Tools!

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I have never ever regretted buying a tool (although sometimes I regret not buying a particular brand of tool). I love tools, and they invariably pay for themselves after some time. It's better to own them and not need them then to need them and not have them. Plus DIY grows your confidence, your knowledge, is enjoyable, is exercise, and it saves money.

What tools are your favorite?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Razor tooth folding saw.
*Drain spade inherited from my grandfather.
Old Corona pruners, small size.
Stirrup hoe.
Long-handled loppers, but keep wearing them out. Could use a better one, one with compound joint.
*Digging fork/potato fork. Have broken maybe three of these as well.

If you have never fail brands to recommend for outdoor tools, I'd sure like to hear.

Tools I despise: old fashioned grass shears, grain shovels, 99% of trowels, wimpy tools that fall apart in little time.


*My two all time favorites!

[mo0n]

My pneumatic 16 gauge nail gun and my circular saw (with a worm drive). I have way more power tools than 2, but I'd have to put a good ol' fashioned pry bar at 3.

[cypher1]

Best $400 spent (first rental income) was for a brand new Default 6 piece drill/saw set. If I had to choose one tool for favorite, it would have to be my battery powered Snap-on 1/2" impact gun.

A close second would be my Snap-on metric wrench set. I think the reason for a favorite is they're just so much nicer than my Craftsmen for wrenching, and were more of a gift. Otherwise overpriced for my needs.

[snafu]

Love DeWalt tools, never let me down. Best friend is battery op drill, screw driver that means I can DIY, no need to wait for DH or DSs to do the common tasks. Not technically a tool but I've a terrific 3 step, fold flat, light weight ladder that lets me reach what I need. DH's major regret is not buying a desired tool. Trying to make do is such as waste of time and so frustrating...I just don't get it. We've got a couple of stores here that operate like our sport shop exchanges. Customers can rent equipment or buy used stuff that's mostly tradesmen quality as opposed to B&D or W/Mart junk. If you think it's too expensive, I suggest checking CraigsList

[mo0n]

DH's major regret is not buying a desired tool. Trying to make due is such as waste of time and so frustrating...I just don't get it.

I bought my house a year ago and have been steadily increasing my tool collection as well as broadening my DIY projects as time passes. I've gotten to the point now where I can do almost anything (save extensive electrical work and plumbing), I just have to buy materials. It's pretty neat to stumble upon a problem and realize I have the means to fix it.

[JoeP]

I bought my house a year ago and have been steadily increasing my tool collection as well as broadening my DIY projects as time passes. I've gotten to the point now where I can do almost anything (save extensive electrical work and plumbing), I just have to buy materials. It's pretty neat to stumble upon a problem and realize I have the means to fix it.

I am the same way. People don't realize that a small investment in tools, combined with some research and hands-on time, can save you a lot of money and cut down on waste.

For example, we have a Oster battery powered wine cork remover, and the batteries died. They are not user serviceable, but I am doing it anyway: a multimeter and soldering gun will be put to use, and the device which would normally go into a landfill will have a new life.

[bjl584]

I have so many tools that I forget what I have half the time. But, they have proven to be invaluable over the years. Often, a job is only as difficult as the quality of tool that you have to do it with.

[JoeP]

I have so many tools that I forget what I have half the time. But, they have proven to be invaluable over the years. Often, a job is only as difficult as the quality of tool that you have to do it with.

I had this exact problem, and the solution for me was to use those tools to build a workbench with pegboard to help organize. Also found that looking on CL can yield some very nice storage solutions. Metal lateral file drawers with multiple drawers in one unit are great for storing tools and accessories by purpose: plumbing, painting, fastening, electrical, small power tools, etc.