Tool Junkie?

[RudyO]

While in the Army and living in the barracks I started buying a small set of hand tools (about $15-$25) per payday. You know, whatever was at the PX...

Once I got my own home and a garage my tools got more expensive and impulsive.

I've even been known to build tools out of scrap when the tool I needed was more than the project was worth.

Is there a point when old age will allow me to let go, or does kicking the bucket come first?

 

[lectric80]

Based on my experience, kicking the bucket will come first.

My Dad has a very nice collection of tools that he has built up over the years. Out of his kids, I am the only one that actually works on my own junk, the rest buy newer vehicles under warranty. Anyhow, he has everything from impact stuff, engine assembly, torque wrench, breaker bars, pry bars, and sockets of all types. When I need to borrow something, it is never an issue, but try to get him to let go of any of the stuff he will no longer use, and you would be able to fly to the moon in a K5 before that will happen.

On the plus side, if I need to borrow a tool I don't have, he has always helped me out. I really need to get him going on his 41 Chev flatbed, I would love to see that on the road again.

 

[dhcomp]

It will continue. Just be smart about it. For a home shop/occasional mechanic, prioritize what you spend money on. Buy Craftsman or better for high use tools, buy what will get you buy for stuff you use once. No reason to sink money into a snapon tool to do a job once, in my opinion.

 

[79BRUISER]

I Don't think you ever stop buying tools. I seem to find something to upgrade or invest in weekly. If you inlcude my work tools, home tools and the garage full of tools that I inherited from my grandfather, I don't NEED anything.

That didn't stop me from getting another set of Snap On prybars yeaterday. I bent the cheap HF one into a pretzel.

When I first started in maintenence, my grandfather and I loaded up a top and bottom box with essential tools. He said he wouldn't even notice that it was gone. In 30 years as a machinist he accumulated tons of tools. Not including tooling for mills and lathes. It only took about a month to outgrow that first toolbox.

At the rate I'm going there won't be much for my son to purchase when he's older. Maybe I should get him a car lift when he graduates, in 10 years. I could just use it till then.

 

[thatK30guy]

Awww shiit! Now you got a thread going about tools! And I thought I was one of a very, very select few who "collected" tools.

Most of the tools I "collect" are construction tools. I just bought several Bostitch air tools including a portable compressor.

I'm getting a headache thinking of what all tools I have now. Since the shop isn't built yet, I've had to store all the tools in the house, on the back porch. There's hardly any room to walk around and its getting old, quick.

I don't have plans to quit buying more tools. I think its more a want than need. I try to have self-control when it comes to tools but fail big time at that. I dream about them sometimes. Its pathetic!

 

[79BRUISER]

If you've heard the saying "owning more than 3 of a similar item is a collection", then I have a collection of collections.

My wife is constantly making fun of the number of saws I own. Each one has a specific purpose. There are currently 21 specific purposes in my garage.

 

[DEMON44]

I 3rd that sentiment...........

Hi. My name is Luke. And I'm a tool junky...............

 

[Fabrimacator21]

All this talk about compulsive tool buying and no pics?

 

[DEMON44]

ok here. use your imagination...........thats 1/2 the fun right

 

[kyser_soze]

It will never stop

Ever since I started working on my own stuff I have always bought the right tool to do the job. I need to take a serious inventory for insurance purposes.

 

[RudyO]

Page 10 of my build thread shows just a SMALL portion. Both those chests are full, probably 1/4 - 1/2 of every tool (or like tool) in a Eastwood catalog, etc, etc...

Been eyeing one of those tubing straighteners lately, but for the price....

Guess I'll just get a bucket and paint "Kick" on it... Just to, you know, have it...