BP_redbear

To Sell or Not to Sell... (extra tools)

Given my recent career change (from a Tech./Mech./Elec. in industrial plants for over a decade, to a dedicated electrician - IBEW first year Inside Wireman apprentice), I have many tools that are either duplicates or just will not be used at work anymore. (As a "maintenance man" one has to have a WIDE range of tools: electrical, testing, plumbing, welding, fabrication, measuring, mechanical. etc.).

My dilemma: when I left the last plant this June, I brought all my own tools home. This consisted of a 6-drawer fully-stocked roll-away tool chest, plus a good-sized benchtop tool chest, a Craftsman wall cabinet, a Veto Pro Pac tool bag, and a tool belt, all fully stocked. (I have NO garage, NO basement, NO attic, just a small utility room with a water heater, dryer, and boiler).

I worked at a local small-town hardware store during HS from age 14, and for 4 years full-time after high school, so I became a Tool Man early on. I made it a point to buy a new tool once or twice a month.

At the first plant, I had accumulated a pretty decent personal tool set, and when the Head Mechanic/Millright retired, I inherited all of his tools (which were Company tools - he took all his personal hand tools home).
That plant unfortunately closed, and as part of my severance package I got to keep ALL the Company-owned tools that I used in my duties.

So there's full wrench sets, socket sets 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" drive, metric and fractional; gear pullers; chain-repair tools; angle grinder; C-clamps; multimeters, Amp clamp; Megger; Fluke datalogging software for Fluke 189 meter; snap ring pliers; micrometers; dial calipers; dial indicators; pliers; screwdrivers; punches; chisels; hammers - all types and sizes; prybars; soldering gun; soldering iron; welder helmet; welder gloves; Insulated Lineman gloves; pliers - all types and sizes... I could go on , but you get the point.

I do not plan on going back to the plant environment again, doing electrical work is where I have learned is where I want to concentrate and where I am my best and happiest.

Comments? Suggestions?

Bkessler

Yes, I have plenty of room for your tools, you can send them to me and I will take good care of them and if you ever need something just let me know and you can come and get it.

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480sparky

Keep or sell? Honestly, no one here can answer that but you.

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Speedy Petey

I would normally never consider selling any tool, even duplicates. In your case though it might make sense to "thin the herd".

If you were not so darn far away I take a ride up to see you.

BP_redbear

you should see my kitchen...6 or 7 5-gal. pails FULL of my tools, plus 5 or 6 boxes. WIFE is not too impressed with this!!

Roll-away, tool chest, and cabinet are stored outside (empty) at the moment.

All I take to work is my Occidental Leather tool belt and pouches and the tool bag...plus a plastic tool box with extras...and a couple Klein canvas bags with extra screwdrivers, nutdriver sets.

Utility room already has a 4-drawer heavy-duty filing cabinet and some shelves that have no room (Homeowner tools: Circ saw, Sawzall, roofing air nailer, etc...)

Seems as I am in a actually pretty good 'DILEMMA' !!! (As opposed to having too few tools)

Yillis

I don't think I've ever thrown out a tool, just if I don't use it at work it collects dust in the garage. So clearly the answer is build a garage.

JohnJ0906

Is there a family member or close friend with some extra room that would let you store some tools there?

I can't bear to let tools go....

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John from Baltimore
"One day at a Time"
All responses based on the '08 NEC
It's not my fault, it's not my problem, I'm not your solution.

randomkiller

I would never get rid of any tools, I would see about a shed or putting them in a friend or relatives garage.

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Kletis

Is there room in the bathtub? I know I can never get rid of tools...

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Kletis...

jbfan

Guns, fishing stuff, and tools never get sold!
I sold my boat one time, and bought it back in 3 months!

Even the wife and dog are at risk!

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JohnJ0906

C'mon! Who could sell their dog?!?

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John from Baltimore
"One day at a Time"
All responses based on the '08 NEC
It's not my fault, it's not my problem, I'm not your solution.

comp

i have had a many a tool box in my bedroom,,,built engine in living room ,,never get rid of tools

Idaho Abe

You need a larger shop to store more tools.

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