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Why do we collect so many tools?

jabberwoki

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I`m interisted on opinions re tool collecting this i inspired by the (How many ratchets do you own)thread. why tools ?why the impuse to have them all?
Please be serious.
 
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Ocho

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Because we think..um...know we can do anything (if we only had the proper tools).

:beer:
 

MOPARHOUND!

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Why do people collect Baseball Cards? Matchbooks? Stamps? Coins? Etc. Etc.

For me, mostly to combat boredom. Enjoy the "chase", the "hunt" if you will.
 

DanCo

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In a house, on a block, somewhere in Queens New Yo
so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools, so I can make more money to buy more tool, so that I can make more money to buy more tools.
You get the idea.
 

srmofo

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SW ohio
I use them to make a living, with that said, I think Im way past the needs, and well into the wants.
 

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv

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I`m interisted on opinions re tool collecting this i inspired by the (How many ratchets do you own)thread. why tools ?why the impuse to have them all?
Please be serious.


I have over fifty ratchets, which isn't all that much compared to some of these guys. :wtf:

Personally I have no desire to have them all, I just buy the ones that catch my interest. And are affordable. They're usually older ones that I admire the craftsmanship of. That's all. :thumbup:
 

GeorgiaHybrid

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I have over fifty ratchets, which isn't all that much compared to some of these guys. :wtf:

Personally I have no desire to have them all, I just buy the ones that catch my interest. And are affordable. They're usually older ones that I admire the craftsmanship of. That's all. :thumbup:

In your case is isn't the fact that you have that many ratchets that is strange, it's the fact that each one of them has it's own toolbox to call home that's a little strange.....:bounce:

I'm glad that I am not crazy about tools like some on here are......:D
 

JPRACING

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In your case is isn't the fact that you have that many ratchets that is strange, it's the fact that each one of them has it's own toolbox to call home that's a little strange.....:bounce:

I'm glad that I am not crazy about tools like some on here are......:D

I would like to know if most of the guys who have all these tools know how to use them or do they collect dust, i have been wrenching since 1976 and have 12 snap on ratchets that i use everyday. :confused:
 
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treasureseeker

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Michigan
I see it a little different. I believe the more tools you own the more task you can accomplish.
I **** at calculus but with a high end calculator I am up there with the big boys. I went from getting a D in calculus 2 (the Professor allowed the class to use the final as the grade for the whole course) to just missing an A with calculator which I consider just another tool.

I don't have the hand skills to match some but the right tools make up for that and tools are just plain cool.
 

GeorgiaHybrid

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I would like to know if most of the guys who have all these tools know how to use them or do they collect dust, i have been wrenching since 1976 and have 12 snap on ratchets that i use everyday. :confused:

I have a couple of wrenches that I use every now and then.....




I might even pull out the Modis every month or so to make sure the battery is charged up.



I also have a few firearms around that I just like to look at. Am I supposed to shoot them? That sounds violent....
 

Scout Driver

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The treasureseeker has a great point. Everytime that I use a tool that's a little more specialized, I can appreciate its ability to do its job. The job may go a little quicker, it may be less frustrating and it may result in a better finished product. This positive experience in turn will make me see further benefit in adding even more specialized tools to my arsenal.

I'm also a "collector" of various items and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Lastly, I just have an appreciation for anything that is made with quality and has a "cool factor".

Scott
 

Bolster

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Mexifornia
It's like being overweight.

I have an excess of tools because my wants are bigger than my needs.

Humans have had the impulse to have more than they need, since before history started.

It's very comforting to know I will not run out of tools.

Look at JPRACING. He will never run out of *****.
 

JPRACING

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It's like being overweight.

I have an excess of tools because my wants are bigger than my needs.

Humans have had the impulse to have more than they need, since before history started.

It's very comforting to know I will not run out of tools.

Look at JPRACING. He will never run out of *****.

I guess the more tools/***** :bounce: the merrier
 

blue dog

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I am OCD about everything i do, thats my excuse. And it is all so the Homer Simpson disorder, shinny thing, doughnut, 3 *****, ahhhhhhh!
 

jwitt

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Pensacola, FL
I think it's in your DNA. I'd be willing to bet that people that collect tools also collect or have collected other things. I know that is true with me.

Jim
 
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GTVi

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Australia
A bargain is a bargain that cant be passed up...and then I end up with more tools than I actually use...
 

demondriven

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Buffalo, New York
I know I do it because of my Dad but not the reason you think. That man would duct tape together 2 butter knifes to make pliers. One day I bought a pair and realized the right tool for the job makes the job easier and alot more fun. Been buying ever since.
 

woody 73

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With me it is the trill of the hunt ,almost like looking for buried treasure. Also it gives me great pleasure to hold history in my hands, like when I hold that 1890's bike wrench, or the 1900 hundred stanley ruler.
 

MOPARHOUND!

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Kansas City
I would like to know if most of the guys who have all these tools know how to use them or do they collect dust, i have been wrenching since 1976 and have 12 snap on ratchets that i use everyday. :confused:

Yes, I know how to use them. Also collect Dodge/Plymouth muscle cars. 496 stroker motor going in the 1971 Charger R/T in the driveway:
 

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Boiler

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I like the hunt of the yard sale & flea market, but I especially like auctions. Finding the right one to spend your saturday morning, getting up early to be one of the first there and get lots of time going through everything, figure out what you want and what you're willing to pay, and then the bidding. Finally going through it all that night to REALLY see what you got, clean it up, etc.

Cleaning up a neglected, old, high quality tool is satisfying too, like you rescued it. Learning about tool history, etc. Its a lot of fun and its interesting.

I've been trying to find deals I can make money on while I'm at it, in hopes of paying for this whole fiasco, and now I've got to make some extra at it just to pay some bills, as money is getting tight in general.
 

Packard V8

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Agree with all the above. Why tools? Like the guy said about why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, "Because it's there."

Tools are useful, beautiful, inexpensive - I've bought many an older Snap-on or Kennedy tool box for less than some of my friends pay for one round of golf - and even in today's market, the tools and boxes are worth more than I paid for them. Try to re-sell that round of golf.

jack vines
 

nismomans13

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Pittsburgh, PA
i wouldn't say i collect tools, i just accumulate them as I need to do new things to my vehicles. I have lots of tools that have only been used once or twice, but it was cheaper to buy them than pay someone to do the job. Case in point is a ball joint press, and for that matter, most suspension tools i own.
 

supertooljunkie

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Oct 12, 2009
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Lilburn, GA
T-o-o-o-l-l-l p-p-p-r-r-e-e-e-t-t-t-y!! S-h-h-i-i-n-n-e-y-y-y!!! W-a-an-n-t-t m-o-o-r-r-e-e!!!
With the quick demise of the US tool industry, collecting is a way of holding on to the history of US manufacturing. It might be in a few years, these are the only American made tools to be had and used, by Americans. Save the heritage and do not scrap.
 

Thumper

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.Honestly and simply.......because we can. .....and by the way I'm well versed on how to use them. :thumbup:
 

rayzor32

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Jul 26, 2010
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Buffalo, NY
I do because I have to for work, I would love to never buy another tool again, they put a serious dent in your paycheck and every week some ******* invents a new kind of torx bolt. I buy as little as i possible can.
 

Cumminst100

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Cape Girardeau mo
For me, 2 reasons really. Number 1 I live by the old adage, better to have and not need, than to need and not have. Number 2 craftsmanship I love anything quality made, tools cars watches anything like that. And yes I know how to use my tools, and if theres something I don't I know where to find out
 

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv

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Atlanta, GA
I would like to know if most of the guys who have all these tools know how to use them or do they collect dust, i have been wrenching since 1976 and have 12 snap on ratchets that i use everyday. :confused:

Well, near as I can figger it, thers a switch on the ratchet, and if yous flip it that there changes the way it moves. Theres also these shiny chromey things you can attach to the head, but I ain't so sures of what theys for? :spit:
 

wantedabiggergarage

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Independence, MO, USA.
In my case, it started out with:
1. Figure out what tools I had/have access to.
2. What tools do I need to do the job. (house, car, etc)
3. Finding out I need more metric stuff. (when I started getting into car stuff)
4. Buying needed specialty tools or stuff, I have borrowed more then I prefer to. (general rule is borrow twice, then buy)
5. After that, good deals, bargains, and things I come across. (whether to sell, make some money to fund other purchases, or a just in case tool)
6. I don't drink, do drugs, or have the vices that others do, so tools are my vise.

Now I have fewer ratchets then a lot of you guys, but I will buy some to try, then keep my favorites for home, portable, etc. tool kits, and sell the others.
 
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