Can you ever have enough tools?

[Tom O]

Problem is I buy them and the Son boroughs them, or one or two to split up the package knowing he took the ones you need when that emergency comes while telling you that you buy way to much stuff!

 

[MetalMonkey]

I'd normally say no - but a recent change in circumstances has meant I'm not really too interested in acquiring tools currently.

When I was buying them, I would tend to focus on quality tools which I could at least attempt to feign some sort of justification for.
I had quite a selection of interests, and different jobs so there was never a shortage of things to stumble across which I hadn't already got, and which looked like it would be useful in the future.
The only problem is, having collected enough of all the basics to last a lifetime - what's left tends to be the more specialist tools, which are the ones that also tend to be the most expensive.

 

[MattF]

Depends on the set up

No, it doesn't. It depends on a total lack of willpower where new shiny things are concerned.

 

[zzr1200]

Can you ever have enough tools....................

I started helping to repair cars in about 1968, I started my commercial vehicle apprenticeship in 1971/2 .
I then transferred in to fork lifts, plant hire and access platform repairs.
All the time manufacturers have been continually trying to improve their products by using more and more technical solutions, including computers.
I now have a workshop full of tools, many of which I've made because the manufacturers special tool price is stupid to do one job, also many of which I've designed/made to make my life easier/safer, or gain/save me time, and to carry out my everyday work easier.

So I have been forced in to buying, a metal working lathe, milling machine, floor pedestal drill, cold cutting metal saw, surface grinder, pedestal grinder, various welders, plasma cutters, floor jacks, axle stands portapower units, lifting equipment (manual and electric), diagnostic tools/computers, chainsaws,and loads of other tools, just to earn enough money to live and also as I get older, to save my available working effort. Well those are my excuses anyway......

One of my current projects is a cnc plasma table.....

Do I need more tools...... probably not as I'm semi-retired, BUT FOR GOD sake don't tell the wife or I'll have to explain it again.......

Answer..........no......

 

[mtt.tr]

I would suggest it depends on why you are buying them.

I have a lot of tools as I do many different jobs, i had a 5 year spell of buying tools without much consideration this was actually due to being depressed just looking for that moment of joy.


I'm now steadily going through stuff and simplify what I have, it feels like a tie and a chore.

 

[Smouser]

I love buying tools and machines but like a few others, I have been trying really hard to limit new purchases.

My garage has got so full, it is starting to become a PITA to use the stuff I have got. Constantly moving things around to get access to other things/machines.

With property prices soaring everywhere, the dream of having a big workshop/barn is slowly fading. Instead of starting with a large mortgage again, I started saving much more into a self invested personal pension. It might be sensible, but soo boring

 

[Onthespotwelding]

this was actually due to being depressed just looking for that moment of joy.

^^ this.

If you’re just buying tools for the sake of it, thinking that they will make you happy?

Perhaps it’s time to seek help.

This happened to my father unfortunately. 1400 square ft unit filled with junk.

 

[Domdom]

Can one ever have enough tools? Well, it all depends if you have a use for them.

OR........if you like collecting such things, much the same as some folks like to have a shed full of old stuff just because. And still go to car boot sales to find more. If it makes you happy I guess. I am just mindful that I don't want to leave a huge mess for my surviving family to clear up.

I was kind of hoping my Son would want to inherit my tools, but he really isn't a practical sort. I've tried but he just has zero mechanical understanding. More of a creative type really, produces some fantastic artwork, websites, graphics etc, but doesn't really know which end of a screwdriver to hold.

So now, I tend to focus on stuff I can actually use to keep my cars going, do bits of DIY and odd jobs around the house. My days of massive projects are over now so the tools that went with them are gradually being given away or sold.

 

[zzr1200]

I love buying tools and machines but like a few others, I have been trying really hard to limit new purchases.

My garage has got so full, it is starting to become a PITA to use the stuff I have got. Constantly moving things around to get access to other things/machines.

With property prices soaring everywhere, the dream of having a big workshop/barn is slowly fading. Instead of starting with a large mortgage again, I started saving much more into a self invested personal pension. It might be sensible, but soo boring

Maybe you should consider

Check out this 6 bedroom detached house for sale on Rightmove

6 bedroom detached house for sale in Winterslow Road, Porton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 for £1,450,000. Marketed by Savills, Salisbury

www.rightmove.co.uk

Check out this 6 bedroom detached house for sale on Rightmove

6 bedroom detached house for sale in Milston, Durrington, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 for £1,500,000. Marketed by Charters, Romsey

www.rightmove.co.uk

or moving up North-ish......

Check out this 3 bedroom farm house for sale on Rightmove

3 bedroom farm house for sale in Glapwell Lanes Farmhouse and Buildings, S44 for £1,600,000. Marketed by Bagshaws, Bakewell

www.rightmove.co.uk

There's even enough space here for 8ob and/with an option to buy another 34 acres of land ... , now where's that winning lottery ticket...

........

 

[DanZac]

They'd need to take at least 2 and preferably 3 of the zeros off the end of any of these to be even close to my budget.

 

[zzr1200]

They'd need to take at least 2 and preferably 3 of the zeros off the end of any of these to be even close to my budget.

Probably one of the best value buys of late in the area, nice area good solid property...

Check out this 3 bedroom semi-detached house for sale on Rightmove

3 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Steele Avenue, Inkersall, Chesterfield, S43 for £165,000. Marketed by Strada Estates, Chesterfield

www.rightmove.co.uk

 

[Dilkris]

Recently I ended up hand cutting doing chain drilling & filing a 2 " hole in 1/2 " thick steel ..... Oh why didn't I buy the hole cutter set

Never heard the term "chain drilling" before - but its a perfect description.

 

[Memmeddu]

When I was buying them, I would tend to focus on quality tools which I could at least attempt to feign some sort of justification for.
I had quite a selection of interests, and different jobs so there was never a shortage of things to stumble across which I hadn't already got, and which looked like it would be useful in the future.

Exactly what I'm doing right now
Not buying everything I'd like to but what's needed and what's most likely to be used in the future

 

[8ob]

Space or lack of it seems to be the biggest problem most toolists face,normally end up with workshops so rammed with gear there is no workspace. A fathomable separate storage system is key and travel light on the tooling within the workspace. I have been reorganising the workshops and its amazing how much gear you find yourself dancing around that really doesn’t need to be in there.

Bob

 

[zzr1200]

Space or lack of it seems to be the biggest problem most toolists face,normally end up with workshops so rammed with gear there is no workspace. A fathomable separate storage system is key and travel light on the tooling within the workspace. I have been reorganising the workshops and its amazing how much gear you find yourself dancing around that really doesn’t need to be in there.

Bob

Totally agree, hence me also sorting out the workshop and a possible new shed, I'd prefer a barn but one must be realistic....

 

[Hitch]

I end up with 2/3 of lots of tools.
One at work, one at home, plus one extra in a particular toolbox for a specific job etc...
Another that needs an 1000m² unit really Shed and garage not quite cutting it!
Divide it up for woodworking, signpainting, metalwork, machining... storage...

 

[dobbslc]

Most of my more recent tool purchases have been house restoration related.
I mean who doesn't need a Wacker plate, log splitter, chainsaw, generators, con saws, strimmers, plasterboard sanders, compound mitre saw, rail saw, handfulls of Bosch drills, saws, impact gun, tig welder, mig welder, lathe, car diagnostic tools, acro props, ladders etc etc?

 

[Bravheart]

You can only ever have too many 23mm spanners, the ones they always include in the multi combination spanner rolls

 

[Smouser]

You can only ever have too many 23mm spanners, the ones they always include in the multi combination spanner rolls

I don't have a single 23mm spanner.

Send one this way!

 

[Memmeddu]

My tools include
-metal fabrication
-machining
-metrology
-electrical
-hydraulics
-mechanic
-power tools
-engine driven welder
-generator
- half air compressor
-power equipment
In all those there are the related tools needed to maintain them
There's very little things I cannot do on my own really and that's the point