To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Why do you buy tools?

To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

82355

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 13, 2013
Messages
688
Location
Bradish Nebraska
Grew up on a farm, then I was a mechanic working on farm equipment, over the road trucks, backup power generators, and cars and trucks over the years. I don't do much mechanic work for pay anymore, but I do work on my own junk. I also farm, and need tools for that. Then I started working on old buildings, and building my garage onto my house and such, so that led to completely different tools. Now after having used quality tools, I HATE using the junk tools my old man has in his shop on the farm, so I am constantly buying tools for his shop, so I can use them there.

On top of that, I like to collect some random tools (I have a strange thing for combination wrenches).

Complete opposite of my brother. He will NEVER buy a tool, if he can just borrow someone elses. If I have to borrow a tool more than once or twice, I feel that I should just own said tools.

It's a mixture.

Martin
 

82355

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 13, 2013
Messages
688
Location
Bradish Nebraska
I'll admit 1 foot was an exaggeration, actually exactly half that in reality (measured it a minute ago), regardless here it is along with a Pepsi nitro, Snap On No.71-M 1/2 ratchet, and a Snap On GL72T 3/4 ratchet head.

It makes more sense now, seeing the actual size. The one you described would take up a LOT of realty on a desk. Still cool.

Martin
 

2ndGearRubber

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
Location
Pittsburgh
I legitimately enjoy tools, and I'm a auto mechanic so I need a lot of tools. Luckily my personal and professional interests cross, thus work spending also fulfills enjoyment/pleasure spending and vise versa. I can use discretionary money most would use on a nice TV, to buy a scan tool. That long 3/8 ratchet makes me money, and I enjoy the purchase and use of it. Win/win.

Every time I use my bearing press adapters, or open my lockers, or use my wright-grip wrenches I enjoy them.
 

blwn31

Active member
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Messages
31
I'm an addict, plain and simple. I make my living with my tools, and even do side work for mad money. I rarely drink, don't smoke, don't hang out with buddies at the bar, or go out chasing tail, I just love having the right tool for the job at hand, and then some. My wife and kids think I can fix anything. The older I get, the less that is true. But, tools rule, and he who dies with the most tools...Oh wait, isn't it toys...

Keith
 

Jacobs976

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 11, 2020
Messages
830
Location
Indiana
It makes more sense now, seeing the actual size. The one you described would take up a LOT of realty on a desk. Still cool.

Martin
It looks about like a 1 foot head in person when you compare it to other ratchet. Kinda a mind trick. Never see 1/2 drive as small but then it's just a tiny thing next to it. Especially when you service it with the gear being bigger than the 3/4s body.
Also got lucky on this one because the same model comes with a long handle usually. Think it's supposed to be 40 inches so it'd take up alot of room then instead of just one end of the desk.
 

Dave455

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 19, 2013
Messages
5,796
Location
Sussex, England
The main reason I buy tools is to fix / make my own stuff.

I’ve never known any different. Family ran trucks historically, so even though Dad had a decent job, vehicle repair was something you did yourself. Ditto any carpentry around the house, any electrical work, etc etc.

I worked in engineering for a while, eventually moved into aviation full time, but kept all the tools and skills.

Now I have 3 vehicles, 2 houses and a workshop to maintain, so do a variety of things. I enjoy restoring old machine tools and working on classic cars, which is a pure hobby, but covid wasn’t great for my industry, so seriously glad I was able to maintain my own stuff at minimum cost, and even take on a bit of engineering work.

A lot of folks locally are in a similar situation to me, and couldn’t have got through the whole covid business without being reasonably self sufficient.
 

Crazyjake8493

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 26, 2014
Messages
3,948
Location
Upstate NY
Work, hobby, and necessity.

Work doesn't let us buy much in the way of good tools (if any new tools at all), so my buddy and I often use our own tools to make our jobs a bit easier and more tolerable.

Some of my hobbies require tools, so I'm glad to have them for that - brewing beer, playing guitar/drums, gardening, and I'd still consider home improvement a hobby of mine in some manner.

Necessity has been the primary driver for my tool purchases, especially early on. I've never had a ton of money to pay other people to fix things, so I would buy the tools, learn to fix it myself, and come out with both skills and tools and for less money than hiring someone else. This goes for working on the house, garage, cars, mowers, you name it. The only major job I didn't even consider DIY'ing was the roof on our house, and I've done roofs on garages and sheds many times.
 

Brandon_Lutz

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 2, 2007
Messages
428
Location
Forest Hill, Louisiana
Someone has to buy them, so why not me?:bounce:

I grew up on a farm and from a young age I helped my dad and grandfather work on things. That turned into me asking for my very first tools at age 12 and that started the addiction. I no longer work on the farm but I still work on my own stuff whenever I can instead of paying someone to do it. Often I buy a new tool because I'm working on something and I need it to finish the job properly...(yea thats the reason!)

I've also started a hobby of restoring old tools and other items and well naturally you need old stuff to restore and tools to help make that happen. :D
 

gearhead1

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 14, 2013
Messages
1,935
Location
NC
I've been buying tools since I was a kid. I've never been able to just go buy what I want, so I build most things. As a kid, I built boats, among other things. As others have said, tools enable me to build or fix just about anything. The logical conclusion to all this was that I was able to design and build my own house. That, of course, required a tool-buying **** to get all of the tools I needed to build the house. I was a tool maker for 40 years, so I have tons of tools from that trade, both purchased and self-made.

I have a wood working shop, a machine shop, welding and fabrication, mechanical repair, and a wide array of yard tools, including a full-size tractor and attachments. At 68 years old, I'm probably very close to being done buying tools. In fact, I need to start selling off some of the stuff I'll never use again. It's kinda sad.
I don’t think it’s sad at all, it’s just the natural progression of things. My daughter will probably not fix things herself to the extent that I have. I will have to sell off and have just basic stuff eventually also.
 
Last edited:

WWheeler

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2015
Messages
4,105
Location
Middleofnowhere USA
Many of the tools I own are for my use in making a living working on other people's stuff, however most of the tools I own are strictly for me to use for myself. Of the latter I own them because I either can't afford to or just don't want to pay someone else to fix or maintain anything of mine to do any job that I know I'm capable of doing, and just as if not more importantly to me nor do I trust anyone else to actually do the job right with precision and care for my stuff anywhere near like I do.
 

MJK

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
729
Location
Tucson, AZ
Buy quality things and they'll last if you take care of them was a lesson I learned early in life. I love sports cars and want a nice place to live. When I was younger, I gravitated to nice used things that needed some work because it was either that or the cheap stuff I could afford new. I want any work done to be the best that is available, and if I learn to do it myself it is cheaper, better, faster and done on site as needed. Plus, you get the satisfaction of self reliance. Over time, I began to enjoy the process as well as the result. It was/is therapy from the stresses of life, and the garage turned into my sanctuary. It evolves to most efficiently and enjoyably accomplish the things that I want or need to do. I buy tools to add capability, reduce frustration, improve the quality of my work, or simply because I enjoy using them. I no longer NEED to do it myself, but I still prefer to. Rebuild a $1200 pool pump for $100 in parts - maybe I'll get a nicer gear puller for that this time. Do a $6500 automotive service for $2500 in parts - I think I vacuum coolant filler and a new cordless impact would be nice. I want a nicer ratchet or set of stupidly expensive wrenches - why not. If I use them enough, the enjoyment is worthwhile. And now my kid is brought up that way too. How many chances do you get to spend the whole day with your young adult child talking about whatever is on their mind?

With any luck we will be building our aging Labrador an oak and steel ramp so he can lay in his favorite spot without jumping any more. I suspect we'll both enjoy the experience.
 

signcrafter

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2012
Messages
12,317
Every time I use my bearing press adapters, or open my lockers, or use my wright-grip wrenches I enjoy them.
Do you have a link to your bearing press adapters? Is it adapters for a press or something like the hub tamer?


For me I always liked to play around in the garage when I was a kid. We never seemed to have the right tools, just the basics to get by. When I got my first car I was poor and was interested in wrenching so I bought tools as needed to do my own repairs. I was also in the trades for most of my life so I bought tools for construction. Then when people found out I could fix a car or repair their house they would ask me if I could fix their stuff. I would buy tools needed with the money from these side jobs. And it's been a repeating cycle ever since. More experience leads to more jobs and doing different things which leads to more new tools. All my tools are paid for by doing this work.

Friend's truck had a rear wheel bearing go out a couple weeks ago which took out the axle shaft and send metal flakes everywhere so it ended up in my shop. I picked up an inch pound torque wrench for pinion preload, and a pinion yoke holder and a couple pullers. While doing this job I have made a list of tools that would have made it easier and will order them once I get paid for this one, like a pinion/carrier bearing puller tool, https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Perform...8-l59pw41RkrxoyZiFlDLKuJSl5G7sCgaAuy-EALw_wcB. Not sure when or if the next rear end I will do is but I will have it and make the job much easier. Also need to get some parts and pieces to use with my press, along with a few good bearing splitters. Still need to get a new air hammer so if there is enough money left over I will probably pull the trigger on that too. There's a few other tools I will add that would have came in handy for this job.

Another example that people think I'm crazy for is I bought a tire machine and balancer and tpms programmer. I had a couple tpms sensors out and knew a lot of other people that did also. So I bought the tpms tool first and used it for tire rotations. Then bought the tire machine so I could dismount the tire and replace the sensors. Once people knew I had a tire machine they were asking to put new sensors in and fix flats for them. Then got a balancer, and all the tools for doing flat repairs like low speed buffer and tire tools and then had to get wheel weights. It's all paid for now and I add to it as needed. And I make 70 bucks every time someone asks me to put a new tpms sensor in. And I can do my own tire work for free.

Another example is my wanna be locksmith setup. There have been times where I couldn't do a repair like replace the lock cylinder in a vehicle because I couldn't program the new keys to the car. Then a friend said he was going to pay a locksmith 300 bucks to add a second key. I told him I would buy the programmer and do his key for him. Figured I would order a key, take it to hardware store and pay a few bucks and then use the autel im508 to program the new key. Bought the im508 for about a grand. My mind is wired different and the way I saw things was I would pay for 1/3 of the programmer with this one key and then it would pay for itself in short order. Ordered a blank key and went to hardware store, they won't cut keys you don't buy from them. OK. Called other locksmiths ad stores and nobody would cut the key. And if I bought the key from them and had them cut it they charged me the same price as someone else so I wouldn't make any money getting the key cut and programming it myslef. So I ordered my own key cutting machine to do edge cut keys. Then another key cutting machine to do laser cuts once people found out I can do keys. It was either go all in or have a 1000 dollar autel paper weight. These things have all paid for themselves now.

Most of the tools on my list now are expensive things, other battery tools, shop tools, specialty tools, 2 post lift, etc. As long as I am still able to keep working I doubt I will ever stop buying tools. I enjoy buying them and enjoy using them.
 

2ndGearRubber

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
Location
Pittsburgh

silkman

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
367
Location
Athens
If you do a job yourself vs a contractor, you can probably buy all the *extra needed* tools for the job, in the best quality, and still save money.

Quick example yesterday, I had renovated a flat and rented it and the lady had asked for a TV antenna, I had told her get a TV first so I can get an antenna installed and test it. Yesterday was the time. I had never installed an antenna in my life, two youtube videos later, I get a very good quality antenna for 38eur, a 1 1/4", 2 meter thick steel galvanized pipe that would survive a hurricane and two stainless steel u clamps. 50eur all in and I also installed an antenna splitter for the ground flat below mine to cover that.

No extra tools needed, apart from consumables white electrical tape and white tiewraps, because I didn't have them in white. Just for fun, I rang a local antenna shop for the cost, 200euros and I know I did a better job.

The more jobs you take, the more you get the mentality for doing a job well, even if you've never done it. Good tools are part of that.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Jim C.

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2010
Messages
2,598
There are several reasons I buy tools. As a serious DIYer, amateur mechanic, and ******** woodworker, there’s nothing like the feeling of being self sufficient particularly when it comes to fixing, maintaining, improving, or making something with hand tools and/or machinery. Every time I acquire another tool, it takes me one step closer to complete and total self reliance. Somewhere along the way, my interest in using tools lead me to collecting some tools as well.

Jim C.
 

VolvoRyan

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Messages
1,339
Location
Kentuckiana, USA
To be able to fix things and build things myself. I have nothing like the "addiction" vibe I sense others here may have.

For me the work is the "addiction". I enjoy the heck out of wrenching on cars or anything greasy. I find homeowner jobs a chore, but pulling a transmission is fun.

Endorphins are definitely addictive. :)

-Ryan
 

Meursault74

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 1, 2019
Messages
21,880
Location
Southern California
For me the work is the "addiction". I enjoy the heck out of wrenching on cars or anything greasy. I find homeowner jobs a chore, but pulling a transmission is fun.

Endorphins are definitely addictive. :)

-Ryan
The addiction I was mentioning is buying tools for the sake of buying tools, which some here seem to do and enjoy. No judgement.

I don't enjoy it when something breaks or needs repairs, but I do feel the satisfaction when I can take care of it on my own. You usually need tools to do that.
 

BlakeTheCarGuy

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,306
Location
Roanoke Virginia
Many reasons for me. I use them to make a living, they make me happy and I’m a collector and I can use them. I buy tools every week mainly because I’ll use them but also because they make me happy. Like I’m the guy in the shop when there is nothing to do I’m admiring my tools and everyone else is looking at their phone or goofing off. I also like telling stories of tools too. Like if I’ve got an old wrench that I know the history behind and someone asks about it I go on and on about it’s life lol.
 

Iridium rand

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 23, 2021
Messages
218
Definitely some of all the reasons you mentioned, my employer does provide our tools and will buy us more if necessary but not the really nice stuff and it’s a pain to get requests processed, and I also don’t own them so can’t keep em if I leave, So I do make a living with them but buying them isn’t exactly necessary for that.

its 100% worth it to me regardless because I really enjoy working with quality tools, enjoy having them period, they enable me to get jobs done more efficiently and I also use them plenty at home for various tasks whether that be home repairs, home improvement, disassembling something for scrap or helping my father with repairs on landscaping equipment for his business.
 

joel63

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 9, 2012
Messages
1,907
Location
Central FL
There are several reasons I buy tools. As a serious DIYer, amateur mechanic, and ******** woodworker, there’s nothing like the feeling of being self sufficient particularly when it comes to fixing, maintaining, improving, or making something with hand tools and/or machinery. Every time I acquire another tool, it takes me one step closer to complete and total self reliance. Somewhere along the way, my interest in using tools lead me to collecting some tools as well.

Jim C.
That's a very slippery slope. Before you know it............. well, you'll find out. :ROFLMAO:
 

m6z

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 13, 2019
Messages
2,325
Location
Missouri
I don't enjoy it when something breaks or needs repairs, but I do feel the satisfaction when I can take care of it on my own. You usually need tools to do that.

Not sure why, but this reminded me of a conversation I had with my wife awhile back.

Wife: So, the trunk light started working. :)

Me: Oh yeah, just started working? Huh.. :ROFLMAO:

Wife: Oh, did you fix it?

Me: Yes.

Wife: Oh. Thanks. :)

I don't think anyone in her family ever really fixed anything.
 
Last edited:

Meursault74

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 1, 2019
Messages
21,880
Location
Southern California
Not sure why, but this reminded me of a conversation I had with my wife awhile back.

Wife: So, the trunk light started working. :)

Me: Oh yeah, just started working? Huh.. :ROFLMAO:

Wife: Oh, did you fix it?

Me: Yes.

Wife: Oh. Thanks. :)

I don't think anyone in her family ever really fixed anything.
I suppose she didn't want to hear what was wrong or how you fixed it either?
 

Dave455

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 19, 2013
Messages
5,796
Location
Sussex, England
Oh, I found out for sure!
What a superb collection!

My long passed on Grandfather was a user, and collector to a degree, of Stanley tools, mostly purchased when they were “current”.

His collection was nothing like yours, and I wish he was still with us, if only so I could show him that picture!
 

ybnormal

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2016
Messages
5,002
"Why do you buy tools?" cuz I'ze a mech-uh-nick!

“WD-40, vise grips, and some duct tape. Any man worth his salt can do half the household chores with just those three things.”
-Walt Kowalski

"So how do you know which of the above tools you should use for a particular problem? Well just remember the old saying: “If it doesn’t move, and it should, use WD-40. If it moves, and it shouldn’t, use duct tape.”

Walt forgot the spit and baling wire....
 

Al Borland

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2016
Messages
1,598
Because I'm not gonna fix things by hitting them with a rock...
(Fun? yes. Effective? no.)
 

DAustin

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 30, 2021
Messages
5,155
First car an old Ford, SAE no problem. Later bought a 59 MG Sprite needed Whitworth. Even later bought a 64 VW Bug then need Metric. Wrenches and sockets for all of those. Then ran into JIS, Pozidriv, Torx, External Torx, Security Torx. Seems like there is always something new I need.

 

ste6168

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2015
Messages
217
Location
Morehead City, NC
Can I answer all of the above? LOL

I’ll try and keep my answer relatively short… I’ve always liked tools and building stuff. I started with legos and Lincoln logs, then treehouses and forts, then upgraded to skateboard ramps and rails, and finally moved onto furniture. My mom has a picture of me at like 5 trying to take apart one of those lawnmower sparking toys in the backyard. Later I started helped family and friends with home repairs. My dad is as white collar as you can get, taught me a ton in life, but nothing about tools. No fault to him, he’s an incredible dad and person, just not his thing.
I had a neighbor that owned a few apartments, when I was in late middle/high school, he’d “hire” me to help him with projects. One time o stead of paying me, took me to Sears and got me my own Craftsman power tool kit (with my parents approval, of course). I ended up going to college to be an industrial arts (wooodshop) teacher and did that a few years, until I realized teaching sucked. Throughout college and those first few years teaching, I built up my own tool kit, mainly to work on my boat, truck, and building simple stuff like building ******** boards. I got out of education and landed a desk job doing IT, “big” pay raise and a small sign on bonus, which I (obviously) spent on bench top/Lowes woodworking machines… Did that 10 years or so, all the while upgrading tools and building out a really well equipped wood shop, but also while hating my desk job.

Got laid off for COVID and did some woodworking to make ends meet, but ended up making more out of my shop than I would have at a desk (but keep that between you and I 😉). I was a bit confused how to proceed with life at that point. Then an opportunity came up to purchase my neighbors marine service business. Thankfully we live below our means and had some reserves set aside. Thought a lot about it and jumped in, been about a year and a half working for myself and wouldn’t ever look back. I’ve bought a ton of tools in that time, many “needed” for business but a lot I just wanted as an upgrade (tax write offs now!). I’ve learned a ton about running a business, keeping customers happy, doing quality work, and just overall being happy. I’m not making as much as I was sitting at a desk, yet, but I am gathering a ton of nice tools, knowledge, paying my bills, and slowly building my own empire. Life is GOOD!

Lots of interests and hobbies have come and gone over the years, but ever since I’ve been little, tools have remained a constant. Weird, I know. The other thing that’s stuck around is fishing, and boats a huge part of that. I finally feel I am on the right place, and every time I step into the shop, I can’t help but smile.

After all that, you look at these few photos… Who can say no to this stuff? 😂

F270471F-4CF3-48A0-9957-80456A24BB89.jpeg84CB9B3C-7609-4A5D-B64D-FBF6CF8AC907.jpegF4260D60-69C9-43FC-9D1E-60A9FC92EECC.jpeg2F590272-4F4A-4C44-AEC1-C769CF2FA0B4.jpeg
 
Last edited:

genog

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2021
Messages
1,973
Location
Silicon Valley
I love tools.

Tools that I have bought over the years has saved my family many thousands of dollars.
Vehicle repairs from oil changes, tune ups, clutch replacements, suspension work, engine swaps, you name it...
Home repairs -our remodel, the new roof, build the kitchen cabinets....
All done with with my tools

If not for those tools we would never have been able to afford our house.

My wife NEVER questions a tool purchase.
Tools are a blessing.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom