At what point do you justify buying more tools vs making do with what you already hav

[rScotty]

I once justified a brand new router, table, and bits to build a small wooden stand. The tools cost 5 times what the materials did, but the wife likes the stand and I got new tools out of the deal!

I also agree with post #4. The problem with that though, is I've been saving up outdoor projects for years. Now that I finally have a tractor with backhoe and such, there just aren't enough hours in the day to DO all the projects! :laughing:

I've never regretted buying more tools. If nothing else, a new tool is a chance to learn new tricks.
Sometimes I've regretted not buying a good enough quality tool - and then getting stuck using it because of my own reluctance to upgrade to a nicer one.

That said, my tools aren't anything special, and many are old and a bit beat up. But the good ones to start with have lasted.
As the years go by one of the things I really enjoy is working with those same old tools.
rScotty

 

[shooterdon]

I will typically buy what I need, and at times what I can rationalize. I have power tools and hand tools I rarely use but they have saved my butt many times. Sometimes just one project will justify the purchase. Those are the easy ones.

I am currently struggling with getting a cordless chainsaw and pole saw. My gas chainsaw is a bit of a PITA for small jobs as I do not use a saw regularly, and I do not like keeping fuel in it for months. I have a corded pole saw and use a small generator to power it but that is cumbersome. Regrettably, even the expensive offerings have mixed reviews so investing $500+ seems iffy. And if I go cheap, they are even less reliable.

I really want a backhoe but cannot justify it.

 

[snymat68]

I am trying to get rid of tools no longer used. Not one of the workers of this generation wants any tool that isn't battary operated and if good tool and battery is bad they toss also.
Skill type saws, recip saws, jig saws routers and table saws, radio arm saw. They have not learned how to use and don't care to learn.
I set on side of yard so can be seem by passing drivers and a sign FREE then in evening pick back up and put in trailer for the junk yard.
tractor parts same Just wonder in 10 more years what this country will be like. with no one knowing anything except the little hand phone is busted also.

ken

I'm 32 and if I drove by your free pile of tools they would be gone.
My biggest issue is I'm to the point where I need someone to set a bigger workshop along the road with a free sign on it! :laughing:

 

[4570Man]

It boils down to "disposable income"..
Start yourself a "list" on the frig.. figure out what u NEED & what u can get away with..
IF these NEW tools are MAKING U MONEY & will pay for themselves by getting done faster & moving to the next MONEY MAKER.. by all means get it..
If its a novelty & will sit in the garage for a YEAR or 2.. U probably don't need it..??
U ever consider RENTING the tool.??

I had to buy a pex expander tool because I needed it. I won’t be buying the $400 drill at this point because funds for the project are running low and I already have a drill to do that job. Although it would save time and I’ll probably eventually buy one. I despise renting a tool.

 

[/pine]

IME... a 7.25" abrasive blade on a circular saw will cut a bunch of 1/2" rebars...without near the hassle of using a reciprocating saw...a cutting torch is even easier...

 

[Captain Dirty]

I'm pretty basic. I have several sizes of hammers. There is usually the correct size to solve the problem.

I'm with Oosik on this one, and I have a 100 lb. anvil for back-up.

 

[4570Man]

IME... a 7.25" abrasive blade on a circular saw will cut a bunch of 1/2" rebars...without near the hassle of using a reciprocating saw...a cutting torch is even easier...

Most of them are cut one at a time in the field. A cutting torch is too much work to move around and light every time. I didn’t have electricity last time although I will next time. My corded saw would probably do a pretty good job. My cordless really suffers under a load like that.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a lot of equipment. But not a lot of work. It is sometimes not worth the effort to get some special piece of equipment out of storage, hook it up, use it, clean it and put it away again.

I grabbed a pair of binoculars out of the Gator Glovebox his morning to check on something. I suddenly thought, how wonderful! Something that is highly useful, ready to go anytime, doesn't need a charger, cable, or batteries! We need more stuff like that.

I have mostly used a bolt cuter on rebar but often with one handle on the ground.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I use a Makita cordless bandsaw on rebar goes through like butter with no vibration and blade lasts forever.

 

[4570Man]

I use a Makita cordless bandsaw on rebar goes through like butter with no vibration and blade lasts forever.

Which is probably the best tool for the job. I need one of those too.