Did (or does) your tool collection pay for itself?

[JDgreen227]

Guys, I have been a serious and dedicated tool junkie since I got my first Craftsman mechanics tool set back in 1968, and as a serious do-it-yourself handyman, I have amassed a simply HUGE and varied collection of carpentry, auto repair, woodworking, and yard care tools of all types, plus I have invested thousands of dollars alone in toolboxes, chests, cabinets, bags, and all the other types of storage so I can easily find what I need, plus show off my collection if needed.

No doubt many of you are like me, BUT:

Can you honestly say the money you have spent on tools has actually been spent wisely, and actually saved you enough to pay for your collection? I remember back about 1983, when my dad came to visit me, and he went over to my new roller cabinet, opened a drawer, and said to me:

"Oh, everybody needs five hammers..." :laughing: I wonder what he would say if he saw how many I have today...if I count sledge hammers, probably about 45-50 total hammers. Stop laughing !!!

I am more than sure my collection has paid for itself many times over, and I am happy I can say that. What about the rest of you?

 

[creekbend]

I would most definitely reply with YES. At times when I was younger, they have helped me earn a living and feed my Family. Now, they aid me in many tasks that vary from the mundane to the complicated ones. I forgot to add that my son-in-law seems to always find the need to borrow one of my tools, because he doesn't have that specific tool.

 

[Baby Grand]

I am a tool junkie. And the 12 steps haven't cured me. I've suffered this flaw of character ever since I was 4 or 5 and dear ol' Dad (or Santa) gave me a little metal boy's tool box with real wrenches, screw drivers and a tiny little hammer. I remember my mother's horrified face when she walked into the kitchedn to find that all the cabinet doors below the counter had been carefully removed. And I remeber my dad roaring with laughter when he came home from work and Mom told him what I'd done. Then we spent some great time together putting the doors back where they belonged and I got some pointers from the master.

Last night, The Plant Manager & I watched Grand Torino and we were both deeply distracted by the tools in "Walt's" garage. Earlier in the day we picked up a gently used Patu chipper that we found on CL (her treat!) and she was thrilled to see 3 brush piles converted to lovely mulching chips. It helps if your loved ones share your addiction.

It's an affliction, but it does have it's upsides, as Creekbend observed. Some of my most cherished possessions are the tools that belonged to my grandfather and father. Mom's old Singer sewing machine is another much loved and used tool. Some others are a brace and bits that belonged to granpa as well as an assortment of drafting tools that both he and my dad used to keep their families fed, clothed and warm.

As for how many hammers one needs, a brief stoll through a good blacksmith's shop will inform you that you can never have enough hammers. They are like friends and family. Each has it's strengths and weeknesses and toigether you build a happy, helpful and productive life together. The key is to not let these tools interfere with your life, but to use them as their maker intended.

Jim

 

[Reg]

Mine have probably not.
Chain saws almost certainly not.
Wrenches and general car/truck/tractor routine maintenance & repair tools, probably.
House maintenance & repair, wood-working tools - again probably not.

I overbought on quality, size and quantity ("sets", etc. that cover wider ranges than I needed).

These days I have enough tools for just about everything I need (/want) to do and if I don't I price them as single use disposable Harbor Freight quality---.
This on the basis that if I don't already have it I will almost certainly not have to do this job again in my lifetime (-

 

[jdfire]

I'm sure my collection hasn't paid for itself, but it's cost has been offset by the savings of doing some projects and repairs myself. The portion that isn't offset can be considered the cost of a hobby. I don't collect stamps or fine wines, I don't spend money on golf clubs or ski equipment, I spend money on tools. Everyone's gotta have a hobby.

 

[forgeblast]

I do have a bunch of hammers, but I would buy them through yardsales, and flea markets (before everyone watched pawn stars and thinks everything they own is worth $$$$). So it does pay for itself in that I dont have to buy a new one.
The one thing I really do spend cash on is a bruks ax. I have 4 different models, and each one does what its supposed to. Its awesome finding tools that do that.

 

[Carscw]

At one time I had more tools then I could ever use but for some crazy reason the judge thought my ex wife needed them more than me. Over the past four years I have built my collection back up to a respectable level. My new wife as of two weeks ago just does not under stand my need to buy tools. She always saying dont you have a hammer or wrench or whatever? Yes I have one but not this one. I display them in my shop like they where a trophy. I have one chest full of cheap made in china tools they are what you get to use if you need to borrow a tool from me

 

[murphy1244]

I have made a living with my tools for years. I would say they have paid me back. Sure miss the Snap-on and Mac tool drivers..:laughing:

 

[JDgreen227]

At one time I had more tools then I could ever use but for some crazy reason the judge thought my ex wife needed them more than me. Over the past four years I have built my collection back up to a respectable level. My new wife as of two weeks ago just does not under stand my need to buy tools. She always saying dont you have a hammer or wrench or whatever? Yes I have one but not this one. I display them in my shop like they where a trophy. I have one chest full of cheap made in china tools they are what you get to use if you need to borrow a tool from me

Carscw, welcme to TBN, I am sure you will enjoy being a member here. Have to laugh about what you say as regards lending only cheap tools, that makes sense to me although I almost nobody who borrows any of mine. Heck if somebody borrows one of mine odds are after I while I will forget because I have so darn many of each one. Last fall my cop neighbor needed a 3/8 drive deep plug socket for his cycle, he asked to borrow one and I told him to keep it because I had an identical one in every shop I own (5 outbuilding shops) and one in every vehicle (5 of those) plus a few spares in the excess box...:laughing: and why does any sane person need 13 identical spark plug sockets...:laughing:

 

[JimRB]

I buy tools to do a job. I bought a timing belt tool kit for $250 and another $250 for an OBD cable for German cars. I have done 3 timing belts on my car and loaned out the tools once. So that purchase has been paid for a few times over. I tend to buy tools to use for more than one task but not always. I often have the tools to do something which is a good thing. I hate getting my tires rotated and balanced as I can rotate myself for less time than it takes to drive to the tire store, wait for them to drive my car on the rack and rotate. That said I think the tires have not been rotated in 40,000 miles or more. If I wait much longer those tires will be worn out. They only seem to last 60,000 to 70,000 miles before the rain driving gets too scary. Wearbars say they still have miles left but only if you live in the desert.

In theory I save thousands of dollars every year doing my own plumbing, household, welding and automotive repairs using tools I already own.

 

[JDgreen227]

I'm sure my collection hasn't paid for itself, but it's cost has been offset by the savings of doing some projects and repairs myself. The portion that isn't offset can be considered the cost of a hobby. I don't collect stamps or fine wines, I don't spend money on golf clubs or ski equipment, I spend money on tools. Everyone's gotta have a hobby.

Exactly...I saved $300 on my Buick brake job last year by doing it myself, and saved well over $50,000 or more building on our home addition myself. Wifes brother who was helping me would say something like "we could use a pair of left cut aviation snips for this" or "instead of cutting foundation rebar with a hacksaw, a chop saw would really speed things up..."

And whatever he wished we had for the project, I had it 99.9% of the time. The savings on that one big project alone probably paid for every tool I own, and then some.

 

[g0rd0]

a few years ago I worked for a mechanic, my jobs where from cleaning up after him all the way to serviceing auto transmitions and break jobs. Basicly if I wasnt helping I was doing. And as I progressed I aquired more and more tools. The only tool that I bought that I regret was a bluepoint bubble flair tool. Not because of the quality of the tool but because COME ON people when was the last time you saw a bubble flair! I used it once on a Volvo, and when Kieth saw what I was doing he walked me over to the cabinit and showed me a fine collection of double flair-bubble flair connecters. I put that kit in the bottom of my chest and never used it again.
I later sold it at a substantial loss. The lesson I learned from that was never buy another tool before asking the boss if it will be a useable addition to my chest.
But, getting back to your hammer collection, next time anyone ridicules you on your collection point out that if one wishes to collect tools or belly button lint it is their collection their time and to kindly refrain from been such an a--:thumbsup:
Enjoy your time with your hobbies

 

[rtimgray]

I would say without a doubt my tools, including my tractor and dozer, have paid for themselves vs. what it would cost me if I would have hired all the work done.

As far as hand tools go, I do practically all of my own mechanic work (minus internals of transmissions - I take those to a shop). And while I've got an extensive collection of hand tools, most of them are Harbor Freight, with about 20% being Craftsman or some other "professional" grade tool. Earlier this year, I changed a water pump on my Rodeo (which involves removing the timing belt and a bunch of other stuff). I'm sure that it would have been at least a 4 or 6 hour job (cause it took me 10!) plus parts, so it would have been in the $300 to $500 range just for labor. I already had all the tools that I needed, so all I had to do was buy the parts and spend the time.

As far as carpentry-type tools, we built our own house and several barns. We essentially built our 2,100 sq. ft. house for the cost of materials and the tools that I needed to buy (such as a drywall screwdriver - used it on the house and haven't used it since - but I've loaned it to people).

Also when building our house, I learned how to make cabinets, but I had to buy basically all the shop equipment (tablesaw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, drill press, routers, etc. etc.). Now that was a pretty steep proposition - but I basically spent on tools and material what the quote was for our kitchen cabinets. Since then, I've built two complete sets of cabinets for people plus dozens of "one-offs" - record album case, end tables, trophy case, etc. that if I didn't have the tools, I could never do.

Tractor and dozer - again, with all of the work on the farm - bushhogging, clearing, haying, fencing, digging ponds - I would say that they have pretty much paid for themselves. When I bought the backhoe for the tractor, I was wondering if it would pay off - but I used it so much during the course of building the house and have done lots of other work with it - and now, we're going to add on to the house, and it will see more work.

The great thing about most tools is that once they're bought - they're bought. My dozer and backhoe don't eat anything when I'm not using them. Sure it costs something use them, but they give (in my opinion) a great return.

I would bet that most of you guys actually get a lot more out of your tools than I do, and probably they have paid for themselves. If a $5 plunger saves you from calling the plumber, even once, it's already paid for itself 20 times over.

These are just my opinions and experiences. Good luck and take care.

 

[JDgreen227]

BINGO...agree about a $5 plunger saving you 20 times over. Last summer, my mom in laws kitchen sink began leaking around the single handle faucet base. She called a plumber, was told at least $80 for a service call plus parts. I went over and used a metric allen wrench to pull the faucet body and replace the two O-rings...$1.59 with tax. The greatest thing about having the tools you need for any project is that the more you do with them, the more confidence you gain in your skills to tackle something bigger and more complex. When I purchased my first house, I didn't even want to replace an outlet, but now, 38 years later, I recently rewired and updated the electrical in a two story 24X36 barn, new sub panel, lites and outlets everyplace...

 

[yelbike]

BINGO...agree about a $5 plunger saving you 20 times over. Last summer, my mom in laws kitchen sink began leaking around the single handle faucet base. She called a plumber, was told at least $80 for a service call plus parts. I went over and used a metric allen wrench to pull the faucet body and replace the two O-rings...$1.59 with tax. The greatest thing about having the tools you need for any project is that the more you do with them, the more confidence you gain in your skills to tackle something bigger and more complex. When I purchased my first house, I didn't even want to replace an outlet, but now, 38 years later, I recently rewired and updated the electrical in a two story 24X36 barn, new sub panel, lites and outlets everyplace...

I'll say BINGO to you. Its all about confidence. So many times I do a service call and I think to myself.......the home owner could so do this!!!
Trades people are not magician...don't tell my kids though!!!:laughing:

Some time ago I had a TV tech come out to do warranty work on a large screen TV. He was the owner of the business and he said it so hard to find guys with enough confidence to pull things apart.

If its built by a man, it can be fixed by a man!!!!!:thumbsup:

 

[dodge man]

I'm pretty sure my mechanics tools have paid for themselves several times over. I just did a brake job on my sons car yesterday, I probably saved myself a few hundred bucks. There are some tools I rarely use, but not many.

Someone commented his chainsaws hadn't paid for themselves. Sometimes owing a tool won't pay for itself in a monetary way. Say a tree falls across your driveway in the middle of the night and you can't get to work in the morning. It pays for itself in that one time use.

 

[dmccarty]

...

Last night, The Plant Manager & I watched Grand Torino and we were both deeply distracted by the tools in "Walt's" garage. Earlier in the day we picked up a gently used Patu chipper that we found on CL (her treat!) and she was thrilled to see 3 brush piles converted to lovely mulching chips. It helps if your loved ones share your addiction.

:laughing: I watched Grand Torino for the first time last night. Great Movie. :thumbsup:

The tools also caught my attention.

My problem with buying tools is that I often do not want to spend the money so I ended up buying the tool I need later rather than sooner.

The tools have saved me quite a bit of money over the years.

Later,
Dan

 

[Soundguy]

Mine's payed for itself for sure.

I usually buy a tool to do a job.

I bought my 280$ welder to repair a batwing mower that would have cost me 550$ to have a mobile repair service come out and work on.

same with many other tools.. If i can do the work myself, then I can usually buy the tools and parts cheaper than paying someone else to do it.

especially refurbishing a tractor.. or tractor(s)

I've done near 20 tractors now. if I had paid to hve them repaired and restored.. I'd be worse than broke...

soundguy

Guys, I have been a serious and dedicated tool junkie since I got my first Craftsman mechanics tool set back in 1968, and as a serious do-it-yourself handyman, I have amassed a simply HUGE and varied collection of carpentry, auto repair, woodworking, and yard care tools of all types, plus I have invested thousands of dollars alone in toolboxes, chests, cabinets, bags, and all the other types of storage so I can easily find what I need, plus show off my collection if needed.

No doubt many of you are like me, BUT:

Can you honestly say the money you have spent on tools has actually been spent wisely, and actually saved you enough to pay for your collection? I remember back about 1983, when my dad came to visit me, and he went over to my new roller cabinet, opened a drawer, and said to me:

"Oh, everybody needs five hammers..." :laughing: I wonder what he would say if he saw how many I have today...if I count sledge hammers, probably about 45-50 total hammers. Stop laughing !!!

I am more than sure my collection has paid for itself many times over, and I am happy I can say that. What about the rest of you?

 

[BigBoyinMS]

Even counting the 2 years of auto mechanics and 1 year of diesel mechanics in Jr College mine have paid for themselves (and my schooling) many times over.

 

[scgargoyle]

Obviously, my work tools pay for themselves many times over. The other stuff- mechanical, woodworking, etc., definitely pay for themselves over time. Since I am building a barn and a house with these tools, I'd say they will pay for themselves.