Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for
MORE wrenching? 
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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 | My wife accuses me of bring tools home in a brown paper bag so nobody knows I am a tool junky. When do you guys decided the new tool on the shelf is one you should bring home. I purchased a lot of bigger tools in advance of when I needed them but will go tool browsing and if I see a tool I don't have yet or may need in the future I will pick it up.
Ed | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 | My wife is at the point where she won't let me go shopping by myself.
One day I went out to buy a small phillips screwdriver and came back with a Dremel with all the trimmings.
Another time I went to get some sandpaper, and came back with a new angle grinder.
The time before that, it was a new 1/2" drill.
There were too many other "incidents" to list.
| | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | I'm not married so it's always tool time if I have the money  | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | My wife buys tools too!
Scott | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 | Scott, You are one lucky man !!! Ed | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | Yes I am, you met her at the KC show. She has the looks and the brains! LOL,
Scott | | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,398 Former Workshop Owner | | Former Workshop Owner Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,398 | I am looking at new stuff all the time, and pick up a piece or two at least once a month.
John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWBIn the Gallery My Flicker Photos! | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,249 "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! | | "Hey! I sound like Darth Vader!! Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,249 | I buy new tools all the time. I need them to make my living!
Most of the time, since I have a pretty complete set, current needs are what drive my purchases. Stuff that make the current job easier. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,436 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,436 | Rusty Rod usually buys a new tool AFTER he needs it...
Sometimes, when Mrs Rod demands that a task be accomplished, Rusty Rod will note that the task requires a certain tool or tools to complete it... usually those tools are big and expensive.
Another quality post.
Real Trucks Rattle
HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 687 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 687 | Well I started out as a mechanic at an import car shop in 1971. The guy I worked for bought me a set of craftsman tools that I still have. I moved to another town and worked foe a ford dealer, and needed tools and a bigger tool box. I have worked at 5 more places and collected tools there also. I did an inventory for my own info last spring when my shop was broken into. They only got $3500.00 worth of tools. The current value of tools ( if I had to replace them today) is some where in the 40k range.
I buy what I need when I need. If I bum a tool from a freind 2 times, I go buy one.
My wife (discribing a snap-on tool truck to a freind) said " A snap-on tool truck is like a Macy's on wheels." Gotta love that gal,don't know why she stayed with me so long.
I didn't do it, no one saw me do it, you can't prove anything! "Bart Simpson"
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 | My wife has always had her own tools. I bought a new larger stainless steel top and bottom box and gave my bride my older Craftsman roller cabinet and box. Honestly I don't know when I've seen her so happy. Sometimes she just opens it up and checks everything out like a kid in a candy store. She also collects Case pocketknives, has her own rifles and has bagged everything we have in CO. She is retired law enforcement and is qualified with M16, .357 and shotgun, loves her tools and Marianne, her 53' 5 window.
Very few guys are as lucky as I am and I love the fire out of her. So it's any tool anytime at my house. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 15 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 15 | If I have to borrow a tool to do something it is purchased as soon as possible. My little bride has her own tool box and keeps it stocked out of mine. Then she has the nerve to say what do you use all those tools for? Always good for a smile . Cheers Ed | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 140 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 140 | 3 times
1. when I need it
2.when I want it
3.when it is a good deal
Now boltless but looking
1951 F-1 350/350
1965 Mustang 355 glide
1971 F-100 401 fe it hates me
1972 Maverick 302 c4
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 1,002 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 1,002 | I only buy NEW hand tools when I need them.
I can't pass up OLD power tools, because I know I can rebuild them. I just got an Old Delta table top saw, built like the proverbial house, cast iron top, base, steel tubes for fence slides. A Delta joiner all cast iron, the fence doesn't move abit when you get to the end of it. A Delta band saw also very rigid. All of these from the 30s or 40s and maintianed in good working condition. I don't have worry about finding metric to replace.
Larry
I don't own a vehicle that isn't old enough to drink.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 990 Member | | Member Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 990 | | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 187 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 187 | My wife appreciates the quality of work I do and if I need a tool to do a job she doesn't even question me...we just go get it. I have tons of woodworking tools, 2 of the large Husky mechanic roll-aways filled to the gills with mechanics tools and...well, just a whole bunch of stuff to do pretty much anything. But if I do need anything I (we) just go get it...and then I have it for future jobs. Like me, she doesn't like to buy junk stuff...so I usually buy the "industrial" or "professional grade" tools.
Now, not to throw a bone to Harbor Freight, but I have owned a set of both SAE and Metric 1/2" drive impact sockets for years now...and they only cost me about $20 each set. I've beaten the snot out of those over the years and they've done every task I've ever performed. My point is that I am often more cost conscious then my wife... | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 | I can't walk in Harbor freight or sears with out embarassing my self. the Snap on man has been banned from my area. I don't believe dope addicts have this large jones. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 190 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 190 | I look at it a whole different way. If I have more tools than the tool store I am shopping in then I MAY not need to buy something at that moment. If my local tool place has less than what I have then I need to find a new tool place to shop. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 70 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 70 | I had a big problem for years with the snap on truck. I like the tools and image, not that I use them for work much but I finaly kicked the habit when I bought a New Matco tool box and hutch, the snapon guy wouldnt talk to me for 6 months except to call me a back stabber and ungratefull after buying 25,000 worth of stuff from him, it left such a bad tast I stopped buying from him almost completly. The Matco guy likes me!!! I buy when I need something or anticipate needing it, I hate to borrow stuff. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 | I never borrow tools from friends, I found that that is normally when they break and you have to buy a new one anyway. If I need a tool that I know I will only use once I will go to the cheapest place and buy it, If I think it will be used several times I spend a bit more. Even the cheap tools will hang around in my toolbox for years, they enjoy the company of the upperclass tools Ed | | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 382 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 382 | Usually when I get a gift card for Sears. My wife has brought home some real good stuff from garage sales. One Saturday this last summer, I came home to find a barely used Skil saw w/blades & a jig saw, both of about '70's vintage. She picked them up for all of $5 and they work like new! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 273 | Originally posted by a.d.-hawk:
........My wife has brought home some real good stuff from garage sales. One Saturday this last summer, I came home to find a barely used Skil saw w/blades & a jig saw, both of about '70's vintage. She picked them up for all of $5 and they work like new! I wish! The people in my neighborhood are mostly tradesmen of all kinds, and well aware of the value of tools. If one sells tools at his garage sale, he'll ask 1/2 to 3/4 the price of a brand new one.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 127 | Originally posted by Ed Blouch: I never borrow tools from friends, I found that that is normally when they break and you have to buy a new one anyway. If I need a tool that I know I will only use once I will go to the cheapest place and buy it, If I think it will be used several times I spend a bit more. Even the cheap tools will hang around in my toolbox for years, they enjoy the company of the upperclass tools
Ed Hah, I NEVER borrow tools from ANYONE.. if I need a tool, I go out and buy it.. I think it's better to own all of your own stuff rather than bug people for their tools. I know I hate it when people ask to borrow mine.. I'm always scared they won't bring it back 
1952 Chevy 5 Window Restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 586 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 586 | Yes,yard sales are a good place to pick up tools in my area.I picked up an old DeWalt radial arm saw for $50.00 last year.Just had to replace the cord.If I need a tool and will use it more then once I will buy it.Cost is a factor though.
Wanted Good Woman:
Must be able to cook , clean , sew , tune engines and polish trucks. Must have old Stovebolt and garage. Please send picture of old Stovebolt and garage.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 262 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 262 | You can NEVER have enough tools. Of course, my wife has a different opinion!
My truck: She may not be the prettiest girl at the dance, but she's all mine!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 339 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 339 | I (5) rollaway boxes stacked 3 high, and would bet that I have as many special tools needed for certain work...and if its not on the market...You make it...I know some of You guy's would be asking a
lot of questions... BB | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | When I was in the shop, people would occasionally ask to borrow tools. I either got a huge deposit in hopes they wouldn't return it, or had some old cheapo tools to loan to them. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 | This Saturday right after Michigan wins | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 | Kip's41 Looks like you wont be buying any tools for awhile. Ed | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Every chance I get!
I don't usually hang in this forum but saw this topic and had to check it out.
My most recent tool acquisitions have been sentimental stuff. A couple months ago I got my grandfather's old grinder. It matches his old drill press which I've had a little longer, and his old lathe which I scored a couple years ago. Okay so maybe I don't use these so much, but having the stuff grampa used ten or twenty years before I was born is meaningful to me.
I've run out of space to store tools, but my new shop should be done before the end of the year, and if I have any money left I'll spend it on tools!
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 | Well..........No new tools for another year, | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 | Kip.
Sorry for your tool loss, one heck of a game though wans'r it? can you beleive 81 points between the two.
Ed | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 | Yes, great game, your team is to be congratulated | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 12 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 12 | Man you know it's the season for 1/2 price tools at Sears ... I can't help myself ... I'm a tool junkie ... I've had this addiction since I was 10 years old ... It's so bad I'll buy tools I already have cause it's such a good deal ... hahahahahahahahahaha
I always buy more tools when they're on sale for 1/2 price
any other time I only buy tools when I need them ... but I always need them cause I'm a tool junkie ... nut I like 'um best at 1/2 price
Living the simple life ain't simple
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,398 Former Workshop Owner | | Former Workshop Owner Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,398 | I came across a moving sale last year that was really a "divorced and moving" sale. That gal just wanted his stuff gone. Most everything was picked over, but I found a couple items.
Overall it was a sad situation, as she had nothing but nasty things to say about the guy. He may well have deserved it, but she could have been a little more careful about what she was saying with her kids present.
Just my opinion.
John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWBIn the Gallery My Flicker Photos! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 | I am definitly a TOOL JUNKIE.I buy them whenever I get the urge. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | I can't browse through tool sections in stores anymore, I have to throw out tool magazines and I have to look the other way when a Snap-On tool truck passes by. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 339 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 339 | I have never borrowed tools, if its needed it
will most likely be needed again...so I buy it...
but I have had people borrow tools and forget about
bringing them back...so I stopped lending...BB | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 209 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 209 | I have all the basic tools but when I get into a jam I go out and get the specialty tools. You know the ones you need on that sunday night after the stores close. You can never have enough tools.(Tool time grunt)! | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 308 | I just picked up a nice in-expensive plier set from Sams this weekend, it has all the pliers you could need for only $20 and they seem to be heavy enough to do the job and it has its own carry case to keep them al together. Most of my pliers have seen better days so it is well worth the buy. but than again when is a tool not worth buying?
Ed | | |
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