Recycle Reuse

When it comes to buying tools I want you all to remember that a used 3/4' open end wrench is often times just as good as a brand new one. Things like wrenches and the like do not wear out if they are taken care of. I mention this because I am a fan of the Used Tool Store. You will find these used tool stores in working class neighborhoods and they are a gold mine for finding good quality tools at discount prices. Often times these tools come from estate sales or are even simply given to the store by widows when their husbands pass and they need to get rid of his toolbox full of stuff.

When I first got out of school I thought that I would simply buy new tools as I needed them. This worked well when I was at Delta Airlines as they had a payroll deduct system that allowed you to pay for things over time. Once I got laid off and was still working but needing even more tools I had to change my approach. While I was working at Ameriflight I learned to shop at the swap meets they have out here in California, also known as flea markets. I soon found out that I liked looking for cool old tools. To me they seemed to have a history and a life all their own. When I took home an old heavy metal ratchet or tin snip I was proud to include it in my growing inventory. Saving money all the way, I was able to increase my tool inventory with out going broke.

Sure there are some things that are almost impossible to buy used-like a Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver-best to buy new. There are however a lot of guys out there who cared for their tools and simply passed away, or sold them on the cheap to the used tool stores. These tools are not junk, they are well cared for and work just as well as new.

The more I went mining for old tools the more I enjoyed it. It not only gives you an opportunity to amass a good amount of tools, it also helps you appreciate the craftsmanship of tool manufacturers that are no longer around. Some of those old tools I found have to be 50 years old and they work just fine after a little cleaning. You will find yourself wondering how all those nicks and scratches got on that wrench you just rediscovered.

The used tool store and flea market are great ways for all you new mechanics to get some great tools and not go broke doing it. I wish I had thought of it when I was fresh out of A&P school. Do not get caught up in that "all my tools are Snap-On" thing. New tools are great but you show up to a job and have a couple of screwdrivers and one ratchet set because you only buy new stuff and the older guys are going to think you have some marbles loose.