Not sure when he got it, which may have been when he switched careers from a mechanical engineer to building contractor. Anyway, I inherited this belt, which looks like the one below, and have been using it since the early 90s. It now has ripped bags, and the web belt was never really easy to take on and off. Needless to say, I'm really in need of a new belt, but I cannot get rid of the old one. I'm not going to frame it, but any thoughts on repurposing?

 

[RacerX]

Looking at the web style, maybe an army surplus store? Or a seat belt rewebbing company like snake oyl products.

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[larry_g]

There is an old woolen mill near here that is now a museum. In the power house there is a corner where the maint man obviously hung out. In the corner is a peg with his overalls hanging on it. They are well worn and have a couple tools in the leg pocket. I'm sure that on the last day he hung them up expecting to wear them again, never to be put on again. I could see that tool belt with a few of the old tools in it hanging in the corner in a similar way. A time capsule to honor those who wore it before, ready to work for them if they come back.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[PFSard]

Looks like something that would hang in my garage or office doing light duty holding stuff I use on a regular basis. Semi-retirement from a life of great service. Every time I grab whatever from its pockets, I would think of my Dad.

 

[jives]

Looks like something that would hang in my garage or office doing light duty holding stuff I use on a regular basis. Semi-retirement from a life of great service. Every time I grab whatever from its pockets, I would think of my Dad.

This was my first thought. . . and maybe my last on it!

 

[rick carpenter]

That kind of belt was my first tool belt. I didn't like it due to the hardware, plus hanging pouches wanted to flex it over. You mention possibly repurposing it, what about cutting it up into pieces and sewing them into loops on/in your pouches for tool (screwdriver, pliers, strippers, etc) storage?

 

[fourjeepin]

Here is what I did with all of my inherited tools that aren’t in use. These are over my workbench in the shop.

 

[4xdog]

I have a note or tag on some of the old tools and gear from my father or grandfather, so the day I'm not there to remind anyone of their history, there's a clue left behind...

 

[atthebeach]

I was fortunate to inherit a number of tools from my dad including tools that once belonged to each of my grandfathers. These are quality tools, some up to 100 years old, that will likely remain serviceable long after I am gone. I am reminded of who previously used these tools whenever I pick one up.

I also have some molding planes that once belonged to my grandfather who retired in the 1950's before routers were commonly used. I prefer using a router, so these molding planes are proudly on display as wall hangers in my shop.

 

[ScottsGT]

Dad didn't really have anything worth hanging on to, and his wrenches was a jumble of mixed up brands. He was great at losing more tools that working with them. When I started making money as a young adult, I was very proud to be able to buy him a Snap On freon sniffer. I paid damned near $500 for it over 30 years ago.
He drove off with it on the roof of his truck and lost it.
The one thing I wished I had room for was his old belt drive Craftsman table saw. We gave it away to a friend.
I do have a lot of his military memorabilia and trinkets he picked up from around the world as he traveled with the USAF. I have plans to build a shadow box for these items.
Just remembered, I do have his Huskvarna chainsaw in storage. Need to go get it and tune it up for work this fall.

 

[SuperCat]

As I recall, one of the GJ members repurposed an old tool belt and hung it around his upright compressor tank to hold a few tools. I liked the look of it and it appeared to be convenient "point of use/need" tool storage. My Dad's tools are also in my garage now, and I use them, too. I always say "Thanks, Dad" when I borrow a tool from his box.