What to do with that tool you didn’t end up needing?

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Oct 18, 2022 | Tool, Discussion

Let’s say that you bought a tool for an upcoming job–a tool you have gone your entire life without needing.

Then, to your surprise, the tool wasn’t required for that job.

Do you keep the tool or return it?

Discuss.

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Comments
Tyler H
Tyler H GRM+ Memberand UberDork
10/18/22 10:49 a.m.

I keep it, then I loan it out, then when I need it again I rebuy it.

Noddaz
Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
10/18/22 10:51 a.m.
Tyler H said:

I keep it, then I loan it out, then when I need it again I rebuy it.

this!

BTW, if you keep the tool, you will never need it.  But once you get rid of it....

wspohn
wspohn SuperDork
10/18/22 11:06 a.m.
Noddaz said:
BTW, if you keep the tool, you will never need it.  But once you get rid of it....

 

That has always been my theory.  Every time I had a parts issue on long trips, when I returned home I bought a replacement part and stowed it in the boot.  Ended up driving around with a bunch of parts (head gasket, ignition, water pump) but the Car Gods knew what I had back there and I never again experienced a failure of anything I had a spare for.

thedoc
thedoc GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
10/18/22 1:27 p.m.

If you thought you needed it once, then didn't, you will surely need it again.  Keep it.

dculberson
dculberson MegaDork
10/18/22 2:43 p.m.

I always keep tools. That has lead to a lot of tools I don't use, and several cabinets full of tools, but it also means the number of times I have to stop working to go buy a tool has gradually reduced to nearly zero.

Sparkie
Sparkie New Reader
10/18/22 2:45 p.m.

It would depend solely on the cost of the tool to me. If it's a $10-20 tool, I won't think twice about keeping it, but if it's up in the $50+ range I'll probably return it, unless it's something BMW specific that i might need again for one of my other cars...

Toyman!
Toyman! GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/18/22 3:24 p.m.

I keep it and add it to my box of toys. 

Then I'll loan it out, but I require your full name, address, ss number, and the name and location of your eldest child or favorite car. (Not really)

I have a 4' wide x 6' tall shelf full of oddball tools bought for a purpose. I even keep the oddball tools that I don't buy. Most of them get used. I even have a Swench 750 that came with SanFord. 

 

Tom1200
Tom1200 UberDork
10/18/22 3:44 p.m.

If it wasn't really expensive I'll keep it around.

CrustyRedXpress
CrustyRedXpress GRM+ Memberand Dork
10/18/22 4:08 p.m.

In reply to Toyman! :

The Swench is pretty cool. Whats up with Sanford these days?

CrustyRedXpress
CrustyRedXpress GRM+ Memberand Dork
10/18/22 4:12 p.m.

I got a golden HF Icon ratchet for father's day and I love it. 

Not sure if it's destined for occasional use or as a tool bench trophy.

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