Renegade1LI
Well-known member
Mid 70's bought some cheap fleamarket tools, showed my dad he took them & tossed em right in the trash, an hour later we were at sears getting my first set of craftsman sockets, a 3/8 drive set which I still have.
Your longest possession in tools thread
- Thread starter bsaint
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Nutria
Well-known member
A Tobrin 9 that I've had for exactly 50 years. It was originally my grandfather's. My father had the screwdriver until he left it behind with a few other tools after my folks got divorced when I was fourteen. So, I had the opportunity to put a lot of use on it early on. It went through a fire a few years ago, and got pretzled. I did a so-so job of getting it straight and replacing the wood scales, and it is still providing good service, getting use most evenings. Probably like most of you, I wonder where the screwdriver will be another hundred years on.
mbunimog
Well-known member
This was given to me on my first job when I was 15 now 65 years ago
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
The oldest tool I bought new that I still have is a 1/2 drive set of Wright sockets badged ETF. Late '60s. I have chisels from the turn of the last century, 1900, but I didn't buy them new. Chuckle.
I started working on the family farm more than limited at age 14. We were not in good financial shape. To stay in business we had to start doing more of our repair and maintenance work vs sending it to the dealers. I took almost all of what I earned that first year and bought a Craftsman tool kit and a few other tools after spending months looking at the catalogs.
It was the start of our turnaround. Was looking at some of those original tools I could find and realized it was 50 years since I had bought them. I took my kids and wife and laid out some of the ones we had not lost and explained. Dad had not bought them, the farm had not bought them but as a 14 year old I did. It started a love of RHFT ratchets I still have. They were just hands down better than the 30 year old tools we were using.
It was the start of our turnaround. Was looking at some of those original tools I could find and realized it was 50 years since I had bought them. I took my kids and wife and laid out some of the ones we had not lost and explained. Dad had not bought them, the farm had not bought them but as a 14 year old I did. It started a love of RHFT ratchets I still have. They were just hands down better than the 30 year old tools we were using.
Rbcsci
Well-known member
I’ve had this little 4” adjustable wrench for about 45 years. My father let me have it when I was 4 or 5 years old after I told him that it was the perfect size for my little hands. No nut or bolt in the house or shed with a breakaway torque less than 5 in-lbs was safe from me. I’m not even sure how I managed to hold onto it for all these years, but I’ve never lost track of it. Now it hangs right in the middle of my bench where I can see it every day. I also stole his largest Craftsman flat blade screwdriver right around that same time to use as a sword. 
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bbbarracuda
Well-known member
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- Jun 1, 2008
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When I started a new job in 1986, one of the first thing they did was have me go and pick out what tools I needed to stock my truck.
When I retired 32 years later, my favorite pair of side cutters that I picked up that day, retired with me.
No branding on them, they just work and fit perfect for me.
When I retired 32 years later, my favorite pair of side cutters that I picked up that day, retired with me.
No branding on them, they just work and fit perfect for me.
TalonFE
Well-known member
1/2 inch drive Indestro socket set with ratchet and breaker bar, Pops bought it in 1948, it shows age and hard use but it's always my go-to rig. Part of the deal is that it was his and he used it to feed his family before I was even born, keeping it at his machinist job until he retired....but the other part is that it just feels right in my hands, and always gets it done, fits fasteners snugly and never slips. A genuine treasure.
toolmiser
Well-known member
Mine (that I can think of) is a Rockwell/Delta 4 speed wood lathe that I purchased in 1973. I've upgraded most of my woodworking tools over time but never found a deal to make me get rid of the wood lathe. I (my Dad) made many attachments for it such as disk sander, wire brush, lots of collet drills, and some long ones also. Probably one of my most versatile tools.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have many tools still from the beginning of my professional career that started in 1988. However, most of my tools that I had prior to that I have since replaced and upgraded to higher quality professional tools and continue using them today. I would say the bulk of my tools were purchased between 1988 and 1998 then a far fewer between then and now so the majority of my tools are 25+ years old.
The one socket that I used recently that I am aware of was from my high school days when I worked in an auto parts store and did some automotive work on the side. This 4 wheel drive socket was purchased around 1985, so 36 years old and still in my tool box and still being used.
The one socket that I used recently that I am aware of was from my high school days when I worked in an auto parts store and did some automotive work on the side. This 4 wheel drive socket was purchased around 1985, so 36 years old and still in my tool box and still being used.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
This is my oldest tool set. My Dad bought the set before I was born. I turned 76 a week ago. I was told I was given this set when I was old enough to walk.
The set is complete and was not used very often.
This set has a few 8 point sockets for driving square nuts. The ratchet handle works in one direction and must be flipped and have the square drive pushed through to reverse the action. One of the sockets is an adjustable drive adapter to lap valves.
The lathe is a South Bent 16X120. The South Bend lathe build date is my birthdate. Of course I had to have this lathe. We are two old time survivors. I have owned it for 20 years. Yes, I do use it.
The set is complete and was not used very often.
This set has a few 8 point sockets for driving square nuts. The ratchet handle works in one direction and must be flipped and have the square drive pushed through to reverse the action. One of the sockets is an adjustable drive adapter to lap valves.
The lathe is a South Bent 16X120. The South Bend lathe build date is my birthdate. Of course I had to have this lathe. We are two old time survivors. I have owned it for 20 years. Yes, I do use it.
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ZRX61
Well-known member
The 43yo pliers previous mentioned. Finish on the jaws is thanks to a fiber deburring wheel. Pretty durable, survived a flight across the garage many years ago with sufficient force to embed them in a stucco wall..
![20211215_135150[1].jpg](https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/data/attachments/1417/1417991-f7bf3336a4509ed7b42943de765a1cdf.jpg "20211215_135150[1].jpg")
rmack898
Well-known member
My first socket set in the '60s came from the local NAPA store and were labeled "New Britton"
I have a few of those sockets still in my box. I got my first paying job turning wrenches in the '70s and bought my first tools off the Mac truck, I still have them all, 45 years later.
I have a few of those sockets still in my box. I got my first paying job turning wrenches in the '70s and bought my first tools off the Mac truck, I still have them all, 45 years later.
RTM
Well-known member
My first tool remembrance is a Champion Plug Master flex head 3/8”ratchet, finger drive, and a 13/16” spark plug socket that I received from my Grampa in about 1977, and still use today. It got set aside for several yeats as it was skipping, but I recently cleaned and lubed all my 3/8 and 1/2” ratchets , and the skipping went away.
When I first got it, I was in HS, and used it multiple times per week, working on my and my friends’ cars.
About 1979 I added a set of Craftsman metric sockets, and still have several of those too, others in the set have been replaced due to lost pieces.
I have no idea how long Grampa used it before I got it.
my dad took some of his tools, and the box, and I got the survivors back when he passed.
When I first got it, I was in HS, and used it multiple times per week, working on my and my friends’ cars.
About 1979 I added a set of Craftsman metric sockets, and still have several of those too, others in the set have been replaced due to lost pieces.
I have no idea how long Grampa used it before I got it.
my dad took some of his tools, and the box, and I got the survivors back when he passed.
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Doug
Well-known member
I've got a Schauer 6" bench grinder that my father bought new in 1959. I used it commercially for 43 years and it still works fine. Probably put 10 switches in it over the course of time.
My very first tool purchase - I was 12 in 1978 - 9mm USAG 285 combination to fix my french 10-speed Motobecane bike (french standard M5.5, 9mm head).
I only had a crescent 8" adjustable wrench and could not get to the bolt.
Has not seen a lot of use
I only had a crescent 8" adjustable wrench and could not get to the bolt.
Has not seen a lot of use
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Ditchdigger
Well-known member
Every now and then I will stumble across random "Alltrade" branded combination and saltus wrenches my grandfather gave me in 1984. He got them at a "Coast to Coast" hardware store so I could work on my BMX bike.
Bekeart
Member
The longest I have possessed any tools is my Craftsman 10 Piece Combination Set No 4496.
Bought in either 1962 0r 1963.
I still have their original plastic pouch/bag. That is where I found the No 4496.
No idea of the price.
After SIXTY years, I have certainly gotten my moneys worth out of them.
Bought in either 1962 0r 1963.
I still have their original plastic pouch/bag. That is where I found the No 4496.
No idea of the price.
After SIXTY years, I have certainly gotten my moneys worth out of them.
These are the oldest, or at least the ones that mean the most.
The no-brand red pliers were part of my first ever toolkit that my dad bought me, around age 11. They've been with me through it all, had a lot of use and are still perfect...they were even used to turn burgers on the grille at one scout camp when I was 13 or so, didn't go so well.
The 1/2" ratchet adaptor was my first snap on thing, a birthday gift from dad when I was in my early 20s. Back in the days before I had long handle ratchets and ratchet torque wrench, this was fantastic.
The bluepoint ratchet spanners were my first ever expensive tool purchase. My aunt died of cancer when I was in my early 20s and my uncle gave all the cousins $150 to buy something to remember her by. Back then $150 was a few weeks food and probably going on for more than my whole tool kit was worth! Still got them, and they still get a lot of use, and I think of her everytime I pick them up
The no-brand red pliers were part of my first ever toolkit that my dad bought me, around age 11. They've been with me through it all, had a lot of use and are still perfect...they were even used to turn burgers on the grille at one scout camp when I was 13 or so, didn't go so well.
The 1/2" ratchet adaptor was my first snap on thing, a birthday gift from dad when I was in my early 20s. Back in the days before I had long handle ratchets and ratchet torque wrench, this was fantastic.
The bluepoint ratchet spanners were my first ever expensive tool purchase. My aunt died of cancer when I was in my early 20s and my uncle gave all the cousins $150 to buy something to remember her by. Back then $150 was a few weeks food and probably going on for more than my whole tool kit was worth! Still got them, and they still get a lot of use, and I think of her everytime I pick them up
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
These are the oldest, or at least the ones that mean the most.
The no-brand red pliers were part of my first ever toolkit that my dad bought me, around age 11. They've been with me through it all, had a lot of use and are still perfect...they were even used to turn burgers on the grille at one scout camp when I was 13 or so, didn't go so well.
The 1/2" ratchet adaptor was my first snap on thing, a birthday gift from dad when I was in my early 20s. Back in the days before I had long handle ratchets and ratchet torque wrench, this was fantastic.
The bluepoint ratchet spanners were my first ever expensive tool purchase. My aunt died of cancer when I was in my early 20s and my uncle gave all the cousins $150 to buy something to remember her by. Back then $150 was a few weeks food and probably going on for more than my whole tool kit was worth! Still got them, and they still get a lot of use, and I think of her everytime I pick them up
That is awesome. Thanks for the story and is a good way to remember your aunt.
I have an in./lb MAC torque wrench that I bought from my mentor back around early to mid-90's. He was upgrading and asked if I wanted it. I jumped at it and I too think about my long time friend and mentor each time I grab it from the toolbox.
bctexas
Well-known member
I started buying tools in high school around 1970. The oldest I can date with any confidence are the Heathkit dwell/tach, timing light and automotive oscilloscope I built in 1971. I recently replaced a couple of capacitors in the timing light, and all three units work. I also still have a Sun Master Motor Tester that I bought in 1970 or early 1971.
minke
Well-known member
In the early '70s my father-in-law bought us this circular saw that still works well. It hasn't seen a great deal of use. I've never really made peace with woodworking and love the excuse "gee,,, I just don't know what the grain'll do".
Perhaps 7¼” wasn’t yet commonplace then but 7” blades are hard to find. Fortunately there is a good sharpener in town.
Perhaps 7¼” wasn’t yet commonplace then but 7” blades are hard to find. Fortunately there is a good sharpener in town.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
While working in the shop on Saturday I snapped a few pictures of some of my oldest tools from the beginning of my career. All of these were some of the very first purchases from tool trucks when I began my career in 1988 as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic and the first time I had ever seen a tool truck. At the time the cost was a bit hard to swallow but now looking back at how well they served me over my entire career and are still solid tools and used daily I am glad I bit the bullet and bought them when I did.
This is a MAC inch/pound torque wrench that I bought from my mentor back in 1990 when he upgraded. One of my most valuable tools because of him and I still use it quite often. I look for reasons to use this torque wrench.
My very first set of impact deep SAE 1/2" drive sockets. Cornwell deeps. I haven't purchased any Cornwell in the past 15 plus years now but during my early years as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic our Cornwell dealer was awesome and the tools were high quality. This set is still in the metal tray and gets used a lot.
Within a very short time after purchasing the 1/2 deep Cornwell impact sockets I bought a 1/2" deep Metric impact socket set from my MAC tools dealer. Also in a metal tray, this set goes up to 19mm.
These next two sets were purchased immediately after the deep impacts. Both of these were Cornwell intermediate impact socket sets in 3/8" drive. I couldn't afford a shallow and deep impact set at the time so I purchased these intermediate sets from my Cornwell dealer. I still to this day do not own full sets of shallow or impact in 3/8" drive as these intermediates have served me so well and are probably my two most used sets of sockets still today.
Here is the 3/8" Cornwell intermediate impact set in SAE>
And here is the 3/8" Cornwell intermediate impact set in Metric.
There were a few places I also needed a 1/2" impact wobbly so I bought the Snap-on set.
I splurged once again and bought this full set of Snap-on combination wrenches within about a year or two after starting my career. These have held up exceptionally well and until recently have been all original. I replaced my 1/2" wrench about a year ago when the chrome started peeling. It doesn't perfectly match the rest of the set as you can see by the engraved size is on the shank of the wrench now vs. up on the open end portion in the early version.
I also learned how to wire tie fasteners very early in my career as there were many ring gear bolts and brake components that were safety wired after replacement. Hard to believe that this was taking place on mere forklifts.
Here is a set of hard plastic Snap-on screwdrivers that I purchased around mid-90's, maybe 5-7 years after starting my career. Still one my favorite Snap-on screwdriver handle configurations, although I do like the Instinct screwdrivers that I bought about 10 years ago.
This was my very first set of Snap-on screwdrivers that I bought in the late 80's. Used heavily and probably not treated the best early on in my career.
I'm sure there are more from the late 80's to early 90's as my career was just getting started but those are probably the ones I still use the most today.
This is a MAC inch/pound torque wrench that I bought from my mentor back in 1990 when he upgraded. One of my most valuable tools because of him and I still use it quite often. I look for reasons to use this torque wrench.
My very first set of impact deep SAE 1/2" drive sockets. Cornwell deeps. I haven't purchased any Cornwell in the past 15 plus years now but during my early years as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic our Cornwell dealer was awesome and the tools were high quality. This set is still in the metal tray and gets used a lot.
Within a very short time after purchasing the 1/2 deep Cornwell impact sockets I bought a 1/2" deep Metric impact socket set from my MAC tools dealer. Also in a metal tray, this set goes up to 19mm.
These next two sets were purchased immediately after the deep impacts. Both of these were Cornwell intermediate impact socket sets in 3/8" drive. I couldn't afford a shallow and deep impact set at the time so I purchased these intermediate sets from my Cornwell dealer. I still to this day do not own full sets of shallow or impact in 3/8" drive as these intermediates have served me so well and are probably my two most used sets of sockets still today.
Here is the 3/8" Cornwell intermediate impact set in SAE>
And here is the 3/8" Cornwell intermediate impact set in Metric.
There were a few places I also needed a 1/2" impact wobbly so I bought the Snap-on set.
I splurged once again and bought this full set of Snap-on combination wrenches within about a year or two after starting my career. These have held up exceptionally well and until recently have been all original. I replaced my 1/2" wrench about a year ago when the chrome started peeling. It doesn't perfectly match the rest of the set as you can see by the engraved size is on the shank of the wrench now vs. up on the open end portion in the early version.
I also learned how to wire tie fasteners very early in my career as there were many ring gear bolts and brake components that were safety wired after replacement. Hard to believe that this was taking place on mere forklifts.
Here is a set of hard plastic Snap-on screwdrivers that I purchased around mid-90's, maybe 5-7 years after starting my career. Still one my favorite Snap-on screwdriver handle configurations, although I do like the Instinct screwdrivers that I bought about 10 years ago.
This was my very first set of Snap-on screwdrivers that I bought in the late 80's. Used heavily and probably not treated the best early on in my career.
I'm sure there are more from the late 80's to early 90's as my career was just getting started but those are probably the ones I still use the most today.
MushCreek
Well-known member
It recently occurred to me that I still have the FIRST 'professional' tool I ever had! In my first legitimate job I worked at a supermarket stocking shelves in 1970, when I turned 16. Here is my little box cutter that I used every day on the job. 'Sweet Life' was our store brand products. The little notch in the bottom is a string cutter. Out of all of the tools I've lost/sold/had stolen over the years, what are the odds that my very first tool is still around? The other tool we used was a clacker, or Pullman for marking prices. We didn't get to keep those, though.
engineer2
Well-known member
Not considering dad's tools, here is the first "tool" I bought in 1967 or so.
minke
Well-known member
When I grew up in a city housing project in Brooklyn I was terrified of those things. I had a blunt instrument license.Not considering dad's tools, here is the first "tool" I bought in 1967 or so.
MushCreek
Well-known member
Oops- forgot to add the picture of my box cutter.
