Comments on: Buy fewer, but buy better: Tools http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Sun, 27 May 2012 03:16:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Bucket o’ Links #3: Tips, Tricks and Hacks http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50654 Bucket o’ Links #3: Tips, Tricks and Hacks Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:17:58 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50654 [...] Reduce clutter: buy fewer but better tools [...] [...] Reduce clutter: buy fewer but better tools [...]

]]> By: Adam http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50476 Adam Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:41:57 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50476 I have a Leatherman, a hammer, a (corded) drill, a multi-bit precision screwdriver, and a tape measure. I have tackled many, many problems with this lightweight kit. Oh, and a Sharpie. I have a Leatherman, a hammer, a (corded) drill, a multi-bit precision screwdriver, and a tape measure. I have tackled many, many problems with this lightweight kit.

Oh, and a Sharpie.

]]> By: Shalin http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50439 Shalin Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:24:24 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50439 Quality over quantity, I agree. For geeking out on tools, check this out: http://toolmonger.com/ Enjoy, S Quality over quantity, I agree. For geeking out on tools, check this out: http://toolmonger.com/

Enjoy,
S

]]> By: empty http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50338 empty Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:09:26 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50338 What is wrong with 4 in 1 screwdrivers? I have one and find it very useful for nearly every one of the normal day-to-day tasks that require a screwdriver. What is wrong with 4 in 1 screwdrivers? I have one and find it very useful for nearly every one of the normal day-to-day tasks that require a screwdriver.

]]> By: Bob Allen http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50322 Bob Allen Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:25:35 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50322 Buy good tools and you won't be sorry. That doesn't have to mean the best or most expensive. Cared for, used properly, and not abused, moderately-priced tools (like Craftsman) will both do the jobs well and last a long time. I have Craftsman tools, both hand and electric, that I have had and used regularly for 30 years without a single problem. Now, if I made my living with tools, I would buy professional quality tools. My only exception with the list of essentials is that I would recommend a good cordless drill -- one of the best purchases I have made. But, that's a personal preference. Buy good tools and you won’t be sorry. That doesn’t have to mean the best or most expensive. Cared for, used properly, and not abused, moderately-priced tools (like Craftsman) will both do the jobs well and last a long time. I have Craftsman tools, both hand and electric, that I have had and used regularly for 30 years without a single problem. Now, if I made my living with tools, I would buy professional quality tools.

My only exception with the list of essentials is that I would recommend a good cordless drill — one of the best purchases I have made. But, that’s a personal preference.

]]> By: OogieM http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50280 OogieM Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:20:13 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50280 Be sure the tools you are giving up are actually easily rented in your area. We're a good 75 mile one way trip from the nearest Home Depot, and about 30 miles from the nearest tool rental place with much of anything. In general if we need a tool at all it's a lot cheaper to buy it once, even if we only use it once every 8 years or so because of the cost and time involved to try to get to a place where we could rent or borrow one. Craftsman tools may be nice but warranty and replacement isn't any good when the item you need to fix is broken now and the Sears store is 150 or more miles away! We have an agreement in our house. We watch the budget on lots of things but tools are off limits, If anyone needs a tool we buy it, the best we can afford, no questions asked. This has saved us hundreds in repair bills and fuel and time costs to try to borrow or rent one. Be sure the tools you are giving up are actually easily rented in your area.

We’re a good 75 mile one way trip from the nearest Home Depot, and about 30 miles from the nearest tool rental place with much of anything. In general if we need a tool at all it’s a lot cheaper to buy it once, even if we only use it once every 8 years or so because of the cost and time involved to try to get to a place where we could rent or borrow one.

Craftsman tools may be nice but warranty and replacement isn’t any good when the item you need to fix is broken now and the Sears store is 150 or more miles away!

We have an agreement in our house. We watch the budget on lots of things but tools are off limits, If anyone needs a tool we buy it, the best we can afford, no questions asked.

This has saved us hundreds in repair bills and fuel and time costs to try to borrow or rent one.

]]> By: gypsy packer http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50210 gypsy packer Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:22:53 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50210 Buy your Craftsman tools on Black Friday or in the week or two following. They make sets of battery-operated tools which are invaluable for small to fairly complex projects, and the batteries are interchangeable. Second hint, for us gals, is: Do purchase the flowered feminine stuff. Men steal tools. All men, no exceptions. They will not steal a flowered hammer, screwdriver, or anything pink. The iPhone app "Where's My Stuff" does prevent tool theft. In this rotten economy, good sets of Snap-on and Craftsman tools can be purchased from pawnshops, but inspect them carefully for damage. Buy your Craftsman tools on Black Friday or in the week or two following. They make sets of battery-operated tools which are invaluable for small to fairly complex projects, and the batteries are interchangeable.
Second hint, for us gals, is: Do purchase the flowered feminine stuff. Men steal tools. All men, no exceptions. They will not steal a flowered hammer, screwdriver, or anything pink.
The iPhone app “Where’s My Stuff” does prevent tool theft.
In this rotten economy, good sets of Snap-on and Craftsman tools can be purchased from pawnshops, but inspect them carefully for damage.

]]> By: Joe T. http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50206 Joe T. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:31:51 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50206 Donnie, I used to think the same of Sears Craftsman hand tools, that they were all you need for quality. Then I said so to my mechanic, but he disagreed strongly, saying that they're junk. I asked why he thought that way, and he took me immediately to a big Craftsman wrench with damaged edges. He said that's typical of Sears wrenches, but never happens with a wrench from a better brand. Though I still think Craftsman is normally just fine for the typical homeowner. Donnie,
I used to think the same of Sears Craftsman hand tools, that they were all you need for quality. Then I said so to my mechanic, but he disagreed strongly, saying that they’re junk. I asked why he thought that way, and he took me immediately to a big Craftsman wrench with damaged edges. He said that’s typical of Sears wrenches, but never happens with a wrench from a better brand.

Though I still think Craftsman is normally just fine for the typical homeowner.

]]> By: Claycat http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50204 Claycat Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:51:27 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50204 I didn't know Donald Trump said that about shoes! My mother said that since I was a little girl, and I have taken it to heart. I am sixty, and my feet are in pretty good shape! On the tools: When I had my MIL's estate sale, the extra tools were the first thing to go. We still have some excellent hand tools, but my FIL had a large amount. If I had known how highly they are prized, I would have charged more. :) My precious father taught me to use tools when I was little. I am handier with them than my husband. ;) Those woodworking tools are gorgeous! I like to cut woodblocks for printing, so I definitely appreciate those. I have my FIL's woodworking tools! I didn’t know Donald Trump said that about shoes! My mother said that since I was a little girl, and I have taken it to heart. I am sixty, and my feet are in pretty good shape!

On the tools: When I had my MIL’s estate sale, the extra tools were the first thing to go. We still have some excellent hand tools, but my FIL had a large amount. If I had known how highly they are prized, I would have charged more. :)

My precious father taught me to use tools when I was little. I am handier with them than my husband. ;)

Those woodworking tools are gorgeous! I like to cut woodblocks for printing, so I definitely appreciate those. I have my FIL’s woodworking tools!

]]> By: Donnie http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50200 Donnie Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:04:01 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50200 I would somewhat have to disagree with this portion of your website. A real man can never have too many tools. I am a prime example of someone who has a workshop full of tools from Craftsman to Klein, from Makita to DeWalt to Porter Cable to Milwaukee. Lincoln Arc Welders, Hobart Mig Welder, Airco Oxygen Acetylene, two different sizes drill presses, two different size table saws, three different size and style miter saws. Airborne air compresser, and two twin tank compressors,Paslode nail guns.... POINT BEING....Craftsman has hands down the best hand tools on the market. However, I have owned numerous Craftsman electric and rechargeable tools and they do not hold a candle to the workability or power of Makita, Dewalt, and Milwaukee. Every hand tool (wrenches,screwdrivers, etc.) are either Craftsman or Klein. During the past 30 years I have rid my inventory of all Craftsman power and electric tools as they can't compare to the other brands in quality, ease of use, or workmanship. In large table equipment, the workmanship and precise abilities of Craftsman are much inferior to other national branded and many import tools of the same or cheaper price points. Using all of these tools as a hobbyist, tools are one segment that you get exactly what you pay for and Sears should stick to their guns on the hand tool categories and leave the power tools to those companies that can offer a premium quality product at a equally competitive price for values offered. I would somewhat have to disagree with this portion of your website. A real man can never have too many tools. I am a prime example of someone who has a workshop full of tools from Craftsman to Klein, from Makita to DeWalt to Porter Cable to Milwaukee. Lincoln Arc Welders, Hobart Mig Welder, Airco Oxygen Acetylene, two different sizes drill presses, two different size table saws, three different size and style miter saws. Airborne air compresser, and two twin tank compressors,Paslode nail guns…. POINT BEING….Craftsman has hands down the best hand tools on the market. However, I have owned numerous Craftsman electric and rechargeable tools and they do not hold a candle to the workability or power of Makita, Dewalt, and Milwaukee. Every hand tool (wrenches,screwdrivers, etc.) are either Craftsman or Klein. During the past 30 years I have rid my inventory of all Craftsman power and electric tools as they can’t compare to the other brands in quality, ease of use, or workmanship. In large table equipment, the workmanship and precise abilities of Craftsman are much inferior to other national branded and many import tools of the same or cheaper price points. Using all of these tools as a hobbyist, tools are one segment that you get exactly what you pay for and Sears should stick to their guns on the hand tool categories and leave the power tools to those companies that can offer a premium quality product at a equally competitive price for values offered.

]]> By: Richard | RichardShelmerdine.com http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50195 Richard | RichardShelmerdine.com Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:38:46 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50195 this is the eighty twenty principle at work here with tools. Totally agree. Its like when donald trump said buy better shoes because they will benefit you in the long run. this is the eighty twenty principle at work here with tools. Totally agree. Its like when donald trump said buy better shoes because they will benefit you in the long run.

]]> By: Daniel http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50185 Daniel Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:13:22 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50185 My dad got suckered into buying an outrageously expensive Kirby G3 vacuum cleaner 19 years ago. He eventually gave it to me because it was more convenient to use a Panasonic upright. The Panasonic has been fixed 5-6 times, while the heavy duty Kirby continues to perform like new using it's original belts and attachments. My dad got suckered into buying an outrageously expensive Kirby G3 vacuum cleaner 19 years ago. He eventually gave it to me because it was more convenient to use a Panasonic upright.
The Panasonic has been fixed 5-6 times, while the heavy duty Kirby continues to perform like new using it’s original belts and attachments.

]]> By: Joe T. http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50183 Joe T. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:16:52 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50183 Not exactly on topic (unclutter), but I recall well the Whole Earth Catalog's (circa 1970) advice on tools: Buy cheap, until you know you are going to use that tool often; then buy the best you can afford. Not exactly on topic (unclutter), but I recall well the Whole Earth Catalog’s (circa 1970) advice on tools: Buy cheap, until you know you are going to use that tool often; then buy the best you can afford.

]]> By: Lisa D http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50180 Lisa D Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:39:19 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50180 There are also neighborhoods that have organized tool sharing on a neighborhood level, with great results. As people borrow more tools and interact with each other more, they become more comfortable listing more items on the list and it grows. If you think about it, even items such as lawnmowers aren't used THAT often, and could be shared. There are also neighborhoods that have organized tool sharing on a neighborhood level, with great results. As people borrow more tools and interact with each other more, they become more comfortable listing more items on the list and it grows. If you think about it, even items such as lawnmowers aren’t used THAT often, and could be shared.

]]> By: Brian Beck http://unclutterer.com/2010/02/04/buy-less-but-buy-better-tools/comment-page-1/#comment-50171 Brian Beck Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:21:44 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=8311#comment-50171 Snap on tools are warrantied for life against breakage, but not if you wear them out, which is what usually happens with those. But if you wear them out and then they break, that's covered. Snap on tools are warrantied for life against breakage, but not if you wear them out, which is what usually happens with those.
But if you wear them out and then they break, that’s covered.

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