Tool Buying Self Control

[Stuey]

Apparently I don't have any.

This is the cycle I usually go through:

I NEED this item!
*research*
*research*
*research*
I'll put that on my wishlist for later.

After I've done this for a few items, I go on a spending spree of "I NEED this, this, this, and that.

And that's how I ended up with another LED penlight and 3 fixed-blade knives that I probably won't use all that often.

To be honest, some of my USA-made purchases are made out of fear that the manufacturer will tank or shift production oversears, and so I buy certain tools before my need for them peaks.


What about you guys? Are you better, worse, or about the same?

 

[cruiser808]

Tool buying self-control? What is that?

 

[toolmaker1]

I can honestly say that I never bought anything that was not an immediate need UNTIL........I found this damn place Now all bets are off. I HAVE to buy this because its a hot deal, or I might need this someday.... I have to buy it now

 

[fatfillup]

This ain't no self help group or a 12 step program, Stuey.

This is the crack house for chrome!!!

 

[btbsandman]

Apparently I don't have any.

This is the cycle I usually go through:

I NEED this item!
*research*
*research*
*research*
I'll put that on my wishlist for later.

After I've done this for a few items, I go on a spending spree of "I NEED this, this, this, and that.

And that's how I ended up with another LED penlight and 3 fixed-blade knives that I probably won't use all that often.

To be honest, some of my USA-made purchases are made out of fear that the manufacturer will tank or shift production oversears, and so I buy certain tools before my need for them peaks.


What about you guys? Are you better, worse, or about the same?

This doesnt sound like the Stuey I read on this website. Who are you and what did you do to Stuey. The Stuey knows there is no need for self-control for tools.

 

[Jeeprz!]

I can honestly say that I never bought anything that was not an immediate need UNTIL........I found this damn place Now all bets are off. I HAVE to buy this because its a hot deal, or I might need this someday.... I have to buy it now

x3
I've been unemployed for almost a year, and my tools are a random selection of "I have to buy it to get the job done = better than paying someone else to do it and I get to keep the tools for next time". But thanks to GJ and some of these killer deals that pop up its been very hard to down right aggrivating to pass some up.

 

[Stuey]

This doesnt sound like the Stuey I read on this website. Who are you and what did you do to Stuey. The Stuey knows there is no need for self-control for tools.

Stuey's running out of $$ and space to keep everything.

Usually my lapses in self control are further apart. Maybe it's the spirit of the holiday season?

I ordered 3 special bolt cutters, 2x18" and 1x 24". One 18" is meant as a gift. Unfortunately all arrived with flaws, but that's not the issue. I haven't used my no-name 24" bolt cutters enough to have warranted this! That's also a side effect of the blog - I have uncontrollable urges to try out new or unusual tools. I lay partial blame on GJ for that too!!

 

[plierwire]

Haha. I have the opposite problem. When I come across a job needing a new tool, I will put off buying it, try to take some half-a%* shortcut around buying it, try to do the job with some cheap tool and cuss it before I finally break down and just buy the proper tool.

 

[plinker]

Usually I wait until I see a sale or have a cuopon to use, unless I really need it yesterday. I do impulse buy once in a while, but I have screwed up doing so a couple of times (didnt read the description enough) but was able to do something with the item anyway.

If Cripe's has something I want/need I'll make it worth my time to order and get a few more things. And if I order from Tool topia I'll make sure the order is at least 100$ so the S&H is free


I was at Menards a few weeks ago and saw a 300' tape measure for 25$, life time warranty. I was like, hey I could use that! Very much an impluse buy. And I have used it quite a bit.

 

[btbsandman]

Stuey's running out of $$ and space to keep everything.

Then I am more than willing to take all of your Allen branded Combo Wrenches or other Allen branded tools. That should give you some more space.

 

[crewchief888]

i have tons of self control.

i dont go to sears, maybe once a year,
i dont buy tools off the web from any of the popular tool sites.
no tool trucks stop by our shop anymore,

nothing much at the big box stores interest me.

if i need something, i'll buy it
it's usually tools for DIY house type stuff....

when i did have a so truck stopping by every week, i did buy a few things, apparently not enough

ive seen 3 different SO dealers in as many years..

 

[skeletonizer]

It is getting easier as the quality of the tools on the shelf at retailers continues to go in the toilet. Especially at Sears.

I guess that is a silver lining to crappy tools.

 

[thecanman]

I'll drink to that.

This is the crack house for chrome!!!

 

[Stuey]

Then I am more than willing to take all of your Allen branded Combo Wrenches or other Allen branded tools. That should give you some more space.

The only Allen tool I have in my possession is the RightWrench.

 

[-Brent-]

The only Allen tool I have in my possession is the RightWrench.

Stuey, do you know if that's the same MFR. as this Deluth Trading 8-in-1?

 

[Outlawmws]

 

[Jawn]

"Gee, once upon a time I had a use for a 30mm axle nut socket... I should buy a whole set of axle nut sockets now!"


"I might someday need that 1 1/4 inch combination wrench... guess I should get the whole set from there down!"


"I know I already have a usable set of import sockets, but I just have to upgrade everything now to SK..."


Welcome to my world.

 

[Monte]

To be honest, some of my German-made purchases are made out of fear that the manufacturer will tank or shift production oversears, and so I buy certain tools before my need for them peaks.

this

 

[Stuey]

Stuey, do you know if that's the same MFR. as this Deluth Trading 8-in-1?

Most likely, based on appearances. Danaher is the manufacturer of the Allen RightWrench. From my conversations with a Danaher rep last year, the tool is a Danaher-created design.

 

[canuckian]

I have great self control with not buying the gimmicky stuff now. That wasn't always the case. Still have a couple pairs of robo grips around here somewhere. As for the rest of it, self control takes a flying leap off the nearest ledge! If its something I need to complete a set and it's a decent deal, I just buy it like it was second nature. I find Im getting more and more into European stuff now and the only reason I have any self control with that is that the shipping prices are crazy. I still usually end up with the tool but I actually do some hunting for better prices and shipping rates. The snap on truck is evil. On there I get to see and touch the shiny chrome goodness and I rarely walk off empty handed....high prices be damned! So, I guess when it comes to the quality stuff at a decent price, no, I have absolutely no self control. I have been pretty good with not having too many duplicates that I don't need. The one big exception to that is ratcheting screwdrivers. They now have their own drawer

 

[gmwelder86]

I was good with all the tools I had until this place. Now instead of just my RP craftsman combo wrenchs I have those, pluse gearwrench ratching wrenchs both metic and standard, gearwrench flex head in both metic and standard and gearwrench stubbys in metric and the lowes kolbalt stubby set in in SAE. Never thought I would have 3 complete sets of combination wrenchs. Not to mention all the other stuff from the hotdeal thread that I start to think I cannot live without. Self control is not something have have and it must be genetic cause my old man doesnt have it either.

 

[ndoran]

tool buying self control - that is an oxymoron

 

[thesilverone]

i'm just curious stuey.......what do(es) your toolbox(es) look like?

 

[Outlawmws]

i'm just curious stuey.......what do(es) your toolbox(es) look like?

His whole apartment is one big tool box!

 

[thenephilm]

I just bought both sets of flex head Gearwrench's just because its a deal and I am selling my craftsman box to get a harbor freight box just because you guys talk about it so much lol.

 

[bobcatdan]

I only buy what I need or something that I really think will help me out. Too bad I come up with about 3 of those a week. I keep my access to tool somewhat low. Big box store are all chicom junk, sears is dead to me, my honeyhole fastenal surplus has closed. About all I have left is Snappy, but I'm not at the shop half the time he comes. That said, I can somewhat limit myself.

 

[Danglerb]

Find out about some tool I've never even known existed before,
Decide I need it.
Research.
Shop for prices.
Wait as long as possible.
Buy it so I don't spend so much time researching/shopping.

EZRed double box end flex ratcheting reversible deep spline metric set arrives on Friday.

 

[littletoes]

I have quite a few hand tools, a good selection of power tools. My "Need" seems to be specialty stuff that wasn't needed 20 years ago.

Born and raised a farm kid, working on tractors and stuff....building fences and barns, pouring a bit of concrete here and there, then moving on to Commercial/Industrial construction, but still TRYING to maintain my rigs, and a few of the neighbors and friends....it takes a few tools to do so.

Most of my hand-tools were purchased before I got Married and had kids...money just wasn't there, so self-control just wasn't an option.

I research the best price I can get on tools, specialty stuff you are fairly stuck with whoever makes it....like oxygen sensors, banjo sockets....etc.

I stay away from cheep stuff, like my fingers too much for THAT, but I just can't afford the Snap-On stuff anymore. Sure like it though, and love to see what folks have in their tool boxes, ESPECIALLY the neat and tidy tool boxes. Don't care for the "eat off the floor" type of shops though...like to see them get some USE! A bit of welding here and there...projects waiting for their turn...you know the types!

 

[dodge610]

Tool buying self control I tell myself this will be the last time. And it is till I need another fix its just like being a junkie but worse. And we are all in the same boat HELP !!!!!! LOL

 

[WNYflyer]

I don't have much self control when it comes to USA made metric stuff. I find myself scooping up made in the USA metric stuff since so much is rapidly going overseas. I always have this feeling that I better get it now (metric) for myself or at least to pass on to others in the future. But even though the metric is tempting it still needs to be a good deal for me to buy it though.

SAE I have more than enough of plus I can pick it up cheap at garage sales and such almost anytime I want if needed thus not as tempting as stocking up on the metric.

 

[Stuey]

i'm just curious stuey.......what do(es) your toolbox(es) look like?

Right now I have a 7-drawer Beta roll-away, a 5-drawer wooden roll-cabinet that I won thanks to help of the forum, a 5-drawer 16" deep Craftsman chest, and 2 2-drawer intermediates.

A 5-drawer Craftsman chest is in storage but will be sold to my wife's BIL at a 50% loss. I gave a slim 6-drawer unit to my wife's cousin along with an intermediate. Another slim intermediate went to my father along with a 4-drawer portable box. A 2-drawer portable chest went to a buddy.

Oh, and there's an office cart next to me filled with tools, but that's not really a toolbox.

As for hand toolboxes, I have a few review samples currently holding the tools from the drawer units I have away or put into storage, a couple of more samples, 2 cantilever toolboxes, and about 24 17x11x6" stackable bin/boxes.

THEN there are the two 4-shelf shelving units. And let's not talk about the nail guns under my bed.

I keep promising people I'll take a photo when I get things cleaned up, but every time I try to clean up, things start to pile up some more.

A lot of small tools were purchased for quick ToolGuyd reviews, but other things usually got in the way and the tools got buried or used and moved.

His whole apartment is one big tool box!

Actually, maybe half the apartment at this point. But I'm making a big effort to consolidate so that I don't have a panic attack when it's time to move (hopefully within a few months).


Three things helped create the monster of a spender I am today - the knack for finding great deals, the insistence on using the right tool for the job, and the reality that sets are always more economical than individual tools or accessories.

 

[american lockpicker]

To be honest, some of my USA-made purchases are made out of fear that the manufacturer will tank or shift production oversears, and so I buy certain tools before my need for them peaks.

I do that too...

 

[littletoes]

Three things helped create the monster of a spender I am today - the knack for finding great deals, the insistence on using the right tool for the job, and the reality that sets are always more economical than individual tools or accessories.

A-Men to THAT!

The one thing I would change would be to get a MUCH Bigger Tool Box!

Mine is a 41", wouldn't mind having a 72", and would keep my top box, I think...

 

[Stuey]

A-Men to THAT!

The one thing I would change would be to get a MUCH Bigger Tool Box!

Mine is a 41", wouldn't mind having a 72", and would keep my top box, I think...

I'm on the 3rd floor for the time being, no elevator.

Next place I live had better have a garage and basement! At that point, I'll upgrade to a 41" box, maybe larger if I can afford it. Will either go with Strictly Tools or a Lista technician box. I think that I'm also the kind of guy that needs multiple boxes for different types of tools.

The wood tool cabinet was taken up in 3 boxes and then assembled. The Beta was carried up by the two truck delivery guys I tipped $20. I don't know how they're getting back down to ground level!! Will probably have to take all the drawers out and then bribe a buddy with beer.

 

[Jim C.]

I have some tool buying self control, but when I do buy something that I don't necessarily need, I don't feel too much guilt either. I don't drink, smoke, or gamble. If I feel like buying a tool, I buy it. Sometimes I get a little carried away, but I rationalize my tool purchases by thinking that I could be spending my money on worse things.

Jim C.

 

[Stuey]

I have some tool buying self control, but when I do buy something that I don't necessarily need, I don't feel too much guilt either. I don't drink, smoke, or gamble. If I feel like buying a tool, I buy it. Sometimes I get a little carried away, but I rationalize my tool purchases by thinking that I could be spending my money on worse things.

Jim C.

That's the argument I tell to my wife. She doesn't buy it! But it's true, there are worse things to spend money on. At least tools hold most of their value.

 

[Griff93]

The amount of space I have has become a limiting factor. Of course money is as well. I've gotten to where most tools I buy from now on are either large sizes or larger shop tools. I don't know if I can ever have enough tools though. It's kinda like having enough space in a shop. I don't know how much more I can squeeze into mine. It's bad enough I have a fully functional full sized craftsman drill press in my shop bathroom.

 

[TireTracks]

I have a List on word pad, 4 pages long, and thast just the stationary and portable power tools.

I will usualy only buy things on sale. I'm too poor to just impulse buy every time I see a tool. ( usualy regret doing it afterwards).

Now the real question is, Do you build a house, and use it as a shop, or do you build a 60x40 shop, and put a travel trailer in it, to live in......

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm on the 3rd floor for the time being, no elevator.

Next place I live had better have a garage and basement! At that point, I'll upgrade to a 41" box, maybe larger if I can afford it. Will either go with Strictly Tools or a Lista technician box. I think that I'm also the kind of guy that needs multiple boxes for different types of tools.

The wood tool cabinet was taken up in 3 boxes and then assembled. The Beta was carried up by the two truck delivery guys I tipped $20. [I don't know how they're getting back down to ground level!! Will probably have to take all the drawers out and then bribe a buddy with beer./QUOTE]

It will be this (from the voice of experience)

I do the dedicated tool box as much as possible. Unfortunately around here it's not entirely possible...

 

[MN4x4]

Stuey:

I have your answer:

CAREFULLY point your mouse at the "add to cart" icon, then click on it.

Now look for a button labeled "checkout". Click it.

Follow instructions until you see a message similar to "thank you for your order".

SELF CONTROL PROBLEM SOLVED!

You WERE asking about controlling the mouse, right? At least that's how *I* read it.