Show your new tool arrivals

[Squankum]

I don’t recall which of them was the gateway drug for me, but I ingested one of them a few years ago. A number of them live among others of different manufacture in my basement workshop and there are more out in the garage. Yeah, it’s an illness. My name is Skyman, and I am a pliers addict.

Outsiders look at that and say,"That's a lot of pliers!"

GJ enablers say, "But you don't have these!"



(That's Amazon, if you want to ****** that used pair.)

(I don't have these pliers. I can live without them. For now.)

 

[assassin10000]

If you are large handed, then the comfort grips are awesome -- and, alas, add about $10 to the price of any given pliers.

If you don't have the 10" Cobra, start there! That's the gateway drug, followed by the pliers wrench. I do love my needle noses and bent needle noses, but have also learned here that their tips are a little delicate, don't go trying to reel a cotter pin out of an axle stub by rotating the tips. Or as pry bars. I can live with it, I have other, burly pliers, etc etc.

Their cutting tools (dykes) are great, too.

Gotta get the ones meant for twisting. 08 21 145 and 08 21 185

 

[Skyman]

Outsiders look at that and say,"That's a lot of pliers!"

GJ enablers say, "But you don't have these!"



(That's Amazon, if you want to ****** that used pair.)

(I don't have these pliers. I can live without them. For now.)

Ooooh, those look nice. I can resist everything except temptation! We'll see how long my resolve might last on these.

Yes, my name's Skyman, and I have a pliers problem.

 

[dscheidt]

Outsiders look at that and say,"That's a lot of pliers!"

GJ enablers say, "But you don't have these!"



(That's Amazon, if you want to ****** that used pair.)

(I don't have these pliers. I can live without them. For now.)

I have a pair. I don’t think they have ever been the magic pliers for a job, but they might be someday…

 

[Skyman]

Regarding diagonal cutters, I bought this one around 45 years ago from the SnapOn truck. It's unmarked as to brand, but I'm pretty sure it was in a Blue Point package. It is truly superb.



It has seen heavy use through the years, and is my go-to tool for cutting, bending, twisting, hammering and pulling cotter pins -- and so much more. It has been virtually indestructible. I'm sure if I got onto some super-hardened steel, or cut into a live wire, it would suffer, but so far I've been able to avoid those mistakes.

I have a second, identical one, having lost this one for a year or so and having eventually found it lying in the bed of the tow truck. By then, I'd replaced it. Which is good, as now I have one for the garage, and one for the basement workshop. After all that time in the weather as it was hiding out there on the tow truck, and following a little basic cleanup, this one still functions as well as when new.

It isn't necessary to have the best tool for every task, but it surely is nice to have some that truly do last a lifetime and beyond.

 

[Farmall450]

Wave two of my Craftsman V Series project (the new series) is arriving from eBay. This is a slick little set in a handy case.
1/2 drive 21 piece SAE 3/8 to 1 and a quarter for $95. I've never used a "comfort grip" ratchet, so we'll see how it feels.
I've read most, if not all, of the V series threads. The new V series seems to get a lot of hate. It seems like very high quality stuff to me. I think it is much better quality than the very first Sears Craftsman 1/4" ratchet and socket set I bought in 1995 or so from a Gov Contractor that was selling all his tools because he just got a DUI in Germany and he had only a few days to leave Germany because his SOFA stamp was rescinded. I like it and sure do wish I'd have been looking for it when Lowe's was almost giving it away. I'm going to buy as much of it as I can. Maybe even buy the V series tool boxes too.

Wow, those look phenomenal.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I'm going to buy as much of it as I can.

Get the long pattern V-series ratcheting wrenches, they are a must if your investing into the line:




I think these are still available from Ace Hardware’s website (as new), but look for deals on eBay or Facebook Marketplace first.

 

[ChefRex]

My Local Lowes still has a few 1/4" V-Series SAE sets in the clearance aisle from a year ago! Down to $25. I already have 4 sets of these.



I have all the V-series ratcheting wrenches in standard/long pattern and these have been great. The XL's could have more sizes, but for the money, these have been excellent.



They get better if you dunk them in ATF, spin them with a drill and then dunk them again. Even after that, I feel like the 1/4" ratchets have unacceptable backdrag, but the 3/8" and 1/2" stuff has gotten decent. The flexhead long 3/8" is my favorite of the bunch. If you have a chance to pickup the Facom made (made in France) drivers, get them. I think I paid $19 for the set of flat/PH and $15 for the TORX back then.

I bought tons of V-Series stuff last year when it was on major clearance @ Lowes. I had never even heard of the V-Series line, but as soon as I saw the pricing and the quality, I was 100% committed. I think I bought this entire setup for $400 bucks, (maybe less?):



My local Lowes store was absolutely stocked with the stuff in Oct/Nov/Dec 2024, and the prices kept falling every week:







Say what you want about the ratchets, they aren't that great, I get it. But the socket fitment/broaching , the locking extensions, the screwdrivers socket bits, the ratcheting wrenches (standard and long) and even the 1/4" nut drivers are excellent quality, all made in Taiwan. I bought these for my 9 y/o son just like my Dad bought me Craftsman in the 90's (he had Mac and SO) to start off with. I just wish they were made in USA, but for the price, he has a great starter set.

He can use them this coming summer to work on his TRX90 (that he doesn't know he is getting for the holidays):

The kid would learn more if you gave him a pile of broken parts and tell him to make it work

Lucky kid, sounds like your doing a great job.

 

[four.cycle]

Outsiders look at that and say,"That's a lot of pliers!"

GJ enablers say, "But you don't have these!"

maybe I've missed something, but I don't see any duckbills or loopers in there.

 

[Steel_Rain]

The kid would learn more if you gave him a pile of broken parts and tell him to make it work

Lucky kid, sounds like you’re doing a great job.

We have been doing these build boxes since he was 5 and that’s a pile of parts:

Build Box Subscription by Mark Rober - Choose Your Plan!

Build alongside Mark Rober with a subscription to CrunchLabs' Build Box – STEM-based toy to build, and exclusive videos for kids ages 8-13.

www.crunchlabs.com

He has gotten so good at these that he will have it built, tested and modified before I get home from work.

We are restoring this together over the winter after the holiday’s:



So yea, I think I’m going to let him do most of the work from after it’s torn apart and in a pile of parts.

 

[mreisner]

This generic pair of pliers and linesman pliers are mine now but I've never used them since I got them. My dad left them there in one of our pole barns the last day he worked on something in there. 3 years ago today they became mine when I inherited them. I think I'll just leave them there as a reminder that he was here, and hung them up on the wall like that when he was over 90 years old. I've got lots of newer and shinier and better ones, but these are priceless to me.

 

[Shitbox]

Finally broke down and grabbed a bullseye pick.

Unfortunately it needs a tweek or 2. There’s a bit to much side play to stay centered. I think some nylon washers or brass bushings will fix that though.

@Meursault74 yeah the truing stand was a quick cobble. I’ll toss it there sometime. It’s pretty basic but works.

 

[Beerhippie]

I have no idea what these are:

Modern day Erector Sets?

But the ones marked Do Not Aim At Face Or Eyes definitely catch my interest. OK, then, I'll just aim them at mom's cat....

 

[rd65]

maybe I've missed something, but I don't see any duckbills or loopers in there.

Duckbills are awesome. I prefer my Snap On vs my Channel Locks

 

[TheRealZeus]

I don’t recall which of them was the gateway drug for me, but I ingested one of them a few years ago. A number of them live among others of different manufacture in my basement workshop and there are more out in the garage. Yeah, it’s an illness. My name is Skyman, and I am a pliers addict.

Calm down, you’re fine. I only see one set of round nose pliers.

 

[Squankum]

Small little measuring cup for my shop. I already like and use some OXO cups in this size range, but for jobs where I want to go metric, not so easy to read. Found these:




Two for $7.66 before tax, Amazon:

Amazon Sign-In

 

[Squankum]

I was away from my shop in a distant place where several cars in the fleet tend to congregate, looked around, and realized that once my mechanical and maintenance duties were discharged, there were three vehicles needing their wheels cleaned. Grabbed some Griot's Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner at Advance Auto and some brushes, too.

Viking wheel brush
$8.99 Advance Auto

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

$9.99 Amazon

Amazon.com: VIKING Wheel Brush for Rims, Cleaning Brush for Tires, Grey, 10.3 x 3.3 x 3.8 Inch : Automotive

Buy VIKING Wheel Brush for Rims, Cleaning Brush for Tires, Grey, 10.3 x 3.3 x 3.8 Inch: Brushes & Dusters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Rubbery edges where it bumps into things, and for some grippy on the handle. Soft bristle tips, and soft bristles, too, spread out in various directions and into necessary crevices. This one really grew on me and I'm promoting it to #1 wheel cleaning brush in the wheel cleaning bucket.






These weren't what I had in mind, but the only thing close to what I had in mind, so I bought them, and they worked well, too. Firm foam with fuzzy stiff bristles.



$15.99 Advance Auto

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-car-washing-bendable-wheel-cleaning-wands-synthetic-wool-ergonomic-handle-scratch-free-2-pack-ac4723/50039183-P

 

[LanceMc]

Thanks you for showing off your V series tools! I've found most of the V series I've bought on eBay. I bought the Wrench-Pliers from Ace. Those ratcheting wrenches are ****. They are available on eBay, but not too cheap.

Get the long pattern V-series ratcheting wrenches, they are a must if your investing into the line:




I think these are still available from Ace Hardware’s website (as new), but look for deals on eBay or Facebook Marketplace first.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Thanks you for showing off your V series tools! I've found most of the V series I've bought on eBay. I bought the Wrench-Pliers from Ace. Those ratcheting wrenches are ****. They are available on eBay, but not too cheap.

No problem.

It looks like the SAE set can still be purchased on from Ace directly:

Craftsman V-Series SAE Extra Long Flex Head Box Wrench Set 7 pc Mfr# CMMT87400V - Ace Hardware

High-grade performance is at your fingertips with the V-Series XXL SAE Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench Set. Engineered for professionals, a 72-tooth design on one box end provides users with a quick and durable ratcheting solution. The other end has a 6-point extended box end...

www.acehardware.com

Metric shows out of stock, so that's an eBay thing if your really interested.

They still have mostly everything in the V-Series line, but without the fire sale pricing sadly:

https://www.acehardware.com/search?query=craftsman%20v%20series

 

[Skyman]

maybe I've missed something, but I don't see any duckbills or loopers in there.

They're lurking in that group:






Others lurk in the garage, along with that second set of superb diagonals:










Hi, my name's Skyman, and I have no self-control...

 

[lund]

They're lurking in that group:






Others lurk in the garage, along with that second set of superb diagonals:










Hi, my name's Skyman, and I have no self-control...

Ha! That is a pretty good collection of pliers/cutters etc. But maybe not full-on addiction looking. I may be worse. But in my case, it is only part my fault. My father was another broad and active DIY guy. When he died, I inherited his big stack on top of my big stack since my siblings never did much, and would not realistically use much, so the collection mostly went to me. So it now is probably too much with various duplication. My solution: I have two teen sons that I am training, and I plan to gift them full sets while they are young when they leave the house and finish school and could make use of it. That should help remove the potential gawk "this guy has a problem" reactions. In my case, I also keep my prospect for shame more hidden by keeping the collection in toolbox and cabinet drawers roughly grouped by category in compact stacks. In your case, you highlight your addiction more with the wall and bin storage.

In my defense, I do a lot of varied work as projects rotate. Just from electronics (smaller pliers and tweezers of many types, strippers, ...) and automotive specialty pliers of many types (ring-snap/circlip, electrical disconnect, exhaust hanger, filter, hose clamp, hose pinch, cv boots, long reaches, ....), the numbers are significant. Add in pliers for general automotive, plumbing, construction, concrete forms, welding, etc it becomes a BIG stack. Ironically, many get used a fair amount off and on as projects cycle. Some specialty ones and the excessive duplicates from my father that I continue to hold for my kids do not get so much use over the last few years.

On the positive side, these type of tool collections are more useful than "Cabbage Patch Dolls" or whatever alternative accumulation fixation might be triggered in those with collector mindsets. At min, I would guess my pliers collection has paid for itself many times over. So at least that makes the "problem" easier to deny!! ... Err ... right?

 

[Madjik Man]

If you are large handed, then the comfort grips are awesome -- and, alas, add about $10 to the price of any given pliers.

If you don't have the 10" Cobra, start there! That's the gateway drug, followed by the pliers wrench. I do love my needle noses and bent needle noses, but have also learned here that their tips are a little delicate, don't go trying to reel a cotter pin out of an axle stub by rotating the tips. Or as pry bars. I can live with it, I have other, burly pliers, etc etc.

Their cutting tools (dykes) are great, too.

I bought my Knipex items before they offered the comfort grip. Wish I had the comfort grip versions - although their gritty(ish) handles are fine. But I have XL sized hands and always prefer the bigger grips on things.

 

[lund]

Thanks you for showing off your V series tools! I've found most of the V series I've bought on eBay. I bought the Wrench-Pliers from Ace. Those ratcheting wrenches are ****. They are available on eBay, but not too cheap.

There is one problem with those style ratcheting wrenches ... at least for me. The lack of reverse button/lever makes use more clunky and you can have the misfortune of getting it very blocked in without (recoverable but not so easy and it happens more with something longer).
Apex makes many lines of long reach flex ratcheting wrenches that are reversible and decent quality (though long handles that can damage somewhat easily). Snap on makes a long-reach reversible flex set too -- but they are crazy high price for DIY and I doubt very findable used for reasonable prices.

 

[four.cycle]

^ love those Kraeuter duckbills!

 

[moemc]

Fluke stuff was on sale for BF. I chose Home Depot for my vendor, same prices as Amazon. I’ve had a few older Craftsman branded DMM for years and they have never let me down, use one of them daily still. Last summer I had to phone a friend with a nicer DMM to do a capacitance test on my AC cap. From that point on it’s been on my mind to get a DMM with capacitance capability. I had the Fluke 116 HVAC model on my possible list for a while. But a few times since then, I had projects where an AC/DC clamp meter would have been helpful.

So I ended up settling on a combo of the Fluke 117 and Fluke 325. The BF price on the 117 was nothing special so I only jumped on the 325, and will get the 117 when I find a better deal or the actual need. I like that this 325 is a very decent general DMM in its own right and that it also has the temp probe that the 117 drops compared to the 116.

Someone above me recently posted a 12” extension cord they modified just for their clamp meter. Pure genius, I have one delivering today to follow along.

 

[tarmy]

Fluke stuff was on sale for BF. I chose Home Depot for my vendor, same prices as Amazon. I’ve had a few older Craftsman branded DMM for years and they have never let me down, use one of them daily still. Last summer I had to phone a friend with a nicer DMM to do a capacitance test on my AC cap. From that point on it’s been on my mind to get a DMM with capacitance capability. I had the Fluke 116 HVAC model on my possible list for a while. But a few times since then, I had projects where an AC/DC clamp meter would have been helpful.

So I ended up settling on a combo of the Fluke 117 and Fluke 325. The BF price on the 117 was nothing special so I only jumped on the 325, and will get the 117 when I find a better deal or the actual need. I like that this 325 is a very decent general DMM in its own right and that it also has the temp probe that the 117 drops compared to the 116.

Someone above me recently posted a 12” extension cord they modified just for their clamp meter. Pure genius, I have one delivering today to follow along.

Help me out if you would please. My son is graduating this next week and I am thinking of getting him that 117/323 set with that TL81A extension set. He is into electronics and small motor stuff for robotics…and wants some tools. Do you think that set I chose…or a different set would be more suitable. Thanks and I am open to any suggestions for these or any other tools….from anybody.

 

[moemc]

Help me out if you would please. My son is graduating this next week and I am thinking of getting him that 117/323 set with that TL81A extension set. He is into electronics and small motor stuff for robotics…and wants some tools. Do you think that set I chose…or a different set would be more suitable. Thanks and I am open to any suggestions for these or any other tools….from anybody.

There are probably people here with more expertise in these devices that can offer better advice than I can. But I can tell you that the 117 is is well regarded as a great general DMM and nobody is going to mind having it. There are other units that are more fine tuned for certain jobs. Like a HVAC tech wouldn’t buy a 117 on purpose as their primary DMM since it’s missing stuff they need and has stuff they don’t need.. but what it’s missing for them are features that usually aren’t needed by anyone else. The 117 has a more typical set of features.

I can tell you why I chose the 325 over a 323 or 324.. of those 3, the 325 is the only one that can do DC Ammeter. If your son is into robotics, I’m taking a guess here that it’s mostly all DC and an AC-only ammeter might not bring much to the table as far as robotics is concerned.

My only worry is that someone who is into robotics is going to be so far beyond me in electrical engineering, that the tools they need are quite possibly tools that I don’t even know exist. I would recommend finding someone in his field to consult with since he might need things that are finely dialed in for that use.

 

[tarmy]

There are probably people here with more expertise in these devices that can offer better advice than I can. But I can tell you that the 117 is is well regarded as a great general DMM and nobody is going to mind having it. There are other units that are more fine tuned for certain jobs. Like a HVAC tech wouldn’t buy a 117 on purpose as their primary DMM since it’s missing stuff they need and has stuff they don’t need.. but what it’s missing for them are features that usually aren’t needed by anyone else. The 117 has a more typical set of features.

I can tell you why I chose the 325 over a 323 or 324.. of those 3, the 325 is the only one that can do DC Ammeter. If your son is into robotics, I’m taking a guess here that it’s mostly all DC and an AC-only ammeter might not bring much to the table as far as robotics is concerned.

My only worry is that someone who is into robotics is going to be so far beyond me in electrical engineering, that the tools they need are quite possibly tools that I don’t even know exist. I would recommend finding someone in his field to consult with since he might need things that are finely dialed in for that use.

Thank you for taking the time to post this. You actually reminded me of some of his comments I have heard about his stuff being DC…

Perfect comments for me…thanks again.

 

[L.Cheapo]

A few items that went on sale recently:




And of course, because this is America in 2025:

 

[Fly Fishing Rick]

Small little measuring cup for my shop. I already like and use some OXO cups in this size range, but for jobs where I want to go metric, not so easy to read. Found these:




Two for $7.66 before tax, Amazon:

Amazon Sign-In

Make sure you check them against something you know to be accurate. I've even had cheap lab measuring equipment like graduated cylinders be way off before.

Someone above me recently posted a 12” extension cord they modified just for their clamp meter. Pure genius, I have one delivering today to follow along.

Thank you, and you're welcome

 

[pubhopper]

The 1/4 & 3/8 V Series metric kits are my de facto grab & go sockets. So glad I caught the sale last year.

I love everything about these kits, except the included ratchets. The backdrag is too high for my taste like others have mentioned, and it's impossible for me to remove smaller sockets without prying them off the ratchet with a screwdriver. Luckily these were a perfect fit:

 

[M.Jay]

On the positive side, these type of tool collections are more useful than "Cabbage Patch Dolls" or whatever alternative accumulation fixation might be triggered with collector mindsets. At min, I would guess my pliers collection has paid for itself many times over. So at least that makes the "problem" easier to deny!!

This is exactly how I justify my tool addiction! It might not be particularly clever to collect triples of everything, but at least all the stuff has a function and can be used for something instead of being just a dust collector.

And of course, because this is America in 2025:

Nobody is going to tell me what I am allowed to do!!1!
~Proceeds to dip his fries into a can of grease.

 

[Squankum]

They're lurking in that group:






Others lurk in the garage, along with that second set of superb diagonals:










Hi, my name's Skyman, and I have no self-control...

But you have the tool for the job! I think many of us here had childhood traumas of "cheap, cheap tool could not do the job, or just plain broke on us" or "didn't have right tool for the job and butchered things."

 

[Etchase]

Small little measuring cup for my shop. I already like and use some OXO cups in this size range, but for jobs where I want to go metric, not so easy to read. Found these:




Two for $7.66 before tax, Amazon:

Amazon Sign-In

But you can get 4 for only $3 more. You are such an enabler

 

[LanceMc]

Thanks for the link. I bought the SAE set from eBay a few hours ago for about $150. The metric set is out there in many places at around $175.
Yeah, this is gonna cost me a little bit more than $400 lol
Snooze you lose (your money)

No problem.

It looks like the SAE set can still be purchased on from Ace directly:

Craftsman V-Series SAE Extra Long Flex Head Box Wrench Set 7 pc Mfr# CMMT87400V - Ace Hardware

High-grade performance is at your fingertips with the V-Series XXL SAE Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench Set. Engineered for professionals, a 72-tooth design on one box end provides users with a quick and durable ratcheting solution. The other end has a 6-point extended box end...

www.acehardware.com

Metric shows out of stock, so that's an eBay thing if your really interested.

They still have mostly everything in the V-Series line, but without the fire sale pricing sadly:

https://www.acehardware.com/search?query=craftsman%20v%20series

 

[Ohio Andy]

No problem.

It looks like the SAE set can still be purchased on from Ace directly:

Craftsman V-Series SAE Extra Long Flex Head Box Wrench Set 7 pc Mfr# CMMT87400V - Ace Hardware

High-grade performance is at your fingertips with the V-Series XXL SAE Ratcheting Single Flex Head Double Box End Wrench Set. Engineered for professionals, a 72-tooth design on one box end provides users with a quick and durable ratcheting solution. The other end has a 6-point extended box end...

www.acehardware.com

Metric shows out of stock, so that's an eBay thing if your really interested.

They still have mostly everything in the V-Series line, but without the fire sale pricing sadly:

https://www.acehardware.com/search?query=craftsman%20v%20series

Nobody seems to be selling the 8 piece screwdriver set CMHT65618V

CRAFTSMAN® 8-Pieace V-Series™ Screwdriver Set

Craftsman V-Series tools are designed to professional specifications . The Craftsman V-Series 8pc Combo Screwdriver Set leverages premium alloy steel and precision machined tips to deliver up to 10x greater durability*. The handles are designed with the mechanic in mind blending precision...

www.craftsman.com

Tip	Model	Len	Notes
PH1	CMHT65620v	3"
PH2	CMHT65621v	4"
PH3	CMHT65622v	6"	Bolster
PH4	CMHT65623v	7"	Bolster
1/8"	CMHT65624v	4"
1/4"	CMHT65625v	6"
5/16"	CMHT65626v	6"	Bolster
3/8"	CMHT65627v	7"	Bolster

So I guess that after they are gone they are not coming back so probably better to get what you can now. I have to admit that my set is still in the box, but I did pull them out to see how I like them in my hand; been too busy and I own lots of drivers. I love trying new drivers though.

 

[Steel_Rain]

8 piece screwdriver set CMHT65618V

My store had dozens of these a year ago. I think they were $19? Don't quote me on that, but it was around there. I also bought this at the same time:



It's a good ratcheting driver with little backdrag. I think I paid $11 bucks (?). Not sure if this was Facom made.

Sorry if this is ******* some forum members off with all this V-Series talk clogging up your thread. The last V-series thread got closed:

Craftsman V Series...

Porter Cable is now the TSC house brand, so DBD is already sort of doing what you suggest. Why would they bring back the PC name for shop tools. Only your grandfather remembers stationary woodworking tools sold under the PC brand. That ship sailed ten years ago when PC went out of business as...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Skyman]

Ha! That is a pretty good collection of pliers/cutters etc. But maybe not full-on addiction looking. I may be worse. But in my case, it is only part my fault. My father was another broad and active DIY guy. When he died, I inherited his big stack on top of my big stack since my siblings never did much and would not realistically use much so the collection mostly went to me. So it now is probably too much with various duplications. My solution: I have two teen sons that I am training, and I plan to gift them full sets while they are young when they leave the house and finish school and could make use of it. That should help remove the potential gawk "this guy has a problem" reactions. In my case, I also keep my prospect for shame more hidden by keeping the collection in toolbox and cabinet drawers roughly grouped by category in compact stacks. In your case, you highlight your addiction more with the wall and bin storage.

In my defense, I do a lot of varied work as projects rotate. Just from electronics (smaller pliers and tweezers of many types, strippers, ...) and automotive specialty pliers of many types (ring-snap/circlip, electrical disconnect, exhaust hanger, filter, hose clamp, cv boots, ....), the numbers are significant. Add in pliers for general automotive, plumbing, construction, concrete forms, welding, etc it becomes a BIG stack. Ironically, many get used a fair amount off and on as projects cycle. Some specialty ones and the excessive duplicates from my father that I continue to hold for my kids do not get so much use over the last few years.

On the positive side, these type of tool collections are more useful than "Cabbage Patch Dolls" or whatever alternative accumulation fixation might be triggered with collector mindsets. At min, I would guess my pliers collection has paid for itself many times over. So at least that makes the "problem" easier to deny!!

I've never tried to tally up the number of tools that I've inherited, found in the road, were given to me, etc, but it'd be a large number. Those contribute to some amount of the duplication. Regardless, it's impossible IMHO to have too many tools. Especially if you're as multi-disciplinary as you are. I'm not quite as diverse as your self-description, but I can and do put on a lot of different hats, each of them to differing depths of capability. Further, what might appear to be duplication to those who don't use tools, is often similarity but with differences, either subtle or significant. As we know, those variations can make the difference between being able to reach, grip, or move a fastener, etc, or not being able to do so.

I prefer quick and easy access to tools when I'm working, which is the main reason for the large assemblage on the wall in the workshop. I just chuckle a little when visitors comment on what, to many of them, seems like a crazy amount of tools. I don't let it bother me.

I sometimes think a little about what'll happen to my tools if I haven't moved them along before I time out, but I own them because I want them or need them, so such thoughts are far from the forefront. If they're still in my possession when I check out of this hotel, then it'll be up to my heirs to do with them as they wish. I'll agree with you 100% that having a lot of tools beats the hell outta piles of beanie babies, cabbage patch dolls, or whatever other sort of knick-knack some people spend a lifetime accumulating. I can't wrap my head around such things.

 

[Skyman]

^ love those Kraeuter duckbills!

They are extremely nice, and I'm very happy to have them. The long SnapOns and the long Uticas are nice also, but I like the Kraeuters best of all of them. I favor vintage tools that are of exceptional quality over modern tools, broadly speaking, although I have, and use, plenty that fall into both categories.

 

[Skyman]

But you have the tool for the job! I think many of us here had childhood traumas of "cheap, cheap tool could not do the job, or just plain broke on us" or "didn't have right tool for the job and butchered things."

This is the undisputed truth. There are assorted scars on my body as a result of trying to use lousy tools, and I've dealt with my share of damaged workpieces for the same reason. We quickly learn to despise poor quality tools.

There are very few tools in my possession that I have never used. When I need pliers for a task, I enjoy taking a moment or two to select the one that I think will best serve the purpose, or simply the one that I think I'd like to use for no other reason than "just because." It can be quite satisfying sometimes.