Shade Tree Mechanics & Tools

[Traction]

For 50 years I bought whatever tools or equipment I needed to get the job done and learn. I have more tools than I need now, but I can do anything I want with the tool on hand now. Still will buy something as needed.

 

[oldgrayman]

I had a bunch of redundant tools . I bought a Craftsman toolbox and put a bunch of tools in it and gave it to my grandson . It's a good starter for him .

 

[Cherrybomb]

I have what I would call a reasonable amount of tools,owning a home,two cars,lawn mower,lawn tractor,utility trailer,snow blowers and a woodshop full of machines takes a variety.I for instance last spring got a new lawn tractor which was Metric.I visualized the tools I would need to work on it,that was the time to evaluate and upgrade if needed.And good quality,the right tool for the job makes for me,wrenching fun

 

[RAR]

I have many tools in duplicate (because sometimes you need to use two, or if one actually breaks you have another).

I tend to need ratchets of a certain type for jobs, so having only a couple of those doesn’t work for me. I have fixed head, flex head, short, medium and long handled. I prefer soft grip but use the no grip ones occasionally.

I just bought a long, fixed head 1/4 drive because I have small fasteners in places a fixed head is best. Adapters on a 3/8 wouldn’t fit. I went with Capri because it won’t see a lot of regular use.

But I just laid out the cash yesterday for a long fixed head 3/8 Snap on ratchet (my first Snap on ratchet) because I had long Icon versions but they’re flex head. Again, flex head isn’t always the best option. It will be used with my Williams, Teng and even Icon sockets (heresy, I know).

 

[hrv]

Back in around 2003 I purchased a complete set of Metrinch. It was the best set I ever purchased. Back then some cars were a mix of SAE and Metric bolts. This set worked on both...It would grip the walls of the bolt so even a rounded edge bolt would come out. I still have the set today and is my go to set when working on my car....

 

[Toy4x4]

The amount of money I've saved by making tool purchases vs hiring someone has more than likely covered the cost of them by quite a bit, especially since buying the house in 2001. DIY oil changes and basic maintenance on vehicles (since 2001), demo of an old shed and hauling it to the dump, demo of a bathroom down to the studs...these alone probably cover the costs of tools.

 

[4WD]

The amount of money I've saved by making tool purchases vs hiring someone has more than likely covered the cost of them by quite a bit, especially since buying the house in 2001. DIY oil changes and basic maintenance on vehicles (since 2001), demo of an old shed and hauling it to the dump, demo of a bathroom down to the studs...these alone probably cover the costs of tools.

Anytime you want reassurance - hire someone to do these things …

 

[Exhaustgases]

Tools ?
If you do any sort of work that requires them either as a job or just DIY, you will find that they are just like having shop space.
There is never too much of it. And if you had every tool that say a place like Snap on has, you still won't have the right tool for the job at some point in time. Anyone that has made special tools will understand.

 

[spasm3]

Collecting, in this context, is when you buy tools that you have no intention of using. I have bought a lot of tools. Every one of them was intended to help me do work. They are bought to be used.

I have bought tools, that I "might " need.
Meaning I don't have a need, but want to have it on hand In case I need it.
I do work on my son's and a very few friends cars.
I guess that still falls under collecting